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CRITIK

Arizona Sunshine 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Arizona Sunshine 2
Item: Arizona Sunshine 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresVirtual Reality, Adventure, Action, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 5, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperVertigo Games

Overview

Dust off your shotgun and sharpen your machete. Accompanied by an all-new friend, Arizona Sunshine 2 takes you back to the limb-strewn deserts of post-apocalyptic Arizona in this gory, next-gen sequel to one of VR's most-played games.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Arizona Sunshine 2 are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. CGMagazine praises the familiar story setup, which effectively conveys the stakes and humanizes the character. IGN Italia also highlights the presence of Buddy, a German Shepherd companion, adding depth to an otherwise stereotypical and uninteresting story. TheGamer finds the narrative engaging, exploring the protagonist's history and emotions amidst the zombie apocalypse. UploadVR describes the game as a character-driven arcade shooter with a well-written narrative that balances tension, action, and emotional investment. They also mention the relationship with the dog companion, Buddy, adding depth to the action and emotional investment. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the story of Arizona Sunshine 2. Digital Trends describes the story as run-of-the-mill and criticizes the protagonist as annoying and repellant. Game Rant states that the game makes an attempt at telling a story but is largely let down by its terrible main character. PlayStation Universe mentions that the story takes a back seat to the gameplay and doesn't offer much depth. Press Start Australia finds the narrative forgettable and not noteworthy. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the engaging narrative, exploration of emotions, and the addition of a companion like Buddy, others find the story to be lacking depth, with forgettable characters and an annoying protagonist. The positive aspects of the story, such as the humanization of the character and the emotional investment, are countered by negative opinions regarding the lack of originality and unlikable main characters. It is clear that the story of Arizona Sunshine 2 has its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Arizona Sunshine 2's story. Positive aspects include a familiar setup that humanizes characters and an engaging narrative exploring emotions during a zombie apocalypse. The addition of a German Shepherd companion, Buddy, adds depth. However, negative feedback criticizes the story as run-of-the-mill, with an annoying protagonist and lack of depth. Overall, while some appreciate the emotional investment, others find the characters forgettable. Arizona Sunshine 2's story has strengths like character humanization but also weaknesses like unoriginality and unlikable characters, leaving room for improvement.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Arizona Sunshine 2 are generally positive. Many critics praise the smooth mechanics and satisfying gunplay, with CGMagazine stating that the gameplay is an incredible leap above the original game. The controls are also commended for being reactive and smooth, allowing players to easily interact with the environment and perform actions such as opening doors, climbing ladders, and using weapons, as mentioned by God is a Geek. The inclusion of melee combat and the introduction of Buddy as a companion are highlighted as enjoyable additions that add to the fun, according to CGMagazine and IGN Italia. However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. IGN Italia mentions issues with controls, lack of enemy variety, and imprecise climbing sections. Digital Trends criticizes the reloading mechanic for being less fun and more challenging in the middle of a fight. Metro GameCentral also highlights the inconsistent and frustrating reloading mechanic, as well as an uninspiring challenge and linear gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Arizona Sunshine 2 offers a satisfying and immersive gameplay experience. The refined controls, immersive VR mechanics, and first-person shooter style are praised by Screen Rant and Eurogamer Poland. The variety of weapons, melee options, and diverse arsenal provide a sense of variety in gameplay, as mentioned by IGN and Everyeye.it. The tactile gunplay, manual reloading, and highly interactive environment are also praised by TRG. Additionally, the inclusion of features such as climbing, crafting, and canine companions adds depth and interactivity to the gameplay experience, as noted by Gaming Nexus and Vandal. In conclusion, Arizona Sunshine 2 is generally praised for its smooth mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and immersive VR experience. While there are some criticisms regarding controls, lack of enemy variety, and reloading mechanics, the overall consensus is that the gameplay offers enjoyable and varied experiences, with a wide range of weapons, interactive environments, and engaging combat mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise Arizona Sunshine 2 for its smooth mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and immersive VR experience. Positive feedback includes reactive controls, enjoyable melee combat, and the addition of Buddy as a companion. However, some critics note issues with controls, lack of enemy variety, and challenging reloading mechanics. Overall, the game offers a varied and engaging gameplay experience with a wide range of weapons, interactive environments, and engaging combat mechanics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Arizona Sunshine 2 are quite varied. Some critics, such as CGMagazine and TheGamer, praise the game's visually stunning environments and well-designed levels. They appreciate the attention to detail and the immersive atmosphere created by the graphics. Additionally, God is a Geek and PlayStation Universe highlight the impressive visuals, with detailed and diverse locations that enhance the overall experience. However, there are also critics who express concerns about the graphics and visual design of Arizona Sunshine 2. Screen Rant criticizes the lack of detail, especially in the gore department, and suggests that players may expect more detailing in a modern zombie survival game. TheSixthAxis points out technical issues such as frame rate drops, low-poly backgrounds, and problematic collision detection, which can affect the overall visual experience. Digital Trends also mentions frequent visual glitches and frame rate drops, particularly during intense moments. Overall, there seems to be a consensus among the critics that Arizona Sunshine 2 has made improvements in its graphics and visual design compared to its predecessor. IGN, IGN Italia, Gaming Age, Hobby Consolas, and UploadVR all mention the game's graphical upgrade and improved visual design. They appreciate the solid visual design, detailed environments, and improved zombie models. The positive aspects of the graphics, such as the environmental