Valthirian Arc 2 combines 2 beloved genres in a colourful hybrid mishmash. Consequently, the result is a niche experience that won’t appeal to everyone. However, if you love base building and turn-based combat, this will be right up your street. On top of this, if you adore class customisation and the freedom to explore as you wish, then this will tick plenty of boxes.
This strange adventure title was developed by Agate International and published by PQube Ltd. Moreover, this vivid game is jam-packed with monsters and turn-based combat. Additionally, there are treasures to discover, games to play, and quests to complete. As such, there is plenty to keep you busy if you fall for its charms.
Valthirian Arc 2 proves that every day is a school day.
Becoming a hero isn’t always written in the stars. Instead, some of the bravest adventurers learn their skills at leading academies. Unsurprisingly, this is exactly what happens in Valthirian Arc 2. This adventure game highlights the plight of the world and the desire to keep everyone safe from untold evil.
You are the principal of the finest Hero School known to mankind. However, this school has hit rock bottom, and it is severely lacking in pupils, buildings, and teachers. Accordingly, you must act like a Phoenix from the flames and rebuild this once-renowned establishment. If you are successful, you’ll save the day, make money, and train the best heroes the world has ever seen. Furthermore, you’ll attract new teachers, build the finest structures, and make peace with your rivals.
A game of 2 halves.
Valthirian Arc 2 has 2 distinct elements to its core gameplay. First, there are the base building mechanics. Second, you must undertake quests to ensure you have enough resources to expand your academy. Alongside the latter option, there is turn-based combat, treasure hunting, and plenty of large areas to explore. Moreover, the gameplay is nicely balanced, and this ensures that you can’t go too far out of your depth.
Though much of the action focuses on the exploration mechanics, the base building is essential and well-considered. Your students must refine their trade and learn new skills. However, to get the best out of them, you’ll need to balance work and play. Subsequently, if your team works too hard, they will become exhausted and you won’t be able to undertake any tasks. Alternatively, if you don’t work them at all, they learn no new skills and the action plateaus. Therefore, it is essential to get the balance right.
Diplomacy, combat, and games.
The diplomacy and mini-game elements play second fiddle to the rest of the action. Yet, they are just as important as they change the difficulty level of each region and they help to replenish your team’s stamina. What’s more, the mini-games add a layer of mindless fun that distracts you from the micro-management of every student and the many assets you build.
Alongside this, you must master turn-based combat if you are to succeed. Each hero has an element assigned to their skill set. As such, this must be used to weaken your opponent’s shield. Only warriors with identical skills can undermine their opponents, and this is essential to remember. Consequently, if you get it wrong, you’ll struggle to beat the weakest of opponents, let alone the monstrous bosses that you encounter.
Valthirian Arc 2 is a polished but old-school title.
I loved Valthirian Arc 2’s old-school edge. However, it had a delightful polish that made it stand out from its pixelated peers. Alongside this, the level design is interesting and the small regions are enjoyable to explore. Then there are the varied monsters, the clean and easy-to-follow UI, and the excellent animation. Furthermore, I loved the character portraits, the clean text-based narration, and the loud colour palette.
The audio was well delivered and wonderfully thought out. The blend of dramatic songs and sombre moments creates an enjoyable fantasy atmosphere. Additionally, the occasionally OTT sound effects delivered energy and excitement to every adventure.
An excellent tutorial.
This could have been awful to play! The learning curve is quite steep and mastering the base building elements could have been confusing. Yet, a thorough tutorial and the UI keep you focused on the important moments. What’s more, the easy-to-follow symbols and excellent control layout make it easy to master.
This oozes replay value and longevity. Thankfully, you are free to play this as aggressively or as slowly as you wish. Moreover, you can train your fighters in an array of skills. Consequently, you can tailor make your team and this was an excellent approach. On top of this, you must invest wisely if you wish to upgrade your team and the academy. Subsequently, it is a wonderful balancing act that doesn’t become tiresome.
Valthirian Arc 2 is brilliantly niche.
Combining genres doesn’t always work. However, Valthirian Arc 2 gets things just right. This interesting adventure, base-building hybrid will attract a niche audience. But those people will adore this brilliantly unusual experience. Thanks to the challenging missions, interesting stories, and whacky characters, you’ll fall for its charms. As such, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you rebuild the reputation of the academy? Attract new students, appease your neighbours, and remove the threat of evil.
