There’s a pattern here. Xitilon is back with another sequel, Butterfly 2, and it’s come along even quicker than the sequel to Smart Moves. The similarities don’t end there however, because this is another sequel that is almost identical to its predecessor – Butterfly. Still, let’s go in for a closer look.
Butterfly 2 offers 40 new levels, with a handful of new enemies sprinkled in for good measure. The differences to the first end here however, as old enemies return too. Your little caterpillar still can’t jump, and your objective remains to collect all the flowers in the level to proceed. This means you’ll need to do it in the right order or you’ll get stuck, and have to hit “Y” to restart the level.
In order to get around you’ll need to bounce off your enemies once again, mostly wasps who are sometimes static or otherwise have flight paths. This time around there are also green slimes who are harmless, and will act as vertical and horizontal trampolines to help you clear gaps as well as reach the higher platforms. This is fairly easy to master as your little caterpillar remains floaty in the air, giving you plenty of control over where you land.
Pipes return too, along with “!” blocks which disappear when you swat all the wasps in the level. This time around there are also green keys, which when collected “unlock” the green blocks in the same way as the “!” blocks, which essentially changes the platform layout. The blocks disappear, often releasing flowers from their captivity into easier to reach places.
The levels on offer are fun enough, and offer a limited challenge in the same way as the first game. On average, Butterfly 2 is probably a little easier than the first and there aren’t too many levels that will cause too much difficulty. Once you figure out your route around the level, executing it is rarely challenging.
The control scheme also remains unchanged, with the thumbstick movement remaining annoyingly oversensitive. There is still no option to use the D-Pad to move, so you’ll often shoot up and down pipes despite not meaning to. It’s still a minor niggle, but remains the perfect example of just how similar to the first game this is. In fact, it feels quite lazy that basic improvements such as this haven’t been made.
Once again, the crude, colourful menus are back which really do look incredibly basic. Still, things look slightly more pleasing to the eye in-game (even if the strong Super Mario Bros. vibes return), as does the return of the chirpy soundtrack which isn’t that bad actually. However, you won’t be surprised to hear it all looks and sounds identical to the first game.
Gamerscore hunters will be glad to know Butterfly 2 comes with another 2000G up for grabs, which you can earn in just the first fifteen levels simply by completing them. Again, it would have been nice to see a small change here from the first game, by making achievements more challenging to earn. It’s another missed opportunity to improve on the first outing in a small but meaningful way.
Of course, the lack of any sort of strides forward for Butterfly 2 are offset by the very reasonable price tag of £4.19. It’s still worth a punt at that price if you enjoyed the original, or have nothing else you’re desperate to play. Of course, the cynical side of me would also say it’s a bargain price for Gamerscore collection and for those out there who this appeals to.
Butterfly 2 brings almost nothing new to the table, providing more of the same platforming action as the first game. However, a lack of appetite to improve and evolve the game is disappointing, and makes it hard to recommend.
Find your next platforming hit in Butterfly 2, on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
