JRPGs and video games primarily based on JRPGs usually have a number of tropes that may be janky however nostalgic for lots of players. Not often does one come out that takes all the pieces individuals love concerning the style and improves on it, however 8-Bit Adventures 2 does simply that. Between wonderful writing, snappy fight, and delightful graphics, 8-Bit Adventures 2 seems like a near-perfect dream for JRPG lovers.
The whole lot begins out with Charlie, one of many new characters within the sport, working away from a pseudo-orphanage to assist Thief discover Warrior, two of the unique characters. They discover him beneath the management of Glitch, the brand new villain. After a little bit of battling, Mage exhibits up and saves the day. Glitch is a big, world-ending downside that the gang has to cease, and alongside the journey to just do that, Robotic and Emma be a part of. Collectively, the six of them make their means throughout the continents to cease Glitch whereas additionally serving to out the cities they meet.
The Characters Really feel Actual
8-Bit Adventures 2 is the direct sequel to 8-Bit Adventures, going down two years after the unique sport. The unique characters are again and higher than ever, they usually’ve all constructed a life for themself after the primary sport. The sport’s fairly simple to play with out figuring out the primary story, and it fills within the gaps of what occurred over time. 4 new characters spherical out the squad, and regardless of having a fairly massive get together, all of them really feel distinctive. Relationships between the get together members construct organically all through the journey, and these aren’t simply shallow moments-at some level, a lot of the characters have a one-on-one expertise with the opposite get together members that really feel pure. I used to be invested in these characters, and it felt like a deal with to see them join an increasing number of by means of the sport.
One particular character I bonded with was Emma. Emma’s a mage who’s blind, and the story doesn’t neglect that reality in its darkest moments. At one level, the group is in a pitch-black space the place sound stops utterly. This had a profound impression on Emma that the get together acknowledges and works with contemplating she depends on sound greater than the common particular person. At one other level, the participant has to navigate as Emma by means of cracking ice whereas Warrior tries to assist. Not solely is that this a fairly anxious second for the participant, however it builds up Emma and Warrior’s relationship. These moments introduced 8-Bit Adventures 2 to a deeper degree than most different video games in the identical style.
It’s not simply the principle characters who’re totally fleshed out. The primary villain of the sport, Glitch, is one other compelling character with motives that pull at heartstrings. Characters are introduced up in practically each city that has tales, and lots of the major characters have moments with others not within the get together that basically make the world really feel entire.
Fight, Characters, and Calamity
The turn-based fight system is your basic JRPG-esque fight with a number of enhancements, like a system of swapping characters out at any level with out shedding a flip. There are additionally equipable gadgets known as Augments. These give particular, larger buffs to particular person characters on high of the usual equipment, weapons, and armor that each different JRPG has. A few of these embrace buffs like resisting sure standing results, which may actually flip the tide of tougher battles. Sure weapons even have distinctive results, like an opportunity of inflicting paralysis. Many of those weapons are discovered by exploring and interacting with individuals, which seems like a fairly nice reward.
The characters shine on the sphere as nicely. Every character has a singular playstyle, and using all the get together collectively is the important thing to the vast majority of battles. Whereas there could also be favorites in battle (mine was Charlie and Emma), every member of the group has a helpful function that you just’ll want in most main fights. For instance, Charlie’s a dual-wielding help who can always reduce down defenses whereas Warrior is the final word tank. Regardless of these being basic lessons, they play like good variations of themselves.
That’s to not say there have been no points in fight. Typically numbers simply didn’t make sense – Emma would knock an enemy with Magic Injury one flip, the enemy’s Magic Protection could be decrease, and the subsequent flip Emma would in some way hit with the identical assault for much less. Fortunately, this didn’t detract a lot from the sport, it simply made some bosses really feel considerably tougher. There have been additionally a number of technical points. Nevertheless, Crucial Video games was extraordinarily fast to patch any challenge discovered.
Stunning Pixel Artwork
Whereas the pixel artwork aesthetic is not for everybody, 8-Bit Adventures 2 could be appreciated by everybody. The character sprites are energetic and stuffed with character, and the cinematics that includes the characters additional that. The overworld and fight appear like what you’d count on from a JRPG, however then a random scene will pop up that is breathtakingly attractive. The colours pop, and artist Jeremy Fahey’s expertise is on show practically always.
The music is simply as grand in a way more delicate means. Some boss fights have tunes that can stick in your head (particularly if you need to go at it a number of occasions). Others are one thing you look again on. Sure components of the sport pull feelings out of the participant, and an enormous a part of that lies within the cohesiveness of each a part of the sport, together with the music. Elements which might be increase and really feel anxious will typically use music-or the shortage of it-to assist enhance these emotions. It is an expertise that is not in your face, however noteworthy by itself.
Total, a Deal with for JRPG Followers
8-Bit Adventures 2 is the best sequel, and it’s simply as simple to leap into with out figuring out something concerning the first game-the story from the primary title is labored in splendidly. Between a implausible story with endearing, well-written characters and fight that makes use of each function obtainable, the sport is ideal for any JRPG fan.
TechRaptor reviewed 8-Bit Adventures 2 on PC with a replica supplied by the developer.
