Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Destroy All Humans! 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off, placing you back in the oversized boots of Crypto 137 as he invades 1960s America. The open-world sandbox allows you to freely roam iconic locales—beaches, suburban subdivisions, military bases, and even swanky Las Vegas casinos—while completing story missions and optional side quests. Movement feels smooth thanks to Crypto’s jetpack-like hover abilities, making traversal across terrain and rooftops a breeze.

Arsenal variety is a standout feature, with classic weapons like the Zap-o-Matic and Ray Gun joined by bold new additions. The Dislocator lobs purple discs that latch onto everything from cars to tanks, turning them into flying projectiles you can slam into crowds. The Meteor Strike rains fiery devastation from above, while the Gastro hologram hovers nearby, assisting Crypto with targeted attacks. Each weapon delivers unique feedback—sonic blasts, shaking camera effects, and cartoonish explosions—keeping combat fresh and exhilarating.

Mission design embraces comedic chaos: you’ll abduct unsuspecting civilians, hypnotize authority figures to obey your every whim, and even run covert “cult” operations to gain human worshippers. Side quests now boast fleshed-out narratives, offering laugh-out-loud set-pieces and unexpected twists. On top of that, split-screen co-op lets a second player drop in or out at any time, doubling the mayhem for a shared alien conquest.

Graphics

Set against a vibrant 1960s backdrop, Destroy All Humans! 2 embraces a stylized, slightly cartoonish art direction that complements its tongue-in-cheek tone. Color palettes shift from pastel suburban neighborhoods to neon-lit casino floors, evoking the era’s cultural hallmarks. Textures strike a balance between crisp detail on human NPCs and exaggerated, sometimes rubbery animations that harken back to classic sci-fi B-movies.

Environmental design shines through dynamic destructibility—fences shatter under weapon fire, streetlights topple with a satisfying crunch, and statues explode into debris. Day-night cycles and weather effects add variety, whether you’re raining meteors down on a sunny pier or creeping through foggy farmland during a midnight infiltration.

Performance remains steady across most platforms, with consistent frame rates even amid large-scale explosions and dozens of NPCs on screen. Load times are reasonable, and camera controls feel responsive during high-speed pursuits. Minor pop-in occurs at extreme draw distances, but it rarely detracts from the joy of turning a small town into your personal battleground.

Story

Destroy All Humans! 2 picks up the satirical narrative of the Furon Empire’s quest to harvest human DNA, this time set during the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. Crypto 137 once again serves as both hero and antihero, delivering quips that lampoon Cold War paranoia, consumerism, and the very notion of “the American Dream.” The writing leans into absurdity—alien abductions, clandestine government programs, and pulp-style conspiracies—creating a playful backdrop for your galactic mischief.

Each mission arc drapes itself in period-appropriate tropes: you’ll infiltrate cult gatherings, crash beach parties, and take over TV news broadcasts with hilarious results. Voice acting breathes life into Crypto’s sarcastic commentary and the panicked squeals of besieged humans. Side quests carry their own mini-stories, often tying back to broader themes of mass media influence and blind faith in authority figures.

The addition of co-op doesn’t just bolster mayhem—it weaves a light narrative thread showing how two Furons can coordinate invasions, share abduction quotas, and one-up each other in weapon upgrades. While the overarching plot remains straightforward—conquer, collect DNA, move on—the journey is packed with memorable set pieces and comedic moments that keep the story engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Destroy All Humans! 2 delivers an irresistible blend of open-world freedom and over-the-top alien destruction. Its humorous take on 1960s Americana, combined with an arsenal of outrageous weapons, makes every mission feel like a mini-blockbuster. Whether you’re flattening fast-food diners or turning city streets into meteor-showered warzones, the game consistently rewards creativity and encourages players to push chaotic boundaries.

The co-op addition elevates replayability, allowing friends to join forces (or compete for DNA harvests) without interrupting the flow of the campaign. Split-screen functionality is seamless, and drop-in/drop-out mechanics ensure that gameplay remains fluid—perfect for local multiplayer sessions or impromptu alien invasions at gatherings.

With its balanced mix of narrative charm, varied mission types, and technical polish, Destroy All Humans! 2 stands as a shining example of how to craft a comedic action-adventure in an open-world setting. Fans of lighthearted sci-fi, sandbox mayhem, and retro-inspired storytelling will find themselves glued to the screen, eager to unleash galactic terror in style.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10