The world of the detective trying to solve the case is something that is not new, but the setting of the story is what will be remembered most of all. But it is when you can blend that story with the immersive cinematography that embodies the characters that make the adventure. But has developer, Peanut Button, found the formula to continue to intertwine robots and the 50’s aesthetics? Let’s find out with Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye for Quest 2, 3, & Pro.
Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye is part of the critically acclaimed VR adventure series. Get lost in a sci-fi mystery spanning over four all-new episodes. Engage a battle of the minds with a sick new villain and use only your wit, your hovering inventory, and a pair of extendo-arms to uncover the truth.
So before trying to uncover the truth, there are a few things that you should be aware of. First, keep in mind that this is the first episode with three more episodes coming in the future. Second, find your favorite place to sit. No need to stand on your feet if you don’t have to. Third, make sure your Quest headset and those Touch controllers are fully charged. You don’t want to be on the brink of coming to find out the truth only to have something run out of power, do you? Fourth, I am not going to spoil anything for anyone. Fifth, there is a rumor or so says Peanut Button, that none of the robots were harmed in the making of this game. While the investigations are still underway, Peanut Button still wants to stick to that story. And finally, have some fun. With all that said, let’s continue…
So if you are experiencing Retropolis for the first time, let me catch you up while trying to not spoil anything. You play as the detective, Philip Log, who from when we first met him, was not doing so hot due to some personal issues in his own life and all that changed when the famous movie star, Jenny Montage entered your doors and needed your help. Needless to say, you can find out more about The Secret of Retropolis to help catch you even more up to date with all that has happened.
Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodye is set a year after the event of The Secret of Retropolis and we learn how Phillip and Jenny have been together and everything is as happy as you would expect, or at least would think, in a world where there are no more humans and the robots are here to try to keep the past alive. But questions about the past become the focus of the present while trying to have a future. But Jenny has to know and will do what it takes, even if that means leaving. But as Phillip is not one to just sulk, well, at least not for a long period, will put his detective skills to the test to try to piece together things and try to locate where she might be in hopes that no danger has come to her.
Interacting with objects becomes this search to see what will happen and what will Phillip say next. It’s his humor and one-liners that add to the fun of being a robot detective. So interact with everything as you never what will happen.
As you interact with objects, some actions will be verbal while some will contain items that you can put in your suitcase that travels with you from area to area that is your inventory system. But since there is no free roam per se, you will need to solve whatever needs to be done to move to the next point. Keep in mind, that the game gives no hints as to what you are supposed to do and that is part of the fun in trying to figure things out like a real detective. But what I was not expecting was how challenging some of the puzzles are as you try to not only find your way to Jenny but the truth as it may be along the way.
Let’s talk about the graphics and sound. When playing on the Quest 3, the hand-drawn noir art style comes alive with plenty of detail. From just the colors in Phillip’s office from the way the lamp on the desk shines with just the right amount of light to reading the different posters at the Electric Sheep Bar just put a smile that made me appreciate the art style. With the sound, we have the returning voices of Phillip and Jenny that help bridge the two games with the 50’s style along with the Jazz soundtrack playing kept everything with a calm, yet intriguing venture throughout.
There are just a few things I would love to see. First, more one-liners. Yes, there are quite a few one-liners that should keep players entertained, but there were times when I either clicked on something that there was no response or the same response. It would be fun to hear just some out-of-nowhere one-liners just because why not have it in there? Second, more episodes. This is the first out of four episodes that makes me want to continue with the story. I am not sure when they will be available, but we know good things come to those who wait. And finally, I hope the secret of how some of the robots actually got hurt in making the game will come into play in some way, in some type of secret ending within at least one or more of the final episodes.
Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye does what it does best. It provides a point-and-click adventure and continues with what works and improves it for the next chapter of the story. In life, we are faced with choices that will set our destinies for the future. Sometimes we just know which way to go and sometimes decades later, we may wonder about what if we made other choices how our lives would be. And no matter how we look at it, the choices we made were meant for us even if we don’t see it. It’s just up to us to make the most out of the results of those choices the best that we can, while we can.
Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye is out now for the Oculus Rift/S and Quest 2, 3, & Pro via Meta App Lab on the Meta Store and coming soon to Steam VR. A review code was provded.
To learn more about Peanut Button, please visit their site, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, follow them on Instagram, join their Discord, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Also, check out the Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye interview.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I need to make sure to check out some of the different endings.
