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Figment 2: Creed Valley, the sequel to the 2017 indie hit Figment, developed by Bedtime Digital Games, invites players on another captivating musical adventure through the human psyche. This review explores whether the magic of the original remains, delving into its strengths and weaknesses.

A Beautiful Story, A Wonderful World

Figment 2 picks up after the events of the first game, with Dusty and his companion, Piper, continuing their duty of clearing nightmares from the human mind. Their latest mission takes them to Creed Valley, where the Moral Compass is malfunctioning, threatening the balance of the mind.

The game masterfully weaves two narratives. The primary storyline follows Dusty and Piper’s journey, highlighting their contrasting personalities – Dusty’s carefree nature against Piper’s anxieties. Their witty banter, heartfelt conversations, and the exceptional musical numbers create a charming dynamic, driving the narrative forward and restoring balance within the troubled mind.

alt text: Dusty and Piper confront a whimsical nightmare creature in a vibrant, dreamlike setting.

The secondary storyline, set in the real world, focuses on a family grappling with the pressures of work and responsibilities, impacting their ability to express care and affection. While a subplot, it subtly influences Dusty and Piper’s journey, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

Figment 2’s isometric perspective, intricate level design, and vibrant color palette create a visually stunning and unique world. The imaginative character designs, from the whimsical “Minds” to the quirky antagonists, further enhance the game’s charm. The seamless integration of sound effects and animations with the rhythm of the music elevates the experience, creating a truly immersive and captivating world.

alt text: A screenshot showcasing the game's isometric view and unique level design within a colorful, dreamlike environment.

The voice acting deserves special mention, adding depth and emotion to the cutscenes, enhancing the overall quality of the game’s audio presentation.

Engaging Gameplay with Smart Twists

Figment 2 retains the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessor, blending traditional adventure elements with light combat and puzzle-solving. Combat is straightforward, with a basic attack and dodge maneuver. However, enemy variety adds a layer of complexity, requiring players to adapt their strategies. Boss battles are particularly well-designed, demanding quick reflexes and puzzle-solving skills to overcome.

alt text: Dusty engaged in combat with a whimsical enemy, showcasing the game's vibrant art style.

The core of the gameplay lies in exploration and puzzle-solving. A unique mechanic involves interacting with “Mind” pillars, switching between Closed-Minded and Open-Minded states, altering the environment and NPC behavior. This innovative system adds a refreshing twist to traditional puzzle-solving, offering diverse challenges ranging from navigating intricate pathways to using environmental elements creatively.

alt text: Dusty interacting with a Mind pillar, changing the environment around him.

The game also incorporates classic puzzle elements like item collection and map navigation, creating a well-balanced and engaging experience. The difficulty curve is expertly tuned, providing a satisfying challenge without becoming frustrating.

A Bittersweet Farewell

The most significant drawback of Figment 2 is its short playtime, clocking in at around 3-4 hours. While the concise narrative feels complete, the captivating world leaves players wanting more.

alt text: Dusty and Piper standing in a vibrant, dreamlike environment.

The real-world subplot, while impactful, could have benefited from more development to create a stronger emotional resonance. Similarly, the combat system, while functional, feels less refined compared to the innovative puzzle mechanics, remaining largely unchanged from the original game.

alt text: Dusty standing in a dreamlike environment with a musical instrument.

Conclusion

Figment 2: Creed Valley delivers a captivating and emotionally resonant experience, building upon the strengths of its predecessor. The whimsical world, charming characters, and exceptional music create a truly memorable journey. While its short playtime and underdeveloped subplot leave room for improvement, Figment 2 is a must-play for fans of indie adventures and anyone seeking a unique and heartwarming experience.