When comparing Chip's Challenge 2 vs Strata, the Slant community recommends Strata for most people. In the question“What are the best Puzzle games on Steam?” Strata is ranked 12th while Chip's Challenge 2 is ranked 48th. The most important reason people chose Strata is:
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Introduces new levels after 20 years
Due to some kind of licensing issues, Chip's Challenge 2 could not be released until now. The new game introduces new mechanics and a new character, Melinda.
Pro Nostalgic retro adventure puzzle solving
Chip's Challenge has you explore a futuristic dungeon as a nerdy boy to find chips which are required to open the door to the next level. You need to find keys, push blocks, and collect powerups to traverse the hazards of the level.
Pro Supports flexible window resolutions
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Pro Addictive gameplay that steadily increases in difficulty
While the gameplay starts out as being quite straightforward (therefore easing the player into the game), the difficulty does build as one continues to play.
Pro Original design and gameplay
The minimalistic look of the game as well as the way the gameplay works is quite original while still staying intuitive.
Pro 2D minimalistic "weaving" that requires thinking in 3d
While represented in 2D the puzzle solving aspect of the game requires thinking in terms of "levels" as one would while weaving.
Cons
Con Has to be played windowed
There is no maximize or fullscreen view for the game, it has to be played windowed.
Con Too easy if you figure out the pattern
The pattern behind the puzzles isn't the simplest, but if you can figure it out, you can solve any of the puzzles quickly.
Con Includes in app purchases
Strata is an upfront paid game at $2.99 which is why it is disappointing to see that in app purchases later apply.
Con No level generator
Even though the levels could easily be automatically generated, there is no level generator.
Con Short
The game can be beaten in about six and a half hours, which is really not all that long for a PC game. Of course originally this was a mobile phone game, which shows its roots in the length.