storytelling, well-designed levels, and satisfying splatter effects, are acknowledged by multiple critics. However, there are some areas of concern that critics highlight. The lack of variety in the environments is mentioned by Multiplayer.it and Vandal, which can potentially impact the overall visual experience. Additionally, various critics, including COGconnected and Finger Guns, mention occasional glitches, odd design choices, and limitations in textures and polygon count, which can detract from the overall visual quality. In conclusion, while Arizona Sunshine 2 receives praise for its visually stunning environments, well-designed levels, and improved graphics compared to its predecessor, there are also concerns raised by critics regarding the lack of detail, occasional glitches, and limited variety in the environments. The overall consensus seems to be that the game has made strides in its visual design, but there are areas that could be further improved to enhance the overall visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Arizona Sunshine 2's graphics. Some praise the visually stunning environments and immersive atmosphere, while others criticize the lack of detail and technical issues like frame rate drops. Overall, the game has made improvements in its graphics compared to its predecessor, but there are still concerns about limited variety in environments and occasional glitches that could be improved.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Arizona Sunshine 2 are generally positive. Many critics praise the sound effects, describing them as satisfying, crunchy, and detailed. IGN, Digital Trends, and TRG specifically mention the satisfying sound of zombies' heads popping when shot, which adds to the immersive experience. The weapon effects are also commended by Multiplayer.it and Press Start Australia, with Multiplayer.it noting that they are impressive. The terrifying zombie sounds and good voice acting are highlighted by PlayStation Universe, further enhancing the overall sound design. UploadVR emphasizes the impressive gunshots that convey weight and power, creating a sense of realism. Additionally, UploadVR mentions that the ambient sounds contribute to a foreboding atmosphere and that the score matches the tone of each scene, elevating the overall experience. Vandal also praises the sound design for effectively creating tension and providing a good atmosphere. Despite the overall positive reception, there are a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Arizona Sunshine 2. IGN mentions that the game lacks a memorable soundtrack, suggesting that the music does not stand out. Vandal points out the loss of Spanish voice acting from the original game as a negative aspect. This criticism highlights a missed opportunity to cater to a diverse audience and potentially diminishes the immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design of Arizona Sunshine 2 is impressive and contributes significantly to the overall experience. The positive aspects mentioned by multiple critics, such as the satisfying sound effects, impressive weapon effects, and varied zombie sounds, indicate a strong audio design. The voice acting and script are also praised by Metro GameCentral for delivering enjoyable comedy throughout the game. The atmospheric ambient sounds and matching score mentioned by UploadVR add to the immersive nature of the game. While there are a few criticisms, such as the lack of a memorable soundtrack mentioned by IGN and the absence of Spanish voice acting noted by Vandal, the overall sentiment is positive. Arizona Sunshine 2 successfully creates tension, provides a good atmosphere, and enhances the gameplay experience through its sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are raving about the sound design and music in Arizona Sunshine 2, with many praising the satisfying sound effects, impressive weapon effects, and immersive zombie sounds. While some critics point out a lack of memorable soundtrack and missing Spanish voice acting as downsides, overall, the consensus is that the game's audio design significantly enhances the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Arizona Sunshine 2 are generally positive. Many critics praise the voice acting of the protagonist, describing it as charismatic, genuinely funny, and likeable. IGN Italia specifically mentions that while the Italian dubbing from the previous game is missing, the English voice acting is perfect. Finger Guns also highlights the brilliant delivery of the voice acting by Sky Soleil, which adds to the immersive experience. Metro GameCentral goes even further, stating that the voice acting is consistently excellent and adds to the enjoyment of the game. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting in Arizona Sunshine 2 is generally well-received and enhances the overall experience for players. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in the game. Digital Trends criticizes the dialogue and jokes as woefully lame and irritating, despite acknowledging the charismatic voice acting of the protagonist. PlayStation Universe mentions that while the protagonist's voice acting is good, the repetitive use of the name 'Fred' gets annoying. These negative opinions suggest that while the voice acting may have its strengths, there are certain aspects that could be improved upon to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Arizona Sunshine 2 is a positive aspect of the game. Critics such as God is a Geek, GamingTrend, and UploadVR praise the voice acting for its stellar writing, humorous banter between characters, and expert delivery. TheSixthAxis mentions that the voice acting is not annoying, and Hobby Consolas highlights the improved voice acting compared to the first game. These positive opinions, along with the negative ones mentioned earlier, indicate that the voice acting in Arizona Sunshine 2 is generally well-received by critics, with its strengths outweighing any weaknesses. The voice acting adds depth, charm, and immersion to the game, elevating it beyond a crass affair, as stated by UploadVR.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics generally praise the voice acting in Arizona Sunshine 2, highlighting the protagonist's charismatic and funny delivery. Positive reviews emphasize the immersive experience created by the voice acting, with some critics noting minor flaws like repetitive dialogue. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting enhances the game with stellar writing and humor, outweighing any weaknesses.