Hey everyone! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Intravenous 2, the new tactical stealth action game from Explosive Squat Games (published by HypeTrain Digital). I usually gravitate toward cozy sims or puzzle games, but I couldn’t resist giving this one a try—especially after seeing those glowing “Very Positive” reviews. Here’s the lowdown on what I loved, what didn’t quite click, and whether it’s worth your time (and hard-earned coins).
Overall Impressions
From the moment I hit “Start,” I was hooked by how Intravenous 2 blends deep tactics with a pulpy, spy-thriller vibe. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Hotline Miami and Metal Gear Solid had a weird, awesome baby—you’ll get it here. You truly choose your path: sneak through vents in total silence, or go in guns blazing and hope the AI doesn’t pincer you. Some missions had me on the edge of my seat, while a couple felt a bit too long or repetitive. Still, I’d say it stands tall among recent stealth titles—especially for a mostly solo indie team.
Gameplay Mechanics
Choice-driven gameplay stands out with seamless transitions between stealth takedowns and loud firefights, allowing players to tailor every encounter. On higher difficulties, the AI adapts dynamically—flanking noisy players and dispatching investigation teams to missing bodies—mirroring the tension of Payday 2’s stealth rules. Meanwhile, tight top-down gunplay and a solid arsenal—from silenced pistols to riot shotguns—combine with varied missions, including spy extractions, data heists, and rescue-or-abandon moral dilemmas, for a truly engaging shooter experience.
However, occasional mission padding can disrupt pacing, as hack puzzles and fetch tasks sometimes feel tacked on without heightening tension. The steep learning curve—especially on harder settings—may frustrate newcomers looking for progressive challenges rather than an abrupt AI “tactical ninja” shift. Despite these drawbacks, the core gunplay earns high praise: “Great gunplay from the topdown perspective—I cannot recommend the game enough. Worth the full price and then some,” highlighting an addictive, replayable shooter at its core.
Story and Characters
Intravenous 2 picks up a year after the original, tossing you into the shoes of Agent Raven (new face, but plenty of attitude). You’re part of an off-the-books org hunting a global conspiracy. Dialogue is punchy, sometimes a bit cliché (“shadows are my home”), but the relationships between Raven and her handler, Dex, felt genuine. Side characters—like the gadget-savvy techie Sam and the ex-spy mentor Elena—bring some heart. I wouldn’t call it Shakespeare, but it made me care when choices got personal. World-building hits the right notes: secret bunkers, neon-lit streets, and hidden safehouses felt lived-in.
Visuals and Graphics
I’m not usually a judge of pixels, but I fell in love with the art style. Explosive Squat Games went for a gritty, neon-noir look that gives every level a moody glow. Shadows play nice with your stealth moves, and you can barely spot guards through tinted glass windows—perfect for that tense peek-before-you-sneak moment. Animation is smooth, from vaulting over desks to sliding between cover. On my mid-range rig, I saw no real hiccups, just crisp, clean frames that kept me in the zone.
Sound and Music
Big thumbs up here. The soundtrack mixes pulsing synth beats with quiet ambient tracks for stealth sections. When alarms go off, you switch to hard-hitting drums and guitar riffs, ratcheting up the tension. Gunfire has a satisfying punch, and I appreciated little touches—footsteps on metal grates, radios crackling orders, guards whispering “something’s off.” Voice acting is solid, too. Raven’s voice actor nails that balance between cool confidence and weary agent. No cringe-worthy lines—just enough flair to keep you invested.
Difficulty and Replayability
Intravenous 2 doesn’t mess around. On “Rookie” difficulty, you can breeze through some levels by hugging shadows and using your scanner. But bump it up to “Operative” or “Shadow Master,” and every wrong step spells trouble. The game encourages multiple runs: you’ll unlock new gear, challenge modes (no-lethal only, time trials), and hidden files that deepen the lore. I’ve already replayed a couple of favorite maps trying out different gadgets and paths. A few players mentioned the steep learning curve—“you can’t just take everybody out stealthily”—and they’re right. But once you get a feel for the pacing, those tense moments become pure fun.
Trivia and Behind the Scenes
Explosive Squat Games began in 2020 as a two-person studio. The team has since grown to eight members. They openly share development diaries on social media. These diaries detail AI tweaks, level-design challenges, and community Q&A sessions. The studio spent roughly three years in development. During that time, the team held frequent weekend “stealth sprint” jams to test new stealth mechanics. After development was complete, they partnered with HypeTrain Digital. HypeTrain funded a post-launch patch that added a “ghost mode” for speedrunners. The patch also improved AI search patterns based on early player feedback.
Final Thoughts
Intravenous 2 isn’t a cozy, slow-burn sim, but it offers a satisfying blend of strategy, story, and action that even a lighthearted gamer like me can appreciate. It’s intense in spots, but the well-crafted world, smart AI, and killer soundtrack kept me coming back for more. If you love to plan every step (or just want to dive in and blow stuff up), you’ll find something to enjoy here.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Why not a full 5? A handful of missions felt padded, and the jump in difficulty is sharp. But overall, this is a solid, polished package that shows Explosive Squat Games growing into their own. If you’re up for a tactical ride through shadowy conspiracies and heart-pounding chases, Intravenous 2 is worth grabbing.
Hope you found this helpful! Stay cozy, stay curious, and I’ll catch you next time with more game picks and friendly vibes. – CasualPlayer23
