ELEX II is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic science fantasy world. Players control Jax as he navigates the planet Magalan, using a jetpack to traverse vast landscapes while dealing with a new invasion that threatens all life through the spread of dark Elex. The game emphasizes freedom in how the story unfolds, with decisions that shape alliances and personal outcomes.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around exploration of a large hand-crafted open world, combat encounters, and interaction with a reactive environment. Movement relies heavily on the jetpack, which allows players to cover distances quickly, scale terrain, and even achieve short flights across the map. This system encourages verticality and creative pathfinding in the diverse biomes that make up Magalan.
Combat mixes melee and ranged options with an updated control scheme that aims for smoother execution than the original game. Players manage stamina during fights, face enemies with their own endurance bars, and build characters around attributes like strength, dexterity, intelligence, and constitution. These stats gate access to better gear and abilities. Faction membership unlocks specialized skills, such as magic for one group or advanced technology for another, which integrate into both combat and progression.
Non-player characters remember past actions and adjust their responses accordingly. Companions can join or depart based on behavior, and their potential deaths carry lasting story effects. Moral choices appear throughout quests, influencing reputation and long-term alliances without forcing a single path.
Game Modes
ELEX II operates entirely as a single-player experience. There are no multiplayer components or separate modes beyond the main campaign. Progression centers on an open-world structure where players pursue the central narrative at their own pace, complete side activities, and align with different groups to alter available content and endings.
The campaign integrates exploration, combat, and dialogue trees into one continuous journey. Faction quests provide additional layers of depth, but all activity remains within the single-player framework. No competitive or cooperative variants exist.
World and Factions
Magalan features multiple distinct regions tied to different groups. Five factions stand out as joinable options: the Berserkers, who focus on magical abilities; the Albs, with their technological edge; the Clerics, known for engineering and robotic constructs; the Outlaws, who favor a more independent and rugged approach; and the Morkons. Each offers unique quests, equipment, and skill trees that reward commitment through reputation gains.
A sixth group, the Skyands, remains hostile throughout and serves as the primary external threat. Players can attempt to stay independent or switch allegiances under certain conditions, though each choice locks out some opportunities while opening others. The world reacts to these decisions through altered dialogues, quest availability, and NPC attitudes.
Is It Worth Playing?
ELEX II suits players who appreciate complex faction systems and choice-driven narratives in open-world action RPGs. The jetpack traversal and attribute-based progression create a distinctive loop for those willing to engage with its systems. Patches released after launch addressed some technical issues on consoles, including performance options on PS5.
Reception has been mixed, with praise for the scope of the world and consequences of actions alongside criticism of combat feel and overall polish. Those familiar with the developer's earlier titles often find value in the expanded faction interactions and story branches. Newcomers may encounter a steeper learning curve due to the deliberate pacing and reactive world design. Availability on PS5 makes it accessible for console players interested in this style of single-player RPG.
