Luminous Arc 2

"This is the power of Luminous Arc 2!"

Luminous Arc 2: Will is the 2nd game of the Luminous Arc series (Wait, does that mean there will be more?) and has proven to be a decent Tactical RPG to play. Well, better than the first Luminous Arc game anyways. However, to those that haven't played LA before, this may not be the breaking game they want to try out, as there are better ones out there. However, I have to say this is highly recommended to those fans of the Tactical RPG genre.

GAMEPLAY: 8.5/10
This is considered an improvement from the first LA game, as the controls are much easier (using the stylus is ENTIRELY optional) and the interface is more fresh and clean. Everything isn't cluttered anymore, so you are able to read things more easily. Like the first LA game, you have the character's stats at the top screen, while you have the gameplay at the bottom screen. The menus has slightly improved but can still cause annoyance at times. For the character status menu, you have to move from one section of the character to the other, instead of being able to do it all in one go (so if you wanted to change more than one piece of equipment, you have to do it one by one) which can consume quite a bit of time.

The gameplay is pretty much the same as the first LA game, but with several changes. The first major change is that gaining experience points (EXP) takes MORE time than usual, in order to increase the difficulty of the game. You'll often find yourself underlevel to some of the monsters at times. Each character only learns 1 Flash Drive, which are obtained as the storyline progresses. They are upgradeable as you level up, along with learning new skills and new magic, so it keeps the game fresh and interesting. Another change is that there isn't any more random encounters. Instead, you have the ability to take side quests and gain rewards for beating these quests. Most of these quests you can end up doing again once you beaten it, others you can only beat them once. Some have little stories while others are straight to the point. This is pretty much your only way to train up for actual battles.

In the battlefield, often the enemy forces can get "reinforcements" which means more enemies are added onto the battlefield at random spots. This can be pretty annoying, as it delays your victory, but at the same time, it increases the difficulty. Most of the time, you will be just defeating all of the enemies in order to secure victory, but there are some cases where you have to defeat a certain enemy, or where you have to move from 1 point to the other without certain characters dying.

Onto the main character (since he's considered very important) LA1 players will remember that after reaching certain points of the game, the protagonist transforms and becomes drastically stronger. This is somewhat the same case in LA2, where the main character here does get something of a transformation roughly halfway through the game. He uniquely gets the ability to "engage" with the witches that are on the battlefield to become stronger. When engaged to a witch, his stats increase (depending on which witch, one of the six stats will increase) he also gains new spells and abilities, and usage of the FD. (he cannot use FDs while un-engaged) This only lasts for roughly 5 of his turns, or when the engaged witch dies. Once he finishes, he can't use the same witch again until the battle is over.

STORY: 7/10
The story is set roughly 3 years after the events of LA1, but there isn't really any connection there whatsoever. For those who had played LA1, you'll experience a similar feeling to the storyline, as it has more witches, humans, another crazy witch-lover and several bad guys out there hindering the heroes' progress. Expect several plot twists and unexpected changes in this game as it does happen often. You also see the comparison between the characters from LA1 and the characters in this one. Oh, and some of the LA1 characters do make appearances throughout the later parts of the game, but of course that's considered a spoiler! Despite this, the characters are still awesome, are drawn better and once again, voice acting are scattered throughout the game, so be on the lookout for them. I also realized they had try to add more humor into this game. As for me, I've felt it's about the same level as LA1.

There's a lot more dialogue compared to LA1, so you can either read at your own pace, skip and head straight into the battlefield or world menu (you won't hear any voice acting though) or read at the game's pace, which is called auto.

GRAPHICS: 8/10
It's the same as LA1. I didn't see any major improvements. I reckon this game could've gone a step ahead or two with the graphics (especially with the FD animations. I seriously reckon the effects could've been more majestic and more fancy) but nevertheless, it is still beautiful and colourful. The spells and effects are crisp and worth watching. You are able to tell the characters apart. And that's important. Most of the monster sprites are the same from LA1, just different colouring. Of course there are new monster sprites (the bosses for example) and they look visually appealing. And let's not forget about the Opening animation when you start up the game! If you thought LA1's Opening was nice, then you'll love this one. It's more smoother, you barely see any pixels now, and you have a new song to listen to! There are also 2 short ending animations and they're pretty much well done. I swear, LA has good potential to become an anime!

SOUND: 8/10
The music used in this game is actually really good to listen to! It verily suits with the themes of the different situations and environments. You got the suspense and evil-is-coming music, you got the happy and calm tune, you got the comical music... it's all there! Whatever situation you're in, the game provides the correct type of music to use. As I stated before, voice acting is scattered throughout the game, but they're really worth listening to. They just seem to suit the characters and their personalities. Well, most do. I mean, we have twin characters here. One of them sounds childish and immature, while the other sounds British. Does that work out? Anyways, as for sound most of the time it suits, but sometimes the sound can be a bit off timing and some sound effects aren't suiting at all. If someone is slashing with a sword, shouldn't it be a *shing* or a *SLASH* sound instead of a weird, cutting bold sound?

REPLAY-ABILITY: 6.5/10
There are two endings and various unlockables (CGs, pictures, whatever you call them) and secrets so you have to go through the whole game several times (in this case, it's called New Game+ and you keep your powered up characters) if you want to find them out and/or willing to achieve 100% (Nothing happens when you achieve 100% anyways) In my personal opinion, just keep playing for the pretty CGs. Otherwise, leave this game only for online battling if you can.

FINAL SCORE: 38/50 (which is 7.6/10, rounded up to 8/10)
For those who have played LA 1 and loved it, then BUY! LA 2 won't disappoint ya! You'll receive a CD containing the music soundtrack if you buy it, and a special art book if you pre-order it at selected retailers! But as for the others... you could try renting it first and see if it intrigues ya or not. It is a highly recommended game to buy, but it certainly isn't the most awesome game of the year or something like that.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/09/09, Updated 02/11/09

Game Release: Luminous Arc 2: Will (JP, 05/15/08)