Unravel was a positive surprise when it first came out in 2016. It was a game I would never expect from its publisher; a small, charming, and heartfelt indie platformer being backed by a massive lootbox-loving AAA corporation. The game wasn’t challenging nor groundbreaking in its gameplay, but it oozed charm from all of its pores. A sequel came out of nowhere last year when EA announced it during its E3 presentation. I didn’t play it back then as we were in the middle of our E3 coverage, but thanks to a recent release on Nintendo Switch, I am finally able to talk about my Unravel Two impressions.

There aren’t many differences between Unravel Two and its predecessor, but there are more than enough for you to check it out if you like artsy puzzle platfomers. The main obvious addition is the fact that you control two Yarnies at once, resulting in more inventive and occasionally more complex puzzles. All of Yarny’s moves from the previous game are still here, with a few new additions to spice things up. This game while harder than its predecessor, is still far from a brain teaser. The fact that you’ll need to think and work a bit harder this time around doesn’t necessarily mean the game isn’t as accessible to newcomers or those just looking for a relaxing experience.

The fact that you have to control two characters at once never felt like too much of a hassle. It never felt like an annoying gimmick like in Knuckles Chaotix, for instance. When you’re playing solo, you have the option to merge your two Yarnies together just so you only need to use a pair during puzzle segments. The game is completely playable by yourself, with the X button being used as a character swap and the AI never tries to make your life miserable. You will need a few minutes to get used to the fact that you need to control two characters at once, but it’s far from being an overwhelming chore.

Of course, this game is a lot more fun when playing with a friend next to you. There’s no online co-op, but I don’t feel that was even a necessity. Playing a game like this online feels quite sinful to be honest.

Both Unravel and Unravel Two are known for their amazing visuals and soundtrack. In order for Unravel Two to properly run on the Switch, some tweaks and downgrades had to be made. It is clear that the textural quality, lighting effects, and overall animations have been simplified in order to cope with the Switch’s much inferior hardware, but it doesn’t mean that this game is ugly. Far from it, it’s still quite impressive to see such visuals on the Switch’s screen. The game is still beautiful and oozing with charm. You can only notice the downgrades either by putting the other versions next to it or by playing the game on docked mode. It’s much more visually appealing on a smaller screen. Thankfully, the great soundtrack remains unchanged.

Despite not being as visually impressive as its other counterparts, the Switch version of Unravel Two is still a gorgeous and entertaining platforming experience. Even if it does feature more challenging puzzle segments than its predecessor, this game is still widely accessible for those simply looking for a cute and relaxing game to play by themselves or with a friend. Yarny’s debut on a Nintendo platform may have arrived a bit later than expected, but Unravel Two feels right at home on the Switch. Maybe it’s because Nintendo just loves to release as many yarn-related games as possible. This is an easy recommendation for both casuals and veterans.

 

Graphics: 8.5 A very beautiful game, but you can clearly notice it has suffered a handful of visual downgrades in order to properly run on the Switch’s less powerful hardware.	Gameplay: 8.0 You’ll need to get used to the new co-op mechanics, especially if you’re playing solo. It’s not a very difficult game though and the controls are responsive enough.
Sound: 8.5 Despite the absence of sound effects, the serene soundtrack is memorable and fits perfectly with the game’s relaxing nature.	Fun Factor: 7.5 Just like its predecessor, Unravel Two is not very challenging, being best enjoyed in shorter and more relaxing bursts. It is highly recommended to have a co-op buddy next to you, as the game isn’t as fun on your own.
Final Verdict: 8.0

Unravel Two is available now on PS4, Xbox One, PC and Switch.

Reviewed on Switch.