Welcome back to The Backlog, where we embark on a monthly journey through the world of video games. As Thanksgiving break approaches, it's time to reconnect with loved ones. This November, we're diving into the realm of multiplayer games, and one that has recently captured our family's attention is 'Risk of Rain 2'.

Game Overview and Background

"Risk of Rain 2" is a remarkable third-person shooter crafted by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. Set on an alien planet where humanity traverses the stars, it emerged as an early access title in 2019, following the success of its predecessor, 'Risk of Rain' in 2013. The full release came in 2020 and is now available on various platforms including Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Series X/S, and through Steam on PCs.The premise continues the story from the first game. Players take on the role of crew members from a different ship responding to the distress signal of UES Contact Light. The ship crashed on Petrichor V, and now players must battle ancient enemies.

Survivor Selection

In "Risk of Rain 2", players have a diverse range of survivors to choose from. The Commando is the default and most basic survivor, an experienced fighter suitable for new players. Other survivors like the Huntress, Artificer, and Bandit each bring their own unique skills. The Huntress' arrows auto-seek enemies, aiding those with aiming difficulties. The Artificer acts like a mage, shooting lasers or creating ice walls. The Bandit, as the name suggests, is a cowboy with a shotgun. Personally, I'm drawn to the Railgunner, available through the "Survivors of the Void" expansion. In most shooters, I'm fond of sniper rifles or similar characters. The variety of survivors allows players to customize their gameplay in each run.

Gameplay and Stages

Each time you play, you land in a specific biome on Petrichor V. In these stages, survival is the key as you search for a teleporter. Enemies constantly spawn, and while fighting, you traverse the environment. Boxes around the map contain items to enhance your character. Basic items include health, movement speed, and damage. Some items are more valuable and can be stacked.My strategy with the Railgunner involves stocking up on Tri-Tipped Daggers, Crowbars, Kjaro's Bands, and Hopoo Feathers. While having a variety of items is good, each item generally benefits you in some way. Items also vary in rarity - white are common, green are uncommon, red are legendary, yellow are dropped by bosses, and blue are lunar items with buffs but costs. Purple, or void items, from the "Survivors of the Void" DLC are extremely useful for stacking effects. I often stick with the Seed of Life item as it provides a second life, but it is consumable.The goal in each stage is to collect as many items as possible and find the teleporter. Activating it summons a boss (or multiple bosses). Players must stay within a certain radius of the teleporter to charge it and move to the next area. Each stage becomes more challenging as time goes on, with difficulties ranging from Drizzle to Monsoon and even more intense within the run, starting from Easy and reaching Hard, Impossible, I SEE YOU, I’M COMING FOR YOU, and HAHAHAHA.

Final Bosses and Multiplayer

Most of the story is hidden in item descriptions, enemies, and characters. 'Risk of Rain 2' isn't about a coherent narrative but rather about gameplay and pushing your limits. Every five stages, players have the chance to face the final boss, or they can choose to continue and get stronger for another five stages. Mithrix is the final boss on the moon of Petrichor V. As my brother knows, I've nicknamed him "hammerhead shark guy" due to his shark-like appearance and wielding a hammer. There are also other final bosses like the False Son and the Voidling with the proper DLCs.This game can be enjoyed online with friends or locally through split screen. While playing alone is an option, "Risk of Rain 2" truly shines in multiplayer. It's more fun to be stranded on an alien planet with friends rather than alone.Rating: 4/5 Lunar Coins