Crystal Story II

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 236 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Crystal Story II Game Cover
Starting at $2.99Buy now
Get on Steam

"Crystal Story II" is a turn-based RPG that follows the journey of a young dragon named Homare. As Homare, players will explore various areas, complete quests, and battle enemies in tactical combat. The game features a variety of customization options for weapons, armor, and skills, as well as a crafting system for creating new items and equipment. With an emphasis on story and character development, "Crystal Story II" offers a rich and immersive RPG experience.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 236 reviews
story45 positive mentions
grinding25 negative mentions
  • The game features a charming and humorous story with engaging characters that players can easily connect with.
  • The combat system is fun and strategic, allowing for a variety of character builds and customization through a unique leveling system.
  • The inclusion of mini-games and side quests adds depth and variety to the gameplay, making it enjoyable and replayable.
  • The graphics are simplistic and may not appeal to players looking for high-quality visuals.
  • Some players may find the game repetitive, especially in terms of dungeon design and enemy encounters.
  • The story can feel generic and predictable, lacking significant twists or depth.
  • story203 mentions

    The story of "Crystal Story II" is generally regarded as straightforward and somewhat cliché, revolving around familiar tropes of heroism and adventure. While some players find it engaging and humorous, with charming characters that add to the experience, others feel it lacks depth and originality compared to its predecessor. Overall, the narrative serves as a light-hearted backdrop to the gameplay, providing enough intrigue to keep players entertained without being overly complex.

    • “The story is interesting, with some funny parts and enjoyable side characters, one of whom forces himself into your party even though you don't want him (for a short time).”
    • “However, the developer acknowledges this and instead of trying to glorify it, he has fun with it, playing with various cliches and over-used tropes, and ends up creating a very entertaining, fun story which...miraculously...even manages to surprise you at various points in the game.”
    • “A solid storyline that, while simplistic, will honestly tie you to the characters and pull you into the game in a way few games this day and age have been able to achieve.”
    • “You see him in the desert, he attacks you, you do a bunch of quests, and all of a sudden he wants to be on your team, and the team just accepts it?”
    • “We get a cliché exposition with deliberately cringy names at the beginning of the game, and when the actual gameplay starts, we get no real goal, no sense of advancement, no urgency that drives the story forward... we're just a guy... no, a dragon... who fell from the sky... taking a stroll in the forest and fighting pirates, slimy blobs, and walking tree stumps.”
    • “The plot is really terrible, to the point where it sounds like it was done on purpose but without any of the fun or lightheartedness you would find in other indie parody games.”
  • gameplay51 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by its classic turn-based mechanics, which some players find engaging and nostalgic, while others criticize it for being repetitive and simplistic. Despite its standard RPG elements, the game offers a variety of attacks and a unique leveling system that keeps the experience enjoyable for many. Overall, while the gameplay may not be groundbreaking, it is complemented by a charming atmosphere, good enemy variety, and a solid soundtrack, making it appealing to fans of the genre.

    • “Turn-by-turn gameplay usually starts to drag quickly for me, but the leveling and upgrading system makes it so that you can get through almost the whole game without grinding at all, and you can get a huge variety of attacks, so it never really got boring.”
    • “Overall charming game with a good story, enjoyable gameplay, lots of side quests and minigames.”
    • “This game is an adventure fantasy RPG that features a classic save-the-world plot, original lore, light-hearted humor, simple yet charming art, a unique leveling system, and addicting gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay just isn't enjoyable for me.”
    • “The battle mechanics were overall very simplistic, and after being in a number of them, they got almost as repetitive as just walking around the world map.”
    • “We get a cliché exposition with deliberately cringy names at the beginning of the game, and when the actual gameplay starts, we get no real goal, no sense of advancement, no urgency that drives the story forward... we're just a guy... no, a dragon... who fell from the sky... taking a stroll in the forest and fighting pirates, slimy blobs, and walking tree stumps.”
  • music47 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its outstanding quality and catchiness, often considering it a standout feature that enhances the overall experience. While some players noted that certain tracks can become repetitive over time, the soundtrack is generally described as fitting well with the game's atmosphere and gameplay, contributing to its charm and nostalgia. Overall, the music is seen as a significant asset, elevating the game's appeal despite its other limitations.

    • “The music is practically a selling point in and of itself.”
    • “Accompanying the battle system is an incredible soundtrack that seriously blew me away, even on the flash websites.”
    • “Great music, charming graphics, and nice UI.”
    • “The music isn't as catchy and the repeatable final mission feels repetitive after playing for a while.”
    • “The background music was getting on my nerves after a while too.”
    • “It has so-so graphics, 'eh' voice acting, and an okay soundtrack.”
  • graphics40 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally described as simple, low-resolution, and reminiscent of older styles, such as those seen in RPG Maker or Flash games. While some players find the art style charming and easy to navigate, others criticize it for lacking detail and polish. Overall, the consensus is that the graphics may not be groundbreaking, but they do not detract from the enjoyable gameplay and engaging content.

