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.
Reviews
- Engaging and humorous gameplay that combines philosophy with a fun narrative, making complex ideas accessible.
- Well-developed characters and witty dialogue that enhance the overall experience, providing both entertainment and educational value.
- A thoughtful exploration of political philosophy that encourages critical thinking and respectful debate, resonating with current societal issues.
- Some players found the pacing uneven, with certain chapters feeling too easy or lacking depth in argumentation.
- Critiques regarding the representation of philosophers, with some feeling that certain figures were misrepresented or oversimplified.
- The game may oversimplify complex philosophical concepts, which could lead to misunderstandings for those seeking a deeper exploration.
- story19 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its educational value, engaging plot twists, and character-driven motivations, making it a memorable sequel that builds on its predecessor. While some find the pacing jarring, the narrative is coherent and explores complex themes, including political philosophy and worldbuilding through unique interactions. Overall, the game offers a compelling mix of drama, comedy, and philosophical debates, enriched by new characters and a polished presentation.
“Speaking of the end, that was an unexpected plot twist and it really cements this game as a worthy and memorable sequel.”
“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.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised for being clever, witty, and engaging, often blending political commentary with educational elements. Reviewers highlight the dialogue as a standout feature, filled with charm and millennial references, while also noting the game's ability to provoke thought alongside its comedic moments. Overall, it maintains a strong comedic tone reminiscent of the Ace Attorney series, making it both entertaining and insightful.
“It's cute, it's funny, and it's a little educational.”
“The dialogue is hilarious and witty as always.”
“The perfect blend of thought-provoking and funny.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by engaging, Ace Attorney-style cross-examinations that revolve around philosophical arguments, offering players a unique and thought-provoking experience. While the mechanics provide a solid foundation and freedom, some players noted a desire for further development in the sequel, as the gameplay can become repetitive and fatiguing over extended sessions. Overall, it combines a compelling cast and philosophical depth, making it a standout title in its genre.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 it's on the easier side.”
“When you think about it, this style of gameplay makes a lot more sense for a high-stakes philosophical debate than a courtroom trial.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many users highlighting its quality and enjoyment, often complementing it alongside the vibrant art and engaging dialogue. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that enhances the overall experience.
“The music is great, the art is so fun, and the dialogue is hilarious.”
“The music and art are wonderful, and the story has got some teeth that you might not expect on the way in.”
“Loved the OST though.”
- 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 turmoil. However, some characters, like Machiavelli, are seen as lacking this emotional complexity, feeling more like caricatures. 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 game excels in character development through its detailed designs and animations, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and making it one of the standout titles in recent years.
“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.”
