Planning a heist isn’t a new concept. While it might have been done a fair few times before, it’s much more accessible and enjoyable than I’ve seen for some time. Getting caught red-handed happened a fair few times while playing Monaco 2. Despite spending so much time being careful, studying the floorplans, and choosing exactly how I was going to get the goods, it was having to switch up my approach on the fly that made it such a thrill. With different characters to choose from, all with varying abilities, and making use of the range of items, it was never dull.
There’s a fundamental story at its core, and while there are some static cutscenes to offer exposition between different levels, the developers have focused the majority of their attention on the gameplay. The premise is simple: plan how to to find the valuable item or complete the task, then execute. Monaco 2 is playable on your own. It’s not terrible by any means, but it isn’t how you get the most from it. For starters, you can only play as one character at a time, until you reach a checkpoint at least. Secondly, you don’t get to bounce off of your other teammates for support and general banter.
Playing in groups of four mean each skill the characters have can work well together. You have characters that can fight there way out of a sticky situation by knocking enemies unconscious for a short time, provide healing for teammates after an encounter gone wrong, and even one that charms guards with her dog. Choosing a favourite is tough, but quite often it is about picking one that works for the challenge of the map. Each level will see you move across rooftops; avoid security lasers; sneak through hallways; crawl through vents, and so much more.
At every checkpoint, you’re able to switch characters. This can help when certain skills might be better suited to a mission. Collecting coins is integral to your heist because they allow you to do a whole manner of things, such as get smoke grenades, crossbows, and disguises, as well as unlock certain doors that cannot be opened. Do you try and sneak around four security guards to pick up a key item, or try and get by without the risk? Monaco 2 is all about taking risks, and when things do go wrong, it makes things so much more tense and often funnier.
I would catch someone’s attention and it would set off a huge chase where more and more guards joined in on the chase. You can try and sneak around or hide in a nearby plant or quiet room, but the best way to approach every level is with a solid plan that’s followed to the letter. You can always access the blueprints to a building or venue, and it is Monaco 2’s verticality that takes it far beyond its predecessor, not to mention how much better it looks. The cartoony aesthetic is great, but it is also the level of detail and colour in the different environments that make it so much more enjoyable.
Another effort to make future levels more interesting are trinkets. These can be unlocked with diamonds to give characters a particular ability at the cost of their health. Back to one of my favourites, Una can have a shield that allows enemies to hit her without removing any health. I’m not the best at stealth, so getting this ability was a must. Exploring these adds depth to Monaco 2 which is already pretty impressive because the layers to multiplayer make it much more engaging.
Monaco 2 makes you live your heisting dreams whenever you want. The levels are varied, and the different threats and obstacles you encounter make you change your mind when you feel like you’re plan was watertight. That excitement is so important. It’s gorgeous as well, with the isometric view allowing you to see the finer details of each level. While single-player isn’t as exciting, it doesn’t make Monaco 2 worth ignoring. Whether alone or with friends, it’s a thrill a minute, and while it can be difficult to not get caught, executing a plan to its finish is such a satisfying feeling.