Vertigo 2: Into The Aether Is A Sturdy Conclusion For The Sequence

Vertigo 2: Into the Aether delivers a powerful enlargement to the PC VR hit that ends the collection on a excessive word. Learn on for our full impressions.

When Zach Tsiakalis-Brown launched the ‘Bottomless Replace’ again in late 2023, I used to be ready to simply accept that Vertigo 2 had run its course. Whereas I did not assessment it myself, my former colleague Harry summed it up effectively. Vertigo 2 is a sport constructed on sturdy foundations that elevated the collection even additional, and the sequel delivered one thing really particular. It is a sport I take into account to be a necessary PC VR expertise.

To say I have been intrigued about Into the Aether since its announcement can be an understatement. It is maybe finest described as an prolonged epilogue that takes roughly 2-3 hours to finish, exploring the aftermath of the primary sport’s ‘Sacrifice’ ending. You possibly can play it with out beating Vertigo 2, although it is naturally really helpful that you simply full the primary sport first.

I am going to hold this mild for spoiler avoidance. This enlargement sees you enjoying as Brian on a mission for Kauboi in an try to make amends for what occurred earlier than. It is a fantastic continuation to an already sturdy narrative that held my curiosity all through, balancing this with Vertigo’s nice humorousness as Brian seeks to free the final residing Architect from its jail.

Into the Aether options 4 chapters, but most of your time is spent in only one that leans significantly into Metroidvania-style gameplay. Forward of you lies the ultimate boss who might be challenged at any level, but doing so results in a predictably unhealthy time even on the best issue. Defeating them requires a number of instruments to help your journey, all of that are scattered via this unusual labyrinth.

Admittedly, I initially struggled to search out the “proper path” as Into the Aether’s open-ended development means you may attain the proper space on the fallacious time. One instance noticed me run for my life up a flight of stairs whereas taking fireplace from the snipers on the backside, barely surviving however with simply sufficient well being to accumulate a key artifact upon reaching my vacation spot. Repeated deaths upon attempting to depart made me understand that maybe I wasn’t presupposed to get right here but.

That is the place Into the Aether’s new instruments progressively come into play, since you do not have the identical arsenal as the primary sport. Most distinguished is the ‘Void Grappler’ that attaches to most surfaces and allows you to swing round like Spider-Man, which seems like a rush and a fantastic new mechanic that opens up exploration. It may possibly construct up some intense pace should you proceed swinging round a set goal, so I would advise warning with the consolation settings should you’re liable to movement illness.

Aerial exploration through the Void Grappler is arguably the largest new function right here, and getting it proper takes observe. Some areas are protected by a Sand Glass problem that enables you restricted time to achieve the usually sealed room and declare your prize, and failing these missions can result in a prolonged journey again. Finishing these presents a helpful reward with Soul Rings, which are not completely gated behind such challenges, however these important gadgets each cut back harm and improve your assault energy. So it pays to be thorough.

Your different key merchandise is a brand new defensive possibility referred to as the ‘Void Deflector’, which deflects incoming assaults with exact timing. Or, in different phrases, what I ought to have picked up earlier than foolishly making an attempt to hurry previous these snipers. The timing wanted seems like a pleasing steadiness that is neither too strict nor too lenient, and this conveniently serves a twin function of gathering vitality for a counterattack with a particular weapon.

What’s right here seems like a refreshing change of tempo that is a welcome extension of Vertigo 2’s gameplay whereas delivering its personal inventive concepts. Into the Aether’s fight stays simply as satisfying as the bottom sport, the weapons dealing with stays nice, and I really feel compelled to completely discover this unusual new location to uncover all of its hidden secrets and techniques.

That is earlier than we get into the presentation, too. This new atmosphere strikes a particular visible tone that mixes an virtually monochromatic aesthetic with shades of crimson, making a quietly unnerving feeling throughout exploration with out ever changing into scary. I say that even with the grotesque but creatively designed creatures lurking inside, each useless or alive, and the Aether additionally performs host to some entertaining environmental puzzle fixing.

For anybody significantly within the narrative, the ‘Keep out of the Aether’ illustrated brief story is a pleasant digital bonus included with the DLC. Studying this is not important earlier than leaping into the sport, but the addition of latest idea artwork and extra info like a map and report concerning the Aether is actually welcome.

After a protracted journey from Vertigo Remastered to Into the Aether, I am unhappy that that is the top of the road. Tsiakalis-Brown calls this “the ultimate entry within the Vertigo collection,” which left him desirous to “make it one thing particular.” The brand new mechanics really feel nice, it is visually distinctive whereas remaining aesthetically interesting to discover, and there is a lot to like concerning the new Metroidvania-style gameplay. Frankly, I could not ask for a greater conclusion.

Vertigo 2 is accessible now on SteamVR, whereas Into the Aether arrives on April 25 for $9.99. We’ll be airing a pre-recorded stream subsequent week with Zach Tsiakalis-Brown the place we undergo many of the enlargement on our YouTube channel, so be certain to tune in.

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