Pro Philosopher 2: Governments & Grievances
- October 8, 2024
- Intelligible Games
Get on Steam"Pro Philosopher 2: Governments & Grievances" is an interactive debate game, following the protagonist Ariadne Jones as she confronts political philosophers in a strange afterlife. Players must engage in logical reasoning and puzzle-solving to reveal contradictions in arguments, while navigating Ariadne's efforts to understand her estranged mother's presence in this realm. With a focus on political philosophy, the game aims to deliver thought-provoking discussions in a humorous and dramatic package.
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Reviews
- Pro Philosopher 2 offers a fun and engaging way to learn about political philosophy, making complex ideas accessible and entertaining.
- The game features well-written characters and humor, enhancing the overall experience and making it enjoyable for players.
- It successfully builds on the original game with improved mechanics, more dialogue options, and a deeper exploration of philosophical debates.
- Some players feel that the game oversimplifies complex philosophical concepts, which may detract from the depth of the subject matter.
- The pacing can be uneven, with certain chapters feeling rushed or less developed compared to others.
- There are criticisms regarding the representation of philosophers, with some players feeling that certain figures were misrepresented or not given enough nuance.
- story26 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The story is a compelling continuation from the first game, accessible to new players while rewarding those familiar with the original narrative. It features character-driven plots that explore philosophical themes through engaging debates and unexpected twists, all wrapped in a coherent and sincere presentation. The introduction of new characters and deeper worldbuilding enhances the storytelling, making it both educational and entertaining, setting the stage for potential future installments.
“It's educational and a fantastic and fun story.”
“The whole story of a secret project meant to bring philosophy to all, culminating in an attempted military coup, was amazing.”
“It tells a fully realized short story, with twists and turns and character drama and comedy, all while wrapping it up in a meaningfully-conveyed stance on political philosophy.”
“The pacing of the story seems a bit off to me, being a bit jarring.”
“While it isn't necessary, I strongly recommend playing the first game before the sequel since the overall plot is a direct consequence of what happened in the first!”
“I mentioned in my review of sj:pp wanting more of Socrates and Ariadne's story, and despite Socrates falling into side character status (oh how the mighty have fallen), the devs were not afraid to deliver.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Pro Philosopher 2: Government and Grievances" is a refined take on debate mechanics, allowing players to engage in philosophical arguments through a cross-examination style reminiscent of the Ace Attorney series. While it offers more freedom and fun twists compared to its predecessor, some players found the scripted nature and repetitive mechanics could lead to fatigue during extended play sessions. Overall, the game successfully combines engaging writing with thought-provoking gameplay, making it a standout experience for fans of philosophical discourse.
“From its overall fresh themes to some of its fun new twists and spins on its classic debate mechanics and encounters, 'Pro Philosopher 2: Government and Grievances' really builds on the foundations its predecessor made years before.”
“In terms of gameplay, it's Ace Attorney-style cross-examination of notable philosophical arguments.”
“The gameplay was also engaging, much like the last game, but this time it gives you a lot more freedom.”
“Sure it's easy and fun to debate people with outdated ideas, but when you debate against something so detached from reality as some of those presented here, you can just toss the wrench anywhere in their argument and call it a day because it will collapse no matter what you do. This makes the gameplay itself a lot harder; I got lost in so many options that I could toss there, but the game is scripted in one specific path.”
“I wish the sequel could have developed the original game's mechanics a bit more. I powered through in a single session and got pretty fatigued with the gameplay by the end, with my innate desire to always use all three press buttons to see all the dialogue, which is probably my own fault to be fair.”
“Gameplay-wise, it's basically Ace Attorney cross-examinations, but with philosophical arguments instead of witness testimonies, and on the easier side.”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its humor, featuring clever and witty dialogue that blends political nuance with comedic elements. Players appreciate the engaging references and charming art, noting that it successfully combines educational content with a lighthearted approach. Overall, the humor is described as a standout aspect, making the game both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“The music is good, the sprite art is nice, and the game has its share of humor and references throughout.”
“The dialogue is hilarious and witty as always.”
“It's not only funny and charming, but also really educational and fun.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for being catchy and enjoyable, complementing the vibrant art style and humorous dialogue. Reviewers appreciate the developers' ability to maintain a consistent soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
“Add to that some seriously great art/style updates and--dare I say--a catchy soundtrack, and you've got a fine second installment in the series.”
“The music is good, the sprite art is nice, and the game has its share of humor and references throughout.”
“The music and art are wonderful, and the story has got some teeth that you might not expect on the way in.”
“The song is freakin' catchy.”
“Add to that some seriously great art and style updates, and—dare I say—a catchy soundtrack, and you've got a fine second installment in the series.”
“I must give a lot of credit to the game developers for the fact that they managed to play the same song straight again and make it work.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional depth of the game, particularly in the relationship between Ariadne and her mother Pythia, is praised for its nuance and impact, effectively addressing themes like political strife. However, some characters, like Machiavelli, are seen as lacking this complexity, feeling more like stereotypes. Overall, the game delivers powerful emotional moments that resonate with players and encourage deeper philosophical exploration.
“The emotional beats concerning Ariadne and her mother Pythia, the woes of the current political climate, etcetera, were shockingly well done.”
“For a game that made great strides in being more nuanced and having emotional depth, particularly with Ari and her mother, Machiavelli felt like the usual caricature that is predominant today in this game.”
“An emotional gut punch that exposes people to an amazing thinker (anyone reading this should read Fanon's 'Black Skin, White Masks' immediately as it is masterful).”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highly praised, with users highlighting the impressive character designs, intricate animation details, and engaging gameplay that contribute to a rich and immersive experience.
“From the character designs to the little animation details to the fun, thought-provoking gameplay, this game is one of the best I've played in years.”
