Netflix's 'Squid Games 2' review: It's definitely bigger than the previous, but is it better?

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Gong Yoo, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk

Language: Korean

Squid Games on Netflix was truly historic. The hapless protagonists of the story, sequestered on a remote island, were forced to play elaborately staged and deadly versions of childhood games, some familiar to Western viewers (tug of war, red light-green light), and some, including the squid game of the title, specific to Korea. Alliances formed and shifted; players revealed their true makeups; losers were immediately gunned down. The six games, spaced across nine episodes, invoked both reality-TV competitions — Survivor with guns — and the more purely kinetic pleasures of televised sports and esports.

It’s now time to enter season 2 that has dropped on the OTT giant with gargantuan expectation and anticipation. Gong Yoo is still the star of the show who brings a certain amount of energy and gravitas to the show. The new games woven in do give a sense of adrenaline rush but comparisons with the thrill of the first season are inevitable.

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The battle between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) intensifies, as Gi-hun seeks revenge in a new deadly game. The tagline, “The Game will Not Stop,” hints at new developments and heightened stakes. What makes Korean content stand out and apart is how it celebrates and fetishizes violence without making it appear pretentious. Every ounce of sweat and drop of blood blends with the vociferous plot. So what happens in season 2?

Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the states and comes back with a new resolution in his mind. Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 456 billion won.

Gi-hun is shown in a defensive stance, facing off with the Front Man. Iconic Pink Guards reappear, along with playful yet eerie music and a glimpse of the familiar cash-filled piggy bank is a reminder to viewers of the high-stakes prize. It ends with a dynamic action sequence, with Gi-hun in his signature green tracksuit, ready for a new chapter. The rest is something one needs to discover on his own so check it out and have fun.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Squid Games season 2 is now streaming on Netflix