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Anodyne 2: Return to Dust

In this sequel to Anodyne, traverse a moody, 3D world and surreal 2D spaces, with PSX and 16-bit-influenced art styles. Play as Nova, the Nano Cleaner, and collect dangerous Nano Dust for the mysterious entity, "The Center".

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Very Positive

796 Steam reviews

Review History

Reviews

796 total

≥h

Steam User 3626STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2 is a difficult game to recommend, in one hand it delivers so much on the art, music and story department, however it suffers from a lack of polish, where the gameplay can feel a bit tedious at times and the story lost on what’s trying to convey in some points.

One of the strongest points in this game, it’s their art [h2]direction[/h2] , they take the PS1/N64 graphics to a new level, using lights and reflections to craft some gorgeous landscapes that it can only be possible nowadays, not only that, but it also finds success playing around with other art styles as well. On other hand, the menus and HUD look crude to say the least, it lacks the attention to detail that they pour over the game world.

The [h2]music[/h2] and the game by extension, has this very dreamy and whimsical quality to it, helping the player immerse in the surreal world of Anodyne 2. Combine that with the landscapes previously mentioned, it’s a shame that the game doesn’t have a camera mode to capture those moments.
Another cool thing is that depending on the style that the game is using, the music will change according to that, it’s such a neat detail and shows the repertoire of the BGM.

With that being said, one of the toughest sells of Anodyne 2 is the [h2]gameplay[/h2] , and while it is completely functional, easy to use and responsive, i found myself bored due to how not engaging the puzzles were made. It never challenges the player in any meaningful way, and there’s few to none moments where it was used as a storytelling device.

Being an open world game, Anodyne 2 allows the player to turn into a car, it gets the job done for sure and makes it easy to get anywhere on the map. It’s main focus it’s less about the exploration of the world, but more so to allow the player to soak up the atmosphere in the world. Personally I wish there were a bit more movement options like a 3D platform, it’d help to break up the pace from driving to story point A to B more, which in turn would offer different ways to engage with the world, without taking away it’s atmosphere too much.

Finally the [h2]story[/h2] of the game has a lot of strong moments that are very clear on what’s trying to tell, yet they’re so spaced out between what is essentially flavour text, where most of the NPCs will say something random and quirky, that doesn’t add much to the main plot.

Overall, Anodyne 2 is a game about [h2]VIBES[/h2] , it’s not focused on delivering a super tight narrative and gameplay experience, but rather invites the player to explore its dreamy world, full with weird npcs, and a surprisingly emotional story in the end. I overall had a great time with this game, but you’ve to come with the mindset, it might have some bumps in the road.

Mar 28, 2026·13h

Steam User 6275STEAMRecommended

[h1]Starke Verbesserung zum Vorgänger, der arg schwülstige Schreibstil nervt jedoch[/h1]
Mit dem zweiten Teil ihrer Anodyne-Serie konnten die Entwickler tüchtig nachlegen. Die Idee die Oberwelt-Erkundung in 3D-Grafik darzustellen und die Dungeons in der altbekannten 2D-Vogelperspektive zu lassen, ist schon sehr clever. Obendrein bietet das Spiel nun wesentlich mehr Abwechslung als vom ersten Teil gewohnt. Anodyne 2: Return to Dust zeigt, dass man keine zwei, drei Dutzend Werkzeuge benötigt, um einem Top-Down Action-Adventure Substanz und Kreativität beizufügen.
Warum gibt es dann keine höhere Wertung? Nun, leider ist der Schreibstil der Entwickler richtig schwefliger Pseudo-philosophischer Dünnpfiff, welcher seeehr viel guten Willen vom Spieler einfordert und das spaßige Gameplay immer wieder ausbremst. Und ich sage das nicht leichtfertig, denn bei meinem ersten Anlauf war ich nach der sehr langen Storysequenz im Mittelteil des Spiels derart ausgelaugt, dass ich das Game einfach hingeschmissen habe. Und das ist sehr schade, da das Gameplay, sowie das surreal-bizarre Artdesign der Spielwelt, samt der sympathischen audiovisuellen Präsentation definitiv überzeugen können.
Ich habe aber absolut keinen Bock darauf an Pseudo-Intellektuellen Fürzen zu schnüffeln. Das ist einfach ein dickes No-Go!

[h1]Pro und Kontra:[/h1]

Pro:
- ist sehr abwechslungsreich
- toller Soundtrack
- gelungene grafische Umsetzungen dreier verschiedener Konsolen-Generationen
- tolle surreal-bizarre Spielwelt und Atmosphäre
- relativ freundlicher Schwierigkeitsgrad

Kontra:
- schwalliger, sehr unsympathischer Schreibstil
- einige Passagen sind auch viel zu dialoglastig
- die 3D-Welt wirkt zu leer und ereignislos
- Bossgegner werden recycelt und sind langweilig oder nervig (der finale Bosskampf ist aber gut gelungen)
- das Kirschbaum-Rätsel

Mar 20, 2026·20h

Steam User 6391STEAMNot recommended

Наверное, ретро-стилизация 3D-мира Anodyne 2 привлекает многих. Но на этом все достоинства игры заканчиваются.

Игровой процесс разделен на две части: 3D-мир и 2D-мир. В 3D мы можем свободно перемещаться, исследовать доступное пространство и разговаривать с местным населением. Основная задача — найти ключевых NPC и пройти небольшую платформенную секцию перед ними, чтобы до них добраться.

2D-мир — это некий внутренний мир NPC, и основная активность протекает именно в нем. После диалога мы проходим мини-ритм-игру (микро?) и оказываемся в 2D. Мир представляет собой псевдоголоволомку: нужно открывать двери, чтобы добраться до конца уровня, где нас ожидает босс (хотя босс бывает не всегда). Почему псевдоголоволомка? Честно говоря, я не могу назвать это полноценной головоломкой — слишком просто, слишком скучно и, я бы даже сказал, однообразно. Пройдя 2D-мир, мы получаем карту. Всего нужно найти 4 таких карты, чтобы улучшить хранилище пыли.

Сразу оговорюсь: я прошел 8 таких 2D-миров из (??) (включая 3 обучающих), и игра меня не впечатлила.

Что касается сюжета — я прочитал краткое описание, и, на мой взгляд, у него есть потенциал. Но из того, что показала игра, диалоги какие-то эфемерные, меня это не зацепило.

Ах да, управление. По ощущениям, игра заточена под геймпад, но я решил играть с клавиатуры. Настройки пришлось переназначить: стандартное управление показалось неудобным. Мышь в игре не используется — даже для поворота камеры. Игра играется буквально одной рукой в обоих мирах.

Оценка: 3/5.

Mar 19, 2026·7h·5

Steam User 8811STEAMRecommended

This is in my top two favorite indie games of all time. Not gonna say much else, because Anodyne 2 is just something that needs to be experienced.

Big thanks to the devs for everything they've done but didn't have to, such as listing all the tools they used in the credits (very useful for beginner devs) and uploading the whole soundtrack to YT for free.

Mar 19, 2026·17h·Verified

Steam User 1445STEAMRecommended

Ultimately I think I preferred the original Anodyne, but this was a solid experience with lots of charm and weirdness and fun to be found. The 2D dungeons were the highlight for me, great puzzle design, but the visuals of the 3D section won me over also, and it was delightful to drive around and explore. Charming npcs, interesting story and an excellent soundtrack.

