Unravel Two is a 2018 puzzle platformer game developed by Coldwood Studio which takes a second adventure with two Yarny, an anthropomorphic creature made out of yarn, as the severed ties bonds these together as they go on an adventure that tells a story of an unbreakable friendship.
Three years after the debut title from Coldwood Studio was released and the first game published via EA Originals – the game studio’s independent games wing – Unravel Two made its surprise drop during E3 2018, which brought a lot of happiness for fans of the adorable lead character Yarny. While Unravel was solely a single player experience, its sequel is first a co-op gaming experience that can also be played in single player. Yet it achieves so much more than just adding a co-op experience. It also improves its game design from almost every angle. The frustrations of the first game have all been addressed while retaining all the charms of its predecessor, making Unravel Two a great adventure to go on … preferably with a friend. Honestly, the co-op elements are implemented flawlessly. It takes into account the difficulties of co-op and adds in the option for the two Yarnys to bind together, which, when needed, can make passing a puzzle far easier. While some puzzles and co-op techniques do end up being a bit repetitive, the puzzles and solutions are always refreshing, especially with the numerous different scenes each of the chapters offer.
In terms of length, the main campaign is slightly less in time. That might be a concern for some, however, the co-op experience does offer a lot more depth as it takes the two Yarny companions into portals that transport them to different backdrops and different puzzles, mechanics and even enemies that all tie into the greater story that it is trying to tell, that of friendship and companionship. As a bonus, Unravel Two also adds in extra hidden challenges that unlock throughout the game, which can be played to improve coordination but is not necessary to complete the main campaign. It is all set in the main lighthouse lobby that unlocks and when the main campaign is finished, it can still be accessed as additional game time.
Unravel Two retains a lot of the memorable elements from the first game. The soundtrack and environmental sounds all work well together. It’s thrilling when it needs to be and emotional and somber when the things call for darker or mysterious moments. The landscape is detailed and brings a lot of natural scenery to play but this story brings in a human aspect as well and for that, it takes a few levels to more industrial settings or buildings and facilities. It is a good change in environment and pace that transitions smoothly. Not many sequels do better than their predecessors, but Unravel Two definitely does.