Aragami 2
- July 6, 2022
- Lince Works
- 16h median play time
There are few games I’ve enjoyed quite as much in recent months as Aragami 2.
Aragami 2 is a third person stealth game where you play as an assassin with the power to control the shadows. Join the shadow clan and fight the invider armies to protect your people.
Reviews
- Fluid and fun movement mechanics that enhance gameplay.
- Great character customization options and skill trees that allow for varied playstyles.
- Engaging co-op experience that adds to the fun of stealth gameplay.
- Repetitive missions that often reuse the same maps, leading to a lack of variety.
- Numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, especially in multiplayer.
- Combat mechanics feel clunky and less satisfying compared to the original game, detracting from the stealth experience.
- story1,599 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story in "Aragami 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it lackluster and disconnected from the original game. While some appreciate the attempt at a narrative with new characters and themes, others criticize the repetitive mission structure and the feeling that the story serves merely as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling journey. Overall, the narrative is often described as vague, poorly executed, and overshadowed by gameplay issues, leading to a sense of disconnection from the characters and plot.
“The story is simple and mostly just there to give a reason for the missions, but the missions are well made and fun.”
“The overall story is nice, with a little twist here and there and there are also some wrenching moments as well.”
“I loved the story and had so much fun both playing it solo and with my friend.”
“The story was drawn out way longer than it needed; could have combined some of the shorter missions or just cut some of them out. 51 missions was a bit too long to the point it got annoying near the end.”
“The plot is so vague, I don't even care how it ends.”
“The story is bland, mostly because it only exists in the hub world and you don't really *feel* the impact your missions have.”
- gameplay852 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Aragami 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant departure from the mechanics of its predecessor. While the game introduces faster-paced movement and a more fluid combat system, it lacks the unique shadow mechanics that defined the first game, leading to a more generic stealth experience. Additionally, numerous bugs and repetitive mission design have detracted from the overall enjoyment, although some players appreciate the new co-op features and customization options.
“It's aesthetically very cool, the mechanics are fun, and they keep things interesting by mixing up the challenges with each mission.”
“Great stealth gameplay, enemy AI, level design, and co-op, with serviceable combat.”
“The gameplay is a massive improvement, in my opinion.”
“The game is incredibly unfinished, mechanics don't work half the time, and the maps are used far too many times for their own good.”
“The missions are very boring, the gameplay is very buggy, the enemies have super hearing sometimes and sometimes they don't notice anything, so it just feels very random and can get extremely frustrating if you are trying to play stealthy.”
“What made Aragami fun and unique is stripped away in Aragami 2, leaving bland stealth mechanics and bland combat.”
- graphics292 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Aragami 2" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting a downgrade from the unique cel-shaded art style of the original game to a more generic 3D aesthetic. While some appreciate the improved resolution and overall visual quality, others criticize the character models and environments as feeling unfinished or bland. Overall, the game's visuals are seen as average, lacking the artistic flair that defined its predecessor, which has led to disappointment among fans.
“The game's art style is also a bit of a departure from the first game which was made on Unity like this one, but it had that cool watercolor, cell-shaded art style that still looks very visually striking today.”
“The graphics are incredible and so are the controls and combat.”
“The graphics are a step up, but I'm conflicted about comparing it to Aragami 1.”
“In this game, it just looks like a generic Unity engine game, with some of the art style retained, but characters just look unfinished and rough, especially your main character.”
“The graphics are appalling, somehow poorer than the original game.”
“They scrapped the original art style that Aragami had and replaced it with this generic 3D art style.”
- stability215 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting significant bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, particularly in combat and stealth mechanics. Many reviewers noted that these issues can make the game nearly unplayable at times, especially in multiplayer modes, leading to frustration and a lack of enjoyment. While some players found the game fun despite its flaws, the overall consensus is that it requires substantial fixes to improve stability and performance.
“The glitches in this game make it unplayable.”
“The amount of bugs and glitches in this game make it nearly unplayable most of the time.”
“This game is extremely buggy even a few months after release, and not in a goofy funny way that you can continue with, but in a game breaking 'cannot continue' way.”
