Following up the hidden gem Habroxia, developer Lillymo Game’s newest title sends players back into space against a returning alien threat. Habroxia 2 is a retro non-linear space shooter that features an all-new storyline, taking the series in a new direction. It would be easy to cash in on a copy and paste upgrade; however, Lillymo Games has implemented enough new features to allow for players new and old to experience this title, even if they are not fans of retro space shooters.

Unlike the first game, Habroxia 2 features a narrative that Last Stand Media’s Founder writes: Colin Moriarty. It follows Sabrina, a rebellious girl who is constantly trying to prove her skill and earn her father’s pride. When her father does not report back from his mission, Sabrina takes matters into her own hands and sets off searching for his last known location.

Unfortunately, the story does not expand on its original premise, outside of the tutorial where Sabrina is training with her father. Throughout most of the game, the story takes a backseat to gameplay. Once the final boss is defeated, the narrative picks up again for its conclusion, and that is it. The only time players see or interact with Sabrina and her mission is during the game’s beginning and end. With a talented writer helming the narrative, it is a shame there was no plot sprinkled in between levels. 

Where Habroxia 2 lacks in narrative, it makes up for in gameplay. Habroxi 2 is the most enjoyable title made by Lillymo Games to date. This retro space shooter is designed to rekindle memories of old arcade titles and add relevance to them once again. At first attempt, the title can seem challenging for those who are not familiar with a retro space shooter style. However, with the game’s returning upgrade system, players will find themselves blasting through every enemy type in no time. 

Habroxia 2 reintroduces the same upgrade system found in the previous title, albeit with a more refined economy. In the first Habroxia, players could easily have most skulls fully upgraded before the credits had rolled. However, in Habroxia 2, the cost per upgrade has dramatically been increased, adding more value and weight to each selection. If you are someone who gets anxious staring at a screen with numerous upgrade potential, Habroxia 2 provides a solution where upgrades can be refunded if you feel like you’re suddenly at a disadvantage or simply want to test out other playstyles. To keep things semi-balanced, there is a negative return on investment when an upgrade is refunded. If it costs two hundred credits to purchase an upgrade, refunding will only return one hundred. 

Unlike the first title, ability upgrades are less vital and useful in the sequel. It is possible to complete the game without upgrading any pick-up abilities. Prioritizing ship upgrades will overpower the player and allow for secondary objectives to be accomplished with ease. This, unfortunately, brings out the game’s most significant flaw: an unbalanced upgrade system. As of right now, the only way to work around this issue is to take advantage of the refund system and experiment with multiple playstyles. 

Returning players will quickly notice the lack of enemy variety in Habroxia 2. Most enemy types are reintroductions from the previous title and can sometimes limit each new level’s mysticism when familiarity sets in. Recognizing a returning enemy will translate to understanding its attack pattern, eliminating some of the new area’s challenges. Despite featuring mostly returning enemies, Habroxia 2 includes a few new bosses that will add a new twist on the title’s traditional gameplay structure, such as chasing a boss through debris-filled space as it shoots back at you. 

Another way Habroxia 2 innovates upon the original is in its presentation. Levels are selected via Galaxy map, which serves as the game’s main menu. This is a huge step up from the arcade-style of the traditional menu found in the first Habroxia. Additionally, most levels feature secondary objectives to complete. From rescuing lost Astronauts to eliminating an enemy bounty, there is always an additional task to keep an eye out when playing through the levels. One of the best features in the game is the introduction of hidden paths and secondary bosses. Almost every level in Habroxia 2 features a secret path that, when taken, can open up an entirely new area and new boss for players to challenge. 

Habroxia 2 also contains a New Game Plus mode for those who wish to see the adventure through a second time. This mode allows players to bring forth all ship and ability upgrades as they play through each level again at an increased difficulty. In NG+, there are more enemies present in each level, and bosses have more health and even a few extra tricks up their sleeve. There is also a narrative incentive to completing NG+, as it includes a secret ending that is only visible if players complete that mode.

The soundtrack featured in Habroxia 2 deserves its recognition. Composed by HangOnGetReady, this soundtrack perfectly synergizes with each level, elevating their intensity. Even though the developer’s previous titles tend to feature a score that accompanies the game’s themes, none feels as perfect of a pair as Habroxia 2’s. Every song matches the game’s chaotic bullet-hell aesthetic, creating an unmatched experience by other retro space shooters.

Habroxia 2 would not be a Lillymo Games title without extra modes to satiate the player’s desire for more. Included in this package are Boss Rush Mode and Boost Mode, one of which is exactly as it sounds. In Boss Rush Mode, players will face off against the game’s many bosses to see how far they can get before exhausting all their lives. Once the first round of bosses is complete and the final boss is slain, players will find themselves going toe-to-toe with the NG+ counterparts. Boost Mode does not include any enemies or shooting; instead, boost is activated the entire time. In this mode, players are tasked with navigating through fast-paced environments without crashing. Boost Mode’s goal is to make it to the finish line alive while collecting as many points as possible. 

However, it is rather unfortunate that Habroxia 2 does not include the same attention to detail in additional modes that the developer’s previous title, Twin Breaker: A Sacred Symbols Adventure, has. Even the original Habroxia had extras that are absent from the sequel. The developer could have implemented a mode that takes advantage of the game’s vertical levels or one that prioritizes saving Astronauts, as they are featured in every level. 

Overall, Habroxia 2 is a stellar addition to the Lillymo Games catalogue. Although it does not innovate on every aspect of the original, there are enough new gameplay mechanics and additional modes that make this title worth playing. Despite the narrative leaving more to be desired, Habroxia 2 makes up for its ability to marry addictive gameplay with a catchy soundtrack. All in all, it is a fitting sequel to an already wonderful series.