Frostpunk 2

The sequel to one of the tensest survival games ever made is nearly here, and it promises to be every bit as depressing as its spectacular prequel. Frostpunk 2 is the sequel to the first “society survival game,” as the developers put it. Expect to see some more unthinkable moral choices and unfathomably harsh decisions.

Following the path that its predecessor carved, Frostpunk 2 is expected to be just as great as its prequel. A mixture of genres that was hardly ever seen before made the first Frostpunk into a modern classic, but what can this sequel bring to the table that would make it an improvement over an already perfect game?

The End of Coal

The Frostpunk series takes place after an apocalyptic flash freeze has decimated the world. Now, the few remaining humans strive to rebuild society as best as they can, but they soon find out that war might be inevitable, even when it makes no logical sense.

In the first game, we saw how coal became an increasingly valuable commodity for the cold climates that annihilated the reforming human societies. Frostpunk 2 takes place 30 years after the events of the first game, and the world is still every bit as unforgiving as it was back then.

The only difference is that now, oil reigns supreme as the main source of heat and energy, making whoever owns the most of the black substance the de facto leader of a fractured society. Much like the Mad Max video game, Frostpunk 2 will explore the small societies that “thrive” in the remnants of civilization, and how their struggle for survival might conclude in the occasional war.

Frostpunk 2 promises to be an exploration of the biggest conflict in human history: humanity vs their nature. The game will task the player with taking care of a small community – one that eventually might grow into what resembles a mighty empire.

However, to survive in these cold wastes takes a strong resolve. Players will have to take harsh moral decisions at every step of the road: should they govern justly, or should they rule with an iron fist? These decisions are what keep the gameplay of Frostpunk so interesting, and it’s making a glorious comeback with this long-awaited sequel.

Manage Your Time

One of the key aspects of the Frostpunk formula is that every second that passes in this frozen dystopia is one where more citizens are dying, and one that brings you closer to losing. There’s a prevalent sense of hopelessness in Frostpunk, and its sequel will surely be no different in that regard.

This is a game that pits players not against challenging AI or complex puzzles, but against time itself. Playing Frostpunk 2 will be a war of attrition where the player always has the losing hand – but this is by design. You’re meant to feel the same despair as the last human survivors, and that’s the reason why these games are also a narrative gem.

There’s no doubt that this game will be as unique as its predecessor, and its story already promises to be an even more gripping conflict that will put your resource-management skills to the ultimate test.

Pros

• Brilliant narrative
• Grim and captivating setting
• Solid gameplay mechanics

Cons

• Difficulty can be a bit frustrating