Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals

The first Oxenfree was a horror game that became a hit because it kept you on the edge, both metaphorically and literally. The Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals has stuck to the same formula and this certainly works in its favor. In fact, in some ways, the game might feel repetitive because it is so familiar, but it eventually manages to take things further. There is an array of secrets that need to be uncovered, lots of dialogue involved and you have to make choices that could have a drastic impact on the relationships you build and the ending.

While it is not as scary as the original, or outdoes its impact, Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals is able to find its own way because of some of the impactful yet subtle changes that it has made. Instead of a lackluster sequel, you will find it to be a surprising and emotional ride.

The story

It is refreshing to see how the experiences of characters can change drastically, simply because they have aged into adults. Rather than coming up with another story around teens as in the first Oxenfree, the developers opted for two 30-somethings, Jacob and Riley. They have to battle ghosts that are trapped between time and space and also move forward to the next stage in their life.

Since Lost Signals takes place in a time similar to the one in the original and brings forward a lot of the same gameplay and idea, it does not take any such large swings. Nonetheless, this does not mean that the core story has lesser impact. Jacob and Riley grew up in the coastal town of Camena, close to Edwards Island where the first game occurred. They are working for an environmental research group interested in placing transmitters across their town.

The antagonists

The two characters find themselves up against a group of teens who belong to a mysterious religious group. They want to reopen the portals that existed in the first game. Olivia, a boisterous girl, is the group’s leader and her motives are quite apparent, but it takes Jacob and Riley too long to realize what they are. The good news is that the why is not as important as what is really happening and the revelation is worth it.

Understandably, the duo is out of their depth, not just in the case of ghosts, but also due to their own baggage. You see the game from the perspective of Riley who has a lot of intense emotions, while Jacob is generally optimistic and meek. Their conversations take the story forward for the most part and those with other characters are also very insightful and important.

The changes

Other than adding new characters, the developers also made some other changes to the game’s template. Lost Signals comes with a larger setting, which means you have more places to explore, but it also means lots of empty spaces. There are also some clever and new ideas that have been incorporated, such as the walkie-talkie. You have nine channels to speak with other characters and complete tasks for them. While they do not have a big impact on the story, they are fun and engaging.