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Why some gamers prefer the evil within over its sequel

Fans Clash Over Preferences | The Evil Within vs. The Evil Within 2

By

Sophie Patel

Jun 14, 2025, 12:51 PM

Updated

Jun 16, 2025, 03:46 AM

2 minutes of duration

A split image showing scenes from The Evil Within and its sequel, highlighting different gameplay experiences and enemy designs.
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A lively debate is playing out among gamers about the Evil Within series, sparked by active discussions across various forums. As of June 2025, fans are weighing in on gameplay, atmosphere, and story, revealing stark contrasts in opinions.

Context of the Debate

The discourse highlights a split within the gaming community. Some players praise the original for its haunting atmosphere, while others prefer the refined gameplay seen in the sequel. This ongoing conversation illustrates diverse preferences surrounding horror gaming.

Key Themes Emerging from the Comments

  1. Gameplay Mechanics

    Many gamers point out the original's atmospheric qualities but note its janky performance, with issues like awkward aiming that marred their experience. One player said, "The first game is definitely rough around the edges," indicating a tendency to overlook some faults for the sake of atmosphere. In contrast, others appreciate the smoother controls and refinements seen in the sequel, although they acknowledge it lost some identity in the process.

  2. Enemy Design and Variety

    Criticism continues regarding the enemy design in the sequel. Comments reflect sentiment that many enemies feel bland, with a notable mention of past laughs surrounding the infamous "cum zombies." One player stated, "Most of the new enemies just felt boring," reinforcing a popular criticism that the sequel lacks the originality found in its predecessor.

  3. Narrative and Emotional Tone

    The original is favored for its cohesive story and emotional depth. While some argue the sequel improved gameplay features and graphics, many still regard the first game as more memorable. A comment echoed this sentiment: "The first game is better for story and horror." Others seem torn, acknowledging, "The second game is better for gameplay, but I like the first one better."

"The first game had unmatched level design."

Sentiments Among Gamers

Gamers express mixed sentiments about both titles. Some stick by the original for its classic horror elements, while others appreciate the smoother gameplay of the second installment. Such a division suggests varied expectations of horror experiences, with many looking for both polish and atmosphere in future titles.

Highlights from the Conversations

  • ๐ŸŒŸ โ€œThe first game is an absolute gem, a director's love project.โ€

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ โ€œThe second one feels more like Resident Evil to me.โ€

  • โšก โ€œPlay on classic only without cheats, and the second game feels almost on par with the first.โ€

Key Insights

  • Mixed Reviews: While both games have their champs, opinions on gameplay and story diverge.

  • Emerging Comparisons: Original noted for atmosphere, sequel recognized for playable features.

  • Future Directions: Discussions hint that players seek a reunion of gameplay depth and immersive horror elements, pointing to potential shifts in upcoming releases.

As these opinions intensify, they bring forth a compelling question: What do players truly want from horror games in the future?