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, the critics had mixed opinions. God is a Geek encountered a few bugs, such as zombies disappearing through walls and hanging in the air after being shot. IGN also mentioned occasional glitches with ragdoll physics and animations, as well as hitching issues in the horde mode. However, Screen Rant praised the overall technical details of the game, particularly the VR mechanics. COGconnected stated that while there were some unpolished sections and odd glitches on PS5, they were infrequent. Overall, the technical performance on PC seems to have some minor issues, but it is stable and praised for its VR mechanics. On the PS5 platform, the critics highlighted several technical issues. Digital Trends experienced frequent crashes, visual glitches, and frame rate drops. Metro GameCentral mentioned four crashes during the single-player campaign and issues with climbing sections. TheSixthAxis also reported frame rate drops, crashes, and collision detection issues, as well as unexpected changes in the player's height. However, there were also positive aspects mentioned by some critics. Everyeye.it praised the game's performance on PlayStation VR 2, reaching 120 fps with good visual clarity and stability. UploadVR described Arizona Sunshine 2 as highly polished, with minor issues such as erratic behavior of doors or zombies and occasional freezes and crashes that did not significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the game. Vandal also mentioned minor issues with clipping and detection of certain movements that did not significantly impact the experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Arizona Sunshine 2 has some technical flaws and issues across both PC and PS5 platforms. While the game is generally stable, there are occasional glitches, bugs, and crashes that can affect the gameplay experience. However, there are also positive aspects mentioned, such as the VR mechanics and good performance on PlayStation VR 2. It is worth noting that post-launch patches may address some of these technical issues, as mentioned by Gaming Age. Despite the technical shortcomings, the critics generally found the game enjoyable and praised its overall technical details, with no major performance issues mentioned on either platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Arizona Sunshine 2. PC version had minor bugs, while PS5 faced more issues like crashes and frame rate drops. Despite some flaws, the game was praised for its VR mechanics and stable gameplay. Critics found the game enjoyable overall, with some minor technical hiccups that may be fixed with patches.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Arizona Sunshine 2 are quite mixed. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. Critics such as GamingTrend and UploadVR mention the inclusion of co-op multiplayer and Horde mode as factors that contribute to the game's replay value. They appreciate the longer playtime offered compared to the first game and the potential for post-launch content, such as additional maps. Additionally, Finger Guns and Hobby Consolas mention collectibles and trophies to unlock, which can incentivize players to replay the campaign. These positive aspects provide players with different gameplay options and encourage experimentation and trying new play styles. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the replay value of Arizona Sunshine 2. COGconnected and Finger Guns mention that the Horde mode can become repetitive and basic, suggesting that more content is needed to keep players engaged. IGN and IGN Italia also highlight the limited content in the Horde mode, with IGN Italia mentioning the limited play area and IGN suggesting the potential for future updates to expand on this mode. Metro GameCentral raises concerns about the player numbers for multiplayer matchmaking, which may impact the experience of the Horde mode. These criticisms indicate that while the game offers additional gameplay options, there is room for improvement in terms of content and variety. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Arizona Sunshine 2 are mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the inclusion of co-op multiplayer, Horde mode, and the potential for post-launch content, there are also concerns about the limited content in the Horde mode and the potential for repetition. The consensus among the critics suggests that while the game offers some replay value, it may not be as extensive or engaging as desired. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as Gaming Nexus and UploadVR, have a more positive outlook on the game's replayability, emphasizing the longer playtime and the variety of gameplay options available. Overall, players may find enjoyment in replaying the campaign, but the Horde mode may require additional content and improvements to fully satisfy players' desires for replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Arizona Sunshine 2. Positive aspects like co-op multiplayer and longer playtime are praised, but concerns arise about repetitive Horde mode and limited content. While some see potential in post-launch updates, others highlight the need for more variety and engagement. Overall, the game offers varying gameplay options but may require enhancements for sustained enjoyment and replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Arizona Sunshine 2, it is clear that the game has received a mix of positive and negative feedback. Many critics praised the improvements in gameplay and the addition of a companion character, such as Buddy the dog, which added depth to the protagonist's character and enhanced the overall experience (CGMagazine, IGN, COGconnected). The shooting mechanics and gunplay were also highly praised, with reviewers commending the variety of weapons and the satisfying shooting experience (IGN, TheGamer, GamingTrend). Additionally, the game was lauded for its immersive VR mechanics and visually satisfying experience (Screen Rant, Finger Guns, GamingTrend). However, there were also some negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Several reviewers mentioned technical issues and frustrations, suggesting that the game would benefit from further polishing before being fully recommended (Digital Trends, Eurogamer Poland). Some critics also noted the lack of variety in gameplay, linear levels, and limited enemy variety (IGN Italia, Eurogamer Poland). Additionally, issues with VR control schemes, inventory management, and environmental variety were mentioned as areas for improvement (Multiplayer.it, Eurogamer Poland, Metro GameCentral). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Arizona Sunshine 2 is a solid VR zombie shooter with enjoyable gameplay, especially with the addition of the companion character, Buddy. The game offers a satisfying shooting experience with a variety of weapons and locations, and the immersive VR mechanics were highly praised. However, there are areas that need improvement, such as technical issues, lack of variety in gameplay, and control scheme problems. Despite these shortcomings, the majority of critics recommend Arizona Sunshine 2 as a fun and entertaining game, particularly for fans of the franchise or those looking for a story-driven shooter (IGN, Gaming Age, Push Square). Ultimately, Arizona Sunshine 2 is considered a worthwhile addition to the VR gaming library, but with room for improvement in certain aspects.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Arizona Sunshine 2: praised for gameplay improvements, Buddy the dog companion, and immersive VR mechanics, but criticized for technical issues, lack of gameplay variety, and control problems. Overall, it's a solid VR zombie shooter with room for improvement, recommended for fans of the series or story-driven shooters.

