Game: 8-Bit Adventures 2
Genre: Adventure, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Windows (Steam), PS4 & PS5 and Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: Critical Games | Ratalaika
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Teen
Price: US $19.99 | UK £15.49 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: October 16th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to PR Hound.
8-Bit Adventures 2: Classic JRPG Done Right
The Nintendo Switch is no stranger to retro-inspired RPGs. Thanks to RPG Maker, many developers have been able to flex their creative skills, though this has led to a somewhat saturated market. When I first approached 8-Bit Adventures 2, especially with its plain title, I didn’t set my expectations high. However, to my surprise, it quickly became one of my favourite old-school RPG experiences this year. Despite its simple 8-bit graphics, the game won me over with its heartfelt storytelling and in-depth battle system.
More Than Fantasy
The plot isn’t your typical fantasy adventure. While it starts in a fantasy kingdom, you’re initially tasked with finding a missing hero from the first game who has mysteriously disappeared into the desert. Before long, you learn that a mysterious, glitchy child is causing trouble in the realm. After reuniting with your friend, you embark on a much grander adventure to save the world.
I’ll avoid going into too much detail because the plot is well-written and full of surprises. Let’s just say not everything is as it seems. What really stands out in the writing is how every character gets a chance to shine with impressive depth and development. I grew to love my party members, and the plot even pulled at my heartstrings more than I expected.
All Caught Up
The first game in the series is currently only available on PC, but don’t let that stop you from jumping in. The sequel does a great job of getting you up to speed on the events of the first game while also introducing new characters. It’s worth noting that 8-Bit Adventures 2 has long story moments, which might not be for everyone. My only real critique is that it would have been handy to pause the story to save at any point, and a faster text-scrolling option would be appreciated. Thankfully, the Switch’s standby feature is useful if you’re called away suddenly.
Turn-Based Battles
If you’re familiar with turn-based JRPGs, you’ll feel right at home with the game’s battle system, though there are unique features that make it stand out. For one, battles are not random; you’ll see enemies moving about in dungeons and on the world map. Once an enemy is defeated, they’re gone for good, making dungeon navigation much more bearable without constant interruptions.
Each character has unique abilities that unlock as they level up. What stood out to me was the emphasis on defence. Many JRPGs treat defence as an afterthought, but here, choosing to defend at the right time not only prevents severe damage but also heals your character slightly, making it a worthwhile strategy.
Party of Three
You can have three characters in your battle party at once, but eventually, you’ll have more characters than that in your party. When that happens, you can instantly swap characters in and out during battles, which adds a layer of strategy as you choose who’s best suited for each situation. As expected, you can equip weapons, accessories, and armour. If you enjoy fine-tuning character builds, you’ll find plenty to tinker with. Still, if that feels too tedious, the game offers an “optimize” feature that automatically selects the best equipment for each character.
Difficulty
Battles in 8-Bit Adventures 2 often feel meaningful, and I rarely encountered an enemy that felt like a throwaway encounter. The boss fights, in particular, require attention to message prompts and strategic planning, which keeps things engaging. However, some casual JRPG fans might find the difficulty a bit tough. Fortunately, the game addresses this at specific save points where you can ask for hints on boss fights or respawn enemies for grinding. You can also save anywhere, which is a feature I really liked.
Exploration
Outside of battles, there’s plenty to do. With random encounters removed, exploration is more encouraged, allowing you to search for hidden chests and chat with NPCs. This is one of the first RPGs in a while where I genuinely enjoyed talking to NPCs, as many recurring characters offer surprising depth. The game also throws in light puzzles to mix things up.
8-Bit Glory
Visually, 8-Bit Adventures 2 captures the look and feel of classic 8-bit JRPGs from the retro days. While the style may seem familiar, the developers have used the colour palette exceptionally well, presenting unique environments full of fantasy and surprises. Complementing this is a wonderful soundtrack that reflects the 8-bit design while still feeling well-suited to the setting and memorable.
Conclusion: An Adventure Well Worth Taking
8-Bit Adventures 2 is easily my favourite RPG surprise of the year. Going in, I expected another formulaic RPG Maker project, but instead, I was met with a heartfelt plot and deep, engaging gameplay. I absolutely recommend this game for fans of the genre, but even newcomers will find it welcoming while still offering a satisfying challenge. If you’re looking for your next long-term game project, look no further.
Final Verdict: I like it a Lot.
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