Fast paced and very odd, but extremely fun combat. It feels like it shouldn't exist, but it does against all odds. But it is definitely an improvement over its predecessor even though it looks like hot ass, mostly.

Original steam review:

This is a fantastic little game. I had played Lugaru briefly way back from the first humble bundle, and didn't get much into it. It was a little aimless, and a little obtuse in its objectives.

This one takes a lot of the problems from Lugaru, resolves them, and adds many more nigh necessary creature comforts to the game's presentation, along with several graphical improvements. It's not going to tax your system most likely, but the small improvements help, especially with character expressiveness. I don't know one way or the other about the story in Lugaru(although I guess I do now, as you get three separate stories by default, with additional modes and mod support), but while the games seem a little straightforward, the presentation of the story is well-executed.

The combat is extremely fun. I haven't played a game with a combat system quite like it personally. I really enjoy how it feels to get into a scrape. If you watch a documentary of animals hunting, it feels as quick and brutal, as vicious but also narrow and instinctual. And while it is tough, it isn't extremely punishing because it is broken up in levels, with quick restarts.

The rubbery movements of the characters adds a certain charm, and the writing isn't normal fantasy fare. It's a little basic, but I feel like quaint is a more accurate word. It's small in scope, but the characters feel real. The workshop hopefully will continue growing as well.

It's not a game without flaws for sure, and it feels a little amateurish in spots, but its shortcomings are few compared to everything you get in the game. very fun.

The combat is fantastic and satisfying, the platforming is fun and responsive. But the story is barely a story and not the best written. I never rolled my eyes or anything at it, or found it boring, it's set dressing more than anything. More of a, "Here's more of a reason to kill these people!" than an actual story. Also, the game is short. It took me 8 hours to beat all the pre-made campaigns, that being said, all of them had really good levels with fantastic gameplay. And one even had a good story! (at least in comparison to the others) that being Therium-2 which I highly recommend, multiple endings, ways to beat the level, secrets, etc. The main campaign and it's prequel are fun too, with very well made levels and scenarios. But this game ultimately feels like a tech-demo or early access to show what the dev is capable of.

Would I recommend this game at full price? No, unless the gameplay just really calls to you. Half price off or around that for everyone else? For sure. The gameplay is great, the mods are quite great too! Speaking of, if you're a rougelike fan, there's a fully working randomized world rougelike that has tons of new mechanics and an open world to explore, so that in itself will add many hours to this game for fans of that type of gameplay. Ultimately I recommend it, just either wait for a sale, or if it really seems like your type of thing, get it now.