Janosik 2

Janosik 2, developed by Onix Games and published by Retrovibe, is a retro-styled action-platformer that builds confidently on classic genre foundations while expanding its scope with more content, tighter mechanics, and a greater sense of progression. It draws clear inspiration from old-school platformers, but rather than simply imitating them, it refines their core ideas into a more modern, cohesive experience that feels both nostalgic and thoughtfully designed. The gameplay centers on precise movement and responsive combat, two elements that define nearly every moment of the experience. Players guide the titular hero through a variety of stages filled with traps, enemies, and platforming challenges that demand careful timing and awareness. Controls are sharp and reliable, allowing for quick reactions and fluid navigation, which is essential given the game’s emphasis on precision. Difficulty gradually increases as new hazards and enemy behaviors are introduced, but the design remains fair, encouraging players to learn through repetition rather than punishing them with unpredictable mechanics. One of the most noticeable improvements in this sequel is the addition of multiple playable characters. Each character brings a distinct set of abilities that can be used to approach challenges in different ways. Some are better suited for traversal, others for combat or interacting with specific elements in the environment. This system adds a layer of flexibility to both exploration and gameplay, as players must decide which character is best suited for a given situation. It also introduces a subtle strategic element, encouraging experimentation without overwhelming the player with complexity. Level design is a major strength throughout the game. Stages are carefully constructed to balance linear progression with optional exploration, rewarding players who take the time to investigate their surroundings. Hidden areas, collectibles, and upgrades are scattered throughout, often hinted at through environmental cues rather than explicitly revealed. This encourages a more deliberate pace, where curiosity is consistently rewarded. While the game maintains a level-based structure, interconnected elements and recurring locations give the world a sense of cohesion that goes beyond simple stage progression. Combat has been refined to feel more fluid and impactful. Encounters are fast-paced, with enemies requiring different approaches depending on their behavior. Boss fights serve as key highlights, introducing distinct patterns and mechanics that test the player’s understanding of both movement and combat systems. These encounters break up the rhythm of platforming and provide memorable moments, even if some of them lean toward accessibility rather than extreme challenge. Visually, the game embraces a vibrant pixel art style that captures the charm of classic platformers while incorporating modern polish. Environments are varied and detailed, drawing inspiration from folklore and fantasy themes that give the world a unique identity. Character animations are smooth and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of responsiveness. The soundtrack complements the gameplay with energetic compositions that enhance the pacing and reinforce the game’s tone without becoming repetitive. Progression is tied to exploration and completion, with players unlocking upgrades that improve survivability and combat effectiveness. Additional content, including optional objectives and multiple endings, adds replay value for those who wish to fully explore everything the game has to offer. This structure provides a satisfying sense of growth, as players become more capable and better equipped to handle the challenges ahead. While Janosik 2 excels in many areas, it does not significantly deviate from established genre conventions. Its mechanics and structure remain familiar, which may limit its impact for players seeking innovation. Minor technical quirks and occasional lack of polish in certain systems can also be noticed, though they rarely interfere with the overall experience. Ultimately, Janosik 2 is a well-crafted and engaging platformer that succeeds through refinement rather than reinvention. It delivers a consistent and rewarding experience built on strong fundamentals, offering a balance of challenge, exploration, and variety that keeps players invested from start to finish. For fans of retro-inspired action-platformers, it stands as a polished and enjoyable entry that honors its influences while improving upon them. Rating: 8/10

크게 기대 안했는데, 의외로 상당히 괜찮은 메트로베니아였음. 빠른 게임템포에 길찾기, 플랫포밍, 업그레이드 등 갖출 것은 다 갖추고 있다. 나름 개성있는 그래픽만 좀 적응하면 됨. 간만에 즐긴 메트로베니아 수작임. 패드 권장

Great retro platformer that captures the spirit of games of the past.

Just scratched the surface of the game and I have to write a review on this gem without have much time on it cause it's already blowing my mind, mind you I've heard of the legend before playing this game, but the game!!! Jill of the Jungle vibes, if anyone even remembers that series, but also my polish grandparents used to tell me stories of him.