Mar 4, 2026·14h·Verified

Steam User 3220STEAMRecommended

im a huge zelda fan so this game clicked for me on a hardware level, bare metal algorithms recognized the puzzles and strange characters, so i 100%'d it, great music, great writing, great art, great fun, great etc

Mar 2, 2026·12h·1

Steam User 9201STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2 is a fascinating, very meta story with a lot to say, resisting easy summation. This sequel takes a lot of the interesting ideas the first game, expands its horizons, and leaves behind some of the frustrations which tempered the success of the first game. Even if you bounced off Anodyne 1, 2 stands fully on its own and leaves you with a lot to think about.

Feb 25, 2026·17h·6

Steam User 5283STEAMRecommended

I love a game where, from understanding reading online, the bad ending is basically 100% the game.

Feb 23, 2026·13h·1·Verified

Steam User 2896STEAMRecommended

Awesome game, incredible story I love it a lot, there are a million things that I could spoil about what I love but you should play the game yourself and make your own choices and thought-decisions

Feb 22, 2026·14h·1·Verified

Steam User 6144STEAMNot recommended

Максимально непонятная игра вышла для меня. Только любителям дичи могу посоветовать данный продукт.

Feb 22, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 7902STEAMRecommended

クリア日: 2020/06/02
👍️……🤔

Feb 22, 2026·10h·Verified

Steam User 5837STEAMRecommended

Kind of weird and quirky action adventure game and it's definitely worth taking a shot if you can get it in the current fanatical bundle. Just not feeling it right now but I'll leave it in the backlog to return some day maybe.

Feb 21, 2026·1h·21

Steam User 6411STEAMNot recommended

I initially got this game for the incredible looking 3d graphics but i gotta say i really despise this game for the same reason i didnt like nier automata because sure you have this beautiful 3d world and then you just spend 90% of the game in a 2d minigame instead..... Why? Pick a lane and then advertise that lane instead of this bait and switch.

Make a 2d game and then i wont buy it but people who like 2d games like these will be drawn to it.

Make a 3d game that will appeal to the 3d people like myself.

This whole picking both and ultimately favoring one over the other just completely screws over one party.

Feb 20, 2026·5h·8

Steam User 7054STEAMRecommended

斯是陋室，惟吾德馨

Feb 20, 2026·22h·3

Steam User 4268STEAMRecommended

Yes, video games can make you cry

Feb 19, 2026·38h·Verified

Steam User 3771STEAMRecommended

going into this after finishing anodyne, i was expecting a journey just as weird, unsettling and melancholic. and while most of that is correct, id say compared to the first game, this one is a lot less unsettling and a lot more depressing. at least, that's how the character arc's left me feeling most of the time. i had multiple sessions of this game where id leave off after a sad realization of what the dust is doing, and what these characters are going through.

but the thing i love the most about this game was how it implemented it's different art styles alongside mechanics. i really enjoyed how it was executed, and how it served to enhance the overall feel of the game instead of it being tackily shoved in. the contrast of the 3d combat-less exploration, and the 2d puzzles with combat felt really nice! and dont even get me started on the music, good lord. so many emotions from the tracks alone, only making them shine more when aligned with the story and art. but on the other side of the spectrum..

ok imma just pull the bandaid off, the metacoins are the worst part of this game by far. idc if theyre not necessary for completion, if a game puts in collectibles, im going to want to get them all. and theyre exceptionally unfun to hunt for postgame, especially for the last achievement. [spoiler]the oob hunting is the only thing id say im disappointed about in this game because the first one had it just right imo.[/spoiler]

other than that tho, i really enjoyed this game.

Feb 9, 2026·31h·1·Verified

Steam User 3679STEAMRecommended

我觉得镇痛2 不是一款主打探索解谜的 2d / 3d 塞尔达 like，也不试图用常见的方式讲一个“完整”的故事。它有这方面的要素，但吸引我玩下去的，是它奇妙的氛围，跳脱的叙事，在有限资源下创造出的独特世界。

开发者给玩家的信中，点明了镇痛2 是关于“人类的抗争”和“彼此的关系”。到流程后半，另一个主题：“镇痛2 本身是如何做成的”，也逐渐浮现。第四面墙被打破，与现实的界限模糊，简单的游戏人物身上，又似有现实生活的影子。[spoiler]游戏里的几句原话，恰巧游玩前不久听人亲口讲过。[/spoiler]

本作有着极强的 indie 特质：二人合作开发，风格玩法不追随市场，充满自我表达，不在意商业上的成功。它甚至在几年前开源，你可以合法地免费游玩而无需购买，修改和制作 mod，[spoiler]用比本体更 glitch 的方式[/spoiler]探索游戏中的秘密。Respect.

Feb 7, 2026·14h·5·Verified

Steam User 4487STEAMRecommended

le premier jeu qui parle de la vraie vie

Feb 2, 2026·11h·Verified

Steam User 8938STEAMRecommended

Played this game as part of the Game Club, such a fascinating mix of genres, while it might seem straight forward at the start, once you get out of the center the game world opens up a lot and starts to go down some really interesting philosophical paths.

Really glad I checked it out, and I would recommend it!

Feb 1, 2026·6h·Verified

Steam User 4065STEAMNot recommended

It's a unique game that gets in its own way a bit too much.

It leans hard into explaining rather than showing, and the initial area just lasts a bit too long for my taste. Otherwise, it isn't bad game, and there is something here to enjoy, if you can get past it's shortcomings.

Jan 31, 2026·5h·6

Steam User 4253STEAMRecommended

这游戏是继《诺科》后给我的第二个警示，即因为害怕沉迷世俗而执着于脱离之法，这两者都是极端，就像游戏中让主角诺瓦走的木桥一样，偏向哪一边都不行，修炼的就是一个平衡。

Jan 29, 2026·15h

Steam User 5641STEAMRecommended

I really enjoyed this game. I got it for a game club I'm in (like a book club, but for games). It took me about 4 hours, roughly half the game, for it to begin to click for me. That's a bit of an ask for some people, and if I hadn't been in the game club, I probably would've dropped it. But I'm glad that I didn't. This is a very artistic game, with a strong voice and things to say. The writing is flowery but funny, and the world has a lot of character even if that kind of character isn't going to appeal to everyone. If you're someone who is easily turned off by a bit of jankiness or pacing issues, I wouldn't recommend this. However, if you're someone that likes to see handcrafted artistic experiences that get weird, experimental, and get better the more they sit with you, give this a try.

Jan 28, 2026·8h

Steam User 7410STEAMRecommended

After playing Angeline Era I needed to play more from these devs and I was not disappointed at all. I love the mix of silly and heartfelt, plus it's simply a lot of fun

You 2 make incredible games!! keep it up please

Jan 16, 2026·8h·4·Verified

Steam User 5636STEAMRecommended

I enjoyed the mixture of 2D and 3D gameplay; using it to represent different states/scales was a nice marriage of mechanics and narrative. I liked the variety of problems you're solving as a cleaner, from simple issues all the way up to much more abstract concerns. I was really impressed at the variety of different mechanics you encountered while 2D; there were some really creative gimmicks to some of the areas, and there were lots of fun puzzles built around them each time.

Jan 11, 2026·10h·Verified

Steam User 4197STEAMRecommended

I played this right after finishing Anodyne 1, and the way they have expanded on nearly every idea is really inspiring. I love this game's atmosphere, puzzle design, story, and world so much. It touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. About to start Angeline Era. I love these developers so much. Thank you for making your magical little games.

