It isn’t often that I find myself at a loss for words when it comes to explaining a game. I’ve been doing this job of reviewing and writing about games since I was 16, so almost 11 years. Because of that, I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at putting things into a concise explanation. Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a difficult game to quantify in a simple manner.

Now, luckily for me, you don’t have to have played Anodyne to play and understand the sequel. This is explained in a statement at the beginning of the game, which was great since I haven’t played the first game yet. However, after playing Anodyne 2 for a while, I’m really considering it.

To break the game down into an idea that is easy to understand, Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is an action-puzzle game with surreal elements and a focus on emotional stories. You play as Nova, a “Nano Cleaner” who can shrink down and go inside of people to cleanse them of Dust. I’m not going to go into a huge amount of detail here, because a lot of the narrative is based around symbolism and worldbuilding.

However, Dust accumulates and can cause people to exhibit “negative” behaviors, which manifest in afflictions representing disorders people face in the real world, or simply inner conflicts of some kind. Without spoiling it, let’s just say that this plot is not as simple as it appears. I should also point out that this game is, to put it mildly, strange.

However, like Paradise Killer, Anodyne 2’s strangeness works to its benefit. You wind up wanting to learn more about the characters and the world you are in. The music and visuals are very reminiscent of PlayStation 1 games, at least in the 3D sections. In actual “dungeons” or mindscapes, it is a more retro-style visual design.

All of the levels and mindscapes you play in are visually (and mechanically) unique. Before each one, you have to play a short rhythm game where you have to defend against an array of attacks from the character you will be “cleaning.” These are easy to get the hang of, even for someone who isn’t all that great at rhythm games, like me.

Once inside, you have Nova’s vacuum which allows you to suck up boxes or enemies and launch them at other enemies. There are other mechanics that unfold as you play, but this is the central idea that most of the later mechanics branch off of. I cannot overstate here that the puzzles are fantastic and each mindscape is incredibly unique.

Each one has a little vignette narrative that matches the NPC you are helping, and it fleshes out the world in an oddly profound, heartwarming way. Anodyne 2 never hesitates to take a turn for the philosophical or the introspective, and I can’t say I mind in this case. Surreal, philosophical games can sometimes wear out their welcome, but Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is heavily enjoyable.

Even the 3D areas you traverse between cleanings/mindscapes are well thought out. The platforming isn’t too difficult, and you can walk either on foot or in Nova’s vehicle form. There are collectibles to find, secrets to uncover, and so much to do and see. Anodyne 2 also doesn’t take itself too seriously. It dabbles in various concepts but never tries to be more than what it is.

All roads in Anodyne 2 lead back to the center. It all revolves around the core concept of a surreal world that is inhabited by beings that all have personal things to tackle, along with Nova’s journey to understand the world she finds herself in.

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust isn’t for everyone. There isn’t much direction given to the player, and the map isn’t as good as it could be. However, I would say that fans of puzzle games, narrative-driven experiences, and well-thought-out surreal adventures will love this game. The controls are easy to understand, there are plenty of accessibility options, and while I was skeptical at first, I am sold on Anodyne 2 now that I’ve taken some time with it.

This has even convinced me to take a step back and actually pick up the first Anodyne game. If it is as meticulously-crafted as the sequel, I’d be doing myself a disservice by not picking it up. Seriously, if you aren’t convinced by this review then watch a few YouTube videos. However, Anodyne 2 is a game best experienced for yourself.

A Nintendo Switch review copy of Anodyne 2: Return to Dust was provided by Ratalaika Games S.L. for this review.

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Anodyne 2: Return to Dust

$19.99 USD

9.5

Score

9.5/10

Pros

• Simple Controls
• Gorgeous Surreal Visuals
• Lots of Secrets and Side Content
• Interesting Concept and Storyline

Cons

• Not Much Direction is Given
• Map Isn't Great