Freedom Planet 2

This level looks and feels REVIEW like Studiopolis zone from PS5

This anthropomorphic sequel makes the leap to console after its stint on PC, and it fits PlayStation beautifully. The original Freedom Planet started life as a fanmade Sonic game, but the aim for this followup was to “leave nostalgia behind” and cement the series’ identity as a great action platformer in its own right. It’s certainly an ambitious offering, but is it actually good?

The answer is yes. The four playable characters have enough personality to make their stories worth playing, especially as their moves and abilities change the experience even though the levels themselves are the same. Whether it’s Carol the wildcat collecting an item mid-stage that enables her to ride a motorbike (which is just so cool) or Milla the hound using her powers to throw short projectiles, you’ll have to approach stages and boss battles in different and engaging ways. Combat is way more involved than merely jumping on enemies’ heads, and it soon becomes clear that well-timed use of the invincibility blink is integral to your success. The game does need such elements of precision as it can feel a little breathless and scrappy at times, thanks in part to the supercharged character movement.

Ironically, it would probably be better if the faster-than-Sonic speed weren’t there as the levels are very large and, as with Sonic, it’s often hard to see what’s in front of you when the 2D scenery and enemies are flashing into view. While some levels rival Sonic Mania for ingenious, charming, and endorphin-triggering level design, other sections merely feel ‘good enough’ rather than outright ‘superb’.