Reus 2: Sculpting Solar Systems, One Giant Step at a Time

XPN Network
Nov 7
4 min read

A cosmic puzzle of balance and beauty, best enjoyed at a slower pace.

When Abbey Games first released Reus back in 2013, it carved out a niche in the god-game genre by offering something gentler and more puzzle-like than the usual fare of omnipotent destruction. Instead of smiting mortals or waging wars, you guided colossal giants to nurture ecosystems and civilizations. Now, over a decade later, Reus 2 arrives on Xbox, and it feels both like a natural evolution and a bold expansion of that original concept. Where the first game confined you to a single planet, the sequel broadens the canvas to entire solar systems, inviting you to sculpt multiple worlds and weave them together into a living, interconnected system. It’s a sequel that dares to think bigger, yet retains the cosy, painterly charm that made the original so beloved.

At its heart, Reus 2 is about shaping worlds through the powers of your giants, but the sequel adds layers of complexity that make every decision ripple outward. Each giant embodies a different aspect of nature such as plants, animals, minerals, oceans, and their abilities let you sculpt biomes across planets. What begins as simple terraforming quickly evolves into a puzzle of interlocking systems. Place a forest, and suddenly a settlement nearby has access to food. Add minerals, and industry begins to grow. Introduce animals, and you’ve created both sustenance and cultural development. The trick is that every biome interacts with others, so careless placement can lead to imbalance.

The big leap from the first game is the solar system scale. Instead of nurturing one planet, you’re juggling several, each with its own ecosystems and civilizations. This forces you to think beyond local optimization as what thrives on one planet might starve another. For example, a mineral-rich world may fuel technological progress, but without agricultural support from another planet, its people collapse. The game becomes a balancing act across multiple worlds, almost like spinning plates, where harmony is the ultimate goal.

Civilizations themselves are more dynamic than before. They don’t just grow in prosperity; they evolve culturally depending on the resources you provide. A society rich in minerals might become industrious and expansionist, while one surrounded by lush forests and animals might lean toward art and philosophy. These emergent identities give each playthrough a unique flavour, and watching them rise or fall based on your decisions is part of the charm.

There’s also a subtle puzzle-like rhythm to the gameplay. Each giant’s abilities are limited, and you can’t simply spam resources everywhere. Instead, you’re nudged to think carefully about placement, synergy, and timing. It feels less like micromanagement and more like solving a living puzzle, where the pieces are ecosystems and the solution is balance. This makes the game surprisingly strategic despite its cozy presentation.

On Xbox, the game runs smoothly and looks gorgeous, with vibrant colours and whimsical animations that make terraforming feel playful rather than clinical. The giants themselves are beautifully designed, each with a personality expressed through their movements, and the soundtrack leans into ambient tones that perfectly complement the meditative rhythm of play. That said, the console adaptation isn’t flawless, some menus can feel clunky compared to the PC version, and the interface occasionally struggles to keep up with the complexity of managing multiple planets. Still, once you settle into the flow, the controls become second nature, and the game’s relaxing atmosphere takes over.

What makes Reus 2 stand out is its refusal to chase the usual god-game tropes. There’s no emphasis on domination or conquest here; instead, the challenge lies in balance. Civilizations will rise and fall depending on how well you manage ecosystems, and prosperity can quickly turn to ruin if resources are misaligned. It’s less about raw power and more about harmony, which gives the game a unique identity in a genre often obsessed with control. For players who enjoy slow-burn strategy and the quiet joy of creation, this approach is refreshing. For those who crave fast-paced action or narrative-driven drama, however, Reus 2 may feel too subdued.

By the time you’ve shaped a solar system and watched its civilizations flourish, there’s a genuine sense of accomplishment. The game rewards patience and creativity, and while it doesn’t offer much in the way of story, the emergent narratives of rise and fall are compelling in their own right. It’s a title that invites you to slow down, experiment, and enjoy the process rather than rush to an end goal.

Pros

Expands the original concept to solar-system scale, adding depth and replayability
Relaxing yet strategic gameplay loop that rewards patience
Gorgeous art style and ambient soundtrack create a cosy atmosphere
Unique identity in the god-game genre, focusing on balance rather than domination

Cons

Console menus and UI feel clunky compared to PC
Slow pacing may not appeal to players seeking action
Limited narrative hooks; civilizations evolve mechanically rather than through story

Reus 2 on Xbox is a sequel that understands its roots but isn’t afraid to grow beyond them. It’s a meditative god-game that trades spectacle for subtlety, inviting players to sculpt worlds and civilizations with care rather than brute force. While the console adaptation has its quirks, the overall experience is both relaxingly chill and rewarding as you progress, offering a rare mix of cosy visuals and strategic depth. It’s not for everyone as those seeking adrenaline or narrative drama may find it too quiet but for players who enjoy puzzle-like strategy and the quiet satisfaction of creation, Reus 2 is a gem worth exploring.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)