Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
- May 10, 2023
- CyberConnect2
Solid and definitely has an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
The sequel to the captivating tale of Fuga: Melodies of Steel has arrived! This turn-based RPG is back with a ramped up battle system for more strategy, as well as a brand new event system that gives you more thrilling choices to affect your experience!
Reviews
- Fuga 2 builds on the emotional storytelling of the first game, offering deeper character development and a more personal narrative.
- The gameplay has been improved with new mechanics, such as the Soul Cannon and a morality system, adding more strategic depth and choices.
- The art style and music remain captivating, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the game's world.
- Some players feel that the game is too similar to the first installment, lacking enough new content to keep it fresh.
- The pacing of the story can be uneven, with some plot points feeling rushed or less cohesive compared to the first game.
- The Soul Cannon mechanic, while more integrated into gameplay, can lead to frustrating moments where a character is randomly sacrificed, which may detract from the overall enjoyment.
- story229 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The story of "Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2" is a deeply emotional continuation from the first game, focusing on character development and the challenges faced by a group of children in a war-torn setting. While some players found certain plot elements less cohesive or predictable compared to the original, many praised the improved pacing, character arcs, and the impactful themes of loss and revenge. Overall, the narrative is engaging and well-crafted, making it a significant draw for fans of story-driven games.
“The maturation of the children from part 1 to part 2 is one of the best parts of the story, and the main 'plot twist' that sets up the climax is 100x more impactful if you've played part 1.”
“The story is a roller-coaster of emotions that had me invested from the outset until the conclusion.”
“Fuga 2 is incredibly story-focused, and as a direct continuation from the events of the first game you won't be able to appreciate just how much the writing is able to tug your heartstrings.”
“The story is so far pretty dumb, a lot of 'lol what' moments that don't make sense to the first game as well, kinda feels like they just rushed to put this out with not much effort put in.”
“The plot to the game initially isn't quite as interesting as in the first, but it does eventually prove equally as captivating in the mysteries it poses and the lore it expounds upon.”
“The story at first is a bit grueling compared to the first game; it gets better but you need to have patience with the story at first.”
- gameplay169 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2" builds upon its predecessor with numerous enhancements, including new mechanics, improved tactical options, and a more engaging combat system that emphasizes strategy and character development. While the core gameplay remains similar, the introduction of features like the soul cannon and a judgment system adds depth and emotional stakes, making battles more challenging and rewarding. Overall, players can expect a refined experience that balances accessibility with strategic complexity, appealing to both newcomers and fans of the original game.
“The gameplay is pretty simple conceptually, but it's got just the right amount of variety to make it fun and challenging without feeling unfair.”
“The core gameplay is sped up and refined, quality of life tweaks cutting down on the tedium from the first game, new mechanics deepen the strategic choices, and the story, while predictable, is told perfectly in both narrative and gameplay.”
“Fuga 2 is an improvement upon the first one in every way, from gameplay to writing to even some visual effects and with what they tried to pull off.”
“The story is not bad, but still falls in the average category and it is predictable; gameplay is the same as the first Fuga (I have no problems there) but there are few new enemies, so the strategy to beat the regular battles is very repetitive.”
“The worst thing you can say about the gameplay is that it's almost completely identical to the first game, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.”
“If you are okay with lots of story and shallow gameplay, this isn't a bad purchase at all.”
- music51 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the setting and tone, with standout tracks like "Wherever the Wind Takes Us" being highlighted as favorites. While some players feel the soundtrack doesn't quite match the energy of the first game, it still features beautiful vocal themes and solid compositions that contribute to the overall experience. Overall, the music is considered a strong aspect of the game, complementing its engaging story and charming visuals.
“The music is also beautiful as it really captivates the setting & tone of the game.”
“The main theme 'wherever the wind takes us' is my new favorite song in the entire series.”
“And as always, the soundtrack is fantastic.”
“Music and sound is also much the same, even down to Japanese and French as the only voice options.”
“It's still good, with some beautiful vocal themes, and I'll be listening to it outside of the game, but it doesn't have quite the same energy that the first game's soundtrack did.”
“Anyhow you want the music and the emotional highs and lows this game has got it.”
- emotional41 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2" is highly praised, with players noting its ability to evoke strong feelings, from laughter to tears, particularly through its focus on loss and grief. The game's deeper narrative, improved character development, and impactful sound design contribute to an emotional rollercoaster experience that resonates with players, making it a significant step up from its predecessor. Overall, the blend of charming visuals and serious themes creates a compelling emotional journey that captivates and engages players.
“It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me care.”
“But above all, Fuga is a series foremost about emotional storytelling, and this game's focus on loss and grief certainly hits just as powerfully as anything from the first.”