- music106 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its beauty and ability to enhance the atmosphere. While some noted a lack of variety due to repetitive tracks in certain areas, the overall soundtrack is described as exceptional, charming, and even surpassing that of the previous installment. Despite some criticisms regarding the game's pacing and filler content, the music remains a standout feature that many players thoroughly enjoy.
“Music was exceptional!”
“The soundtrack is absolutely amazing and beautiful.”
“Awesome controls and amazing music.”
“You go to the same areas constantly, fighting the same enemies with the same spawn placements with the same music for the overwhelming majority of the game, and much like Young Blood, it's tedious and boring.”
“About 75% of this game is complete filler missions, there's only about 6 locations and they all get boring fast, and every time you come back to your home base the same annoying song plays over and over and over.”
“The graphics are very average along with the music and animation.”
- humor56 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its numerous bugs and glitches, which often lead to hilarious moments, especially during co-op play. Players frequently find themselves laughing at absurd situations, such as unexpected enemy behaviors and the game's quirky mechanics, despite some bugs being game-breaking. Overall, the comedic elements are enhanced by the chaotic nature of gameplay and the interactions with friends, making for a fun, albeit flawed, experience.
“I played the entire thing co-op with a friend, and the amount of times we would burst out laughing over the fact they are throwing another 4 fetch quests on us was absurd.”
“It's hilarious that the tutorial describes air assassinations as being a thing, when it's really just you jumping, landing, and then performing a regular kill on land.”
“There are a few bugs here and there... I eradicated most people in a map through brutal combat and stealth kills... but it gave me the 'spirit' rank and said no one was killed, made me laugh.”
“If this was supposed to be funny, the intent was not clear; though the reaction certainly was.”
- grinding56 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, with many missions feeling like padding between main story events. The need to repeatedly revisit the same areas and complete similar objectives leads to burnout, despite some enjoyment in the stealth mechanics. Overall, while the leveling system isn't overly grindy, the collection of items and completion of missions can become a frustrating chore.
“Stealth gameplay is very solid yet not too tedious.”
“But considering this is the fifth time I am in the mine to collect/assassinate/destroy/meet a contact or destroy a couple of boxes, it became quite boring after the first 20 times I had to do it, and especially tedious when they are used as padding between the main story missions.”
“You go to the same areas constantly, fighting the same enemies with the same spawn placements and the same music for the overwhelming majority of the game; much like Young Blood, it's tedious and boring.”
“The game is peppered with tedious, unimaginative missions that repeat over and over.”
- optimization35 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs, performance issues, and janky combat mechanics that hinder the overall experience. While some users noted improvements after adjusting graphic settings and acknowledged ongoing patches, others experienced persistent stuttering, crashes, and clunky movement, particularly in larger maps. Overall, the game is described as rough around the edges, with a need for further optimization to enhance gameplay.
“Sure you lose shadow teleport, but the game feels more optimized, less buggy, and kills feel satisfying.”
“Performance is rock solid.”
“Performance is great, no bugs so far, and the music and graphics are fantastic.”
“Combat in this game is poorly optimized and very janky.”
“Repetitive missions and buggy performance make it a hassle to play through.”
“Full of bugs, disappearing, falling and going through walls, objects, game performance is also terrible too.”
- replayability32 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game offers a mix of replayability options, including a mission system with varying difficulties and secrets that unlock customization items, which keeps the experience fresh. However, some players feel that once all items are collected, the replay value diminishes, particularly due to the absence of a new game plus feature. Overall, many users find the game enjoyable and replayable, especially with friends, while updates have further enhanced its replayability.
“Various secrets help unlock more customization items, the arsenal is gradually expanding, so there's plenty of replay value.”
“It's faster-paced and uses a replayable mission system with varying difficulty.”
“These two aspects alone make Aragami 2 a much deeper experience (also adding to the replayability) where you can switch between different playstyles all while personalizing your Aragami.”
“Replay value: I could see myself playing this again in the future, but as of now, seeing no option for a new game plus, it gets a little boring after collecting everything I needed.”
