The Fall Part 2: Unbound Critic Reviews

This combination of game mechanics with plot makes The Fall Part 2: Unbound a masterclass in video game storytelling. Action-packed sequences are followed by moody reflective moments, with each new story beat more compelling and exciting than the last. The presentation is similarly great. Graphically, it’s not the most stunning game, but its use of atmospheric lighting works wonders in creating a mood.

Many of the puzzles are clever, and the battles have entertained me.

The Fall Part 2: Unbound picks up the formula of the predecessor and leads to a new and unsettling original adventure, but there is still some roughness yet to blunt.

This is a great sci-fi 2D adventure, with a very good story, solid gameplay and a very interesting setting.

Unbound proves to be an episode that will satisfy anyone who still has the 2014 chapter in his heart.

Much like its predecessor, The Fall Part 2: Unbound is needlessly obtuse in some of its puzzle design, but its magnificent characters and storytelling make the frustration worth it.

The Fall Part 2: Unbound succeeds when it makes you think, whether that's through its clever science fiction writing or entertaining puzzles. However, a lackluster presentation and tedious, dull combat prevent the sequel from reaching the heights it could have.

If you’re looking to experience one of the smartest, wittiest, and thought-provoking stories of the generation, then do yourself the favor and play through both the first game and Part 2: Unbound.

If you have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story from The Fall, then the next chapter of that story is easy to recommend. It doesn’t, however, have the same emotional impact as the first game, nor does it provide explanations that tie up all of its loose ends. The game’s subject matter is not entirely fresh, but its unique take on the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence at least keep it interesting.

The Fall Part 2: Unbound manages to retain the atmosphere, dark humour and themes of the original whilst bolstering the narrative with an ensemble cast and their own journeys. It works, even if the pacing does lag compared to the short and sharper first part. I feel Arid's combat doesn't strike me as necessary whilst the hub connecting the levels feels too empty and linear to justify being there. That said, there's an anticipation here to see how this story wraps up.

The intriguing story and captivating atmosphere is The Fall Part 2's saving grace. The awkward controls and far-fetched puzzle design are however far less appealing.

I would have never guessed that The Fall, Part 2: Unbound would land this flatly after adoring the original, but the plot doesn’t click, the premise is too idiosyncratic, and the puzzles are too unintuitive – I’m still a fan of ARID, but this entire thing needs to be boiled down and streamlined into a more elegant, sensible package. And, it has to be said… after getting a wonderfully complete story in The Fall and seeing the reaching stumble that Unbound is, I’m not convinced that there was ever enough here for a trilogy.

The narrative decision to limit A.R.I.D. isn’t the problem, it’s the repetitive framing.