This game is so freaking good. I love exploring the bite sized maps. I love how there's a few different ways to overcome obstacles and enemies. I absolutely love the huge number of save points. I love opening new sections of the hubworld and finding new NPCs and powerups. If you like MV's and can appreciate a slightly different take on the world being divided up into smaller maps that are connected to the hubworld instead on continuous connected map this game might be one of the best MV's you ever played. The world seems huge. I don't think I'm even half way through the game and still have one party member to recruit. I've had to return to each map I've completed prior and find new things once I've acquired new skills or just found secrets that I've missed the first time through. The world seems huge. I don't think I'm even half way through the game and still have one party member to recruit. I've had to return to each map I've completed prior and find new things once I've acquired new skills or just found secrets that I've missed the first time through. The few criticisms that I have are minute but for reviews sake I'll list them. I don't really like needing to find a map. I would like it if you automapped the the places you explored and could reference them before finding the map. Once you find the area's map it reveals the whole area. I have found the map in every area I've played so far so it's not a deal breaker. I would like it if jumping was a little floatier and for some reason double jump doesn't trigger sometimes when I expect it to. I've fiddled around with it and still can't pinpoint why it happens. The insane amount of savepoints makes this practically a non-issue. To the dev(s) you should be proud of this game.

手感很不错，内容量大，建议大家把免费的1和2序章也玩一下

Długo wyczekiwałem tego tytułu, zatem kiedy zobaczyłem go na premierze, musiałem go kupić. Grę przeszedłem całą (Nie chciało mi się zrobić osiągnięcia na największego żyda i głaskania zwierząt) I powiem tak. Fenomenalna zabawa o wiele bardziej rozbudowane od poprzedniej części. -Szeroki wachlarz postaci, w porównaniu do poprzedniej osłony -Dużo plansz, nieraz ciekawie zrobionych (zwłaszcza dla wilkołaka) -Ciekawa fabułka jak na grę platformową, byłem mocno zaangażowany -Model ulepszeń postaci - Hanka Mam jednak kilka małych uwag, bardziej feedback. Jeśli ktoś nie chce spoilerować sobie, to niech pominie ten fragment. A zatem: - Umiejętności niektórych postaci wydawały się wymuszone (Pan wampir, który wchodzi w późnej grze chyba najrzadziej nim grałem i jego umiejętności lotu wydawały się do pici, skok elektryczny może użyłem kilka razy bo śmieszna ścieżka dźwiękowa) - Umiejętność zamrażania Hanki jest zbyt potężna na bossach, bo można ich po prostu zamrozić, przełączyć na Janosika i bić ile wlezie. Także hrabia wampir padł bez jakiekolwiek oporu, później chodząc po mapie zrozumiałem że domyślnie trzeba było osłabić jego moce XD - Siekiery janosika jako narzędzie wspinaczkowe. Mianowicie pozwalały przejść zabezpieczenie w postaci śliskich ścian, więc zrobiłem ulepszenia, które domyślnie były "zablokowane" - Bugi kołowrotka Hanki, kiedy próbowałem przeskoczyć "znikające bloki" nad przepaścią. Postać po prostu teleportowała się pod nie i od razu umierałem Na końcu jeszcze dodam, że nieraz żarty były dość żenujące, ale nie przeszkodziło mi to w ogrywaniu tego tytułu jakoś bardzo. Taka bardziej drobna przypierdolka A zatem wyśmienita robota i z niecierpliwością wyczekują na kolejną odsłonę tej sagi!

A very fun and funny quasi-Metroidvania with some interesting character swapping mechanics. Satisfying but doesn't take ages to beat.

Neat 2.

Lots of fun and classic platformer style gameplay. I cleared everything 100% in about 17 hours taking it casually. There are areas that one character or another is better, but I also appreciate that I can clear many of those without having to hyper optimize my usage of those characters. You can fudge it with an alternate. I will say don't spend overly long trying to get into areas you aren't able to get into, you'll get skills along the way that will open them with ease. I did try to get into areas I shouldn't because I find that fun. But it will definitely be easier if you just wait on the skill which will come quickly enough. Game played really well, never had any major issues. I did get a couple times where frame rates began to chug a little unusually. One of the levels near the top of the map was pretty consistent for the issue, but it never created any problems with completing things and didn't persist in other areas of the levels. It was fun and you can see improvements over the original game. The character swaps were a little tricky to get used to, but that's a skill issue. The translations were a little janky at times and some of the dialogue could use a proofread to clean up, but it also adds to the charm for it to be unpolished in that regard. It doesn't hurt anything and not confusing, just makes you double take at times. Anyways, lots of fun, definitely recommend if you enjoy 2d platformers at all. Well worth your time and money.