Swords & Bones 2 is a straight forward, 2D linear action platformer game where players have to clear 50 differently styled levels on their way to fight a boss fight before proceeding to the next area. Our heroine can jump, walk and attack. But as you kill enemies, you’ll earn coins and money bags that can be used in the shop.

In the shop, thanks to your “hard” earned cash, you’ll be able to improve the protagonist. You’ll be able to increase your health, acquire new skills (such as double jumping) and unlock magic skills such as launching small tornadoes or poison traps; for example. After you’ve unlocked 2 or more magic tricks, you can only select one for each level. Our heroine can also used a shield to protect herself, but it’ll only through two hits per level.

The game also offers a small layer of replay value for all levels. Each level has a treasure hidden; whether it be in a chest that requires a key or hidden behind breakable blocks for example. While some are easy to acquire, others will require specific skills such as a double jump to obtain. So you’ll need to replay the levels once you’ve acquired the double jump skill… if you’re incline to get 100%.

The game looks great in its 16-bit colorful glory. Each world is uniquely designed with its specific color palette, theme and enemy design. The development team managed to nicely capture the 16-bit era; Super NES moreso than the Gensis/MegaDrive. The soundtrack is fine. It sounds both new and familiar at the same time.

While there’s nothing majorly wrong here, there are at least two nuisance. The first being the character “runs” very slow. While she does move forward, it feels like running through mud. The running movement and jumping also feels stiff. Some jumps (before acquiring double jump) require pixel perfect jumps if you don’t want to fall to your death. And your default weapon has a very short range that will force players to take a hit and run strategy if they don’t want to take damage. They mapped the shield to the up direction. I guess current-gen controllers don’t have enough buttons.

Swords & Bones 2 is fun and nice diversion from more complex gaming experiences. All you have to do is run through simplistic 50 bite sized levels, earn coins and level up your character. Nothing really complex here. If you played the first game, it’s just more of the same, except level design is slightly less irritating. If you haven’t and looking for a short time killer for some quick Achievements, Swords & Bones 2 is worth the investment.

Overall
  • 70%
    CX Score - 70%
70%

Summary

Pros

  • Bit-size levels
  • Easy to pick up and play

Cons

  • Basic movements, especially jumping, feels stiff
  • Annoyingly short range weapon

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