Enter The Gungeon 2: 8 Awesome Expansions We Can't Wait For!

In the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, Direct Dodge Roll showcased gameplay for the sequel to the challenging and skill-testing indie game known as Enter the Gungeon. This dungeon-crawling, bullet-dodging adventure pushed players’ perseverance and abilities, as they repeatedly died and tried again. With levels that were randomly generated, each filled with treasure chests, secret passages, and pixelated foes to conquer, Enter the Gungeon emerged as a fantastic choice for quick bursts of arcade-style gaming, solidifying its reputation as one of the top action roguelikes in recent times.

Looking forward to its release in 2026, ten years following the original, enthusiasts of the Gungeon series are eagerly anticipating their journey back into the Gungeon’s abyss and the trials that lie ahead. While Dodge Roll has shared a brief gameplay trailer for Enter the Gungeon 2, there remains much to discuss about the anticipated features the sequel may bring back and enhance.

New Weapons

The Zainier, The Better

The unique selling point of “Enter the Gungeon“‘s popularity lies in its extensive collection of imaginatively designed weapons that players can accumulate and employ, ensuring each playthrough is uniquely dynamic. Although conventional firearms like pistols, shotguns, and crossbows remain potent, the game features some extraordinary weapons that take unusual shapes, such as the Crown of Guns, which discharges bullets from above the player’s character.

In addition to unique features such as the Mailbox, Balloon Gun, and the lowercase ‘r’, which added variety to gameplay and offered hilarious moments amidst tougher combat sequences in the original game, it is crucial that new weapon types for Enter the Gungeon 2 are not only potent but also visually humorous.

New Items

Helping You Out In A Bind

Just as every eccentric gunsmith has their unique set of tools, I found the assortment of collectibles in Gungeon to be a game-changer during my runs. These items introduced distinct playstyles that helped me navigate from one room to another. Ranging from bullets with freezing or poison effects, to launching swarms of bees at adversaries, these active items made each Enter the Gungeon experience unpredictable and exciting. Choosing which item to equip for my active slot was always a tough decision, as I pondered over which one would best aid me in my quest to conquer those relentless bosses.

In this game, the witty humor is evident even with seemingly insignificant objects such as Broccoli, Sunglasses, and Junk. Despite their apparent uselessness, they have the ability to add unexpected twists to the gameplay, a feature that the sequel should definitely adopt too.

New Gungeoneers

Bring Along Some New Faces

In the initial phase of each game session originally, players were presented with a variety of playable characters, affectionately known as “gungeoneers”. This allowed for increased player choice, as these characters had distinct starting builds. For example, the Marine, with his extra ammunition and reinforced armor pack, is ideal for novice players because of his durability. On the other hand, the Hunter’s canine companion frequently unearths valuable items, turning the quest into a more rewarding treasure hunt experience.

According to the brief teaser video, it appears that the Pilot is making a comeback to the Gungeon. This has sparked much discussion among fans about who else might show up, as well as the possibility of brand-new character archetypes to explore when the game launches.

New Enemies and Bosses

Fill The Room With Bullets

One crucial aspect that the sequel to Enter the Gungeon should enhance is the array of enemies players will encounter. Introducing fresh adversaries inspired by ammunition, with distinctive and challenging attack patterns, would certainly elevate the gameplay experience. The original game was brimming with such foes, from swarms of Bullet Kin and Gunjurers in every room to formidable bosses like the Mine Flayer and Bullet King who offered intense bullet-hell battles at the end of each chamber, making for an exhilarating conclusion to each chamber.

Nearly every escape from combat in the game would leave players feeling like genuine action heroes, setting a high bar for the enemy design in the sequel. But if the gameplay trailer is an indication, with a massive fusion of Bullet Kins appearing as one of the primary bosses, it seems that the developers have already planned a formidable adversary.

New Merchants and NPCs

Ways To Interact And Upgrade

In the original game, humor was incorporated by introducing unlockable Non-Player Characters (NPCs). These characters could be discovered within various dungeon rooms and brought back to the “breach.” For example, Ox and Cadence offered new weapons for purchase and use during subsequent playthroughs. Additionally, Tinker’s quest objectives allowed players to repair the elevator, enabling them to begin their runs from any chamber they preferred.

Among other merchants such as Cursula and Professor Goopton scattered throughout the different stages, the presence of these familiar NPCs brought joy to numerous gamers. Consequently, the expectation for their appearance (and the possibility of meeting new allies and cheerful acquaintances) is highly awaited.

A New Artstyle That Retains The Charm Of Its Predecessor

Into The Third Dimension

Among the surprising and thrilling additions unveiled in the sequel’s unveiling was its stunning new art style, which replaces the 2D pixel art sprites of the original with fully three-dimensional graphics. Preliminary footage suggests that this change significantly enhances the environment detail, making intricate elements like spent bullet casings, rune circles, and dynamic action lines stand out more vividly within the action.

As I navigate through this captivating game world, the vibrant hues dance off the Bullet Kin, casting a radiant glow everywhere. Yet, despite venturing into 3D terrain, the game maintains its endearing, uncomplicated aesthetic. Add to that the appearance of damage numbers and what appears to be a stationary camera angle, and it’s no wonder gamers are buzzing with anticipation about the visual surprises this game might still hold in store.

More Hidden Areas and Secrets

For Players Wanting An Extra Challenge

For numerous Enter the Gungeon enthusiasts, a key aspect that should be reinstated in this new version is the emphasis on exploration and additional play areas. The original game allowed players to smash through walls to uncover hidden treasure chests and smaller rooms, but it also offered the exciting opportunity to stumble upon entirely new secret chambers to delve into.

In stark contrast, places akin to the Oubilette and the R&G Department are as dissimilar as night and day. One is reminiscent of a winding sewer maze, while the other resembles an ordinary office building. Encountering them for the first time can be quite an unexpected adventure. Consequently, the upcoming sequel should delve deeper into the Gungeon’s contents, offering players the chance to fire and dodge through environments they initially wouldn’t have imagined.

More Things to Destroy

Let Us Break Stuff!

Beyond battles and expeditions, partially destructible settings were among the primary pleasures players experienced in the original game, as beautifully adorned rooms could be entirely demolished. The integration of explosive barrels filled with fire and poison intensified enemy interactions, while the option to shatter paintings on the walls and smash chandeliers made collateral damage an enjoyable aspect of gameplay.

It’s crucial, it appears, that Gungeon 2 offers a greater variety of scattered items for disorder, perhaps introducing diverse functions for combat. Taking it a step further could involve the implementation of completely destructible environments, introducing an additional layer of raw chaos to the exploration process through shortcut creation, wall demolition, and chaotic problem-solving.

More Reasons to Keep Returning

Keep Entertaining After The Credits

Despite finishing the initial Gungeon, many players continue to revisit its rooms due to the game’s extra objectives and captivating gameplay cycle that keeps them hooked. With secret endings, new gungeoneers, and special modes like the boss rush or cursed runs, there are numerous motivations for players to repeatedly plunge back into the Gungeon. Consequently, the sequel should maintain the same endless enjoyment.

The new game, Enter the Gungeon 2, might offer novel challenges by introducing different difficulty modes, thereby encouraging players to sharpen their skills. Additionally, it could provide more substantial rewards upon completing a certain number of runs. However, if the content of this sequel is just as captivating and well-crafted as its original version, gamers will have plenty to look forward to with anticipation.

2025-04-05 23:09

Enter The Gungeon 2: 8 Awesome Expansions We Can’t Wait For!