BLACK SOULS II

“Black Souls 2 is one of the most mechanically ambitious and interesting RPG Maker games I've ever played, with impressive depth to the combat system, a huge variety of possible builds and weapon options, and some legitimately genius boss design (especially in the post-main game DLC 3 content).”

“Mechanically, there are interesting additions too: half of your skills come from the weapons you've found instead of your spell books, and swapping weapon doesn't spend a turn, allowing a very cool feeling of chaining insane deadly combos from the crumbs and scraps you've gathered around your playthrough, making your playthrough unique to you and letting you explore off of a limited pool of cards, yet still manage to pry out something that works.”

“However, the (included in Steam version) DLC's bosses will pry at mechanics you haven't thought of much before because you could brute force past them, and they will deny overpowered things that you relied on before, really forcing you to think about each equipment build strategy multiple times per fight before you find something that works, creating interesting puzzles.”

“The sound design and original soundtrack are immaculate, possibly among the best I've ever experienced in a game.”

“Musically, this game has some of the best tracks you'll ever hear, which is incredible given that 99% of this soundtrack is royalty free stuff you can find on YouTube.”

“I ended up deeply attached to the characters, and even now hearing the game's music gives me chills as I'm taken back to specific moments and emotions from the game.”

“The artwork is hand drawn by the author, in a line art style that really contributes to the atmosphere of the game.”

“Hand-drawn, sketch-style artwork by Sushi Hero Toro (寿司勇者トロ), giving the game a dark and distorted fairy-tale atmosphere with madness-themed imagery and explicit horror elements.”

“This game is extremely good at using its environment, art style, and sound effects to make you feel unsettled, creeped out, or even scared at times; the art style is unique and truly one of a kind.”

“One of the best games ever made... a completely amazing and heartbreaking story that becomes just as unforgettable as its characters.”

“This will be my 7th or 8th time I am completing this game now that it's out on Steam. This game is extremely good at using its environment, art style, and sound effects to make you feel unsettled, creeped out, or even scared at times. There were also many heartbreaking moments in this game that made me tear up or even cry at times.”

“The fragmented, seemingly nonsensical narrative gains further weight through the figure of Alice, used as emotional leverage against the protagonist. Her design, her sparse words, and her emotional distance create an aura of melancholy and intimacy that is difficult to describe and impossible to forget.”

“The developers use the familiar structure of a dark fantasy RPG only as a vessel; underneath lies a psychological horror experience shaped by unstable characters, shifting realities, and an atmosphere that constantly questions your decisions.”

“Black Souls 2 is one of the best games I’ve ever played because the world-building, atmosphere, and storytelling hit on a completely different level. The mystery, darkness, and emotion pull you in slowly until you realize you’re fully attached to the characters, and when the ending comes, it hits with that heavy, sad feeling that stays in your chest, the kind of bittersweet finale that makes you think about the journey long after you finish, which is exactly why I personally consider it one of the best games I’ve ever experienced.”

“Despite its intensity, the game has earned an overwhelmingly positive reception, with players praising its ambitious world-building, haunting atmosphere, and willingness to explore psychological terror without compromise.”

“It had expanded (story and lore wise) some of the previous characters, and added a whole bunch of cute and funny characters as well!”

“Has lots of cute and funny content, which I don't mind.”

“Lot of funny moments.”

“High replayability value with lots of endings, lovely characters, cute traps, and a vast number of areas to explore.”

“There is a lot of replayability due to multiple endings, optional content, unique encounters, and weapons.”

“The game’s freedom, open structure, and hidden paths encourage replayability, as no single run can reveal the entire depth of its narrative labyrinth.”

“The poetry, the character designs, the way character interactions are carried out—I can't express how I feel about it without jumping from topic to topic.”

“This is not a game, it is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and world building.”

“Amazing character design and execution.”

“Runs smoothly overall.”