It’s been a minute for a game that is for the most part, just walking and talking, but “Oxenfree II: Lost Signals” really took me on a captivating journey through time and space which is all thanks to the superb writing. Developed by Night School Studio and published by Netflix Games (Weird right? Still getting used to that), this sequel to the 2016 hit “Oxenfree” surpassed my expectations with its compelling narrative, intriguing characters, and innovative gameplay. It’s been a long time since I played the first game, but I don’t recall it having nearly this much of an effect on me. This sequel picks up five years after the events of its predecessor, and does a great job allowing new players to dive into the adventure without any prior knowledge. While “Lost Signals” introduces us to a fresh protagonist named Riley, it doesn’t shy away from embracing its roots. For fans of the original, the reappearance of some beloved characters adds a layer of familiarity and nostalgia, making the experience even more rewarding. But at the end of the day, this is not a sequel that requires you to play the first, which is a great call.
Set in the charming yet enigmatic town of Camena Coast, players assume the role of a new character named Riley, who just got a job as an Environmental Researcher. Her seemingly ordinary return to her hometown takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious radio signal that disrupts the fabric of time and space. The premise sets the stage for a hauntingly atmospheric and an emotionally charged adventure. The heart of “Lost Signals” lies in its dynamic dialogue system, presenting players with thought-provoking choices that influence relationships with other characters. Whether it’s a momentous decision or a subtle interaction, the consequences always felt palpable, seeing as they may alter the trajectory of the story in meaningful ways, which they often can.
Traversing the scenic but atmospheric landscapes of Camena Coast introduces players to some minor traversal puzzles, but doing so seamlessly blends the exploration with the narrative progression. Upon reaching destinations, the game presents even more intriguing puzzles that can be pretty creative and neat, as well as continue to unfold the ongoing mystery. The blend of puzzle-solving and storytelling really kept me engaged, it struck a really good balance between gameplay and narrative. Especially when the narrative begins to get weirder and weirder in the best ways. In “Lost Signals” you will find yourself jumping into other time periods and alternate realities, things get pretty entertaining and make the short runtime of this game feel shorter, but not in a bad way.
Though the game dabbles in horror, it opts for a more mysterious and atmospheric approach rather than pure fear. Ghostly interferences during exploration intensify the enigmatic vibe, which is another testament of this game mixing things up and keeping the player interested in what’s going on, for a game that is a lot of walking and talking, it’s a difficult tightrope the developers have to play to not lose the gamer during the journey. The brilliance of “Lost Signals” extends to its exceptional writing, which deftly touches upon themes of grief and loss with intelligence and nuance. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-rounded, providing a lot of depth to your conversations. Every interaction feels meaningful, fostering an emotional connection with the characters and the game’s overall narrative. As you unravel the mysteries of “Lost Signals,” you’ll rely on a key tool—the radio. This trusty companion enables you to manipulate signals, uncover portals, and venture further into the unknown. The blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, great dialogue makes for an awesome recipe that I couldn’t resist.
Beyond its main storyline, “Lost Signals” offers you a way to communicate with supporting characters via walkie-talkies, which reveals hidden depths to their personalities and backgrounds. These optional interactions weave intricate webs of relationships, and unlock more of their personal stories, it would be a shame if you neglected some of these altogether. The game’s animation style deserves special mention. Fusing elements of 2D and 3D art, the visuals create a stunningly unique world that breathes life into every scene. Despite a relatively short playtime of about five hours, “Lost Signals” provides a solid, well-crafted adventure that lingered in my mind long after the credits rolled. Its brevity ensures a tightly woven narrative that doesn’t overstay its welcome, delivering an impactful and memorable experience. If you have Netflix, you have this game, so even if walking and talking may not seem like your thing, I still say it’s worth a shot.
8.5/10
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Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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