Arcane season 2 review: "One of the greatest video game adaptations of all time"

GamesRadar+ VerdictArcane fans desperate to revisit this world will be thrilled to see it’s just as inviting as before. Everything from the animation to the scale of each battle has been expanded to thrilling new heights that don’t forego the emotional stakes. A fitting end to this beloved saga that’s left us wanting more.Pros+Stunning, Emmy-worthy animation+Emotive, moving voice work+Bigger scope than everCons-Many moving pieces to juggle-Music is heavy-handed sometimes-Lots to remember following long break between seasons GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Arcane fans desperate to revisit this world will be thrilled to see it’s just as inviting as before. Everything from the animation to the scale of each battle has been expanded to thrilling new heights that don’t forego the emotional stakes. A fitting end to this beloved saga that’s left us wanting more. Arcane fans desperate to revisit this world will be thrilled to see it’s just as inviting as before. Everything from the animation to the scale of each battle has been expanded to thrilling new heights that don’t forego the emotional stakes. A fitting end to this beloved saga that’s left us wanting more. Pros+Stunning, Emmy-worthy animation+Emotive, moving voice work+Bigger scope than ever Stunning, Emmy-worthy animation Emotive, moving voice work Bigger scope than ever Cons-Many moving pieces to juggle-Music is heavy-handed sometimes-Lots to remember following long break between seasons Many moving pieces to juggle Music is heavy-handed sometimes Lots to remember following long break between seasons Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. WhenThe Last of Uspremiered in January 2023, it was heralded as proof that the so-called ‘video game curse’ had finally been broken. But HBO’s adaptation was actually just one of many shows and films that had already defied this ‘curse’, including Castlevania, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and even Sonic the Hedgehog on the big screen. However, arguably the strongest case arrived in the form of Arcane, a Netflix animated series set in Riot Games' League of Legends universe. Upon its arrival in late 2021, Arcane blew up with fans of League of Legends and newbies alike thanks to its faithful yet bold new approach to fan faves such as Vi and Jinx. No preexisting knowledge was required for this prequel that explored what happened to these sisters after their lives literally blew up with an explosion that changed everything, setting them on very different, opposing paths. This time around, preexisting knowledge is very much required, and not just because it’s been three whole years since we last visited the world of Arcane. Hitting the ground running (Image credit: Netflix) Unrest between the gilded paradise of Piltover and Zaun, the seedy oppressed underbelly that struggles below, reached a head at the end of season 1 when Jinx fired a stolen Hextech gemstone at the Piltover council. Season 2 hits the ground running in the immediate aftermath, escalating the conflict tenfold with a more expansive world that still finds time to hone in on the bad blood between Violet and Jinx. In the first season of Arcane, notable characters like Silco and Marcus snuffed it. This time around, brace yourself for even more heart wrenching tragedy. showrunnerChristian Linketeased as much during a recent chat withBlack Girl Nerdswhere he said: “We definitely always wanted our world and stories to feel like they have consequences, and death is the most severe consequence.” Achingly beautiful (Image credit: Netflix) Yet as dangerous as this world can be, it’s still achingly beautiful. Even as we move through rubble at the start of season 2 – picking up immediately from where last season’s explosion left off – Arcane wastes no time in reminding us just how stunning this show looks in every respect. French animation studio Fortiche Production has somehow outdone themselves, expanding on their signature mix of 2D and 3D elements with even more intricate detail, bold coloring, and dynamic movement that will have you screaming “hang it in the Louvre” at any given point throughout. One scene early on juxtaposes that beauty — a thousand spinning purple petals in this case — with the line, “I want to tear that laugh from her throat forever,” which sums up so much of what makes Arcane work as well as it does. These unexpected contrasts are key to the worldbuilding, making these fantastical environments infinitely more real than you’d expect from a video game property this stylized. The animation always serves the story, not the other way round, which can sometimes be the case unfortunately with a show that looks like Arcane. Fast factsRelease date:November 9 - 23Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Christian LinkeEpisodes seen:9 out of 9 Fast facts Release date:November 9 - 23Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Christian LinkeEpisodes seen:9 out of 9 Release date:November 9 - 23 Available on:Netflix Showrunner:Christian Linke Episodes seen:9 out of 9 Every episode brings the energy you’d typically see in just the finale of any other given show, yet Arcane still doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the grandeur of its actual series finale, upping the ante yet again somehow with something truly special. Small character details are just as important as the bigger picture, and that’s also true of the animation itself where as much attention is given to the intricate, sprawling backgrounds as it is the action in the foreground. Bigger scope (Image credit: Netflix) Even the weapons have so much character to them, and that’s true of the world-renowned character design as well. New characters, including a young companion for Jinx, effortlessly slot into this world while the voice cast from last season continue to perform stellar work across the board. Katie Leung is a particular standout as Caitlyn Kiramman, the enforcer who’s now forced herself to make even harder choices this time around. As dangerous as this world can be, it’s still achingly beautiful As dangerous as this world can be, it’s still achingly beautiful And what becomes of the rest of your favorites? Without spoiling too much, Arcane ends with a surprising yet fitting end for each of these beloved characters that successfully weaves all the show’s many, many threads into an epic, emotionally resonant payoff. It really shows that Arcane was always supposed to end this season because there’s no awkward cliffhanger. This is a complete story that’s beautifully told yet still leaves us wanting more. Arcane season 2 is available to stream in its entirety on Netflix. When you’ve finished Act III, check out our picks of the otherbest Netflix showsto add to your watchlist. CATEGORIESNetflixStreaming Services CATEGORIES More about arcaneLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer says “it was always our hope” to get a character from the show into League of LegendsLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about arcaneLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer says “it was always our hope” to get a character from the show into League of LegendsLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about arcaneLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer says “it was always our hope” to get a character from the show into League of Legends More about arcane League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"Arcane writer says “it was always our hope” to get a character from the show into League of Legends League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane” League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane” Arcane writer says “it was always our hope” to get a character from the show into League of Legends Arcane writer says “it was always our hope” to get a character from the show into League of Legends Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” See 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REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”