Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream - Indonesia's Wild Open-World Beat 'Em Up

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Get ready to ditch your preconceived notions of what a "good game" is, because Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream is out now, and it's here to politely punch them in the face. Developed by Gamecom Team and published by indie.io, the game launched on Steam on September 15, 2025. Imagine the sprawling, character-driven chaos of a Like A Dragon title, but seasoned with a distinct Indonesian flavor, a fraction of the budget, and a dash of delightful, unadulterated jankiness. This isn't your meticulously polished AAA experience; it's a vibrant, open-world comedy beat 'em up that feels less like a finely tuned orchestra and more like a garage band hitting all the right, gloriously off-key notes. Prepare for an adventure where exuberance trumps perfection.

Developed with what is clearly a passion project budget rather than a corporate war chest, Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream delivers an experience that’s both familiar and wonderfully alien. Comparisons to Rockstar's behemoths or the anarchic delights of Saints Row might spring to mind, but this isn't about grand theft auto-mobiles. This is a predominantly on-foot odyssey through the fictional city of South Jayakarta, where the pavement is your battleground and your fists are your primary mode of communication as you unveil secrets that haunt the city's youth.

The Curious Case of the "Polite Brawler"

One of the most intriguing aspects of Troublemaker 2, distinguishing it from its more aggressive genre brethren, is its surprisingly genteel approach to fisticuffs. Forget the wanton destruction and spontaneous street brawls that define so many open-world games. Here, you're not just some random agent of chaos looking to start a fracas. Oh no, that would be terribly uncivilized! Instead, you engage with designated gangs of hoodlums. Think of it less as a free-for-all rumble and more like a scheduled appointment for a beatdown. You have to wait for them to "Make Trouble" first, as if they've submitted a formal request for a good ol' fashioned pummeling.

This peculiar mechanic adds a layer of unexpected strategy, or perhaps just a touch of absurd politeness, to the proceedings. It’s like the game is asking, "Are you sure you want to hit that person? Because they haven't explicitly said they're asking for it yet." This isn't a world where you can just unleash your inner Bruce Lee on an unsuspecting pedestrian; it's a world where you patiently observe, wait for the villainous equivalent of a "please disturb" sign, and then, and only then, do you unleash your righteous fury. It's a brawler with manners, a pugilist with principles, and frankly, it’s hilarious.

"Like A Dragon," But With More Sambal

The spirit of Sega's beloved Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) series is undeniably present, like a ghostly aroma of delicious street food wafting through the air of South Jayakarta. The game delivers that same blend of serious gang narratives, quirky side quests, and the sheer joy of just existing in a vibrant city. But where Like A Dragon boasts cinematic cutscenes and meticulously rendered environments, Troublemaker 2 offers a charmingly rough-around-the-edges aesthetic that screams "indie heart and soul." It’s less like a blockbuster movie and more like your favorite cult classic – the one that everyone overlooks but you know is pure gold.

The South Jayakarta setting is a breath of fresh air, providing a backdrop that feels distinct and full of character. It’s clear that creativity and local flavor have been leveraged to great effect. Instead of trying to mimic Western metropolises, Troublemaker 2 leans into its unique identity, offering a glimpse into a world rarely explored in mainstream gaming. It's a cultural tapestry woven with humor and action, proving that you don't need a bajillion dollars to create an immersive and memorable world.

Embracing the Jank: A Feature, Not a Bug

Let's talk about the "janky" elephant in the room. Or, in this game's case, the "dying cow" in the room. Yes, you read that right. Among the myriad of unexpected happenings, players can indeed transform briefly into a dying cow. If that isn't the most delightfully bizarre, utterly unhinged game mechanic you’ve heard of all year, then you haven't been playing enough indie games. This isn't a glitch; it's a feature. It's the kind of whimsical absurdity that elevates a game from merely good to truly unforgettable. It’s the gaming equivalent of finding a rubber duck in your soup – unexpected, a little weird, but ultimately, it makes you smile.

This charming jankiness, far from being a detractor, is part of Troublemaker 2's undeniable appeal. It's reminiscent of early Grand Theft Auto games or the lovable, often glitchy, ambition of early 3D open worlds. There’s an honest, earnest quality to it, suggesting a development team more focused on delivering a fun, unique vision than on polishing every pixel to Hollywood perfection. It's a game that winks at you, acknowledging its rough edges while daring you not to have a blast.

The Dream is Real

The final game delivers on its promise of a personality-brimming experience. It's a kaleidoscope of genres haphazardly stirred together – a beat 'em up, an open world, a comedy, and probably a few things we haven't even discovered yet. The lack of random assault, while seemingly counterintuitive for a brawler, forces players to engage with the world on its own terms, finding humor and challenge in its unique ruleset.

Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream isn't trying to be the next big thing that obliterates sales records. It's carving out its own niche, offering an experience that's both a homage and a defiant stand-alone creation. It's for players who appreciate heart over hyper-realism, laughter over lore, and the sheer joy of discovering something truly different. In a gaming landscape often dominated by sequels and safe bets, this Indonesian gem stands out like a neon sign in a quiet alley – beckoning you towards an adventure that promises exuberance, jank, and perhaps, a bovine transformation or two.