[PlayStation 5] Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – A Comprehensive Review

Odd Bug Studio and United Label have released a sequel, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, plunging players into a thrilling action RPG where an ancient menace waits. My journey with this series began with the original Tails of Iron for the PS4 in 2021, so diving into this fresh chapter was something I eagerly anticipated. Right from the start, the game captures your attention with an opening scene that sets the stage. Long ago, terrifying winged creatures descended upon the frozen North, leaving destruction in their wake. These fiendish Darkwings sought to annihilate everything in their path, and only the courageous stand of the Warden and the soldiers at Winter’s Edge prevented catastrophe.

Over time, the legend of these Winter’s Edge heroes faded into myth, recounted like a whimsical fairy tale. However, the Darkwings had been lying low, gaining strength at Mount Cauldron, plotting their comeback. Luckily, King Rattus had left a young, illegitimate Prince in the North, entrusting him to the Warden of the Wastes. This surrogate upbringing was shrouded in secrecy. You step into the shoes of Arlo, this very Prince, ready to take charge of your own epic narrative.

Ready to tackle the journey ahead? Choose from one of three difficulty settings in Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, tailored to suit every skill level. Whether you’re in it for a breezy tale with ‘Fairy Tail mode,’ the standard ‘Tails of Iron’ experience, or the daunting ‘Bloody Whisker’ challenge, there’s a fit for every gamer. Embark on this quest and adapt to the cunning foes that await: crafting your path with the tools and upgrades you accrue along the way.

As the game begins, after awakening, your father serves as your guide, introducing you to the gameplay mechanics in a brief tutorial. Start off by decking Arlo out in armor and selecting a weapon. The gear you choose, from helmets and cuirasses to shields and swords, will influence your stats. Strategy in gear selection is key, such as equipping a Rough Bone Helmet boosting resistance while slightly compromising poison protection — decisions like these shape your journey.

For combat, Arlo responds to your inputs with agility and power. The left analog stick moves him around, and the X button lets him jump. Need more speed? Pressing the stick lets you sprint. When it’s time for a fight, you’ve got a toolkit: quick strikes with R1, heavy blows with R2, and even ranged attacks with L1. Mastering these controls, including parrying and dodging, is crucial, especially as enemies grow fiercer.

The game not only offers gripping gameplay but also a full trophy list complete with a coveted Platinum. As a Cross-Buy title, purchasing the game allows you to download both PS4 and PS5 versions for one price, each featuring its own trophy collection. Objectives range from besting myriad enemy types to locating hidden tarot cards — a completionist’s dream!

Bringing it all together, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter invites you to confront an age-old threat with a fresh adventure. The backdrop of this tale stretches back to the frozen North, where brave warriors of old once repelled the fearsome Darkwings. Though their heroics have slipped into legend, obscuring their truth, the Darkwings’ resurgence at Mount Cauldron reminds us of their ever-looming threat. Playing as Arlo, the orphaned Prince, you’re tasked with forging a new chapter in this timeless saga. Available for $24.99, this Cross-Buy release allows you to explore the game on both PS4 and PS5 without extra cost — a worthy journey amid the world of gaming adventures.

Disclaimer: A PlayStation 5 copy of Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter was provided by Odd Bug Studio for this review.