Lumo 2: A Nostalgic Love Letter to Retro Adventures

When Lumo first appeared nearly a decade ago, it carved out a niche as a quirky homage to the isometric puzzle-platformers of the 1980s. Now, Lumo 2 arrives on Xbox with the weight of nostalgia on its shoulders and the challenge of appealing to modern audiences. From the moment you step into its colourful, angular world, it’s clear that this sequel is not just a continuation but a celebration of retro gaming culture. The developers have leaned heavily into the charm of British microcomputer classics, filling the game with references, playful humor, and a design philosophy that feels like a time capsule from the ZX Spectrum era.

Unlike many modern platformers that rely on cinematic storytelling, Lumo 2 deliberately keeps its plot light and abstract. You step into the role of a small wizard-like character, armed with a glowing staff and a jaunty hat, who finds themselves transported into a strange dimension filled with interconnected rooms, shifting landscapes, and puzzles that feel like miniature worlds in themselves. The premise is simple: you’ve been pulled into this bizarre realm, and your goal is to navigate its challenges, uncover secrets, and ultimately find your way out.

Lumo 2 is designed as a spiritual successor to the classic British microcomputer games of the 1980s and 1990s. You play as a small wizard-like character armed with a glowing staff, navigating a series of interconnected rooms that function like puzzle boxes. Each room presents a unique challenge, sometimes it’s about timing jumps across moving platforms, other times it’s dodging hazards, solving environmental puzzles, or uncovering hidden secrets tucked away in corners. The isometric perspective is central to the experience, forcing players to think carefully about angles, depth, and positioning in ways that modern 3D platformers rarely demand.

One of the standout aspects of the gameplay is its constant evolution. The developers have deliberately avoided repetition by introducing new mechanics and twists as you progress. Rooms shift in perspective, landscapes transform, and puzzles often require experimentation rather than straightforward solutions.

The game’s greatest strength lies in its atmosphere. Each room feels like a puzzle box waiting to be cracked, with clever environmental challenges and interconnected spaces that encourage exploration. There’s a sense of discovery that mirrors the feeling of stumbling upon hidden secrets in old-school titles, and the whimsical touches, like nods to gaming icons of the past which make the experience feel like a love letter to anyone who grew up in that era. The soundtrack and visuals reinforce this mood, blending retro aesthetics with modern polish to create something both familiar and fresh.

Combat is minimal, with the focus squarely on platforming and puzzle-solving rather than action. The glowing staff serves more as a tool for interacting with the environment than as a weapon, keeping the emphasis on clever navigation rather than battles. This makes the gameplay feel more cerebral, rewarding patience and problem-solving skills over reflex-based combat

That said, Lumo 2 is not without its frustrations. The controls, while serviceable, often feel sluggish, and the precision required for certain platforming sections can lead to moments of irritation rather than satisfaction. Difficulty spikes are another sticking point; the game embraces trial-and-error design, which can be rewarding for players who enjoy mastering tough challenges, but alienating for those who expect smoother progression. It’s a game that demands patience, and while that aligns with its retro inspirations, it may test the tolerance of players accustomed to more forgiving modern titles.

Pros

• Rich atmosphere filled with retro charm and humour

• Creative, interconnected level design that rewards exploration

• Nostalgic references for fans of 1980s British gaming culture

• Unique personality that sets it apart from modern platformers

Cons

• Sluggish controls and imprecise platforming

• Difficulty spikes that may frustrate casual players

• Niche appeal—best suited for fans of retro design rather than newcomers

Ultimately, Lumo 2 is a niche experience. For fans of the original or those with fond memories of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 days, it’s a delightful throwback that revels in its eccentricity. For newcomers, however, it may feel more like a history lesson than a contemporary platformer. Yet there’s something admirable about its commitment to authenticity as it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, but instead embraces its identity wholeheartedly.

In the end, Lumo 2 on Xbox is best appreciated as a passion project rather than a mainstream blockbuster. It’s a game that thrives on nostalgia, offering moments of genuine charm and creativity, even if its mechanics occasionally stumble. If you’re willing to accept its quirks, you’ll find a unique adventure that celebrates gaming’s past while carving out its own peculiar space in the present.

XPN Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (SILVER)

Lumo 2 is AVAILABLE NOW!

XBOX