Larry Vales 2:Dead girls are easy

Overview

Larry Vales 2: Dead Girls Are Easy builds on its predecessor’s foundation with a darkly comedic point-and-click adventure that leans heavily into absurdity and humor. As washed-up traffic officer Larry, players navigate a bizarre world where job insecurity, a murdered girlfriend, and a stubborn car collide with eccentric puzzles and improved visuals. While the game doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it delivers a distinctly quirky experience that prioritizes laughs and clever puzzles over polish. Early adopters find it a step forward for Pitchfork Productions, even if its rough edges remain apparent.

A Bizarre But Engaging Premise

The game thrusts players into Larry’s tragically comedic existence with immediate stakes. His girlfriend’s fatal defenestration from a motel window, impending unemployment, and a perpetually dead car engine create a chaotic opening that sets the tone for the entire adventure. This grim yet farcical setup establishes Larry as an underdog worth rooting for—or at least morbidly curious about. The narrative leans into its own absurdity without apology, framing Larry’s misadventures with a winking self-awareness that keeps the dark subject matter from feeling oppressive. It’s a balancing act between tragedy and slapstick that mostly sticks the landing.

As Larry, you are on the brink of losing your job, your girlfriend has just been pushed out a motel window and to top it off your car won’t start.

Rekall

Puzzles and Humor Shine Brightest

Where the game truly excels is in its puzzle design and comedic delivery. The brain-teasers are described as "bizarre but very enjoyable," requiring unconventional thinking that rewards player creativity. Whether manipulating odd inventory items or navigating surreal dialogue trees, solutions often elicit laughs through their sheer ridiculousness. This humor permeates every interaction, transforming mundane tasks into memorable set pieces. The writing’s sharp wit compensates for any narrative shortcomings, with jokes landing consistently enough to maintain engagement even during frustration.

The emphasis on comedy over realism creates a distinct identity. Players aren’t just solving puzzles—they’re unraveling a dark comedy where every solution advances both the plot and the punchlines. This focus makes the adventure feel fresh despite familiar mechanics, proving Pitchfork Productions understands their niche.

The puzzles are bizarre but are very enjoyable... the extreme amount of humour and the fun puzzles make up for [graphics shortcomings].

Rekall & Dragonspawn

Visual Evolution with Lingering Limitations

Significant graphical improvements over the first Larry Vales game are immediately noticeable, with environments displaying greater detail and character animations feeling more fluid. The AGS engine’s capabilities are leveraged more effectively this time, creating a more immersive world that better sells the game’s eccentric tone. However, these upgrades don’t place the title among visual powerhouses. The art style remains functional rather than stunning, prioritizing clarity over beauty—a trade-off that suits the gameplay but may disappoint players craving eye candy.

The modest visuals become a non-issue for many, as the engaging puzzles and humor overshadow graphical limitations. Still, the art direction’s simplicity occasionally undermines emotional beats, reminding players they’re interacting with a game rather than inhabiting a living world. It’s a testament to the writing that these shortcomings rarely derail the experience.