A Sweeter, Slimier Return
Since its inception back in 2016, Slime Rancher has captivated the hearts of millions with its unique approach to farm simulators, and of course the namesake, adorable slimes you nurture.
Nearly ten years on from the title that started it all, a sequel – aptly titled Slime Rancher 2 – has now graced the screens of gamers looking for relaxing yet gripping gameplay, leaving my Honey Slime plush and I to sit down and answer the question, how does it compare?
Let’s first establish the general premise, and ultimately what made the first title resonate with so many. It boils down to three main factors for me: the way all gameplay systems connect, the relaxing nature of the game, and finally, the innate cuteness of these adorable slimes. Elaborating further on these points, the ranching of slimes allows for Plorts, used on money or as a crafting resource to create items to collect more slimes, or gather more resources. As every farming simulator should, Slime Rancher was an escape. A mellow getaway to immerse yourself into, and of course it goes without saying, the slimes are cute.
Now how does this all equate to Slime Rancher 2?
Slime Abundance
We’re introduced to returning protagonist Beatrix LeBeau as she’s leaves the Far, Far Range for, the seemingly perfect, Rainbow Island, in search of a dangerous object simply named “Prisma Core”. As you begin this journey, you’ll notice the first area Slime Rancher 2 excels in… slime variety. With over twenty unique slimes (twenty-four to be exact) all full to the brim with individual personalities and designs, your new favourite is never far away, and neither is diversity on your ranch.
Of course it wouldn’t be a sequel without innovation, and in terms of available slimes, this title has it in abundance; many will be love-eyed for the new Cotton Slimes, taking on the appearance of bunnies, or others for the Batty Slimes who’s name talks for itself. Whether it’s the oozing charm of the Honey Slime, or the whirlwind of possibilities with the Dervish Slime, Slime Rancher 2 one-ups its predecessor in available slimes, seeing many return, along with a variety of newcomers to grip your interest.
Ranching and Riches
If you’re wondering what you actually do with these slimes upon giving them a new home (if you want to call it that), well that’s largely up to you, and part of what makes this franchise so brilliant. Decorate your ranch to create a cozy home, create a safe environment for them to live, or what is the entire goal of the game… exploit them for money in what seems to be an oddly specific parallel to capitalism? Jokes aside, this will be your main goal, feed your slimes to ensure they create Plorts which can be sold for currency, fluctuating in value based on how many have been sold. Each slime has a food type they eat ranging between fruit, vegetables, meat or nectar, each containing a favourite within these categories to obtain double Plorts upon feeding.
Deepening the Systems
To deepen these systems, slimes are able to be fed another slime’s Plort to create a Largo slime, eight times the size yet produces both types of Plorts upon feeding. A simple system becomes in-depth, leaving quite literally hundreds of possibilities for slime combinations.
With this knowledge, you’re ready to use the plots of land around your ranch creating various types of buildings to aid in your farming endeavours. Corrals are chambers to hold your slimes, with available upgrades increasing wall height, adding a roof, installing a solar panel for those sensitive to sunlight, and much, much more. Then comes the gardens, plots of dirt to grow fruit and vegetables you find, allowing for ease of access to your slime’s favourite food. Follow these up with silos, ponds for Puddle Slimes, incinerators, and various others to aid in your journey. What I adore with this system, and what it excels in, is the personal customisation available to mould your ranch to fit how you play.
The final part of your ranch to keep in mind also extends to the outside world, the gadget system. Beneath your ranch lives a refinery where you can deposit Plorts and other resources you acquire, all in the name of science! These will be used for everything ranging from character upgrades, machines to help obtain resources, or even drones to operate your ranch for you. Complex systems or wondrous gadgets are readily available for construction, always ensuring a twist placed on gameplay.
Exploration and Discovery
Whether looking at the slime variety, buildings to place on your ranch, or the plethora of constructions and upgrades, Slime Rancher 2 is home to one extremely fleshed out gameplay system, ultimately revolving around you giving these cute creatures a home. Yet what lies beyond the ranch, outside in the rainbow world?
This is unfortunately an aspect I feel the first title did better with its array of environments and biomes, however you can view Rainbow Island as split into distinct regions ranging from lush greenery, icy winds, to volcanic molten rocks. They each hold some personality, and of course the corresponding slimes contribute to that. However when compared to its predecessor’s masterclass in map design, they can sometimes feel a bit empty.
A Polished and Enjoyable Sequel
To combat this two returning mechanics take hold throughout your journey of the Rainbow Islands: secret pods and Gordo Slimes. The former does what it says on the tin, secret pods containing gadget blueprints for you to craft as we mentioned earlier, yet the Gordo Slimes are a little more complex. They are gargantuan slimes, taking form of similar species in the area (such as a Pink Slime in the starting land) which must be fed until they explode. Trust me, it’s more pleasant than it sounds. This takes around fifty pieces of food to complete, yet can be halved by using their favourite food. Upon removal, new pathways and secrets open up to progress through the Rainbow Islands.
Their implementation works in unison with your progress, most likely having their corresponding slime and favourite food in your ranch to remove them. These two small additions make a world of difference in creating meaning to the often lacking environments.
Slime Rancher 2, of course, takes many things from the pre-laid foundation of its predecessor, very rarely for worse. The majority of the time, each mechanic, minuscule or major, feels completely revamped for the better, with an abundance of thrilling, new content that ultimately leaves Slime Rancher 2 a more polished, enjoyable experience.
Important Links
The Wait is Over – Slime Rancher 2 Leaves Early Access and Launches in Full – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-wait-is-over-slime-rancher-2-leaves-early-access-and-launches-in-full/
Heading back to the ranch with Slime Rancher 2 on Xbox – https://www.thexboxhub.com/heading-back-to-the-ranch-with-slime-rancher-2-on-xbox/
Tend to all-new slimy pastures with Slime Rancher 2 on Xbox, Game Pass and PC – https://www.thexboxhub.com/tend-to-all-new-slimy-pastures-with-slime-rancher-2-on-xbox-game-pass-and-pc/
Buy Slime Rancher 2 on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/slime-rancher-2/9phfj0n31nv1
