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White Day 2: The Flower That Tells Lies follows the 2001 horror experience, White Day: A Labyrinth Named School. This latest iteration pushes the narrative with 3 simultaneous stories. Furthermore, it is packed with jump scares and genuine horror moments. However, some elements outstay their welcome, leading to confusion and frustration.
This horror story was developed by Rootnstudio and published by PQube. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that delivers a first-person perspective. This viewpoint was great for a sense of immersion. Yet, there were moments when it felt disjointed, undermining the exploration elements. Accordingly, I would have preferred a mixture of first and third-person approaches for a truly horrific time.
White Day 2 is often confusing.
White Day 2 allows you to choose whichever chapter you fancy. With 3 stand-alone versions of the same plot, you piece together the narrative freely. What’s more, there are multiple endings depending on the actions you take. Consequently, it can be tough to keep on top of things, and you may feel like you are swimming against the tide. If you push through the madness and test your patience and resolve, you’ll enjoy a compelling horror tale.
A school is haunted, and a fire is the latest destructive incident to attract attention. However, the local teenagers will not be deterred by this turn of events. Additionally, the introduction of death and the watchful eye of a security guard do not put them off. Subsequently, you must take control of these adrenaline junkies. What’s more, you must solve every problem you face as you evade manikins, ghosts, and the impossibly fast security guard.
Exceptional puzzles.
Where White Day 2 excels is its challenging and often convoluted puzzles. The lack of hand-holding was refreshing. Furthermore, the combination of lore and authentic Asian symbols will impress. However, the lack of direction may frustrate some gamers. As each puzzle unfolds, you often have to navigate the looming and confusing corridors. This approach leads to plenty of back and forth whilst testing your memory.
Matters are compounded further as you are chased by the security guard, manikins or creepy apparitions. These scary but often frustrating elements will push your buttons. What’s more, the often repetitive layers reduce the impact. This was disappointing as things became predictable. Though each of the chapters was unique, the developer leant heavily upon its basic ideas. As such, gamers will experience a familiar pattern throughout.
It’s time to be chased.
White Day 2 punctuates its puzzle elements with tough chase mechanics. Each of the cruel and relentless forces is hard to outrun. Thankfully, the heroes are provided with a camera to shock and disrupt each antagonist. The camera film is limited, so care is required if you wish to survive. This minimalist approach enhances the difficulty and will infuriate gamers further.
White Day 2 has a dated appeal.
The limited colour palette, repetitive level design, and somewhat blocky finish are reminiscent of a bygone era. Now, this didn’t bother me, but if you want a modern finish, this will disappoint you. Much of White Day 2 follows its predecessor’s path. Accordingly, it feels around 20 years out of date. Moreover, it is a little clunky and the animation could have been smoother.
What didn’t disappoint was the audio design. The combination of chilling noises, eerie music, and swathes of silence create a spectacular atmosphere. Though many of the scary layers were repetitive, I couldn’t get enough of the brilliant audio. If I was to be critical, the acting could have been better as it was wooden and this led to some unintended humorous moments.
Clumsy controls.
The puzzles were intricate and exploring each classroom and corridor requires a deft touch. Yet, the controls had other ideas as they were clumsy. Selecting actionable layers wasn’t always easy and picking up documents or selecting each clue and solution could have been easier. However, when time wasn’t essential, it mattered not. Yet, as you were chased or tried to use your camera, things got a little tricky. Accordingly, I’d prefer a more user-friendly system.
Though I have my complaints, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. Furthermore, witnessing the story from unique viewpoints was a great idea. Sadly, I’m not sure everyone will attempt to discover each ending due to the lack of guidance. Yet, if you push through, you will discover some interesting and fresh takes on the horror genre.
White Day 2 could have been better.
I wanted to love every element of this game. However, White Day 2 wasn’t as polished as I hoped. Additionally, the chase elements were unfair and many of the jump scares became predictable. This was unfortunate, but the varied endings and vast school layout may be enough to keep you entertained. What’s more, the puzzles are fantastic, even though the exploration moments make them much harder. In short, it could have been better, but I think it offers enough for me to recommend buying it here! Can you get to the bottom of the creepy tale? Explore the school, solve the puzzles, and stay one step ahead.