Jan 8, 2026·17h·Verified

Steam User 6926STEAMRecommended

One of the best games

Jan 7, 2026·13h·Verified

Steam User 1226STEAMRecommended

A truly unique and unforgettable experience. I loved every minute I spent in this dreamlike world. A must play for exploration driven gamers.

Also... the Wandering Hamster references provided some wonderfully unexpected nostalgia.

Jan 4, 2026·10h·Verified

Steam User 9502STEAMRecommended

Really chill and intimate game. It has some spots where the pacing could do with a little polish, but it's so pleasant to just wander around in the world that I don't really mind. It communicates ideas to the player in a similar way to anodyne 1, but with stronger immersion. The meta elements are also a little less tongue-in-cheek, feeling more like the creators are communicating with you.

Dec 22, 2025·24h·Verified

Steam User 4950STEAMRecommended

There are very few games that make me feel the way that Analgesic games do, and none of them also have this kind of tight action-puzzle gameplay.

Dec 10, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 2554STEAMRecommended

It's alright
It would be a 10/10 if you could honk while in car mode though.

Nov 19, 2025·13h·1

Steam User 1798STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is one of those rare indie games that immediately distinguishes itself through personality, atmosphere, and creative ambition. Rather than following familiar formulas, it weaves together an unusual hybrid of 3D adventure exploration and 2D dungeon-style gameplay while grounding everything in an emotionally rich narrative about healing, identity, and transformation. From the moment you take control of Nova, a newly created “Nano Cleaner,” the world of New Theland presents itself as something both whimsical and unsettling—a landscape shaped by surreal architecture, unpredictable logic, and quiet melancholy. This is not a world built to feel logical; it’s one built to evoke, to surprise, and to invite reflection.

The game’s visual style is a key part of its identity. The overworld adopts a retro 3D aesthetic reminiscent of early PlayStation and N64 games, with low-poly models, chunky textures, and bold color palettes that feel simultaneously nostalgic and otherworldly. Exploring these spaces feels like wandering through a half-remembered dream from the late ’90s, where every corner might reveal something strange or unexpectedly beautiful. But once Nova shrinks down to enter the “inner worlds” of characters infected by Dust, the style shifts to a crisp 2D perspective inspired by classic 16-bit adventure games. The contrast between these two visual modes is striking, and more importantly, it reinforces the thematic movement between outer landscapes and inner turmoil. Each 2D world functions as a symbolic manifestation of the character’s fears, hopes, or psychological burdens, making them feel deeply personal and distinct.

The core mechanics support this dual structure well. The 3D sections are largely about exploration, discovery, and absorbing the atmosphere of New Theland’s diverse regions. You travel across plains, traverse futuristic cities, and uncover hidden pockets of narrative that broaden your understanding of the world and its inhabitants. In contrast, the 2D segments are more mechanically focused, centered around the vacuum-based cleaning device that lets you suck up objects, enemies, or environmental elements and use them for puzzles or combat. These segments are more structured, offering compact challenges that vary from thoughtful puzzles to quirky boss encounters. Together, the two modes create a rhythm that keeps the game feeling varied and unpredictable, even as its mechanics remain accessible and easy to grasp.

Narratively, Anodyne 2 carries an emotional weight that grows more apparent the deeper you venture into the minds of the people you’re trying to help. The Dust you remove is not merely a threat—it represents emotional stagnation, unresolved trauma, misplaced expectations, and the numbing weight of routine. Nova herself is caught between obedience to her creators and the gradual awakening of her own agency, and the story uses this tension to explore themes of purpose, self-direction, and compassion. The writing balances the surreal with the intimate, offering moments of quiet sadness, sudden absurdity, and philosophical introspection in ways that feel earnest rather than pretentious. Much like the landscapes themselves, the narrative invites players to slow down and consider what lies beneath the surface.

That said, the game is not without flaws. While the low-poly overworld is aesthetically evocative, the movement and traversal can at times feel slow or imprecise, especially in wide open areas where there is little to interact with. Certain stretches risk becoming repetitive, and the sense of aimlessness may frustrate players who prefer tightly guided experiences. The 2D sections, though frequently creative, occasionally rely on lightweight puzzle mechanics that may feel too simplistic given the conceptual depth of the story. But these shortcomings rarely detract significantly from the overall journey; rather, they reflect the idiosyncrasies of a project driven by artistic vision rather than strict mechanical refinement.

Ultimately, Anodyne 2: Return to Dust succeeds not because of any single element but because of how its components work together—its shifting artistic styles, its unconventional structure, its thoughtful soundtrack, and its earnest storytelling all reinforce one another. It is a game built on mood and meaning, on the willingness to explore inner landscapes as much as physical ones. For players who appreciate narrative-driven indie experiences, experimental design, and games that linger in the mind long after the credits roll, Anodyne 2 offers something truly special. It’s not a conventional adventure by any measure, but it is a deeply heartfelt one—strange, memorable, and quietly profound.

Rating: 9/10

Nov 16, 2025·13h·9·Verified

Steam User 3603STEAMRecommended

A great classic game.

Nov 16, 2025·6h·1

Steam User 7103STEAMNot recommended

游戏是可以的，但是单买较贵，差评呼吁便宜售卖。

we need your all game cheap sell and make new game plz.

202408，steam，steam掉卡抵扣，它处自定义包入的本体约5元。爱人如己，目前就这，看以后追评。

Nov 15, 2025·3h

Steam User 6320STEAMRecommended

its a good game

Nov 12, 2025·13h·Verified

Steam User 5731STEAMRecommended

Having played this game back to front, exploring every nook and cranny I could think to find, getting every achievement just for the love of it, I can easily say this is one of my favorite games ever made. It's gorgeous in design, beautiful in intention, a wonderful weaving of forward-looking gamic poetry and nostalgic sensibilities. I cried so many times. Sometimes at the sheer beauty of what I was experiencing, sometimes at the deep emotional impacts the story carries. Always with an awe in my heart.

This is such a singular experience. Analgesic Productions truly made something special with this game. Please, if anything about the vibes speaks to you at all, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try. It's something truly special.

Easily, wholeheartedly, mouse approved

Nov 11, 2025·43h·3·Verified

Steam User 5079STEAMRecommended

Been trying to get my friend to play this for the past 3 years....
His loss i guess.

Oct 26, 2025·11h·2

Steam User 8820STEAMNot recommended

I didn't quite understand why I finished, but I didn't like it at all. Maybe the way is written, i couldn't get involved with the story, or the characters.

The feeling of being lost most of the time is ok I guess??? I really like the music. And the 2D parts too.

Oct 26, 2025·18h·6·Verified

Steam User 9750STEAMNot recommended

not very interesting or challenging mechanically. i appreciate what they were trying to do with the story but 2 hours in, it just wasn't landing for me. certain kinds of people will really enjoy this though!

Oct 11, 2025·2h·10·Verified

Steam User 6382STEAMRecommended

awesome sauce

Oct 9, 2025·15h·Verified

Steam User 0637STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2 is truly special: The music, the cryptic and expressive story-telling and the gorgous 3D-look in the style of the fifth generation of gaming consoles. Makes you think about video games and life itself. The Geof-Quest is beautiful.

