Moving Out 2 Review Multiplayer Fun for Switch
We recently added Moving Out 2 to our library of Nintendo Switch games. It’s a multiplayer co-op couch game. Where you play as movers in the world of Packmore.
Moving Out 2 is the sequel to Moving Out. The second version of this game is considerably different from the first iteration. The basic controls and mechanics are the same in my experience. However, the levels in this game are much more than just moving items from a house onto a truck.
Moving Out 2 adds a lot more throwing, puzzles, and sorting. If you liked the Packmore Island expansion pack, you’ll love Moving Out 2. In some ways each level is like a mini game. We had to figure out puzzles to gain access to areas, use more teamwork throwing items, sorting items, and using tools such as a sling shot.
Some levels play like a shooting gallery or plinko. Others had us collecting items as they fell from the top of the screen. Earning points is the goal in some levels instead of transporting items around the map.
There are plenty of regular levels too. But Moving Out 2 has a wide range of levels compared to the first version. Where every level was filling a moving truck before time runs out.
Why Moving Out 2?
If you’re looking for a fun game to play with friends or family, Moving Out 2 is an ideal choice in my opinion. It isn’t a competition, so everyone will remain on good terms after playing, unlike some multiplayer games.
Anyone who likes co-op games will enjoy Moving Out 2. Players need to work together much more in this game. We discovered there’s a lot more throwing and catching in this version.
Coordinating efforts is essential on many levels in my experience. We operated levers, switches, trains, and robots to assist other players in their efforts. Unlike the first version, moving items across the map isn’t as straightforward.
We solved plenty of puzzles and overcame obstacles to win each level. Figuring out the best way to move things is part of every level. If you like finding solutions to logistics, then Moving Out 2 is a good choice.
Moving Out 2 is also great for solo playing. We tested Moving Out 2 with multiple players and solo. While solo lacks the co-op aspect, I enjoyed playing with just 1 player.
The levels for solo are altered slightly to accommodate the lack of players. Meaning, I didn’t have to move large items or throw fragile items. Also, I saw robots were automated when necessary.
With 2 or 3 people it’s great too. As you add players the number of deliverable items increases. Having 4 players lets you experience the game to it’s fullest, but there so much to experience it’s still good no matter how many players you have in my experience.
Pros and Cons
If you struggled getting large objects through doorways or moving unbalanced was awkward in the first game, then you can appreciate Moving Out 2. They made moving unwieldy items considerably better in this version. I noticed I didn’t spin as much or stick to every bump, corner, or item I passed.
In the first version, I struggled moving items through doorways, over stone walkways, or past other items. However, I didn’t have as much trouble pushing past nearby items in this version.
Getting items through doorways is a breeze now. Some items are still off-balance, but moving items isn’t the main focus anymore. Figuring out where they go, or how to get them there captured my attention more than actually moving an item.
On one hand, it makes moving items cleaner and easier. On the other hand, you can’t take advantage of the mechanics like you could on the first version. For example, one player could spam the pick-up and jump buttons to routinely flip large items out windows or over low thresholds. Moving Out 2 eliminated a lot of those exploits, but moving items is so much better in this version!
There are so many small improvements that make moving items noticeably different in this version. I was so used to the old way of fighting to get items around each other or through doorways. After playing Moving Out 2 a while, I prefer the mechanics of this version.
Graphics and Sounds
The graphics get a nice upgrade in Moving Out 2. The characters, buildings, maps, trucks, menus and everything else are significantly improved. The different dimensions add a new element too.
There’s a wizard world similar to Harry Potter with castles, trains, and mythical animals. A candy dimension right out of Willy Wonka with rivers of chocolate, honey, cake, gummy bears, and ice cream bars. There’s also a futuristic world inspired by the Jetsons in the sky with moving platforms, robots, and electronic devices.
They spent a lot of time improving the graphics and creating a variety of levels. The moving in levels now have silhouettes of an item! A vast improvement over the mere outline on the floor from the original design.
When Sonic the Hedgehog came out in the 1990’s, the bar for background music was substantially raised. While Moving Out 2 isn’t anything earth shattering, I’d say it at least passes the bar for good music.
The background music was not distracting at all, it even seemed quiet at times. In my opinion they put more effort into the graphics than the sounds though.
They recycled some sounds and music from the first game. Which, like many Kirby games, works well. They dropped the announcer. I really missed the announcers voice from the Moving Out 1. Reading all those corny jokes just isn’t the same in this version.
Characters and Achievements
They definitely added more characters and achievements to this game. A notable improvement over the first design in my opinion. Characters come in 3 versions, which works better than choosing a different hat or outfit in the first game.
Similar to the first game you can choose handicapped characters, which is a nice touch. Every character can toggle on/off a wheelchair. The characters are unlocked by finding Style Crates or Character Crates hidden throughout the levels, plus a few on the main map.
There are 5 achievements per level now. They range from easy to seemingly impossible. For example, not letting any package falling into the water on a level where you have to throw every item across several small islands. I had flashbacks to not breaking any glass in the Atari office building!
The more achievements you earn the higher your F.A.R.T. level, which maxes out at 115 or level 11. A higher F.A.R.T. level is required to play certain levels.
There are also more hidden achievements sprinkled throughout the levels. For example, you need to find 3 hidden keys and place them in colored locks. An improvement over the first game to be sure.
Comparable Games to Moving Out 2
Moving Out 2 is comparable to Moving Out 1 of course. It’s also comparable to Overcooked, Lumberhill, Tools Up, Very Very Valet, and Out of Space to name a few.
Similar to Overcooked 1 & 2, Moving Out 2 is an upgraded version of the first game. As with Overcooked, the second version of Moving Out is better in my opinion.
Both games made slight improvements to the game mechanics. Overcooked 2 toned down the dashing and added throwing. While Moving Out 2 made moving items easier and added slingshots.
Both games added a variety of levels, although Moving Out 1 left much more room for improvements than Overcooked. I love both games, but tend to favor Moving Out more.
Lumberhill, Tools Up, and Very Very Valet are also my favorites. They all have you working as a team racing against the clock. Moving Out 2 has such a variety of levels compared to the others.
We found ourselves asking many times, what are we supposed to do here? But it was a good thing, because it made Moving Out 2 so engaging. It’s the most entertaining of the 4 games listed in my opinion.
Both Out of Space and Moving Out 2 require harmonized teamwork. Which makes for hours of fun with friends or family. Out of Space doesn’t have a clock, instead you work as a team to clean a spaceship and power each room.
Review Summary
Our Moving Out 2 review gives it 9 out of 10 stars. Hand down one of the best games we’ve played lately. I found it to be a major upgrade compared to the first installment of the game. Levels are much more than just moving items to or from a truck. I noticed there’s many puzzles or efficient paths to figure out on each level.
Which makes for a very engaging game. We played most of the day without getting tired of because of the variety of the levels and numerous achievements.
Playing levels several times to find the hidden achievements or accomplish the main achievements really mixes things up. Instead of being redundant, Moving Out 2 is a very delightful game.
Overall, Moving Out 2 captures the fun of the original game but spices things up with a broad variety of gameplay.
Moving out 2 review brought to you by David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space, and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
