Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2

Yoann Gueritot, one of the directors who has now moved on to Platinum Games, has stated that Fuga is planned as a trilogy. I’m definitely on board with that, but I also kind of wish the series was doing more to earn that. A cohesive series of games is fine, but I prefer to see things evolve, expand, and reach for perfection as CyberConnect2 soldiers on. Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 is complacent. It’s great, but we’ve already seen its greatness. Eventually, it’s going to need to load something new into its cannon if it wants to get its dazzle back.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Fuga 2, much as I had with the first game. That being said, my only hope is that Fuga 3 is a more meaningful evolution of the franchise; while I adored this entry, it’s undeniable that without a larger shakeup in the mechanics and gameplay loop it would be very easy for what is looking to be a bombastic conclusion to the story to fall flat if players were simply met with more of the same. Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 is a great follow-up, and well worth playing, but I also can’t deny feeling anxious to see what Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 will have in store for us in the future.

There's no hesitation in saying that Fuga: Melodies of Steel has some of the best tactical turn-based combat ever created.

Fuga 2 is still an excellent pickup and a great RPG, but as an iterative sequel, it doesn’t manage to have the earth shaking “wow” factor that first game had, nor will anything in Fuga 2 surprise you that much if you completed Fuga 1.

While there are a few disappointing aspects as a character-based game, the concept of 'choice' with branching endings, challenging combat, and character relationships, coupled with the bleak world, makes it highly appealing and immersive. It's undeniably a gem worth not dismissing as 'just another furry-game' despite some shortcomings.

There's a lot to love with FUGA 2, and the game is incredibly rewarding if you commit to the experience. It's an improvement in every possible way on the original and provides an impactful and heart wrenching story with engaging gameplay throughout. If you played and loved the original game, this is an absolutely essential purchase, and even if you didn't, this is turn-based strategy done very right. Just don't you dare let Boron get loaded into the Soul Cannon, you monster.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 provides another dark look at war and its effects on those who are waging it. Just like in the first there are some very dire consequences to using certain abilities in game, thankfully the developers have added another option which will only disable instead of destroying, which is nice but still feels bad to use either weapon. (Im being vague on purpose but if you played the original you know what I’m talking about) While I loved this game almost as much as I enjoyed the original, I just can’t shake the feeling that this didn’t do enough to be a full sequel, so much of it is so similar to the original. It doesn’t mean Fuga 2 isn’t great though, the story is just as moving as the original and the relationships players will be stewards over with these kids is one of, if not the best thing about this series.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel was an incredible experience, and Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 provides more depth and character development on top it. The enhanced mechanics and gameplay based off player feedback finessed Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 into a smoother, better-paced title — one that would be a mistake to miss. If you’ve wanted a fresh take on turn-based strategy featuring addicting combat and rewarding character dynamics and development, Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 is ready for action.

Despite its bloat, the game boasts a short 20 or so hours to complete and in a world of 100-hour games, and there's something to be said about a short but sweet experience. When the game is going, it feels great to play and has a compelling story, if not overwhelming to get started. Regardless of its dark and gritty war torn world, Fuga Melodies of Steel 2 provides a little bit of hope in the tactical RPG space.

Fuga: Memories of Steel 2 picks up the reins of the previous chapter without making any particular changes to its structure. Cyberconnect2's video game remains a fascinating and emotionally challenging work, recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a role-playing game with melodramatic and committed tones. It is a pity that such singular works go entirely unnoticed in the generalist market, especially when one thinks that with higher production values, they could establish themselves as true must-haves.