Duelyst II

The monetization model in Duelyst II has drawn significant criticism for being aggressive and reminiscent of predatory practices, with many players feeling it prioritizes profit over player experience. Despite some improvements and promises of a more player-friendly approach, the system still relies heavily on microtransactions and card packs, making it difficult for free-to-play users to progress without substantial time investment or spending money. Overall, the community expresses concern that the current monetization could hinder the game's longevity and enjoyment.

The graphics of the game are a mixed bag, with many praising its charming pixel art style, beautiful animations, and unique aesthetic that enhances gameplay. However, some users criticize the inconsistent graphic styles and blockiness at higher resolutions. Overall, the visuals are often highlighted as a standout feature, contributing to the game's appeal despite some technical drawbacks.

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its beauty and integration into the overall aesthetic, while others express disappointment over the absence of the original soundtrack. Some players appreciate the new tracks, describing them as catchy and fitting, while others find them inconsistent or overly distracting during gameplay. Overall, the inclusion of the legacy soundtrack as an option has been well-received, allowing players to choose their preferred musical experience.

The game lacks a substantial story, with players expressing a desire for a dedicated story mode to enhance the experience. While the artwork conveys some character and thematic elements, the focus remains heavily on online play and daily quests, which are often criticized for being grindy and offering minimal rewards. Overall, the absence of a compelling narrative detracts from the game's potential depth and engagement.

The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious, especially for free-to-play (F2P) users who face high resource costs and a lack of meaningful rewards. While some appreciate the game's core mechanics and suggest that casual play can mitigate the grind, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration with the monetization model and the time investment required to obtain cards. Players express a desire for a more balanced system that doesn't heavily favor those willing to spend money.

The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting numerous glitches, frequent disconnections during matches, and an overall buggy experience. While the core gameplay is appreciated, the technical issues significantly detract from the enjoyment, making it barely playable at launch.

Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting feelings of heartbreak when stepping away and returning to find changes. The community is described as wholesome, fostering positive interactions, while features like the legacy option and the ability to tip opponents add a heartwarming touch to the competitive experience. Overall, the game encourages mature emotional regulation, allowing players to find joy even in loss.

The humor in the game is noted to be inconsistent, with many players finding the removal of previously funny and chaotic cards disappointing. While some factions have amusingly weak gimmicks, the overall lack of strategic synergy and effective removal options detracts from the comedic potential.

While the game has improved in playability, users still express concerns about its outdated monetization system, suggesting that it may not be worth spending money on despite its potential for replayability.

Users express a desire for improved optimization, indicating that current performance issues need addressing before they can provide a more favorable review.