To those puzzle platformer enthusiasts out there who haven't played the excellent first game: do yourself a favour, go play it first, and only after that return for the generous helping of Escape Goat 2.

The sequel is every bit as good, as fun and as clever as the first game was, but it hits different, expanding the original's arsenal of tricks a great deal. There are more Mouse abilities now that demand creative use, and more interactive blocks. There's also quite a deadly new enemy (that seemingly escaped from the classic Snake game) introduced in the final part. IMO the innovations did a good job of keeping the game fresh and varied till the end. However, the level progression is designed to be a bit more linear this time around (probably to help streamline the difficulty curve). That's not a big deal, but it might feel a little more restrictive compared to the first game.

There is one part of Escape Goat 2 that I found to be, so to speak, less than stellar. It does not affect the main game, but completionists should probably take note. The thing is, EG2 features a series of optional extra-hard levels. Even finding (let alone completing) them without a guide requires you to spend an amount of time totally disproportionate to the "reward" they provide. These levels are designed around pixel-perfect positioning and split-second timings; sadly, this immediately showcases the engine's limitations and its inability to properly handle such precision, leading to much aggravation. Let me repeat: it does not lessen the main game experience in any way whatsoever! But it's there.

Overall, a very good game that leaves you craving more. Very much recommended.