Surprise Sequel Unveiled for Beloved Indie Classic from 17 Years Ago

The charming point-and-click adventure Machinarium first graced our screens an impressive 17 years ago, sharing the delightful tale of a little robot named Josef as he strives to save a robo-city from destruction at the hands of the Black Cap Brotherhood. Developed by a talented Czech studio known for a range of beloved titles, including Samorost, Botanicula, Chuchel, and the recent Phonopolis, the team has now announced a surprise return to perhaps their most cherished creation with Machinarium 2.

“Seventeen years later…” the studio shared on their social media, “the time has come for Machinarium 2,” alongside a brief video showcasing their signature, stunning cartoon visuals and animations. A link to a Steam page for the newly announced game was also included.

This long-awaited sequel picks up right where the original left off, with Josef and his companion Berta escaping Machinarium and crash-landing in a mysterious area known as the Barrens. Here, they will uncover a “lush hidden valley, home to two peculiar robot tribes.” One tribe resides in an elevated monastery, while the other dwells in the valley below, both facing a power shortage.

In this installment, players will control both Josef and Berta, switching between the two characters at will as they collaborate to solve puzzles. Their communication will be entirely visual, using thought-bubble pictographs instead of words.

Amanita’s games are renowned for their hand-drawn art and animations, complemented by the enchanting soundtracks crafted by long-time collaborator Tomáš “Floex” Dvořák. The absence of written language in their games enhances accessibility and adds an intriguing layer to the experience.

This isn’t the first time the studio has delighted fans by reviving a classic: in 2016, a third entry in the Samorost series emerged after an 11-year hiatus. This gives hope for a Botanicula 2 and, most importantly, a Chuchel 2. The original Chuchel is a hilariously entertaining game and holds some of my fondest memories of gaming with my child during their younger years.

As of now, there’s no announcement regarding a release date for Machinarium 2.