“It was an emotional roller coaster of a game, and it was a really big improvement over the first game.”
- graphics29 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their captivating art style, improved visuals, and attention to detail, building on the solid foundation of the first installment. Players appreciate the vibrant use of colors, character design, and overall aesthetic, although some have noted minor graphical bugs. Overall, the visuals are described as beautiful and engaging, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.
“Great visuals, use of colors, models, scenarios, and designs, just like the first game, but this time there are more details and improvements. The menu is better handled, the HUD as well, same goes for the animations, and of course, the overall graphics were boosted. If the first game was beautiful, this one is even prettier!”
“Beautiful music, writing, game design, aesthetic, and art: what the company always excels in.”
“Aesthetically, this game is as beautiful as ever.”
“Fun new systems to play with, and a slightly annoying graphical bug aboard your steel clad home remains unfixed.”
“Captivating art style and game format, but ultimately extremely repetitive, frustrating to constantly manually switch loadouts, puzzles designed for toddlers, I'm on chapter 8, and just going to uninstall because it's the same enemies and tactics over and over.”
“Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 retains the anime art style and provides players with an even more tense, captivating story.”
- character development14 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has significantly improved compared to its predecessor, with a more personal and affecting story that allows for deeper interactions and complex dialogue. The introduction of a judgment system enhances character growth through player choices, leading to meaningful scenes and a more engaging narrative. Overall, the characters are more fleshed out, making the experience feel less shallow and more reflective of human themes.
“The judgement system also adds a little extra flavor by allowing you to make dialogue choices between being nice or not, which not only gives you different skills that can randomly activate in battle, but also leads to more character development scenes sprinkled throughout the game.”
“Everything felt very shallow in the first game, but now there's some actual character development and Malt gets to actually be a protagonist.”
“Being able to guarantee that certain children can't be sacrificed (at least, until after their role in the plot is over) means that they can get some real character development and more complex dialogue.”
“The judgement system also adds a little extra flavor by allowing you to make dialogue choices between being nice or not, which not only give you different skills that can randomly activate in battle, but also lead to more character development scenes sprinkled throughout the game.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2" is a mix of dark and absurd, with players finding amusement in the game's bizarre premise of using furry animal children as cannon fodder. While the comedic elements can be jarring, they often lead to deeper reflections on humanity, making the experience both laughable and thought-provoking. The character designs and situational humor contribute to a unique blend of emotional engagement and levity throughout the game.
“It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me care.”
“One would think a game where using furry animal children as ammunition for a giant cannon would be a little more funny: launching a screaming kindergarten girl at enemy forces while the opposing general asks what in the name of Mr. Rogers is wrong with you.”
“(Don't let your mom and dad walk in during the secret garden scenes and they give you a funny look, asking if you're winning. Yes dad, I am winning.)”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game engaging, as it involves managing resources, upgrading characters, and fulfilling individual crew member desires to enhance their abilities. The core gameplay loop encourages players to balance combat with farming and resource management, making the grind feel rewarding, especially when it leads to unique in-game events. Overall, while grinding is a significant part of the experience, it is integrated in a way that adds depth and satisfaction to character progression.
“Grinding for the rare pissing scenes is so worth it”
“The gameplay mechanics have been expanded somewhat while still maintaining the core loop of switching child soldiers in battle, delaying enemy attacks with machine gun/grenade launcher/cannon match-ups while raising affinity, upgrading the giant tank and doing farming chores and resource expeditions during intermissions.”
“Each crew member has their own desires as to what they want to do - sleeping, farming, upgrading, cooking, etc. Satisfying these requests not only results in more experience, but increases their morale, allowing them to eventually enter a super mode in which their strengths are magnified.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Overall, "Fuga 2" offers a decent level of replayability, bolstered by its engaging story, in-depth combat, and beautiful artwork and music. However, some users note that it is not flawless and lacks significant replay value compared to other titles.
“It is a well-crafted game with a very engaging story, in-depth combat, and good replayability.”
“The artwork and music are beautiful with replay value like the previous installment.”
“It isn't flawless, far from it, and frankly it doesn't have a lot of replay value, but I still implore you to please purchase and play Fuga 2.”
Critic Reviews
Fuga Melodies of Steel 2 (Switch) Review
Furry Fury Part Deux
75%Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
Solid and definitely has an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
75%Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 Offers New Challenges & Heartaches
The sequel to the captivating tale of Fuga: Melodies of Steel has arrived! This turn-based RPG is back with a ramped up battle system for more strategy, as well as a brand new event system that gives you more thrilling choices to affect your experience! Switch version reviewed.Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 continues to make its lovable child cast endure its (satisfyingly) challenging combat and the harrowing emotional challenges of war.
90%