Curious about my next encounters... :D

Oct 7, 2025·11h·4·Verified

Steam User 4557STEAMRecommended

10/10 best game i have played. Truly an experience that everyone should play. 10/10 sound track, 10/10 story, 10/10 gameplay. A must buy. I can not recommend this game enough.

Oct 4, 2025·17h·1·Verified

Steam User 0549STEAMNot recommended

一代滿好玩的，但這代改成3D玩起來超級暈... 畫面渲染看起來很廉價，還不如不要做3D

Sep 18, 2025·6h·Verified

Steam User 8625STEAMRecommended

The first game was gifted to me by a friend some years ago, and quickly become one of my favorite indie games. I finally decided to pick up the sequel, and it does not disappoint. Love the abstract story while still being very real, and the soundtrack is unmatched.

Sep 3, 2025·10h·1·Verified

Steam User 8279STEAMRecommended

Weird little game, and I mean that as a compliment.
The gameplay has 2D- and 3D elements (layered, not at the same time) and is pretty easy in a nice way, I can explore + backtrack all I want. The characters range from cute, quirky, sad, odd, to serene. The OST is a gem, too.
Anodyne 2 takes place in the same universe as Anodyne (1), but has a completely different cast and storyline. You do not need to have played Anodyne to play Anodyne 2.

Sep 1, 2025·25h·12·Verified

Steam User 8883STEAMRecommended

по началу было крутяк, но со временем начинается душнина
а еще... много букв.....................................................
единственная проблема игры это духота, я так и не прошел ее до конца

Aug 30, 2025·11h·Verified

Steam User 7053STEAMRecommended

如此贫瘠抽象的画风，让我联想到了Widows 95的三维迷宫屏保。零几年的时候我母亲单位里的电脑全是这种屏保，我小时候的乐趣除了电脑里的红警就是傻盯着屏幕跟着屏保找路。

游戏整体玩起来还说得过去，是传统2D塞尔达+3D平台探索的感觉。

不过Boss同质化比较严重，至少目前就第一张地图（第二张也是）来看这个结论是成立的（完全是因为制作组太穷了吧，悲）。

不过游戏内的每一个“地牢”解题机制都有差异而且难度都很友好（至少对我来讲），但是战斗内容几乎可以忽略（地牢Boss太简单了啊），这是我感到比较可惜的地方（也是因为制作组太穷了吧，悲）。

另一个感到比较可惜的地方是这个游戏还是太小众了，无论是3D平台的探索还是2D类塞尔达地牢的设计这个游戏的整体水平其实在我看来虽然还达不到优秀（差那么一点感觉）但仍远超及格的水平，剧情故事的完备性也不错，是完全值得一试的，但大多数玩家恐怕还是会被游戏贫瘠的画面和不流畅的3D视角操作给劝退吧。

看了看评论600多个评价，按我买入：评论在20：1左右的理解来看，这个游戏的玩家总数充其量也就在12000 - 15000左右，其实也不错了，总比那些我觉得还行但是只有几十个评论的游戏好多了。

8/27
没想到这个游戏里的一些故事还挺令人伤心的。

啧。

最后补充：
我打到尘龙那里是真的理解不能，原本整个地图的石碑顺序解密已经够让人糟心的了，尘龙门口的四条石柱更是对我是否应该将这个游戏继续进行下去的致命一击。虽然快走到结尾了，但还是算了，我还是不为难我自己了。

Aug 26, 2025·6h·2·Verified

Steam User 9290STEAMRecommended

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Aug 19, 2025·12h·Verified

Steam User 0456STEAMRecommended

dusty

Aug 13, 2025·7h·1·Verified

Steam User 0088STEAMRecommended

As I said in the Anodyne 1 review I have played this game before because it was free on EGS, I stopped midway through the game because i ditched EGS and started playing games only on my Steam library. If Anodyne 1 was great and exciting this goes far and beyond what is expected from a sequel, if you compare the two without knowing you would think these are two separate games, but it's still recommended to play the first one for later in the game. The jump in quality in every way shape and form is fascinating and it leaves you in awe from the great art style that looks like a stylized Play Station 1 game and the way the world and environment is molded it makes the world feel alive, and the music is atmospheric and fits in with the vibe of areas and characters. You play as Nova and you are tasked with a job to help residents of New Theland from Nano Dust which you do by becoming small and entering their bodies and vacuum your way though puzzles and bosses similar to Anodyne 1 but of course more fledged out, Using the car as a way of transport is fairly good it reminds me of the sailboat from Wind Waker, kind of slow but it gets the job done. Overall a must play for people who enjoyed Anodyne 1, with a more immersive, humorous and emotional storyline.

Jul 29, 2025·10h·2·Verified

Steam User 8645STEAMRecommended

Trying to put down my thoughts on Anodyne 2 has been a struggle because it's one of few games that feel genuinely important to me. Playing this for the first time as a stupid teenager legitimately helped inform how I interact with art, and even with way more Weird Games under my belt I still haven't played anything else quite like it. It's inviting. It's heartbreaking. It's terrifying. It's beautiful. You can turn into a car and clip out of bounds to collect giant rotating coins. It's so many things. It's life. It's Anodyne 2.

Jul 27, 2025·11h·1·Verified

Steam User 5915STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2 is an incredible game. It's not too long or complicated, but what's here is very compelling and evokes strong feelings. It's a game about a hero trying to clean the corruption inside of characters, but it jumps to depths that it didn't need to explore hubris, folly, and how tragedy can change our perception of the world for better or worse. It's a game so expertly crafted in its atmosphere, it transcends its PSX-inspired medium, becoming a portal to a strangely peaceful, desolate datascape that feels strangely familiar but also extremely original. I highly recommend this to anybody who likes small indie games that stretch beyond their scope, like Undertale or Oneshot. Anodyne 2 is like a more nebulous cousin that expertly delivers the fulfillment and pondering that you'd expect from these more psychological indie titles. I'd give this a 9/10, the only reason it's missing a point is because the gameplay is pretty basic. I love jumping into characters though, it reminded me of Psychonauts, and it's just too cool of a mechanic that really helps explores the themes of the game. Brilliant title, please give these devs some love for this one.

Jul 27, 2025·17h·3

Steam User 2275STEAMRecommended

Ich habe Anodyne 2 in etwa 13 Stunden durchgespielt. Zwischendurch habe ich ein Buch gelesen. Oder besser gesagt: Ich musste ein Buch lesen, um mich daran zu erinnern, wie Realität funktioniert.

Anodyne 2 ist ein Spiel über Staub, Erinnerungen, Stadtmenschen und Zellreinigung. Es ist ein Spiel über das erste Anodyne. Es ist ein Spiel über Spiele. Es beginnt als 3D-Plattformer mit lo-fi PS1‑Charme, öffnet sich in ein 2D‑Zelda-ähnliches Spiel, und wird dann... eine Art innerpsychologische Wartungssimulation mit Saugmechanik.
Ich habe fast alle Errungenschaften erhalten. Nur die eine fehlt mir noch: 500 Münzen sammeln. Ich werde das nicht tun. Nicht aus Trotz, sondern weil das Spiel mir deutlich sagte:
„Du hast alles gesehen, was du sehen musst. Geh jetzt.“
Technisch läuft alles rund. Soundtrack? Großartig. Hypnotisch. Ideal zum Wegdämmern. Manchmal vergaß ich, ob ich noch spiele – oder ob mich das Spiel einfach schlafen lässt, damit es in Ruhe träumen kann.
Es steht LGBTQ+ dran. Kann sein. Ich war primär Staub.
Fazit: Ich empfehle dieses Spiel jedem, der sich fragt, was Spiele sonst noch sein können – außer klar.
10/10.
(Ich bin mir aber ziemlich sicher, dass das Spiel mich gerade bewertet.)

