FRAMED 2 12+

Like the first Framed, this sequel has a lot of fun puzzles in addition to more cutscenes and more art. However, as others have noted, it is a bit short, and some of the animations are actually more stiff than the original. Also, while there are new elements such as the hidden photos or the fight scene, it didn’t grow and incorporate more new elements, essentially offering more of the same.

My hope is that the sequel will explore new mechanics, and hopefully expand more on the story. For a game that supposedly brings a comic book to life, there is no text; we don’t even know the names of the protagonists, and we’re still in the dark as to what’s inside the suitcase... I look forward to Framed 3.

There’s one last thing I have to point out, and that’s the art in the menu selection, and it’s subtle way of storytelling. It didn’t make sense until I finished the game and realized that the slides were of the woman retelling the entire story of Framed 2 to the man in the trench coat. Very cool!

Framed 2 is simply beautiful. It can easily be beaten in under 2 hours. The short length of the game, however, only serves to make every second of this puzzler more precious. If you’re in the mood for a beautifully animated noir thriller, I could not suggest a better alternative than Framed 2. The puzzles provide enough challenge to make one think, but will not frustrate players. It is a smooth, sexy experience that will make the player feel intelligent and content. However, it can be a wee bit repetitive near the end, which is why that short play time isn’t a bad thing. Do not expect a great deal of replayability. It’s a good game to thoroughly enjoy beating once.

Now I know that some people are like "what, it's a sequel" and no it's not because after the credits there is a scene that showers the girl grow up to give the man In the original game his motive or job. Amazing plot twist and also great story of how the man and the girl met, it's really creative *SPOILER ALERT* but it is so sad that the man dies in the end and the girls just sails off. The music is also fabulous and fits so well with all the scenes. Overall this is an amazing prequel to the original. Next I hope they make a sequel to the framed series. Something like "framed, the call" or it could be just framed3 with more fight scenes or a chance to fight the police instead of just sneaking up on them. This could also be a really good feature. Add knives or something too. You really don't have to but these are just suggestions. Amazing game ;)