Regardless of which character I played, I found the gunplay of Sanctum 2 more intense than what I saw back in 2011. Playing alone, for instance, I found the robot’s sniper rifle too limiting, but in co-op, I think it’s safe to say that that rifle’s precision and range saved the round on numerous occasions. While they tend toward the familiar archetypes like shotguns rather than inventive sci-fi gadgetry, it’s all wrapped in a memorable Portal-meets-Mass Effect aesthetic, and each brings helpful strengths to different situations. Each comes with some personality in the form of distinct voiced exclamations and their own primary weapon, ranging from Skye’s humble but punch-packing assault rifle to her sister Sweet’s massive grenade launcher that sets enemies on fire. Rather than cloning the original’s sole ginger heroine, Skye, in co-op, Sanctum 2 also lets you to step into the role of her spunky sister, a robot who could pass for an 23rd-century Apple product, or an easy-going male shotgunner who looks like Adrien Brody’s long-lost badass brother. On our side, there’s more personality to be found.

I frequently found myself using it to my advantage by luring a tough enemy who’d managed to pass the towers away from the cores. In a welcome surprise, many of these these enemies will turn and chase you down if you get too close – a needed improvement over their oblivious marches in the first game. (It’s a pity that they’re merely gargantuan versions of the foot soldiers instead of distinct monsters.) Even placed intelligently, the limit of 10 towers usually can’t handle the hordes alone, which keeps the pace fast and desperate. The varied cast of creatures come in relatively small numbers to counterbalance their increased hit points, and ever so often are accompanied by hulking bosses that smash through towers as though they were rotting Lincoln Logs. The waves of alien enemies are tougher, too. Each level feels markedly different, both in look and design, and in most cases they don’t overstay their welcome. Some of these maps do away with the research facilities almost entirely, and the battles unfold before refreshingly natural surroundings or rusty train yards. Sanctum 2’s colorful but sometimes confusing graphic novel-style story panels lead us through a lush, vibrant world spread across 15 maps. As before, your task is to erect a maze of walls and turrets to keep the enemies from the your power cores for as long as possible, but the most immediately noticeable improvement is that this is a far more beautiful and varied game.

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