We've got another roundup of reviews for you! This time, we're getting stuck into Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, which is leaving Early Access ahead of its version 1.0 release onto Xbox Game Pass this week.

Personally, I was a big fan of the original Moonlighter. The whole dungeon-to-shop gameplay loop was super satisfying, and it was quite gorgeous from a graphical standpoint. Now, its sequel is launching out of Early Access, September 2, and we're keen to see what industry intellectuals think about it.

So, let's crack on with what the critics are saying about Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault:

NintendoWorldReport (8.5/10)

"Moonlighter 2 isn’t the first time a sequel has grabbed me much more than its predecessor, but it might be the first in this genre to do so. This feeling boils down to me connecting much more with the combat and the merchant segments than I did with the original...Enjoyers of the first Moonlighter may bristle against the changes implemented for Moonlighter 2, but what’s new here has made a fan out of me. Simply put, I’m over the moon."

COGconnected (84/100)

"Although it can get grindy and the shopkeeping aspects feel a little slow at times, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault offers a lot of entertainment for both action-roguelike fans and cozy economic sim devotees. Both combat and shopkeeping have really grown and improved during early access, thanks to developers who listened to the community of players. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault releases in good shape and it’s easy to recommend."

Nintendo Life (8/10)

"In many ways, this is the same satisfying core experience as the first game. A visual overhaul and some significant changes to combat and dungeon exploration, however, make Moonlighter 2 a bigger, bolder sequel that's worth clocking in for."

GamingTrend (8/10)

"Moonlighter 2 is an enjoyable game from start to finish. While it might not have the depth of dedicated games in their respective genres. It's blend of Action Roguelite and Shopkeeping kept me engaged throughout the game."

Finger Guns (7/10)

"Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault manages to loot everything that was great about the original and bring it into glorious cozy 3D in a huge backpack, ready to sell to the masses. The loot-and-sell loop is as addictive as ever, and anyone coming in fresh at this 1.0 release is getting a deal that will put a smile on their face. However if you were on board in Early Access, 1.0 doesn't add a whole lot to the the plinth for consideration."

Gamereactor UK (7/10)

"It's clear that Digital Sun wanted a different framework to the one provided by the first Moonlighter, and they've now made quite significant changes that may create a framework that, in some respects, better aligns with their vision for the series' future. I wish them all the best; Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault remains quite fun most of the time, but the shop element is underdeveloped, and that's just a shame."

CGMagazine (6.5/10)

"Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault just does what the original already did, slightly slower and slightly less crisp, with a handful of bugs that shouldn't have made it out the door."

Currently, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault holds a 76 average rating on Metacritic, with no Xbox reviews in sight. Overall, Digital Sun's second helping of dungeon loot is a bit of a mixed bag for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

So, what do you think of the reviews? Let us know in the poll below, as well as in the comments section.