PixelJunk™ Eden 2

Developed and published by Q-Games Ltd., PixelJunk Eden 2 is an artistic platforming adventure that builds upon the ideas of its predecessor while refining nearly every aspect of the experience. Instead of relying on combat, elaborate storytelling, or traditional platforming conventions, the game emphasizes movement, rhythm, and exploration inside surreal gardens that gradually flourish as players interact with them. It confidently embraces its abstract identity, creating a relaxing journey where every action contributes to a constantly evolving landscape. The result is a game that feels less like a conventional platformer and more like an interactive audiovisual performance designed to reward curiosity and patience. Gameplay centers around controlling small creatures called Grimps, whose unique ability to latch onto floating silk threads creates an engaging momentum-based movement system. Swinging through the gardens requires careful timing and an understanding of physics, but once mastered, traversal becomes fluid and deeply satisfying. Players gather pollen, nurture dormant plants, and awaken seeds that transform the environment into vibrant ecosystems filled with new routes an…

To most people, they may not even be able to tell that this used to be a mobile game that [i]required[/i] the cameras and used them [i]heavily[/i] to make the backgrounds actually dance. For such an origin story, the work done to convert it back to a 'classical' game is quite impressive. [hr][/hr] I think the ideal circumstances for playing this game is having played the first, but not anytime recent. It builds on the original with new mechanics, while some others (mainly level selection) are outright different; movement being chief among them. I do enjoy the game quite a lot, the music is something I already listen to somewhat regularly. I suppose it can feel a little... condensed, not having a lobby to (literally) unwind in and explore casually. It had more of that paradise vibe in the first game.

Buy the first one - it's better. This one is not fun by comparison, looks terrible and has a boring soundtrack. The first is beautiful, with intuitive gameplay, feels fluid and has a soundtrack worth listening to.

Mouse only enjoyment at it's second best.

Fantastic game, but sadly overlooked by gamers at large. If you enjoy the trailer footage, go for it. You won't regret playing this game at all, its an experience you won't find anywhere else on the gaming market. The music and visual themes are great, the platforming has received a bit of streamlining compared to the first title. You have more control with a mid air jump, are no longer highly dependent on the momentum of you silk swings and the screen acts as your out of bounds, preventing falling down an entire map. You advance the screen by connecting to either ground or a plant. I like the new progression system also! If I had to name a negative, it would be that unlocking things after a run takes too long, especially if you spend a lot of time collecting crystals and some such.

[h1]Designed for small screens[/h1] I've been a huge fan of [b]Q Games[/b] and their [b]Pixel Junk[/b] series for as long as they've been around. Hell, I even bought my first console (Playstation 3) for a single reason - to play [i]Pixel Junk Eden[/i] on it. I loved its momentum-based gameplay and wild audio-visual world of Bayion's art. I'm not gonna lie - I absolutely hated Eden 2 at first. The movement feels more stiff. The flow is gone. The visuals are overwhelmingly distracting. The time-and-bonus based gameplay is... game'y instead of zen-like. Worst of all, some of the visual effects are just too much when played on a large monitor or an OLED TV. [h2]Then I tried it on my Steam Deck[/h2] ...and suddenly it all made sense. [b]Eden 2[/b] was originally a Nintendo Switch exclusive. As such, all the changes were made with a handheld experience in mind. Shorter levels/sessions. Simplified controls for small-resolution, 6-7inch displays. Different incentives to keep one going - etc. It all makes sense in the context of portable play. [b]I absolutely love this game - on a Steam Deck, but would not recommend it, if you plan to play it on a big screen.[/b]