8 Bit Adventures 2 Review

8 Bit Adventures 2 tells the story of a mysterious child with terrifying powers that threatens to wipe the world and reshape it in his monstrous image. It’s up to you, a fearless protagonist and seven friends he’ll encounter during his adventure to stop the mysterious threat and save the world.

8 Bit Adventures 2 is a classic throwback to old school, NES/Super NES era, Japanese Role Playing Games, or JRPG. With an overhead view, you explore lands, dungeons and cities on your way to complete your quest. As with other JRPGs, the game features a turn-based battle system where the player and A.I. trade turns for battle.

On the right hand side of the screen, you have the order in which the battle will go and see who’s turn is coming up; it’s a nice little touch as it allows you to plan accordingly. Each character of your party has actions to take each turn: Personal Skill (a.k.a. default attack), Ability, Items, Defend, Omega Burst and Run. Along with these actions for all characters, each party member has their unique skillset.

For example, one of the main protagonist can steal valuable items for enemies while there’s also a magic focused companion. The Omega Burst, applicable to all, displayed with a meter at the bottom of the sreen, is a devastating attack that can be used during combat once the Omega Meter has been filled up through actions in battle.

Additionally, each party member as their own unique Omega burst attack. A few hours in, after coming across new party members, you’ll acquire Combo Abilities and it is exactly what it sounds like. The skill can be activated by either party members required for it and will obviously use both characters’ AP, ability points.

While roaming around dungeons and the overworld, unlike other games in the genre, you actually see enemies giving you a small window of opportunity to run away if you don’t feel up to the challenge. Towns are where you can rest, buy stronger equipment, consumable items and move the story forward by talking with specific characters. Speaking of equipment, there’s a nifty feature that allows to equip each character with the optimal gear available.

The game looks great in all of its pixelated, and colorful, glory. It’s also very reminiscent of original Final Fantasy games which is a nice throwback and difference from typical AAA gaming experiences. Each character is uniquely designed. You’ll also come across typical themed dungeons and peaceful towns; the normal JRPG tropes. The soundtrack a full of chiptune goodness, just not as memorable as classic other RPGs. The battle theme is a certified banger. And given its old school nature, don’t expect any voiceover work.

There’s nothing inherently wrong here. But expect that while diving into classic and old school gameplay is a nice trip down memory lane, it does carry the same issues and restrictions. The game lacks a map for dungeons; meaning that sometimes it can be annoying to find your way around. Also, given the pixelated visuals, it’s not always easy find story based characters required to move the story forward. Also two words: Fenix Down. Like come on. Can’t you be less obvious?

8 Bit Adventures 2 is a great addition to the RPG genre and a great to homage to classic games from the NES era; from the pixelated visuals to the turn based gameplay. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it adds its own few twists on a proven formula. That being said, 8 Bit Adventures 2 is absolutely worth your time and money; whether or not you’re an RPG fan or not.