CRITIK

Reviews

46 reviews found

100

UploadVR

PlayStation 5

Dec 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine 2 is an engaging and accessible arcade shooter that excels in writing, acting, pacing, and action. It offers some of the best VR gunplay and a well-crafted narrative. Despite minor technical issues, the game delivers an enjoyable experience.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Dec 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine 2 is highly praised as a fantastic zombie shooter and a system seller for VR.

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CGMagazine

Dec 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine 2 is a fantastic game with improved gameplay and a great companion character. It shows that Vertigo Games is a go-to studio for VR games.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Dec 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine 2 is an absolute blast and one of the best VR titles on the market.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Dec 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine 2 is leaps and bounds better than the original game, with small post-release patches being able to fix minor issues. The reviewer recommends it to anyone with a PlayStation VR2.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Dec 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as fun with well-written story and laugh-out-loud jokes, but not breaking new ground in terms of innovation.

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Multiplayer.it

Dec 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine 2 delivers a visually satisfying VR experience, but falls short in addressing some flaws of its predecessor, particularly in terms of inventory management and environmental variety.

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IGN Italia

Dec 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arizona Sunshine II is a better sequel in every aspect compared to its predecessor. It is the best zombie shooter in VR currently available, despite some control issues, linear levels, limited enemy variety, and avoidable climbing sections.

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GAMES.CH

PlayStation 5

Dec 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has room for improvement, but the gameplay mechanics and the addition of the companion Buddie are positive aspects.

TRG

PlayStation 5

Dec 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends Arizona Sunshine 2 as a high-octane zombie shooter with satisfying gunplay, varied arsenal of weapons, memorable set pieces, and a crude sense of humor. It praises the VR mechanics and the care and attention put into crafting the game's environments. The review also mentions the fantastic addition of a dog companion and the impressive AI of the companion. It concludes that Arizona Sunshine 2 is essential for VR headset owners.

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