Freddy Spaghetti 2 Review

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Fast Facts

Spaghetti’s Back in Town

After reviewing Freddy Spaghetti on PlayStation 4, I didn’t expect to ever see Freddy again. It seemed pretty definitive that the playful noodle had met his end, and that his creator – Dr. P. Starr – regretted ever trying to create a sentient piece of pasta. Apparently, I was wrong. Developers Playful Pasta have rebirthed Freddy in Freddy Spaghetti 2, where he now takes on the role of an office worker with an attitude. This second instalment in the franchise focuses on Freddy’s journey into adult life and taking on the responsibility of employment – not that he shows himself to be responsible, of course.

The gameplay of Freddy Spaghetti 2 is near-identical to that of the first game. In order to complete each of the levels, you need to either fulfil the activity requirements or head to the blue glowing ring somewhere in the level which acts as your destination. Some of the levels are more straightforward than others, but none of the puzzles or activities are particularly difficult to work out. In fact, some of them – such as the fish tank levels – don’t even require you to move at all to complete them, as your only goal is to exist in that space. This makes this game much easier than the first overall, though some of the minigames are still quite tricky to master.

Familiar Challenges for a Familiar Noodle

The controls are equally identical to those of the original Freddy Spaghetti. Using the left and right bumpers or triggers on your controller, you will fling each end of Freddy forward in the direction you choose. Holding both of the bumpers or triggers in together for longer will charge your jump, with releasing them having the effect of launching a gleeful Freddy into the air in the direction of your choice. While these controls sound simple, they can be incredibly frustrating, as the movement physics are seemingly random at times. Particularly on levels where you need to jump over obstacles or climb stairs, you may have to try several times before you finally accomplish what you’re trying to do.

Additionally, as in the first game, these controls retain the physically painful quality of inducing strain in your hands and wrists if needing to spam the bumpers or triggers rapidly. Thankfully, there weren’t any intense chase scenes or manhunts, but there are several levels – such as those involving traversing the office environment, or beating up the photocopier to make it print quicker – that have the capacity to have this same unfortunate effect. If having any sort of repetitive strain injury, I’d consider giving the Freddy Spaghetti games a pass as a result, and considering playing something more forgiving.

Pasta its Play-by Date?

One aspect of Freddy Spaghetti 2 that becomes immediately apparent to those who have played the first instalment in the series is just how much more straightforward the game is. Freddy 2.0 doesn’t have a hidden agenda, he doesn’t want to cause too much chaos, and the end he meets this time is just that of unemployment, rather than being erased from existence. It is rather sad to be met with such a limited story after the unusual direction of the first game. The levels feel much more bland and tiresome to complete, too, as you are not as invested in Freddy’s journey.

The graphics and soundtrack of the game are also perhaps overly similar to the first game, with very little variation. Within the office and its grounds, you will find yourself navigating the same few areas over and over again. Similarly, you’ll find yourself replaying levels with identical premises, such as the sports levels, or the fish tank levels. Although this does give the Freddy Spaghetti titles a distinctive look, it also makes them stagnant in terms of innovation. I’d have liked to see the environments and sound effects get more adventurous and elaborate, rather than losing complexity.

Fusilli Fun, but Tortelloni a Let Down

On the whole, Freddy Spaghetti 2 is a humorous sequel to the first instalment in the series. Its existence feels largely pointless, however. Its contents are simplified, its story is much less developed, and many of the levels feel low-effort to complete. I did not feel as compelled to complete it, nor did I enjoy its level design as much due to the repetition. There were a few funny moments sprinkled in, and some challenge offered in the form of the sports games, but not much else.

Should there be further Freddy Spaghetti titles, I’ll be curious to see what they’re like, but would not recommend them on the basis of their premise alone. This is a series that will perhaps attract your attention if you love pasta, love bad humour, or both – not because the stories sound like ones you need to know the outcomes of. Both of the games so far have been hailed as quick trophy cash-grabs in trophy hunting communities, but this one especially takes the crown on that front. If that’s something that interests you, then by all means, pick the game up – but if you’re wanting a sequel of substance, this is not the game for you.

Rapid Reviews Rating

1.5 out of 5

1.5

You can purchase Freddy Spaghetti 2 for PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 on the PlayStation Store (UK).