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Evil Genius 2: World Domination revives a beloved strategy title, offering players the chance to build a sprawling underground lair and execute a plan for global domination. This review explores the game’s intricate base-building mechanics, engaging gameplay loop, and some of its shortcomings. Does this sequel live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Let’s dive in.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

A Solid Foundation for Evil

Evil Genius 2 welcomes players with a comprehensive tutorial that thoroughly explains the game’s core mechanics. While lengthy, this introduction ensures both newcomers and veterans of the genre can grasp the intricacies of lair management, room functionality, and agent interception. The game provides four distinct evil geniuses to choose from, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Three diverse island locations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, further enhance replayability. Montanas Gemelas, for example, offers connected corridors for easy navigation but limited initial building space.

The game shines in its unrestricted base-building system. Unlike the linear progression of the tutorial, players can construct any room type at any time, allowing for strategic placement of traps and security measures from the outset. This freedom facilitates experimentation and customization, encouraging players to design their ideal evil lair. However, resource management presents a constant challenge. The “high risk, high reward” nature of the game’s economy demands careful planning and execution.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

A Web of Intrigue: Schemes and Defense

Evil Genius 2 features two interconnected gameplay layers: executing schemes and maintaining lair defenses. These systems complement each other, creating dynamic challenges and strategic opportunities. Schemes, the primary source of income, involve establishing criminal networks across the globe and dispatching minions to carry out nefarious deeds. While lucrative, these activities attract the attention of justice organizations, leading to increased agent infiltration.

Players can counter these intrusions with a variety of methods, from distracting agents in the casino to capturing and interrogating them. The trap system offers creative solutions, ranging from deadly laser grids to humorous shark-infested pools. The interplay between schemes and defense creates a compelling gameplay loop, rewarding strategic thinking and adaptation.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

Frustrations of a Mastermind: Pacing and Balance

Despite its strengths, Evil Genius 2 suffers from pacing issues and repetitive gameplay. A single playthrough can easily exceed 20 hours, but much of this time is spent grinding through similar missions. While the objectives vary slightly, the core gameplay loop of sending minions to locations on the world map becomes monotonous, especially during the mid-game.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

The unlocking of new features is tied to story progression, further contributing to the slow pace. World map missions also suffer from inconsistent design, with some requiring significant waiting times while others can be completed quickly with minimal resources. While the game boasts humorous dialogue, the voice acting feels lackluster and fails to fully capture the characters’ personalities. Certain mechanics, such as the handling of super agents, feel unbalanced and counterintuitive.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

Conclusion: World Domination, or World of Repetition?

Evil Genius 2: World Domination offers a solid foundation for lair-building and world domination. The game’s intricate mechanics, diverse island locations, and unrestricted base building create a compelling experience. However, the slow pacing, repetitive missions, and unbalanced design choices ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment. While fans of the genre will find much to appreciate, the game could benefit from further refinement and balancing to truly fulfill its potential.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination