Intravenous II Review: Sharpened Stealth and Tactical Combat on PC

Title	Intravenous II
Released	August 15, 2024
Developer(s):	Explosive Squat Games, MB
Publisher(s):	HypeTrain Digital, LLC
Platform(s):
Genre	Stealth, Action, Top-Down
Rating	N/A

Completed on PC on Normal

HowLongToBeat Time: 20hr 15min | My Clear Time: 12h 37m

Background

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Intravenous II is the highly anticipated follow-up to Intravenous, a stealth-action indie game developed by Digital Squat Games and published by HypeTrain Digital LLC. Described as a “love letter to tactical stealth action,” the game builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new mechanics and deeper tactical elements.

Intravenous II was officially announced on September 29, 2023, with a trailer debuting on the official Digital Squat Games YouTube channel. The first game was praised for its tight, strategic gameplay, though fans and critics alike noted areas for refinement, such as more customization options and expanded stealth mechanics. This sequel addresses many of these points, further immersing players in a world of tactical, stealth-driven action.

A demo, titled Intravenous 2: Mercenarism, was released on January 19, 2024, offering players an early taste of the new mechanics and direction. This demo highlighted the game’s expanded customization options and diverse tactical approaches. Intravenous II officially launched on PC on August 15, 2024, and is available on Steam and GOG platforms.

The development team for Intravenous II includes:

Experience

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Having played the original Intravenous, I entered Intravenous II with high expectations. The first game offered a strong tactical stealth experience, emphasizing precision and strategy, but left room for improvement in areas like customization and mechanics. The sequel promised to address these shortcomings, and my familiarity with the series made me eager to see how it evolved.

As a fan of stealth-action games like Thief: The Dark Project, Splinter Cell, Hitman, SWAT 4, and Metal Gear Solid, I’ve grown accustomed to titles that reward careful planning and the satisfaction of executing a perfect mission. The first Intravenous delivered much of this, and I was curious to see how the sequel would refine its formula without losing its core identity.

Impressions

Introduction

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From the start, Intravenous II welcomes you with a menu that feels familiar, using the same fonts and button colors as its predecessor. Right away, you’re given a wide range of difficulty options, each showing how they affect gameplay elements like health, movement noise, and AI behavior.

The story introduces Sean, a new protagonist who takes on assassination jobs for a group called Empathetic. Sean’s goal is to pay for his blind father’s medical expenses. Despite his line of work, Sean adheres to a strict moral code, only targeting truly terrible people.

Gameplay and Mechanics

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The heart of Intravenous II lies in its overhauled gameplay. The most notable improvement is the depth of the weapon customization system, allowing players to modify various stats to suit their playstyle. Attachments now offer meaningful changes, such as altering movement speed, sound penalties, and accuracy. This introduces a risk/reward element to every choice, letting players balance stealth, speed, and firepower.

The difficulty has also been ramped up significantly. On normal mode, Intravenous II proves to be much more challenging than its predecessor, with smarter AI that reacts to even minor mistakes. The game demands a tactical approach and careful planning, rewarding players who think several steps ahead.

Level design has seen a major evolution, with larger, more intricate maps that encourage creative problem-solving. Environmental tools like circuit breakers, fire alarms, and vent shafts play a vital role, enabling players to manipulate their surroundings for strategic advantage. For example, cutting the power to a building plunges it into darkness, creating opportunities for silent takedowns.

While the game leans heavily into stealth, it doesn’t strictly require a pure stealth approach. Players can adopt a hybrid strategy, using stealth when possible but also finding safe spots to hide during alert phases. However, hiding has become more tense and dynamic: if enemies spot you entering a closet or similar hiding spot, they’ll shoot at you while you’re inside. The improved UI makes it easier to monitor how loud you are while sneaking, offering better control over stealth actions.

Weapons in Intravenous II are satisfying to use, with standouts like the Saiga 12 shotgun and the throwing knife. One particularly memorable moment involved cutting the power in a large building, throwing the area into darkness, and silently dispatching enemies with a throwing knife as they fumbled to regain their bearings.

Art & Audio

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Intravenous II features a significant upgrade in its pixel art, with more refined and detailed visuals that enhance the overall experience. The game includes expanded graphical settings, allowing players to adjust effects like lighting, bloom, and shadows to their liking. The art style retains the gritty, immersive atmosphere of the first game, but with sharper details that elevate the world around you.

The soundtrack, composed by Xtrullor, is another highlight. While the original Intravenous had a solid score, Intravenous II takes the music to new heights. The tracks perfectly complement the gameplay, with atmospheric beats that ramp up tension during stealth moments and pulse-pounding rhythms for action sequences. Xtrullor’s work significantly enhances the game’s emotional impact.

Two standout tracks I strongly recommend are:

• Xtrullor – Nightclub [Fight]: A high-energy track that feels perfect for a chaotic rave. Its intense rhythm and beats would fit seamlessly into a John Wick movie.
• Xtrullor – Police Precinct [Fight]: This track blends upbeat, ambient energy with heavy guitar riffs. It’s strongly influenced by Carpenter Brut, amplifying tension during intense combat.

Unique Features and Mechanics

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Intravenous II introduces several unique mechanics that build upon its predecessor:

Refined Ammo System

• Offers different ammo types, including overpressure rounds, subsonic ammo, and various shotgun shells (slugs, beanbags).
• Adds tactical variety to combat, encouraging players to adapt their loadouts to different scenarios.

Expanded Weapon Customization

• Personalize firearms with modifications to barrels, optics, ammo wells, grips, stocks, and triggers.
• Increases replay value by encouraging experimentation with different setups.

Day/Night Mission Selection

• Choose between day or night for specific missions, each presenting unique advantages and challenges.

Dual Protagonists:

• Sean and Steve both have their own strengths and weaknesses, Sean has a drug he can take allowing for a slow-mo effect to combat, which is a consumable.
• Steve has a similar effect that will go off in the middle of gunfights automatically, typically when you are cornered.

Verdict

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Intravenous II is a masterclass in refining a strong foundation. The game takes the already impressive formula of its predecessor and elevates it with deeper gameplay mechanics, more intricate level design, and a higher emphasis on tactical decision-making. The improved weapon customization system, smarter AI, and expanded stealth options make for a challenging yet rewarding experience. The visuals and audio also see significant upgrades, with polished pixel art and an unforgettable soundtrack that heightens every moment of gameplay.

The game doesn’t force players into one playstyle but instead allows flexibility between stealth and action, offering tools to navigate any situation. Tense moments, such as being pursued after hiding or strategically cutting power to create an advantage, ensure the experience remains engaging from start to finish.

While the increased difficulty can prove intimidating for newcomers, it’s a testament to the game’s design that it rewards patience and strategy without compromising its core identity. Intravenous II is a must-play for fans of tactical stealth-action games, providing both the depth and replayability needed to stand out in its genre.

TLDR

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Pros

• Deeper Gameplay Mechanics: Smarter AI and expanded stealth options enhance tactical decision-making.
• Improved Weapon Customization: Offers strategic depth and flexibility for various playstyles.
•  Polished Visuals and Soundtrack: Enhanced pixel art and an unforgettable soundtrack create a rich atmosphere.
• Engaging Tense Moments: Features like evading enemies and cutting power add excitement and strategic depth.

Cons

• Increased Difficulty: The higher difficulty level may prove challenging for newcomers.
• Steep Learning Curve: Tactical stealth-action elements may intimidate less experienced players.

References

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1. Games, E. S. (2023, September 29). Intravenous 2 – Announcement Trailer. YouTube.
2. Xtrullor – Nightclub [Fight]
3. Xtrullor – Police Precinct [Fight]