Dynamic and hand-crafted music game

As the sequel to the well-loved Soundodger+, the music game Soundodger 2 retains the lively gameplay yet ups the ante with twists and turns. It’s the same experimental, dodge-’em-up rhythm game in which the player has to dodge bullets, lasers, and other obstacles.

This time, Soundodger 2 features all-new music — ranging from upbeat tracks to soothing slower ones — and levels hand-crafted by a team of professional musicians. There are more than 35 tracks, with over 100 musical patterns to learn and avoid contact with. It can be played with an external controller only.

Music game with chaotic levels

What sets Soundodger 2 apart from its predecessor is the way it has been built from scratch, making room for smooth, hypnotizing visuals and dense patterns. The songs are extra challenging this time compared to that of the 2013 original as the obstacles are more aggressive in making you lose. If you only had to dodge the bullets and lasers before, now you have to put in twice the work.

In this thrilling sequel, it’s not only the usual bullets and lasers you have to watch out for. Even the environment is going to be against you, with periodic gravity switches or impromptu color filters and mirrored modes transforming the screen. Camera angles pan in or out depending on the song, as well. The learning curve can be tough to overcome, but the game offers a practice mode to aid in that department.

At the same time, the sequel comes with a Challenge Mode that raises the stakes even higher by shoving you into more chaotic levels. On the other hand, it comes with a Level Editor feature that allows you to pick your own poison by crafting levels personally. Plus, it has legacy support that gives access to Soundodger+ levels crafted by other players over the years.

Promising yet tough gameplay

Overall, Soundodger 2 is a promising — if not a more preferable choice — sequel to the 2013 original. With brand-new, hand-crafted levels, it offers hours filled with thrilling gameplay. Each track and level has been made with careful detail, although players can create their own through the Level Editor level, as well. However, the tough gameplay and unplayability without a controller can be considerable drawbacks.