Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed revitalizes a cult classic, bringing the quirky alien invasion adventure back for modern audiences. This remake stays remarkably true to the 2006 original, offering a nostalgic experience for returning fans while introducing Cryptosporidium-137 and his destructive antics to a new generation.
This remake retains the core elements that made the original a fan favorite. Players control Crypto, a foul-mouthed Furon alien, as he wreaks havoc across the globe, battling the KGB, giant monsters, and even hippies. The core gameplay, mission structure, and storyline remain largely unchanged, providing a distinctly PS2/Xbox era experience on modern hardware.
destroy-all-humans-2-reprobed.jpgCrypto returns to wreak havoc in Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed.
A Faithful Recreation, For Better or Worse
This faithful approach is a double-edged sword. While it preserves the charm of the original, it also highlights its age. The open-world gameplay, while innovative for its time, feels somewhat limited compared to modern titles. The repetitive nature of some main and side missions might deter newcomers unfamiliar with the original’s quirks. The game heavily relies on the strength of its core gameplay loop, which centers around Crypto’s destructive arsenal.
Chaotic Combat and Updated Visuals
Fortunately, the combat remains engaging. Crypto’s arsenal of alien weaponry is as entertaining as ever, allowing players to unleash devastating attacks like summoning meteors to obliterate entire city blocks. This unique and over-the-top combat is arguably the game’s strongest aspect, holding up remarkably well even by today’s standards.
Visually, Reprobed is a significant upgrade. Character models are more detailed while retaining their cartoonish aesthetic. Enhanced lighting and vibrant colors breathe new life into the environments, although the simplistic city designs occasionally betray the game’s origins. Ironically, these improved visuals also expose some of the original’s limitations, particularly the scale and structure of the game world.
destroy-all-humans-2-reprobed-screenshot4.jpgImproved visuals bring Crypto and his world to life.
Technical Hiccups and Audio Inconsistencies
Despite the visual improvements, Reprobed suffers from some technical issues. Screen tearing, especially during UFO sections, and noticeable texture pop-in detract from the overall experience. These problems are surprising given the game’s exclusivity to current-gen consoles.
Audio inconsistencies also plague the experience. Dialogue repetition when skipping cutscenes, unremastered voice lines, and uneven audio mixing further highlight the game’s age. These audio issues, while not game-breaking, are noticeable and detract from the immersion.
destroy-all-humans-2-big-ben.pngCrypto takes on iconic landmarks in his quest for global domination.
New Additions and Co-op Fun
Reprobed does offer a few new additions, including a variety of cosmetic outfits for Crypto and, most notably, split-screen co-op. This allows players to experience the entire game with a friend, a welcome feature for fans of local multiplayer.
A Nostalgic Blast from the Past
Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed is a faithful recreation of a beloved classic. While its adherence to the original design results in some dated gameplay elements, the chaotic combat and updated visuals provide an enjoyable experience, particularly for returning fans. Newcomers might find the repetitive missions and technical issues a deterrent, but for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the early days of open-world gaming, Reprobed offers a fun, albeit flawed, alien adventure.
Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed released on August 30, 2022, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. This review was conducted on a PlayStation 5 using a review code provided by the publisher.
