Dark Deity 2 is a direct sequel to the popular Dark Deity. However, this instalment is set 25 years into the future and has a heavy focus on mana-based combat, AOE spells, and a serious lack of permadeath. These changes may upset fans of the original, but I think the game thrives, and longevity, replay value, and quality of life are vastly improved.
This turn-based experience was developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by idie.io. It is a single-player game that has heavy Fire Emblem vibes. The turn-based madness pushes you into a strategic corner as you must work with several heroes and overcome many main and sub goals during every outing.
Dark Deity 2 is a story of greed and new lands.
A quarter of a century has passed, and the Eternal Order have rebuilt Verroa. Sadly, their new defences are about to be put to the test! The neighbouring Holy Asverellian Empire need and wants new land. Accordingly, they have Verroa in their sights. Thankfully, the Eternal Order and 20 heroes stand in their way.
The story is brilliantly told, and the full-voice acting, interesting branching stories, factional strife, and political nuances were fascinating to witness. I adored the relationships between each character and how your choices have a significant impact on how everything unfolds.
Turn-based action.
If you do not like turn-based games, you might want to turn back now. Dark Deity 2 utilises this core mechanic throughout, and I adored it as a consequence. Each battle, problem, or traversal element was a joy to experience. Moving a band of your 20 heroes across strange environments as they tackle an array of tasks was fascinating. Moreover, you must decide whether to bum-rush a level or try to complete every goal. Word of warning, biting off more than you can chew can be deadly.
Character customisation is a heavy element of Dark Deity 2. Each of the 20 heroes can adjust their classes to suit your tactical approach. The 20 heroes have around 45 branching classes to select from. Moreover, you can adjust the settings from the start to increase the difficulty and the random nature of the game. This was great as you ensured that no playthrough is ever the same.
Too much, too soon!
I admit that I often found things overwhelming. This caused me to have to slow down and tackle each chapter in bite-sized chunks. Thankfully, this didn’t impact the game, and if you prefer something more casual, Dark Deity 2 adapts to your style. However, if you are a genre expert, you can push yourself all the way and push through without negative consequences.
I adore the focus on mana, teamwork, and the lack of permadeath. The latter was particularly important. However, there are still penalties if you die in combat. Ailments follow you throughout the chapter, and this causes major headaches. Subsequently, you must adjust your approach to ensure your team stays alive.
Dark Deity 2 has an old-school edge.
Dark Deity 2 is nicely polished, and no one can accuse it of visual issues. Yet, it does have a nice old-school design that will appeal to lovers of retro games and pixelated art. Each chapter pushes a new design to keep you interested. Furthermore, the character models, assets, and other key elements are interesting while focusing on a clean but dated approach.
The audio has that triumphant and upbeat edge that retro RPGs were famous for. The blend of haunting tracks and high-energy songs was great. Additionally, the acting was impressive as it added depth to the already captivating story.
Excellent controls.
Dark Deity 2 has plenty of depth and loads of custom options. Therefore, it could have been horrible to play. Thankfully, the impressive UI and simple control layout help you to navigate any potential pitfalls. Additionally, the opening moments were easy to follow, and I like the step-by-step tutorial.
The customisation and branching classes ensure that no playthrough is ever the same. Moreover, the use of a randomiser helps to keep things fresh. This helps to increase longevity and replay value.
Dark Deity 2 is a fantastic sequel.
I enjoyed the first instalment, and Dark Deity 2 is probably better. The lack of permadeath and the focus on magic were real winners. Additionally, the story was fantastic, and the setting worked on many levels. Accordingly, I think it’s great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you prevent the destruction of Verroa? Arm your heroes, plan your attack, and take down your greedy neighbours.
