Who says you cannot return home? Life has moments that exist outside the boundaries of time. It could be when you transition from one phase of your life to the next or when you make a life-altering decision and need to escape and reassess. These moments allow the ghosts of the past to catch up to you, bringing forth fears and doubts. Night School Studio understands this concept well and captivates players once again with Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. While the game follows an older protagonist this time, it explores similar themes and threats. The setting may also feel familiar as players navigate the mainland town of Camena instead of Edwards Island. Despite the familiarity, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals manages to surprise players with its twists, frightening moments, and emotional depth. Although it may not be as shocking as the first installment, it still offers a satisfying experience for fans.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is available on PC (reviewed), Switch, PS4/PS5, iOS, and Android. Developed by Night School Studio and published by Netflix, the game was released on July 12, 2023, with a price tag of $19.99.
Riley Poverly, the central character in Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, differs from Alex, the protagonist of the original Oxenfree. While Alex dealt with the challenges of high school and coming-of-age, Riley is older and returns to her hometown of Camena to confront her own personal issues after being away for a significant period of time. The game allows players to shape Riley’s backstory as they choose how much to reveal to other characters, adding an intriguing layer of tension and trust-building. It’s up to the player to decide whether Riley should unveil more about herself or rely on deception, depending on their preferred playstyle. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals features numerous opportunities for players to make these choices. The game is heavily focused on dialogue and feels even more conversational than its predecessor. Riley is accompanied by Jacob, a talkative but well-intentioned coworker who serves as an interesting foil to her character. Jacob often feels like a character players can use to role-play and explore different aspects of Riley’s personality.
The game introduces a larger ensemble cast, including mysterious teenagers associated with a local cult called Parentage, who seem to play a part in the night’s ominous events. Riley’s walkie talkie allows her to communicate with various characters as the night progresses. These characters exist as voices on the other end of the line, providing additional story elements and updates. Personally, I found these storylines to be some of the highlights of Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. Maintaining an ongoing conversation with a weathered sailor named Nick was particularly engaging, and characters like Maria and Shelley added depth to the overall experience. However, the constant need to check for new dialogue options while progressing through the game’s story segments became somewhat tedious. Nevertheless, the walkie talkie mechanic was a valuable addition to the gameplay.
I intentionally avoided delving into the main narrative to avoid spoilers, as Oxenfree II: Lost Signals heavily relies on its story-driven nature. Clocking in at around eight hours for my playthrough, the game offers a bite-sized experience that can be completed over a weekend. This compact length makes it difficult to discuss the game without divulging major plot twists. Riley’s job involves setting up radio transmitters to investigate anomalies occurring in and around Camena, but as expected, things do not go according to plan. Time begins to distort and merge, mirroring the events of the first game. Riley’s return to her hometown is more than just a temporary gig, and players gradually uncover the reasons behind her decision throughout the eight-hour journey. While not everything is explicitly spelled out, players gain insight into Riley’s mindset through conversations and flashbacks to her past.
The story is compelling, especially for those who can relate to Riley’s stage in life. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals delves into the daunting feeling of time closing in on you. The infinite possibilities of youth gradually narrow, forcing you to question whether your options are truly limited or if you still have the power to shape your future. As someone going through a similar phase in life, this theme resonated with me. However, the story does stumble at times, particularly when it attempts to tie together numerous plot threads. Additionally, a late shift towards a broader, less personal story left me with a few lingering concerns. Despite these minor hiccups, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. In fact, they serve as a testament to the game’s strengths, as I found myself wanting to dive back in to answer unanswered questions and explore further resolutions.
Traversal in Oxenfree II: Lost Signals occasionally presents rough patches. The game not only allows players to interact with various characters while exploring Camena but also introduces new mechanics for navigating the town itself. Time portal shenanigans and the ability to climb cliffsides using a climbing anchor and rope provide avenues for exploration and backtracking. While these elements add value, especially when discovering hidden items and collectibles, maneuvering through the game’s large areas, particularly during late-game exploration, can become frustrating. The inclusion of a sprint mechanic for quickly traversing previously visited areas would have been beneficial, and the implementation of the rope could feel glitchy and inconsistent. I also encountered some minor interaction issues that were slightly distracting but did not hinder my progress.
Despite these minor flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall atmosphere and aesthetics of Camena. While some areas, such as the caves, blended together and lacked distinctiveness, there were standout moments. A particularly memorable section set in the community center showcased the game’s visual and auditory beauty. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is visually stunning, with its dreary tones and well-crafted sound design, including atmospheric radio static that effectively enhances the mood.
Having had time to reflect on Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, I must admit it feels somewhat familiar in certain aspects. The game maintains the same eerie ambiance, scattered puzzles involving knob-turning and dial adjustments, and engaging decision-making moments where the consequences remain uncertain. However, a few wrinkles and minor issues left me with mixed feelings after completing the game. For existing fans of the series, it is undoubtedly a must-play. However, I would also strongly recommend newcomers to experience the first game before delving into this one. Oxenfree II feels like a return to Night School Studio’s roots, showcasing their confidence in expanding the possibilities within their established universe. The studio’s evolution in style over the years is evident, and revisiting the coastal town of Camena is an exciting prospect. While it may not have the same surprise factor as its predecessor, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals delivers a solid adventure for those craving a unique blend of mysterious frequencies and existential dread.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
