Necrosmith 2 is the sequel to the 2022 simulation strategy game developed and published by Alawar. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Necrosmith 2 Review Overview
What is Necrosmith 2?
Resurrected from the depths of darkness, the necromancer simulator returns with a vengeance! Forge an army of undead minions, each crafted from a myriad of body parts and endowed with unique abilities. Command your unholy legion to scour the land for precious resources, lay waste to enemy towers and monstrous adversaries, and navigate a procedurally generated world teeming with life and death day and night. Unleash your dark powers and conquer the realm in this thrilling necromantic conquest!
Necrosmith 2 features:
⚫︎ Necromancy Ability to Assemble the dead back to life with various abilities and skills
⚫︎ Upgradable Necromancer Tower with various add-ons and abilities
⚫︎ 2-D Pixel Art Style
⚫︎ Fully Procedurally Generated World with different environments and resources
⚫︎ 2D-pixel art style
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
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| $7.99 | |||||
Necrosmith 2 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Necromancy Fun Addicting Tower Defense and Exploration Gorgeous Pixel Art |
Some AI Problems Selecting Undead Stops their Action |
Necrosmith 2 Overall Score - 80/100
Necrosmith 2 is a Frankenstein's monster of game genres, stitched together with addictive rogue-lite, action-packed automated battles, and strategic gameplay that is more addicting than a Zombie’s addiction to Brains! Its blend of elements somehow works seamlessly. Whether you're exploring expansive biomes or defending your tower against relentless monsters, the thrill never dies down. Not to mention, this game’s gorgeously deadly visuals are a feast for the eyes. However, like the resurrected dead, some AI opponents can leave you feeling dismembered and frustrated.
Necrosmith 2 Story - 5/10
Much like a zombie shuffling without its brain, Necrosmith is devoid of a fleshed-out story—but that's completely forgivable given its focus on other aspects. Storytelling clearly isn't their top priority here. However, amidst the lack of narrative depth, there's some charming banter between the Necrosmith and their cat to keep things lively.
Necrosmith 2 Gameplay - 9/10
Prepare for dangerously addictive gameplay! Necrosmith isn't just about mindlessly raising zombies—it's a captivating blend of genres that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The difficulty curve ramps up faster than a zombie outbreak, going from Walking Dead
easy to full-on zombie apocalypse hard mode as you progress. This game has turned me into a true Necromaniac.
Necrosmith 2 Visuals - 9/10
This game is drop-dead gorgeous. Its pixel art is simply breathtaking, boasting vibrant colors and mesmerizing animations that breathe life into every scene. It's almost ironic how lively the art is, considering the game's subject matter revolves around the undead!
Necrosmith 2 Audio - 7/10
When it comes to audio, this game earns a solid Zom-B rating. The music serves its purpose well with a few catchy tunes, but none that linger in your mind long after you've stopped playing. As for the sound effects, they're decent enough, reminiscent of the 16-bit era, but nothing that'll blow your brains out with amazement.
Necrosmith 2 Value for Money - 10/10
For a mere $8, this game packs a punch that rivals titles triple its price. With 8-12 hours of gameplay, it offers substantial value, made even sweeter by its procedurally generated world and extensive customization options. It's a steal at this price point, offering endless replayability and bang for your buck.
Necrosmith 2 Review: A Game Worth Your Undying Attention
Necrosmith 2 is an addictive blend of genres that somehow all blend perfectly. In this strategic tower defense game with rogue-lite flair, you play the role of a Necromancer who refuses to let the dead rest in peace, stitching together zombies from various body parts to do your bidding.
Whether it's scavenging for resources, launching attacks on enemies, or defending your tower, the undead under your command are at your beck and call. With an automated battle system that keeps the action flowing, controlling your army feels intuitive, thanks to responsive AI that rarely misses a beat (for the most part).
While Necrosmith 2 offers an exhilarating undead experience, there are moments when the AI feels brain-dead…literally. For instance, when tasked with gathering resources, zombies can sometimes ignore nearby items, requiring manual intervention with the WASD keys.
This becomes particularly frustrating when the desired resources are practically within arm's reach. Moreover, controlling the zombies can feel sluggish, especially when they move at a snail's pace. It's a minor setback that can detract from an otherwise immersive experience.
Fortunately, the AI quirks don't overshadow the overall enjoyment of the game, and there's hope that future updates will refine these aspects. Creating zombies remains a gratifying experience, offering a plethora of customization options. Whether you're outfitting your undead minions with swords for enhanced melee prowess or designing specialized zombies for exploration with adaptable legs and bodies, the possibilities are endless.
This customization adds depth to the exploration aspect of the game, making each journey uniquely tailored to your preferences.
