Grime II Is A Vividly Realized Metroidvania Riff That’s Perfect For Dark Souls Fans (Review)

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I’m absolutely loving Grime II! It’s a beautifully made side-scroller with gameplay that feels really polished and responsive. As a fan of the first Grime from 2021, I think this sequel does a fantastic job of building on everything I enjoyed before. They’ve added a ton of new abilities, made the world even bigger, and definitely upped the difficulty, which is great! It feels like a really personal adventure, and I’m constantly finding new ways to tackle the increasingly challenging combat.

What truly stands out in Grime II is its stunning art style, which manages to make even frightening creatures and environments beautiful. The game’s colorful and detailed worldbuilding is captivating, and while the combat is solid, it’s the artistry that really draws you in. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Metroidvanias or new to the series, Grime II is a game you won’t want to miss.

Pros: Cons:
Gorgeously realized world and top-notch art design create a stunning setting. Occasional glitches can interrupt an otherwise well-designed action.
Improved combat mechanics — especially the “Mold” ability — deliver on memorable battles. Distinctively strange and at times purposefully unsettling art style might not be for everyone.
Massive overworld and gorgeously realized boss battles deliver a great Metroidvania experience.

The Quest Of The Formless

In Grime II, developed by Clover Bite, you play as the Formless, a strange being in a broken world. Guided by an unknown power, the Formless travels the land, defeating monsters and absorbing everything it finds to grow stronger. The game focuses on challenging combat and exploration, and as you progress, you’ll unlock a variety of weapons and abilities to help you conquer the dangers ahead.

In Grime II, players can transform enemies into “Molds,” letting them absorb the enemy’s strengths and then summon them for help. This ability fits perfectly with the game’s story, where the main character explores strange and beautiful environments, learning from the art of both natural and unnatural life. The game intentionally creates an unsettling atmosphere, but balances it with a vibrant color scheme and unique character designs. This combination results in a world that is both twisted and captivating, remaining disturbing yet strangely appealing thanks to its distinctive art style.

The game’s color palette and the way it blends the imagery of mold and paint create a captivating and immersive world. This visual style extends to the level design, which is often difficult but remains enjoyable. Like the beautifully dark atmosphere of games such as Elden Ring, Grime II boasts striking creature designs and worldbuilding that make it a truly unforgettable experience.

How Grime II Plays With The Metroidvania Formula

Grime II offers a classic Metroidvania experience, blending fast-paced, side-scrolling combat with expansive exploration. What makes it special is the variety of weapons, skills, and the unique “Mold” ability, which lets players customize their fighting style. The “Mold” mechanic is particularly clever, allowing you to collect and use abilities mid-battle for a strategic edge. It integrates seamlessly into the combat system, making it easy to create impressive and fluid combos.

The game’s combat, which emphasizes blocking and dodging, feels similar to Dark Souls and other games inspired by it, enhancing the overall experience. A unique health system, where you regain health by defeating enemies, encourages strategic thinking during the visually impressive and exciting boss fights. While the platforming starts out simple, it quickly becomes more complex and inventive, adding welcome variety to the gameplay. The game occasionally suffers from minor technical issues, which can disrupt the smooth movement and beautiful graphics, but these are small problems in an otherwise strong title.

Don’t Just Rise Above the Grime, Become One With It

Grime II doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of gameplay – if you didn’t enjoy the first game, you likely won’t enjoy this one. However, its massive scale makes it a standout title for Metroidvania enthusiasts. Building on the strengths of the original, it offers a deeper and more engaging experience. The game’s huge world perfectly complements its story and presentation, letting players explore freely. The world of Grime II is captivating and subtly tells a story, naturally pulling players in.

Grime II keeps you engaged and builds excitement throughout, while also telling a surprisingly touching story about self-discovery. It’s a fantastic Metroidvania game, expertly blending worldbuilding with clever game design. Though not perfect, this beautiful adventure is a must-play for anyone who loves the classic games that defined the genre.

Comicbook.com received a PS5 copy of Grimes II for the purposes of this review.

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2026-03-30 21:40