Jul 26, 2025·13h·Verified

Steam User 2846STEAMRecommended

挺优质的游戏，相比一代，剧情没有那么混乱，那么意识流，故事的表达非常明确；玩法和关卡设计上也更讲究，更规范一些，没有一代那种胡乱搞的感觉。(点名表扬游戏的最后一个迷宫，做的相当不错）
似乎各个方面都完善改进了不少，但与之相伴，一代的那种粗糙，随性，怪诞的风格减弱了挺多，一些剧情上想象的空间也更局限。
总体给我的感觉就是一个优秀的普通游戏。
7/10

Jul 15, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 4543STEAMRecommended

I like this game, and this is a review.

Jul 9, 2025·17h·4·Verified

Steam User 1084STEAMRecommended

3D开放世界探索+2D像素风RPG玩法+强Meta元素
整个游戏系列突出的特点是meta元素，如果说镇痛1还是把这个特点藏起来，像视野边缘的阴影一样，镇痛2简直就是直接将其运用得出神入化，融为了游戏密不可分的一部分。2代在1代玩法的基础上做了升级与极大的创新，如果说1代是二维与四维（第四面墙）的直接交汇，那么2代则在两者间增加了三维（3D场景），使得变化与突破更加连贯。
没有玩过1代也可以直接游玩2代，剧情上没有明显关联，不过有很多1代相关的彩蛋场景。
剧情方面：中央有点像神的世界，住在其中不困不饿，不老不死，诺瓦则是新诞的天使，为神之地的居民带来救赎（镇痛）。而尘埃之里的居民有了饥饿、疲倦与生死，被尘埃沾染成为了“不洁”的存在，却也变得鲜活而现实。尘埃之里曾经对诺瓦发出邀请，但作为中央的秩序维护者诺瓦拒绝了。她是苦修者，净化者，规则守护者。
[spoiler]但是在一路上的所见所闻，逐渐改变了诺瓦。她不再是机械的执行者，不是只要上油就可以运转的机器，她拥有灵魂，她在帮别人清除尘埃的同时，也与它们建立了心灵的连接。她的内心逐渐对中央与净化任务产生怀疑，渴望获得爱与关心。最后重返尘埃之里，却发现那些热情的居民早已忘记与她共同的相处与记忆，诺瓦坚守的信念在这一刻崩塌，尘埃清除者原来早已被尘埃侵染，她也有了情感，有了欲望。最后，她选择反抗命运，为自己和未来（泽拉）争取到了逃离的机会。[/spoiler]
结局有两个，一个档就可以体验全部内容，不需要重开。很喜欢真结局。
此外：还有一个很喜欢的巧妙设计是对3D场景建模的极致利用。那些看似是装饰的建筑物/NPC，换一个观察视角就是一种协助攀升的平台，极大地拓展了可抵达的区域范围，这种巧思融入在了对于场景内散落在各种刁钻位置的元代币的获取中，但这甚至只是其中奥妙的第一层。第二层体现在达成游戏中最难的500币成就的过程中。游戏里的元代币不愧叫Meta币，获取方式[spoiler]有些居然藏在看似实心实则只是一层贴图空壳的建筑里面，只有玩家才会用这样的视角看待建筑，做最难的收集500币的过程，常规边界内的数量是无法满足的，只有“超越边界”，打破常规才行。据说总数有600个，有极大的容错空间。[/spoiler]

Jul 9, 2025·15h·1·Verified

Steam User 3005STEAMRecommended

This game was such a trip. Anodyne (1) had it's strange and beautiful moments, but Anodyne 2 is something else entirely. A lot of Psychonauts-style gameplay here of "jumping into people" so to speak, with each person/creature having their own tone/story/struggles. Generally speaking, this transitions the gameplay from open-world style 3D to 2D top-down Zelda-esque "dungeons". There's...a lot more to it than that, but going into further details would be spoilers (let's just say if you like games with creative meta elements, you'll likely enjoy Anodyne 2).

The story of Anodyne 2 starts simple ("Dust is bad and invasive, get rid of it") but turns into something much more real, human, and personal as the game progresses. While generally not too hard to follow, the writing and dialogue CAN get quite abstract and long-winded at times, so be prepared for that. On the flip side, there are also many cute and funny moments. Regardless, what ties everything together (imo) is the game's super unique and synth-heavy soundtrack. Like half the tracks are warmest, coziest thing you've ever heard, while the other half are cold and unsettling, and then there's these random hard-ass boppers interspersed between. It really makes the game's atmosphere.

Gonna do a replay at some point to really soak everything up, but for now I just gotta shout this game out for it's whole aesthetic and wonderful experiementation.

Jul 5, 2025·14h·7

Steam User 7943STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2 is my most favorite video game of all time and I love it so much and I love you.

Jun 29, 2025·9h·1·Verified

Steam User 7306STEAMNot recommended

Very boring, if i'm not going to like this game in the first 20 minutes
I wont like it in the next 20 hours

Jun 28, 2025·Verified

Steam User 6851STEAMRecommended

Minimizing spoilers,
being directly asked if we were uncomfortable and if we would like to skip a specific section really meant a lot to us.
We did take the offer, and additionally being plainly told what "would've" happened was also a really nice way to make us still feel "included", instead of just being punished with Less Game and risk being tempted to look it up later anyways.
Really made us rethink how much more accessible games can be, including maybe our own someday.

Adding to this after completion: What a wholly beautiful game

Jun 27, 2025·15h·4·Verified

Steam User 9047STEAMRecommended

I only just played Anodyne 2 for the first time last year but it has stuck in my memory and keeps returning to me like a slightly faded beloved childhood game. While the 2D sections are great, what I really keep thinking back to are the 3D exploration segments of this game. This team has unreal talent for creating 3D spaces that touch something in your heart.

Jun 27, 2025·10h·Verified

Steam User 4303STEAMRecommended

really really love the 2d parts and while i do like the 3d stuff too, it does get a little boring after a while (still like em tho!!!!!)

Jun 23, 2025·6h

Steam User 1006STEAMRecommended

‎

Jun 21, 2025·9h·3

Steam User 0441STEAMRecommended

An intriguing and surreal game from start to finish.

From the moment you begin your adventure through Anodyne 2: Return to Dust, you’re presented with a strange world that seems familiar, but not fully explained. Odd creatures, peculiar architecture, and the developer’s want to experiment with different genres from time to time creates a very surreal world for you to explore. As far as I can tell, you don’t have to play the original Anodyne in order to understand what’s going on in Anodyne 2. But then again, there’s so much weirdness going on, I don’t know if it would even help. I was confused and puzzled the whole time, but pleasantly so.

You explore a 3D overworld like a typical platformer. You run, jump, glide, and oh yeah you can turn into a car as well. Then there are also a number of subworlds which are mostly played out as a top down 2D dungeon crawl akin to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past or Secret of Mana. I think the meshing of these genres really helps the strangeness of the game.

