Stick RPG 2

Following the success of XGen's cult flash hit Stick RPG in 2003, their plan to release a sequel after Stick Arena didn't go quite as planned, and Stick RPG 2 underwent development hell. After eight long years, the long-awaited Stick RPG 2 was released, much to the joy of XGen and browser/flash game fans in general.

You start off as a penniless stick figure named Oliver (at least that's what the default name in the immigration form at the beginning of the game says) who falls from the sky and is subsequently greeted by a man named Tutorial Ted. It appears you have stumbled upon Paper Thin City, located in the 2.5th dimension, and now you must find your way back to the third dimension by finding 4D objects and giving them to a scientist researching dimensions named Ansei.

The story, while slightly intriguing, is trivial compared to the grand scheme of things. There's so much to do in Paper Thin City that you will often forget the main objective of the game. You can make tons of cash between the path of good and evil, beat up baddies by collecting awesome weapons and perhaps even find love between a number of eligible bachelorettes.

Many jobs require a certain amount of the three stats (strength, intelligence and charisma) and karma (depending on the nature of the work: evil jobs like being a hitman or a drug slinger requires negative karma, while 'good' jobs like a cop or doctor requires positive karma) for you to be accepted, and even more for promotions. Stats can be gained by hitting the gym, studying or getting drunk in their respective facilities. But beware, there is a chance that every job and training you undertake might not go as intended and result in stat reduction and a waste of time and money: it all adds to the challenge of luck.

While some of the extremely millennial, early 2010ish humor and tired pop culture references can be grating for those familiar with sitcoms and adult animation, their original humor is absolutely fantastic. There are even some comedy gold that you may encounter while working or interacting with the citizens of Paper Thin City.

The combat system of the game is a top-down style arcade beat 'em up, unlike the extremely limited turn-based system found in the last game. You can use a wide array of weapons to beat up, burn or shoot the goons you will face within combat zones. After clearing a combat zone, they will reset in a week and increase in difficulty but will also offer better rewards.

Unfortunately Stick RPG 2 also falls victim to the freemium tactic plaguing casual games in recent years. About a quarter of the game's content, isolated in the most upscale side of Paper Thin City is locked and requires buying the downloadable Director's Cut DLC, which will also allow you to play it offline. For 20$, however, it's unlikely that this 3-4 hours long game is worth its fairly hefty price tag.

Still, SRPG 2 improved everything from its predecessor in every aspect. The sheer world detail and interactivity within Paper Thin City is nothing to scoff at, and the game offers an endless degree of replayability and even a near-fourth wall breaking throwback surprise if you pick the left portal at the end of the game. The XGen team had really poured their heart and soul in the arduous 8-year-long development of the sequel, and it all makes for a very worthwhile casual RPG experience.