Pro Philosopher 2: Governments & Grievances

About

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Pro Philosopher 2: Governments & Grievances screenshot

99%

Audience ScoreBased on 203 reviews

story10 positive mentions

Pro Philosopher 2 offers a fun and engaging way to learn about political philosophy, making complex ideas accessible and entertaining.
The game features well-developed characters and witty writing, enhancing the overall experience and providing humor throughout the debates.
It successfully builds on the original game with improved mechanics, more dialogue options, and a deeper exploration of philosophical arguments.

Some players feel the game oversimplifies complex philosophical concepts, which may not satisfy those looking for a more in-depth exploration.
The pacing can be uneven, with some chapters feeling too easy or lacking in challenge compared to later sections.
Critics have noted a perceived bias in the representation of certain philosophers and political ideologies, which may alienate some players.

story
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
75%
6%
The story is a compelling continuation from the first game, offering a mix of educational content and engaging character-driven narratives that explore political philosophy through debates with historical figures. While new players can grasp the plot without prior knowledge, familiarity with the first installment enhances the experience. The narrative features unexpected twists and a diverse cast of characters, making it a memorable and ambitious sequel that invites further storytelling possibilities.
- “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!”
- “The basic plot of the game can be summed up as: 'your average American Democrat discovers why her party's symbol is a jackass.'”
gameplay
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
70%
10%
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 thought-provoking dialogue with engaging gameplay, making it a standout experience for fans of philosophical debate.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
humor
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is widely praised for its humor, featuring clever, witty dialogue and engaging references that blend comedy with philosophical themes. Reviewers highlight its ability to tackle serious topics with a lighthearted approach, making it both entertaining and educational. Overall, the humor is described as top-notch, charming, and a significant aspect of the game's appeal.
- “The dialogue is hilarious and witty as always.”
- “This game is also so funny so far, like with Ari asking Confucius about his gender politics, or Arbiter pretending to be a very vindictive Jenn, or Fanon complaining about having to listen to the other philosophers in therapy.”
- “The perfect blend of thought-provoking and funny.”
music
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
43%
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. Overall, the combination of great music and engaging visuals contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
- “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 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.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game excels in delivering emotional depth, particularly through the relationship between Ariadne and her mother, Pythia, and its commentary on the current political climate. However, some characters, like Machiavelli, are perceived as one-dimensional caricatures, detracting from the overall emotional impact. Overall, players appreciate the nuanced storytelling and the profound themes explored.
- “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). Hope I can unlock the other achievements, and I hope even more for a pro philosopher trilogy at the very least.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Reviewers praise the game's character development, highlighting the impressive character designs and subtle animation details that enhance the overall experience. The combination of these elements contributes to engaging and thought-provoking gameplay, making it a standout title 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.”