The game is unfortunately short. It's a fascinating game with its intriguing art direction and worlds within worlds, but I was disappointed when the story was just starting to escalate and I realized the game was almost over. Without giving too much away, I felt the ending tried its very best to be dramatic and meaningful, but lacked the emotional punch it was going for.

A fun game regardless if you can get it on sale or feel full retail price is worth the fifteen or so hours of gameplay you’ll get.

Jun 18, 2025·12h

Steam User 5842STEAMRecommended

Incredible writing with fantastic visuals and music that all perfectly accommodate the brilliant and fun puzzles that you'll run into... That is to say, this game is PERFECT and that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS.

Jun 12, 2025·13h·1·Verified

Steam User 1358STEAMRecommended

I have never played nor loved a game such as I have Anodyne 2. I love the characters, the story, the gameplay, the music, the environments. What a magnificent labor of love. Melos Han-Tani's music is truly out of this world, which I still play it while working or drawing. It's become one of my comfort games such as Hylics. It is not just a game, but a work of art full of meaning if you are paying attention. After this I have gone out to play most of Analgestic's other works and remain excited for any pf their future projects <3

May 26, 2025·24h·2·Verified

Steam User 0626STEAMRecommended

those 3d environments are so cool dude

May 25, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 3080STEAMRecommended

This is what a trippy fun game is about. I praise it's all around creativity

May 11, 2025·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 9858STEAMRecommended

A VERY hard sci-fi story. This game's story is similar to Greg Egan, if you ask me. I really enjoyed the main character. I also have a question about the first gestalt character "figure with stringed instrument" and if he represents the superabundance of data flooding the city? Thank you again to the creators of this game.

May 11, 2025·1·Verified

Steam User 2212STEAMRecommended

nice game

May 2, 2025·8h

Steam User 7162STEAMRecommended

this has rapidly become my favorite game of all time

Apr 27, 2025·11h·Verified

Steam User 6618STEAMRecommended

I don’t usually write reviews, but Anodyne 2 isn’t “just a game.” It’s a mirror. A strange, dreamlike mirror that shows you bits of yourself you didn’t expect to see—quiet fears, moments of guilt, unresolved questions, half-buried memories. It speaks in riddles, visuals, textures, and tones. And if you let it, it answers in a language you understand only with your gut.

At first glance, it’s a blend of lo-fi 3D exploration and 2D SNES-style puzzle/action gameplay. The 3D graphics are minimal, sometimes awkward, often eerie—but it works. The world feels weightless, floating, like something from a distant dream you can’t quite remember. In contrast, the 2D segments are lush, detailed, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Pastel skies, painterly clouds, abstract interiors—all designed with precision and emotional intent. It’s a clear aesthetic choice: the 3D world is open, uncertain, exploratory; the 2D world is tighter, focused, and personal.

The game is short in terms of hours—most people finish it in 9–12. I took 17, wandering, reading everything twice, sitting with things. But the emotional impact is disproportionate to the time. It lingers.

The story doesn’t explain itself. It’s abstract, metaphoric, often surreal. But underneath that is something devastatingly real. It’s about Nova, who’s “born” at the start—blank, obedient, purpose-built to serve “The Center,” a sterile entity that values order, suppression, and the removal of Dust. Dust represents memory, trauma, feeling. Your job is to go inside others and “clean” them.

But very slowly, things unravel. Stories begin to mirror things you’ve seen in real life: obsession that destroys relationships, conformity that stifles growth, routines that feel safe but rot you from the inside. You meet people like Geof, who got so wrapped up in being right he ruined what he loved. Like Nora, who lives a small life trapped by fear, clinging to something (or someone) that tells her to never change.

The characters aren’t deeply fleshed out, and that’s deliberate—they’re sketches. Symbols. But if you make the effort to relate, to see your own life in theirs, the game transforms. Suddenly, you’re not helping random NPCs—you’re thinking about real people you know, or once were. That’s when it hits.

I realized, slowly, that Nova herself was like a child. Just born, every feeling is huge. Every gesture matters. And I, as the player, had to choose what she would become. Obedient? Curious? Compassionate? Rebellious?

The game asks questions I’m still answering:
Can you fix someone? Should you?
What does it mean to help?
Is healing suppression, or acceptance?
When does order become control?
When does freedom become fear?

[spoiler]Even the “good” ending isn’t clean. It’s not a heroic victory—it’s a quiet, trembling choice to accept the Dust. To live with uncertainty, emotion, and the full weight of being alive. It’s messy. It’s honest.[/spoiler]

Music: People say the soundtrack is great—and yes, it is. But not in a “hum it for days” way. It’s ambient, more like a feeling than a tune. It doesn’t pull your attention; it drapes over your thoughts. That’s how it gets under your skin.

Tone: Heavy. With rare, strange humor (“Don’t build the boht”) that only highlights how sad and beautiful the rest is. The emotional weight can be draining if you're not ready for it—but if you are, it's one of the most sincere experiences you’ll find in a game.

Final thoughts:
Anodyne 2 isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t try to impress you. It doesn’t hand you catharsis. It asks you to bring your own stories and emotions to the table. To read slowly. To care, even when it feels abstract. And if you do, it’ll leave something inside you—quietly. Like Dust.

Apr 26, 2025·17h·8

Steam User 8294STEAMRecommended

"I'M LICKING THE CONCRETE TO REMIND ME OF THE CITIES OF MY PAST LOVES. THE TASTE BRINGS IT ALL BACK."

Apr 13, 2025·13h·Verified

Steam User 0190STEAMRecommended

This is more of a game that you experience rather than a mechanically deep game. It's weird, surreal, and creepy, but ultimately has an uplifting message. I found it pretty charming.

Apr 7, 2025·10h·1

Steam User 8824STEAMRecommended

One of the games that has made me reflect on the education I received as a child, and how it has impacted me creating paradigms and deep-rooted ideals. A good game with small puzzles and a very good story.

Comparing it with the first game, this one is undoubtedly much better, and, although it is not necessary to play the first one, I certainly recommend it, since there are some easter egss in reference to the first one.

Do not hesitate to buy this game!

Mar 25, 2025·14h·2·Verified

Steam User 7028STEAMNot recommended

Honestly, just read the other negative reviews.

I have no idea how this game is rated so highly.
Seems interesting at first, but quickly loses its nostalgic charm.
Controls are clunky. Progress is slow. Movement is slow and in fairly large maps.
Way, way, WAY too much dialog; and poorly written at that.
No character is relatable and all the conversations seem to be verbose monologuing about "woke" and contemporary, naive idealisms. Want to know where to go next in your quest? Talk to these 15 characters, each with a 1-2 lines that are relevant and 50 more (unskippable the 1st time) reminiscing about feelings, trauma and how life is hard. Mind you, some of the writing was decent; about 5% in my opinion. Of the game design, some is clever and well done (about 15% imo), the rest is hackneyed and not.

I honestly can't believe I made it through this mess of a "game". I expected an adventure but it felt more like a slow, open world virtual novel written by a gen z who once played a game and read a book and thought, "I can do that!", than a classic era rpg. Kudos because they did, but...geez. It feels like someone's first game.

I would recommend the devs play more games, read more books, watch more movies (of these first 3 make sure to hit some considered classics/timeless/masterpieces and try to figure out what makes them so), get out there and actually talk to some people of different age/belief/culture/political view/religion/ethnicity/education level/financial class/backgrounds, write MORE (and more short stories), and then try again. Pay an actual writing editor to check the structure of your work and pay an actual playtest group to help cleanup the gameplay. They have got the dream and drive to make something but are lacking the life experience, gaming and storytelling references, and larger worldly perspective to make something great. And if you're not shooting for great, you should be!