Navigating through the worlds and defending your tower provides a deeply satisfying experience, particularly in the later stages where the monsters ramp up their aggression. The need for micro-management and optimization becomes paramount to avoid defeat, as losing your necromancer tower spells game over.
Fortunately, the game offers plenty of in-game customization tools and options to strengthen your tower defenses and exploration capabilities, ensuring that gameplay remains engaging and enjoyable.
Losing or replaying levels is par for the course in Necrosmith 2, designed in true rogue-lite fashion where death is an integral part of the experience. While repeating worlds may initially seem burdensome, there's a strangely relaxing quality to mastering resource management and strategic planning.
Despite flying under the radar for most gamers, this game is an absolute gem that demands your undying attention and is worth every penny.
Pros of Necrosmith 2
| Things Necrosmith 2 Got Right |
|---|
|
Necromancy Fun Addicting Tower Defense and Exploration Gorgeous Pixel Art |
Necromancy Fun
Becoming a Necromaniac wasn't on my bucket list, but Necrosmith 2's zombie customization has me roped in like a relentless corpse refusing to kick the bucket and rest in peace. The sheer breadth of options for assembling your undead army is staggering. It doesn't matter if you're piecing together zombies of different races or ones lacking in skin—there's no discrimination here. You're free to unleash your morbid creativity and craft zombies to suit your whims. While there are recipes to follow for specific perks, the real fun lies in forging your own path. Want a beefy defender with fortified limbs and a mean swing?
Go for it. Need a nimble scavenger to gather resources? Build one with lighter parts. And let's not forget about the Titans—a powerhouse creation born from the sacrifice of countless zombie parts. Sure, they're a bit sluggish, but they're perfect for guarding the necromancer tower and turning the tide in your favor. Trust me, you'll want to recruit these behemoths into your undead army.
Addicting Tower Defense and Exploration
Engaging in tower defense and exploration in this game is an absolute blast. While I typically prefer hands-on control of my minions, there's something uniquely satisfying about defending your tower against relentless waves of enemies. The ability to strategically hinder monsters and thwart their attacks by destroying their own bases adds a whole new layer of enjoyment.
But it's not just about defense—exploration is equally thrilling. Whether it's traversing stunning landscapes, discovering resources and structures to aid your progress, or experiencing the dynamic day-night cycle that impacts both monsters and your zombies, every moment is packed with excitement. And with procedurally generated worlds, you never know what surprises await around the corner.
Gorgeous Pixel Art
The 2D-pixel art in this game is simply breathtaking, offering a visually stunning experience that's to die for. The biomes are particularly impressive, boasting beautiful and vast details of different terrains from hellscape lava to a crop-filled area. Personally, I find the zombie sprites to be especially noteworthy—their design is remarkably well-crafted, even when pieced together from a variety of body parts.
Cons of Necrosmith 2
| Things That Necrosmith 2 Can Improve |
|---|
|
Some AI Problems Selecting Undead Stops their Action |
Some AI Problems
In Necrosmith 2, where automated battles and minion management reign supreme, occasional AI shortcomings can sour the experience. There are frustrating moments when minions inexplicably neglect their duties, ignoring nearby resources vital for progress. While players have the option to intervene manually, the sluggish movement of minions can be annoying, detracting from more pressing matters.
Selecting Undead Stops their Action
This isn't really an AI problem, but more of a design choice by the developers. I find it frustrating that when you manually control one of your minions, they stop whatever they are doing. This can be a big issue, especially when you're in a tough situation, like defending your tower from an insane amount of monsters. It would be better if the minions kept working while you control them, instead of pausing their tasks. Sure, you can pause the game to issue commands, but it would be more convenient if the AI kept going on its own.
Is Necrosmith 2 Worth It?
Necrosmith 2 Deserves Your Undying Attention
Despite these minor downsides, Necrosmith 2 remains incredibly fun and a great value for your money. At just $8, you get a game with tons of replayability, customization options, and hours of exploration. It's definitely worth every penny and I hope they add DLC in the future!
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
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| $7.99 | |||||
Necrosmith 2 FAQ
Do You Have to Play Necrosmith 1 to Play 2?
No, playing the first installment isn't necessary to enjoy Necrosmith 2. The game features a comprehensive tutorial, and its lack of narrative means you won't miss out on any crucial story elements by starting with this sequel.
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Necrosmith 2 Product Information
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| Title | NECROSMITH 2 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 27, 2024 |
| Developer | Alawar |
| Publisher | Alawar |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam) |
| Genre | Tower Defense, Simulation, Roguelite |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Necrosmith 2 Website |
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