| Game: | Fairy Tail 2 |
| Release Date: | December 11th, 2024 |
| Platforms: | PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch |
| Publisher: | Koei Tecmo Games |
| Developer: | Koei Tecmo Games, Gust |
| Technetbook Rating | |
|---|---|
| Rating Score | 7.0/10 |
| Stars | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
| Description | Fairy Tail 2 shines with its engaging story, charming characters, and well-crafted combat system. However, its short length, limited exploration, and lack of substantial content hold it back from greatness. |
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Editor's Choice
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Pros
- Engaging story
- Charming characters
- Well-crafted combat system
- Great-looking cel-shaded character models
Cons
- Very short length
- Straightforward traversal and exploration
- General lack of content
Fairy Tail 2 Review
Fairy Tail 2, adapting the final Alvarez Arc, attempts to refine the formula of its predecessor with a streamlined approach and a new combat system. While these changes bring some welcome improvements, they don’t entirely fix the issues that plagued the original.
Story and Characters
The game faithfully recreates the Alvarez Arc's narrative, albeit with some rearranged and omitted events to better fit the JRPG format. While this fast-paced approach keeps the story engaging, newcomers may feel overwhelmed by the constant references to past events and lore. Returning fans, however, will appreciate the charming character interactions and faithful adaptation of key moments.
The "Key to the Unknown" post-game campaign adds an enjoyable original story written in collaboration with Hiro Mashima, offering a lighthearted continuation of the adventure.
Gameplay and Content
Unfortunately, Fairy Tail 2's gameplay is quite basic, primarily revolving around combat. Exploration is limited to simple, open fields and a few towns, lacking the variety and depth of its predecessor. Side activities are minimal and largely unengaging, resulting in a linear and somewhat repetitive experience.
Combat
The combat system is a highlight, offering a dynamic blend of turn-based and real-time elements. Players control one character in a party of three, using regular attacks to build SP for special skills. The Fairy Rank system, Link Attacks, Assault Raids, and Awakening mode add layers of strategy and excitement to battles, reminiscent of the Final Fantasy VII Remake combat.
Visuals and Performance
Fairy Tail 2 boasts charming cel-shaded character models with excellent animation, capturing the spirit of the anime. While environments are less detailed, the overall visual presentation is pleasing. Performance is generally smooth, even at high resolutions and settings.
Verdict
Fairy Tail 2 is a fun, albeit fleeting, adventure tailored for fans of the series. While the combat is engaging and the characters are charming, the game's short length, limited exploration, and lack of substantial side content may not justify the full price for newcomers.
