If you liked Penny Arcade Episode 1, there's more to love here -- just enough has changed to make it fun again.
If you've not played the first installment, I would highly recommend you start with it, though you can start with Episode 2 (you don't need to have Episode 1 to play -- while Episode 2 isn't a sequel, it is a completely stand-alone second installment). Episode 1 features a much more thorough and careful tutorial aspect to it, carefully teaching each portion of the surprisingly varied gameplay. Episode 2 has more of a "tutorial light" feel. Also, you can download trial versions of
either Episode to make sure it's your cup of tea. If you don't like the humor, you'll hate the game, and even if you do like the humor, you may hate the gameplay, so a play through of the trial is highly recommended.
So what's new in Episode 2? Initially, I thought "not much", but as it turns out, there are plenty of tid-bits to keep you happy for the low, low price of 1200 points ($15). I'll list a few here, reserving several of the new bits for you to discover (no spoilers here). Most
importantly, the art style is still wonderfully intact, as is the sharp (and again, either endearing or off-putting) writing throughout.
First, you can import your character from the first episode, continuing his, Gabe's, and Tycho's stats from the first game. However, your special attacks, overkill bonuses, and combo attacks start from scratch, and they're brand-new. The specials now feature new control mechanisms, making them fresh again. This includes changes like a right-bumper/left-bumper "Guitar Hero"-esque rhythm sequence you accomplish for Gabe's special attack. The other special attack changes are a bit more superficial, but still make it more interesting, and more challenging.
Also, aside from Anne-Claire's room, all of the locales are brand new, with new bad guys, bosses, and things to bash (we still have crates and trash cans, but this game adds some disturbing other "containers" to bash...). Likewise, there is a fully-fleshed-out new plotline,
baddies, cut-scenes, etc. to keep you thoroughly entertained throughout. (On that note: the humor and writing are still definitely not for kids... when you have a main locale with a name that includes the F-bomb, you know what you're in for with the rest of the dialog.)
Another key change is that enemies are a bit smarter and will now move about to work together. For example, you may encounter a single bad-guy, or beat down a pack to a single bad-guy, and suddenly, he will flee, ending that combat session. You then see him on the main game screen run to join another group of enemies. It's nice, because
it takes away the tedium of an overly-easy battle. Also in combat, they've changed the technique to indicate to you when to block, by actually showing the word "block" at the key moment, but you'll still need catlike reflexes and some anticipation skill to turn a normal
block into a counterattack. (It may just be me, but it seemed straight-up blocks are easier this time 'round...)
Some of the in-game items (improvements, weapons) have changed to keep things interesting, though their net effect is about the same. Tycho now carries a shotgun, and the protagonist has moved on to a garden hoe. Gabe is still the Punch Out king, though.
Specific to the Xbox edition, there are 12 new achievements that cover the mundane (reach a certain level) to the clever (hint: make sure you read the achievement list BEFORE you start your new game!).
Overall, there's still a lot to like in the new Penny Arcade Episode 2. Though the gameplay has some tweaks in Episode 2, I do wonder a bit what Episode 3 will hold, as I fear this formula will get tiresome through two more episodes. That said, I'm excited to find out!