DaRmaZat In Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, the spotlight is no longer on Redgi, the hero of the indie game Tails of Iron, but instead on Arlo. He is a young, gray-white rat and the son of Lord Avor, Warden of the Wastes. Arlo resides with his father in Winter’s Edge Castle, nestled within the icy realm of Ratdom. However, disaster strikes quickly. After a night of revelry, their city is attacked by a horde of terrifying creatures known as the Darkwings. As you might expect, it falls to Arlo, the chosen one, to restore order and drive these dreadful monsters back to where they came from.
Developed once again by Odd Bug Studio and published by United Label, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter launches on January 28 for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and is also Steam Deck-verified. But the question remains: can it live up to the charm of its predecessor?
From Hunter to Hunted
The story begins with a hunting expedition featuring father and son, targeting porcupines—a segment that doubles as the game’s tutorial. Shortly after, during a dramatic and chaotic opening scene, Ratdom is attacked by the Darkwings, a swarm of massive bats and other unsavory creatures. One of these monsters knocks Arlo unconscious, and when he awakens, he is faced with the horrifying aftermath. The city is left in ruins, its inhabitants either dead or missing, leaving Arlo no choice but to flee to the Outskirts, the nearest region. This catastrophic event marks the start of a nightmare—and simultaneously the game’s first major highlight, though certainly not its last.
“A tribute to courage and perseverance…”
From that moment on, survival becomes the primary focus of gameplay. Not only does Arlo have to fend off the various enemies threatening his existence, but he also takes on the task of rebuilding Winter’s Edge. This involves recruiting new personnel, such as a chef or blacksmith, requiring him to explore various locations on the world map—a perilous endeavor in itself. Ultimately, the story revolves around seeking vengeance against the Darkwings, a mission that demands immense courage and preparation. Only when Arlo is sufficiently equipped will he stand a chance of defeating them once and for all.
More of What Fans Loved in Tails of Iron
The gameplay in Whiskers of Winter will feel familiar to those who played the first game. The controls remain nearly identical, featuring Souls-like combat that emphasizes heavy swing attacks, dodging, dashing, parrying, and healing. Arlo’s arsenal once again includes spears, axes, and swords, and traps can still be used to outwit enemies. The Finishing Move, performed via the right stick to dispatch bosses in spectacular fashion, also makes a return. A notable improvement is the reworked whetstone mechanic, now a temporary item that sharpens your weapons during combat for a brief damage boost, indicated by a yellow bar in the upper left corner of the screen.
The combat retains its gritty, raw nature, which feels both challenging and rewarding. Timing is crucial, especially for dodges and shield parries. However, telegraphing remains inconsistent, making enemy attack patterns hard to read at times. For newcomers, I recommend switching to Fairy Tail Mode, the most accessible of the three difficulty levels, to ease frustration during combat. Early enemies include porcupine-like Backstabbers, followed by the Darkwings and even familiar foes like the frogs from the first game. No fight feels like a walk in the park. Equipping Arlo properly is vital, as he must defend himself against effects like poison, fire, and icy cold. If there’s one thing to say about the combat in this sequel, it’s that Odd Bug Studio stuck to what worked and built upon it.
A Dark but Captivating World
The world map returns as a hub for launching quests, though it still lacks a zoom function. Tails of Iron 2 consists of short, compact levels connected by brief loading screens. Fast Travel becomes available later via the Pi-Rat boat, significantly reducing backtracking. Players can discover numerous hidden paths, often requiring tools obtained later in the game, to uncover valuable loot and gear. Save points are once again represented by seating areas like thrones, chairs, and benches. These are strategically placed, but you’ll need a sharp eye, as some are easy to miss—leading to dire consequences if you find yourself unprepared against a formidable boss.
“…wrapped in a grim yet hopeful adventure.”
Visually and aurally, Tails of Iron 2 is as impressive as its predecessor. Doug Cockle, known for voicing Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, reprises his role as narrator. A dynamic day-night cycle adds variety to the colorful environments, while the detailed settings—complete with working NPCs, fluttering flags, and boats departing with goods—bring the rat universe to life. The ambient sounds, from rustling winds and ominous hunting horns to melodic whistles, paired with the distinct art style, create an exceptional atmosphere. During combat, the soundtrack shifts to adrenaline-pumping death metal, intensifying the action.
Conclusion
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor with a few interesting—but not groundbreaking—improvements and additions. The challenging yet rewarding combat remains a standout feature, though even the easiest difficulty and occasional unclear telegraphing might deter some players. Nevertheless, this sequel impresses with its dark tone, compelling story, and visually charming presentation. For fans of the original, this is an absolute must-play.
Additional Information
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Review copy provided by the publisher and PR agency via BeyondGaming.
Developer: Odd Bugg Studio
Publisher: United Label Games
Official Website:
https://www.oddbug.co.uk
Relevant Links:
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter on STEAM
