In a world where IP is king and sequels are the golden goose, Tomorrow Corporation’s World of Goo 2 feels like a commentary on the industry’s insatiable hunger. It’s a meta sequel that doesn’t just offer new puzzles, but also serves as a reflection on the original’s legacy, imagining an alternate timeline where the series never stopped.
Like its 2008 predecessor, World of Goo 2 is a puzzle game that challenges players to build structures out of goo balls, but this time with an emphasis on liquids. The core concept feels fresh, with levels transforming into Rube Goldberg machines where players manipulate geysers of oil, grind goo balls, and build bridges over lava. The tension of the original is amplified by these unpredictable obstacles, adding a thrilling element to each puzzle.
However, not every new idea hits the mark. A particularly frustrating puzzle sets players in a pitch black room where they must maneuver light-up balls while building a structure. It’s an outlier in the game’s design, feeling like a random experiment thrown into the mix. The game’s scattershot approach to new mechanics can be jarring, with some appearing and disappearing before players fully grasp their potential.
The fourth chapter delivers a surprising twist, much like The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. It directly addresses the franchise’s legacy and lampoons the industry’s obsession with churning out sequels, even at the expense of fresh ideas. It’s a delightful and absurd commentary that brings the entire project together, reflecting Tomorrow Corporation’s recurring themes of consumerism and endless cycles.
Despite its clever satire, World of Goo 2 suffers from a frustrating control scheme. The Nintendo Switch version, which only offers touchscreen or motion controls, is particularly problematic. Motion control, while initially appealing, quickly becomes unreliable with its constant drifting, requiring constant recalibration. Touch controls, while more functional, are still imperfect, especially in levels with a multitude of goo types.
Clunky controls also plague other mechanics, such as flipping a cube to change the direction of gravity. The game’s undo button, presented as a tiny, often camouflaged fly, adds to the frustration. Its unpredictable rewind function can undo more work than desired, or barely go back at all.
Despite its control woes, World of Goo 2 retains Tomorrow Corporation’s signature presentation, boasting an orchestrated soundtrack and an interactive cartoon aesthetic. A late-game twist even sees the developer experimenting with new art styles, as a satirical nod to other genres.
World of Goo 2 is a testament to the original’s legacy, serving as a reminder of its enduring impact despite the industry’s constant evolution. It’s a reflection on the ever-growing structures of gaming, which can sometimes become unstable and precarious. It’s a reminder that even in a world obsessed with sequels and constant innovation, the foundations of good games will always matter.
