Review of Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – another chapter of the gloomy world

Tails of Iron was a huge success, so the announcement of the second volume was a very pleasant surprise for me. However, I did not like the version initially presented, and in the end I decided to play Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter. You can read about how the new rat adventure went in the following paragraphs of our review.

• Platform: PC (review version), PS, Switch, Xbox
• Release date: 01.27.2025
• Manufacturer: Strange Bug Studio
• Genre: 2D Souls-style RPG
• Czech localization: no
• Multiplayer: No
• Download data: 120 GB
• Game time: 11 hours+

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter brings you a new story

Life in the animal kingdom is not idyllic. The first part has already shown us this in detail, but this time we won’t experience anything very pleasant, because Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter returns to a world where rats are not a bed of roses, and who will lose attention for a moment very will quickly die under the claws and fangs of other animal species. However, instead of the well-known rat Regi, we get a complete newcomer in this story. The main character this time will be Arlo, a young foundling with a future ahead of him. However, his bright prospects are ruined one day when the royal palace is attacked by bats – ruthless and merciless predators that exterminate almost the entire royal family.

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Arlo miraculously survives while his home lies in ruins and his loved ones are dead. This tragedy forces him to leave his comfort zone and embark on a journey of revenge, where every decision could mean life or death. The game relies on story only to a certain extent. Don’t expect any philosophical dilemmas or deep moral questions. Arlo’s path is simple and clear – he just wants to avenge his family and restore the destroyed world. However, this does not mean that it will be less interesting. Instead, the straightforwardness of the plot makes room for the game’s other elements, such as well-designed combat, varied environments, and the fascinating details that make up the vibrant animal world. Everyone is helped by his narrator Doug Cockle, aka Geralt of Rivia from the Witcher series.

Each of the main locations that Arlo visits during his travels has its own unique atmosphere and population. In the deep forests you will meet owls – intelligent, but not always friendly creatures that fight against the invasion of annoying insects and frog invaders. The swamps are home to frogs, who this time are not just Arlo’s enemies, but also a neutral force with which to trade or form alliances. Perhaps the most interesting race are the moles, a secretive but technologically advanced faction that controls machines powered by electricity. Each of the places proposed by the creator is detailed and offers not only new challenges, but also a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants.

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With more locations available, the story is not limited to the main storyline. The game also features side quests that often feel like separate chapters from the world of Tails of Iron. In this job, Arlo usually helps residents, solves their problems and faces specific challenges. These missions are not only interesting, but also contribute to the construction of the game world. Some side stories also involve long series of quests, the ending of which usually results in a confrontation with a powerful enemy, who is then repeatedly offered to you as a source of resources.

Combat is the heart of the game and is designed to be challenging but fair. Each enemy has its own unique abilities, techniques and weaknesses that you must analyze and exploit. The game places an emphasis on tactics and preparation – choosing the wrong weapon or armor can be fatal. For example, bats, the main enemies of this thing, are highly resistant to frost, so ice weapons are practically useless against them. Conversely, fiery axes or poison-infused blades can cause devastating injuries.

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The range of weapons and equipment is wide and includes classic swords, spears and axes, as well as firearms, which are especially useful against flying enemies. Then you can also count on magic. Yes, Arlo has access to four different spells that can be used to attack enemies or provide tactical support during combat. This way, each player can tailor their playstyle to suit their preferences with weapons and armor of varying weights and resistances.

One of the distinctive elements of the game is the dynamic change of day and night. Some enemies only appear at certain times, adding another layer of strategy. Players will not only have to master combat, but also plan their actions taking into account time and the environment. This element adds atmosphere to the game and gives it realism. Although the game is rich in content, it is not without bugs. The most noticeable problem is that enemies return to their original positions – all the player has to do is leave the location and return, and the enemies return. This can be frustrating, especially if it involves areas that you previously thoroughly cleaned. Another weakness is errors. I encountered several technical issues while playing the game, such as the character getting stuck or companions not working. I hope that the developers will correct these shortcomings in time, because at the moment they can significantly spoil the overall impression.

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The creators manage to push their brand forward with Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter.

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is an above-average game that shows that a well-functioning concept can be pushed a little further in a new title. Another tale from a world where animal blood flows in abundance has a decent basis. The combat system is engaging, and the whole thing can be surprisingly challenging. I would put the graphics first and also the fact that the creators allow you to play in your own way. An excellent job was done by Doug Cockle himself, who really liked the presentation of the story.

It’s a bit of a shame that the creators weren’t able to sort out minor bugs, as well as some design elements that make playing through the game world not as enjoyable as it could be. But if you liked the first Tails of Iron, then you definitely can’t go wrong with the second.