“And after you got every item in the game, there is no replay value, except having fun.”
“Also, this gives a lot of replay value to the missions.”
- atmosphere28 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its engaging design and music that enhances the stealth experience, while others criticize the loss of the original's unique charm and stylized art. Many players feel that the shift to a more generic aesthetic and gameplay focus detracts from the immersive qualities that defined its predecessor. Overall, while the game offers a different atmosphere that some enjoy, it fails to capture the same sense of melancholy and mystery that fans of the first installment appreciated.
“The developers did an outstanding job with the atmosphere, and the music is spot on.”
“Good atmosphere and exactly what you want from a stealth game; it seems to have replay value too, since you can do missions in different modes.”
“Shadow powers, an intriguing story, engaging atmosphere, a neat combat system, and some character customization.”
“The game loses nearly all its charm and atmosphere in the day missions.”
“So many lost mechanics, an abandoned atmosphere; the game puts aside the story side and focuses only on the gameplay part, while trying to lead to a multiplayer experience without providing tools for real cooperation.”
“The game lacks the atmosphere of Aragami 1; the graphics and music don't create the sense of melancholy or mystery.”
- emotional20 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its touching story, which resonates deeply with players despite some criticisms of its lore and gameplay changes from the first installment. While some find the narrative lacking, many express that it still evokes strong feelings, even leading to moments of tears. Overall, players appreciate the game's ability to create emotional connections through its characters and story, even as it diverges from its predecessor.
“It traded its unique focus on shadows and avoiding light gameplay for something more contemporary, which is heartbreaking.”
“But the story is still touching and it had the same impact as the first one on me. I loved this game so much; while it has different characters from the first, it is still as good. A lot of people complain about how this game is worse than the first, but I disagree because this game is not supposed to be like the first one; it is its own game, with its own characters and story.”
“- Lore is weak, but yet the story is really touching and sometimes actually makes you want to drop tears.”
- character development10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the depth given to Yahiko, making her a relatable figure, others criticize the overall character designs as uninteresting and repetitive. The customizable fashion choices are a highlight, but the lackluster story and mission formats detract from meaningful character progression. Overall, the game struggles to balance engaging character arcs with uninspired gameplay elements.
“Absolutely loved the character designs and customizable fashion choices.”
“Absolutely loved the character designs and customizable fashion choices.”
“This is not another Aragami; it is just another game having a similar character design from the same maker.”
“Other than a similar main character design and some teleporting mechanics, just about everything else is different.”
“There is character development on Yahiko which makes you care about her and why you need to help her.”
- monetization10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Aragami 2 is criticized as a cash grab, with reviewers feeling that the developers prioritized monetization over quality gameplay, leading to a frustrating experience that contradicts its promotional claims. The focus on graphics at the expense of core mechanics has left players feeling deceived and dissatisfied, particularly regarding the multiplayer aspect.
“Aragami 2 is an uninspired cash grab by a developer trying to squeeze as much money as they can out of an existing IP and assets.”
“Cash grab, resources went into graphics to remove core gameplay.”
“The devs don't love it, they don't want it to be as good as it can easily be, and they are only out to anger and frustrate their players with the world's most annoying mechanics stuffed in one game, making any fun it could have been, and is lied about in advertising to entice you, completely nullified.”
Critic Reviews
Aragami 2 review
Aragami 2 is wonderful when you're being a ninja, but one-on-one encounters are poor, and a lack of variety lets it down.
70%Aragami 2 Review - The Only Things You Can't Sneak Around Are Bugs And Bad Pacing
Aragami 2 could be a good stealth game, with a good foundation of stealth gameplay and even an intriguing story, but it is plagued by constant bugs, performance issues, poor level design, pacing, rough implementation of gameplay mechanics and a visual style that only further serves to make its flaws even more evident then they already are.
40%Aragami 2 Review – Assassinating Expectations
A sequel that gets things right and wrong, Aragami 2 continues to refine its core gameplay mechanics but loses the soul of what made the first game so striking and refreshing.
60%