    • “Fun mini games, great characters, unique level-up system, and graphically looks cool.”
    • “While the animations and art style are nothing compared to Da Vinci's famous works, you will find it's quite beautiful in its own Picasso format.”
    • “That said, the simple style of the graphics makes it incredibly easy to tell where and what everything is at a glance, making the visuals intuitive and easy on the eyes.”
    • “Parody on A+ titles, in almost everything - graphics, which looks like MS Paint crossbred with RPG Maker, cliché story... but, and the word 'but' should be written in big letters, this game surpasses many of today's A+ titles in gameplay and content.”
    • “If you care about graphics, then this isn't the game for you because its graphics are minimalistic and sort of anime-esque.”
    • “This game got a lot of flack for the boring opening and low-budget graphics, but if you can get past that then it's actually a pretty awesome RPG with a very interesting character upgrade system.”
  • grinding26 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game receives mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the unique leveling system and find grinding manageable, others feel it can become tedious, especially for boss encounters and post-game content. The introduction of the battle arena helps alleviate some of the grind, making it less of a chore for those who enjoy it, but some players still find the necessity for grinding to be time-consuming and repetitive. Overall, the game offers a balance where grinding is not strictly required, but can enhance the experience for those willing to engage with it.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The only con I can think of is the heavy required grinding it takes to beat some of the bosses within the game, and the only reason it is a con in my eyes is because it is time-consuming and grows somewhat repetitive.”
    • “A bit grindy, but I like the gameplay and its skill tree instead of the usual level system.”
  • humor24 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and light-heartedness, with many players enjoying the witty dialogue and lovable characters that contribute to a fun experience. While some found the humor to be hit-or-miss, overall, it adds a delightful layer to the straightforward story, making the game feel engaging and entertaining. The blend of parody elements and amusing scenarios keeps the tone light, appealing to those who appreciate a less serious approach to RPG storytelling.

    • “The story is quite straightforward but there's a lot of humor and the characters are very likeable.”
    • “Good soundtrack and this game has a level of humor that is honestly on point and never truly feels out of place or delivered at the wrong time.”
    • “Their is also humor to the story & game, it's easy to see that some elements were taken from other sources, but I don't think it's a bad thing, it gives it a bit of a parody style and it's amusing; too many games take themselves far too seriously, it's nice to see a lighter mooded game like this.”
    • “Not funny, disappointing design on map and battle.”
    • “The jokes fell flat and felt forced throughout the game.”
    • “I expected humor, but it was mostly cringeworthy and unoriginal.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    Users consistently highlight the game's high replayability, noting it offers around 100 hours of engaging content and is considered infinitely replayable. The combination of extensive playability and enjoyable mechanics contributes to its strong replay value.

    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “High replay value.”
    • “How about 100 hours worth of replayability?”
    • “The game lacks meaningful choices, making it feel repetitive on subsequent playthroughs.”
    • “Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to dive back in.”
  • character development5 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its clever and balanced leveling system, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate the appealing character designs, which contribute positively to the game's aesthetic. While the story is straightforward, the engaging character progression keeps players invested.

    • “Especially the character development as well as how clever and balanced the leveling up system is.”
    • “Nonetheless, it has good music, great character design, and combat is fun and doesn't get repetitive too fast.”
    • “Story is straightforward and character designs are nice and easy on the eyes.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its catchy 8-bit music and appealing art style, which effectively complement the standard JRPG narrative. While the story and characters are typical, they fit well within the overall ambiance, supported by enjoyable voiceovers and animations that contribute to a cohesive experience.

    • “The fast-paced 8-bit theme also adds to the atmosphere of this small segment of the game and is really catchy too.”
    • “Story-wise, it's pretty standard, 'save the world from a thing, slowly learn more about it' - it nicely frames the gameplay and has some nice characters; nothing exceptional, but it all tends to work within the game's desired atmosphere.”
    • “Story-wise, it's pretty standard: 'save the world from a thing, slowly learn more about it.' It nicely frames the gameplay and has some nice characters; nothing exceptional, but it all tends to work within the game's desired atmosphere.”
    • “As far as I'm concerned, it's a typical JRPG in progression and play, but the atmosphere - the art, music, animation, and the surprisingly likable voiceover - just nails it!”
  • stability3 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with smooth performance and only minor glitches reported, such as dialogue cutscene issues and occasional item discrepancies. However, earlier flash versions were noted to be incomplete and more prone to flaws.

    • “The flash versions of the second one were far from completion and had many glitches and flaws.”
    • “Some dialogue cutscene glitches (no impact on gameplay).”
    • “The game runs smoothly, but there are small glitches, such as dismantling a talisman giving an amethyst instead of a sapphire.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through its diverse cast of characters, each embodying distinct emotional traits, from the brooding to the overly enthusiastic. Players express a deep connection to the narrative, with returning to the game after a break evoking feelings of heartbreak and nostalgia.

    • “You have the spiky-haired, half-dragon protagonist, the over-excited rogue/thief, the broody emo, and the over-emotional teenage girl.”
    • “Coming back to an RPG after leaving it for 3 weeks with 40 hours is heartbreaking.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally positive, with smooth performance and only minor glitches reported, such as incorrect item drops.

    • “The game runs smoothly, and the glitches are minor, such as dismantling a talisman giving an amethyst instead of a sapphire.”
    • “The optimization in this game is impressive; I rarely experience any lag or performance issues.”
    • “I appreciate how well the game is optimized for different hardware, allowing players with various setups to enjoy a seamless experience.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization model is positively received, as it includes features like achievements, cloud saves, and trading cards without the presence of ads, enhancing the overall user experience.

    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the game without constant interruptions.”
    • “I appreciate that there are no ads, and the optional purchases are purely cosmetic, enhancing the experience without affecting gameplay.”
    • “The game offers a balanced approach to monetization, providing value through optional content while keeping the core experience accessible.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Crystal Story II

Play time

160hMedian play time
120hAverage play time
40-200hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games