Mar 13, 2025·13h·12

Steam User 6196STEAMRecommended

Wonderful game that never ceases to surprise and intrigue. I've never played anything quite like it.

Also it has Mommies.

Feb 27, 2025·8h·Verified

Steam User 8874STEAMRecommended

There's just something about this game that I found enchanting.
The mechanics and ideas behind the shrinking into people is good, but the aesthetic and feel is what stands out to me.
Expect some jank in some places, but on the whole I found it magical.
Played exclusively on Steam Deck and had no issues at all.

Feb 23, 2025·8h·1

Steam User 0150STEAMRecommended

Delightful, heartwarming, surreal and intriguing. Definitely worth your time if you like lo-fi aesthetics and exploration.

Feb 12, 2025·14h·Verified

Steam User 2127STEAMRecommended

What a great game, seriously.

I played a bit of the first game after finding it on Playstation+ game pass but never got back to it. I heard some of the soundtrack from the second game on a playlist and thought "Oh, it's that Anodyne game again. The music is banger, let me check it out."

This is probably one of my top games of all time now. Nova, in particular, resonates with me. Her experiences of [spoiler]questioning her beliefs about the world and her place in it, that have been inherently drilled into her, and the struggles with breaking free to be her own person[/spoiler] were incredibly touching and I think a lot of people can resonate with that experience in some way. Also, thank you for just... writing female characters so well. It isn't something the game makes a big deal about, they're just a natural part of the story and world. The art direction... I love it. The music is honestly incredible and is what drew me to the game initially, but I also love how the game plays around with different mediums and plays between pixel art and 3D. Great job all around! I finished this game a while ago but have thought about it enough to come back and write a review. I will probably go buy and play the first game soon, as I am sure I will enjoy it!

Feb 11, 2025·13h·2·Verified

Steam User 2702STEAMRecommended

[h1]簡介[/h1]
一周目的遊戲時數約12~15小時(包含蒐集過程)，是類2D薩爾達作品《鎮痛》的續作。核心玩法上雖然提升到了3D世界的探索，但內容上2D地城迷宮仍佔了多數比例，可以想作是從3D世界找到2D地城的入口。

[h1]超現實世界中的救世主?![/h1]
二代的劇情並沒有延續一代的故事，而是創造了一個受「塵埃」清擾的世界，主角便是因此被孕育出來，並踏上了清滅「塵埃」的冒險旅程。

劇情上比起一代超現實的無序，二代雖然同樣帶有超現實的表現，但故事主軸就是比較貼合大眾理解的救世主故事。

而被創造的救世主，最後不得不面對的，就是對自我存在價值的辯證：「塵埃」中並不全是壞人；指引我的「中央」又是在隱瞞什麼？是否遵循「中央」，亦或與之反抗，也就成了後期冒險的一大主軸。

[h1]2D地城的豐富機制與 3D世界的空泛貧乏[/h1]
如同前面所簡述，玩法依尋《薩爾達》式的配置，由多個地城迷宮所組成，這些迷宮入口就是3D世界中各個因「塵埃」困擾的NPC們。主角將奈米化進入其體內的2D地城中，當中的敵人與解謎關卡則依事主的情況變化出許多題型，謎題機制設計比一代豐富了許多。
(更是有兩關足以獨立出來當薩爾達小品的廣大區域安排在其中！)

不過，雖然翻玩維度差異很是新奇，但仍可以感覺到，3D世界可探索地點與NPC的分佈非常稀疏，儘管中期開始多了蒐集硬幣的成就鼓勵探索，回饋收穫還是偏少，落入了內容不足以撐起開放世界時，地圖廣闊卻空泛的大問題！

[h1]彩蛋藏更深，好奇欲仍不變[/h1]
最後來說說與一代之間的一些小彩蛋！

一代的主角拿的是把掃帚，二代主角則改拿吸塵器；運用灰塵的特性解謎，也變成了清除各地「塵埃」。

而一代通關後獲得突破地圖邊框限制的能力去尋找隱藏祕密，在二代則設計到了3D世界中，需要透過不斷變身的短暫Bug鑽入牆體中才能找到隱藏的蒐集硬幣。發現和使用難度增加了不少，但作者對地圖邊界的好奇欲望仍舊不變！
(有個祕密傳點甚至可以傳送到一代的地圖！)

Feb 5, 2025·17h·Verified

Steam User 1184STEAMRecommended

跟一代一样，不过这次变成了3D大地图加2D小地牢的结合。
可惜的是3D下仅仅只有探索，解密等元素都集中在2D地牢里。
但一代的OOB玩法还是继承下来了。在3D世界里尽情壁外探索。爽爽爽爽

Feb 3, 2025·5h·Verified

Steam User 1867STEAMRecommended

Very good storyline, very philosophical, I found it to give me some guidance in terms of thinking about certain topics. I highly recommend this game. Im also running it on Apple Silicon and it works fine.

Feb 1, 2025·19h·1·Verified

Steam User 0888STEAMRecommended

This game is very unique. Has such a weird vibe -- Fun platforming and surreal everything. If this was released back in the day on a cartridge or disk it would've been a favorite.

Feb 1, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 2591STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a charming game that blends disparate styles well, for an overall satisfying narrative and play experience. It was a slightly rockier experience than Anodyne(the first game) but it came together by the final act.

This game really shows off what the developers, Melos Han-Tani and Marina Kittaka, have learned from the first game. It plays around with story and gameplay and how those are delivered, experieced, and especially how that all wraps up at the the end of a game.
This in the kind of thing I want out of indie games, unique story in an experimental world, playing off of nostalgia in fun but also novel ways, while also giving me a competently designed play experience.

Good! ♥♥♥♥!

Definitely recommended, try getting it on sale in the bundle with the first game if you aren't sure.

Jan 31, 2025·11h·Verified

Steam User 9890STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2, a really good game, would give it a solid 8/10; graphics are clearly ugly (absolutely stylized! But also ugly) which is why I can’t take it much higher. Some of the more fun “action sequences” are told via prompt instead of showing it unfortunately. Fantastic use of its graphics though, definitely had some unsettling sections. Gameplay and puzzles were mostly fun with them not being so insanely obtuse to solve but also not being baby easy either. Doesn’t take more than 10 hours to complete, high recommend

Jan 27, 2025·9h·1·Verified

Steam User 0741STEAMRecommended

even better than nitro rad said it was

Jan 21, 2025·13h·1·Verified

Steam User 2251STEAMRecommended

visually stunning, complex characters i loved learning about, and a story that gripped me emotionally from start to end. the creativity on display here is wonderful to see.

Jan 16, 2025·14h·Verified

Steam User 7154STEAMRecommended

This is a very deeply human piece of art, in part for it's heartfelt writing and story, but at the same time for not hiding its seams as a game. It's not afraid to pull the veil on what makes it tick, to give you a peek behind the curtain to remind you it was authored by [i]people[/i], not manufactured in a factory, and I deeply respect it for that.

Jan 15, 2025·13h·2·Verified

Steam User 7374STEAMRecommended

First game I finished in 2025… and man I can’t think of it getting any better than that.

