Drakengard 2

"Square Enix delivers a mediocre sequel to a great game"

Graphics: 6/10
Overall the graphics in this game are pretty much the same. However that's the problem. Considering Square Enix is a major video game company the least they could have done is improve the graphics a bit, but they're still the same. In fact the enemies and some of the characters are less detailed than those in the original Drakengard. It seems Square Enix is spending to much time on other things like Final Fantasy to care about this game. Another thing to point out is that the game has a more RPG-like image this time around which is acceptable cosidering Square Enix's strong point is RPGs.

Gameplay: 7/10
This is the factor in which Drakengard 2 greatly improves over its predecessor. The gameplay is considerably more fun with more challenging boss fights and more awesome weapons. You can now also choose between a total of four characters to play as through the game. In the first one you could only summon one other character for a limited amount of time, but in this one you can summon a character for as long as you want and they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The dragon fights are also much more enjoyable with the addition of the new breath attacks that can really come in handy in certain situations. The new addition of villages where you can buy weapons and health items is also good, and it is much easier to find good weapons. Now the bad part. Like the first one the regular enemies are just too easy to kill, and the enemy severly lacks in diversity. As there are only three regular enemy types undead, Seal soldiers, and monsters. The enemies in the sky also have the same problem, and the only new addition to them are very fast planes that take awhile to kill.

Story: 4/10
This is the part where I really get pissed. The story is still dark and moody like the first one, but that doesn't save it from the god-awful characters. They're all way too whiny, and their personalities just aren't as complex as the original. Their backstories also don't impress me like the original characters. Mainly because they're too typical, and are not at all original. The ending of the story also sucks. The first one had FIVE different endings and all of them were great (and kind of weird). The one good character is probably the dragon who explains much about his race, and is very wise, but ferocious.

Replay: 6/10
It isn't a good idea to play through this again though it is still fun no matter how mediocre it gets. Battling the enemies is still fun to do, but the characters just get too annoying to live with which is why I suggest sticking to replaying the first one.

Overall: 5/10
I am very angered by this awful sequel to one of the greatest hack and slash games I ever played. Drakengard could have definetly live without it. By all means stay away from this game and focus on the first to unlock everything in it. However this game is still interesting to say the least, but if you want to play it you should only rent it. You can probably beat it within four days and unlock everything in about five or six days. Anyway I hoped this review helped you to decide what you should play.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 03/06/06