8-Bit Adventures 2 Evaluation | TechRaptor

JRPGs and video games primarily based on JRPGs typically 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 folks love concerning the style and improves on it, however 8-Bit Adventures 2 does simply that. Between glorious writing, snappy fight, and delightful graphics, 8-Bit Adventures 2 looks like a near-perfect dream for JRPG lovers. 

All the pieces begins out with Charlie, one of many new characters within the game, operating 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 drawback that the gang has to cease, and alongside the journey to do exactly that, Robotic and Emma be part of. Collectively, the six of them make their manner 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, happening two years after the unique game. The unique characters are again and higher than ever, they usually’ve all constructed a life for themself after the primary game. The game’s fairly straightforward to play with out understanding 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 moderately giant social gathering, all of them really feel distinctive. Relationships between the social gathering members construct organically all through the journey, and these aren’t simply shallow moments-at some level, many of the characters have a one-on-one expertise with the opposite social gathering members that really feel pure. I used to be invested in these characters, and it felt like a deal with to see them join increasingly more by means of the game. 

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 affect on Emma that the social gathering acknowledges and works with contemplating she depends on sound greater than the common individual. 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 primary characters who’re absolutely fleshed out. The principle villain of the game, Glitch, is one other compelling character with motives that pull at heartstrings. Characters are introduced up in almost each city that has tales, and most of the fundamental characters have moments with others not within the social gathering that actually make the world really feel complete. 

Fight, Characters, and Calamity
 

The turn-based fight system is your normal 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 referred to as Augments. These give particular, larger buffs to particular person characters on prime of the usual equipment, weapons, and armor that each different JRPG has. A few of these embrace buffs like resisting sure standing results, which might 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 folks, which looks like a fairly nice reward. 

The characters shine on the sphere as effectively. Every character has a singular playstyle, and using the complete social gathering 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 workforce has a helpful position that you just’ll want in most main fights. For instance, Charlie’s a dual-wielding assist who can continually reduce down defenses whereas Warrior is the last word tank. Regardless of these being traditional courses, 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 Harm one flip, the enemy’s Magic Protection can be decrease, and the subsequent flip Emma would by some means hit with the identical assault for much less. Fortunately, this didn’t detract a lot from the game, it simply made some bosses really feel considerably more durable. There have been additionally a number of technical points. Nevertheless, Crucial Video games was extraordinarily fast to patch any difficulty discovered. 

Stunning Pixel Artwork

Whereas the pixel artwork aesthetic is not for everybody, 8-Bit Adventures 2 may be appreciated by everybody. The character sprites are vigorous and stuffed with character, and the cinematics that includes the characters additional that. The overworld and fight seem 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 almost continually. 

The music is simply as grand in a way more refined manner. Some boss fights have tunes that can stick in your head (particularly if you must go at it a number of instances). Others are one thing you look again on. Sure components of the game pull feelings out of the participant, and an enormous a part of that lies within the cohesiveness of each a part of the game, together with the music. Elements which are build up and really feel anxious will usually use music-or the shortage of it-to assist improve 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 perfect sequel, and it’s simply as straightforward to leap into with out understanding something concerning the first game-the story from the primary title is labored in splendidly. Between a unbelievable story with endearing, well-written characters and fight that makes use of each characteristic accessible, the game is ideal for any JRPG fan. 

TechRaptor reviewed 8-Bit Adventures 2 on PC with a replica offered by the developer.