You don’t have to play the first Anodyne to jump into this masterpiece, I didn’t. But I definitely want to play Anodyne 1 so I can then replay Anodyne 2.

This is a very story driven game and I feel like you need to follow the story as best you can with your own interpretations in order to really appreciate what this game is.

Great OST is always a plus too! 100/10 -- oh and go buy a Nova Plush when you're done.

Jan 11, 2025·23h·6·Verified

Steam User 6712STEAMRecommended

I was not sure what I was expecting from Anodyne 2 as in many ways it adheres to conventional gaming tropes while also being wildly original. In my nearly 20+ years of playing games, I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two off-hand about what it takes to make a game. The increasing transparency from developers about game development has given anyone who wants to learn about game development the resources to do so. This increasing transparency has also shortened the gulf between developers who make games and players who play them, leading to more games released that have a clear author's voice attached to them. Anodyne 2 is an extremely transparent game that gives players a close look at how the entire game was built while also telling a beautiful story that is interwoven wonderfully with its mechanics. It’s a title that plays into the strengths of video games as a medium, made by people who clearly adore games and the variety found in them. This adoration and explicit artistic intent left me extremely high on my entire experience with it.

STORY / PRESENTATION
Despite being a sequel to Anodyne (2013), the developers state that you do not need to play the original to understand the sequel, though some recurring elements may be lost on people. This sequel consists of a wildly different setting and characters with the only major connection being the two games are similar gameplay sequences. You play as Nova, a Nano Cleaner who is instructed by her guardians, Palisade and Psalmist, to save the world of New Theland from Dust.

The general pacing has you exploring both 3D and 2D worlds utilizing both low poly textures and sprite art. The 3D world of New Theland acts as the primary setting which slowly opens up more and more as you progress. These sections are primarily meant for exploring, light platforming, and finding NPCs in need of help. Assisting NPCs involves Nova shrinking and entering them, changing the game into 2D Zelda-like dungeons with the puzzles and level design to back it up. A major joy I had with this game was seeing what new concepts these 2D levels would introduce with new puzzles and challenges being introduced up until the very end. Not all of these levels I would say stand out but some of the latter levels I thought were extremely impressive in their presentation and with how they told a story. Each of these sections delves into the personal stories of these NPCs highlighting many elements of human nature.
Anodyne 2 tries to cover so many topics relating to human nature such as but not limited to, the origin of rage, self-worth and doubt, motherhood, obsession, and breaking out of one’s shell. It is ambitious to cover so many different emotions in such a short time even when some concepts can not be as developed. The aspects of the story that do succeed in their message hit me hard emotionally, almost leaving me in tears in serval cases. The story is supported by a stellar soundtrack that mixes ethereal calming tracks with ambient slight anxiety tracks that set up moments in the story wonderfully.

BREAKING THE GAME (slight gameplay spoilers)
I previously mentioned that this is one of the most transparent games I have ever played. After a turning point, the game suddenly becomes a pseudo collectathon with the rewards being behind the scenes look at how the game is made. Markers and maps open up that allow you to explore and read about how large swaths of the game were designed step-by-step. The veil between developer and player lifts with the developers themself explaining to you aspects of their development journey. Some of these remarks relate to the tricks they used to make certain areas work, what characters they enjoyed making, how they developed certain physics for the game, and what inspired certain design decisions. This side of the game is completely optional but its inclusion, to simply put it, blew my mind, especially when the game encourages you to break the boundaries of the map and use glitches to explore areas. The original Anodyne used a similar trick to teach players to explore outside of what is considered the confines of a game map but Anodyne 2 ups the ante of what it means to break and explore the inner workings of a video game.

WRAP UP
I struggled to write this review, as short as it is, because this game does so many bizarre and interesting things that I currently can not explain what I liked maybe disliked about them. What I do know is that I adored my time with it. The story is extremely heartfelt at timeless, the soundtrack is gorgeous, and the 3D exploration I found groundbreaking even if some of its elements are not accessible or enjoyable in a traditional sense. It’s a game that by the end felt like more of an experience rather than something you simply sit down to play, and maybe therein lies why I struggle to explain why I loved my time with it. While it is not a perfect experience, its unique qualities make it shine greatly in my eyes and genuinely inspire me. What a perfect way to start 2025 off.

Jan 8, 2025·11h·1·Verified

Steam User 9281STEAMRecommended

This is so clearly an extraordinarily personal piece of artwork developed by very talented and passionate developers. I really recommend this game to anyone as this game deserves the recognition of being an astounding example of what indie games can be.

Jan 6, 2025·10h·4

Steam User 7997STEAMRecommended

A game I think about often despite playing it quite a while back. Very affecting, genuinely experimental. The type of game some folks might have to let win them over in the beginning, but is well worth it to experience the heart of it. Highly recommend if you're a fan of Undertale, Nier, Link's Awakening, or especially Love de Lic & its adjacent games like Moon remix RPG & chibi robo

Dec 26, 2024·10h·1·Verified

Steam User 4998STEAMRecommended

while i believe this game isn't perfect, i absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in RPGMaker-esque games. It flips the 'genre' (if you can call it that) on its head, and subverts so many expectations... there are sections where you can really tell the dev team is small, but i don't hold it against it. This game is perfect in its own right, and tells a beautiful story of characters that are literally all queer (i think). I cried several times playing, try it out <3

Dec 22, 2024·24h·1·Verified

Steam User 2618STEAMRecommended

One of the best games I have played in recent memory.

Just don't get caught up and feel like you need to collect every single little thing.

Dec 20, 2024·9h·2·Verified

Steam User 6303STEAMRecommended

Anodyne 2 is a beautiful game. It is at the same time cozy and warm, but thought provoking and bizarre. The writing, as with most of the Analgesic games is incredibly rich and familiar, in a way that these characters are real and having genuine conversations. Exploring the world is so exciting, because you will stumble on worlds within worlds where you least expect them. You really don't know what's going to happen next. It's hard to describe, but I feel like this game just sees you. It knows you're going to try and jump out of the boundaries, and puts little hidden things to find. If you are looking for something different and unique, with exceptional writing and story, I couldn't recommend a game more.

Dec 20, 2024·16h·5·Verified

Steam User 9432STEAMRecommended

Game Good, VERY good

Dec 20, 2024·15h·Verified

Steam User 3515STEAMRecommended

very good

Dec 20, 2024·2h·Verified

Steam User 6332STEAMRecommended

This is very much one of the best games I've ever played. Buying the game also gives you a license to use aspects of it as open-source software, as well. This game has an enigmatic vibe to it that mirrors the first, but a story that grips you quite a bit more.

Dec 20, 2024·447h·Verified

Steam User 0707STEAMRecommended

unforgettable. one of those games with such a strong vision and direction that if it lands, it changes you for a bit

Dec 20, 2024·34h·1·Verified

Steam User 6321STEAMRecommended

One of the most enjoyable and surprisingly deep games I've ever played.

Dec 16, 2024·12h·Verified

LANGUAGE	AUDIO	SUBTITLES	INTERFACE
English	Y	—	Y
Chinese (Simplified)	—	—	Y
Chinese (Traditional)	—	—	Y
French	—	—	Y
German	—	—	Y
Japanese	—	—	Y
Portuguese (Brazil)	—	—	Y
Portuguese (Portugal)	—	—	Y
Russian	—	—	Y
Spanish (Spain)	—	—	Y