Review of Monster Train 2 for PlayStation 5

Wow, where do I even start with Monster Train 2? This game had me hooked right from the get-go. I mean, I’ve always had a soft spot for these roguelite deckbuilders, and the last one—Monster Train: First Class—totally blew me away. So, when I heard about the sequel hitting the PS5, I guess you could say my inner gamer was doing somersaults. And we’re dealing with a whole new setup here, right? Picture this: heaven and hell teaming up. Yeah, what a combo! They’re going after these Titans and the Seraph who’s trying to juice up on power. Strange alliances, epic battles—it’s got everything.

So, here’s the lowdown. You’re operating these wild trains with folks from two different clans, each bringing its own flair. Sounds straightforward, but trust me, it’s a wild ride through hell, heaven, and somewhere in between—like the abyss or whatever. Now, I’ve got some experience with the first game, so jumping into this felt somewhat familiar. If you’re new, though, maybe check out the first train adventure to get your bearings. Just a suggestion!

Let’s talk novelties, shall we? There are five clans now, each with distinct quirks that’ll shape how you play. And cards—my word, the cards! We get room cards and equipment cards, which turn every battle into a mind game of strategy. Oh, but if you’re into stories, boom, cutscenes galore! The Covenant Outpost is where you’ll see a lot of the narrative magic happen. My favorite part is fiddling with Pyre Hearts, though. These can shift your playstyle big time. One even lets you clone cards—which sounds absurd but is incredibly useful.

Randomness—ever your companion in games like this—is a blessing and a curse. You’ll have to protect your train’s Pyre from enemies, because once it’s kaput, so are you. Set your units on each level of your train, draw your cards, and hope for the best. Ember cost is a thing, so plan your plays wisely. Some cards have special abilities—Fel with its Multistrike is a real treat! But, let’s not digress.

Oh, the spells. Choosing whether to use Ember on units or spells can make you second-guess everything. Firestarter can be a lifesaver, or maybe Just Cause will come to your rescue. Balancing acts, anyone?

Enemies are relentless, sneaking through floors to take a whack at your Pyre. If they reach it, the Pyre hits back hard, but prevention is key here. Might sound like a lot going on, and it is, but I’m all about that chaos. After each battle, shiny coins and new cards await, offering a chance to patch up your deck’s weak spots.

But the tracks you take as you progress are just as critical. Like, seriously. You’ve got choices with real consequences—pick one track, get those upgrades; pick another, miss out on nifty spell boosts. Decisions, decisions.

I’m jumping to trophies now—because why not? There’s a Platinum up for grabs, but it’s no cakewalk. From improving your clan to hitting insane damage numbers, your skills will be tested to the limit. Some trophies sound downright nutty, like not upgrading a single card. Who even does that?

Monster Train 2 isn’t just more content—it’s a whole new game. With fresh Pyre Hearts, additional clans to unlock, and an endless mode for when you’re feeling masochistic, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. It’s live on PS5, so go crush those Titans, I guess. I’m off to, well, maybe attempt that endless mode. Or not. We’ll see!