Review: Drakengard 2 (PS2)

The Drakengard series is set in a typical fantasy inspired era, which Square Enix are well known for cultivating. A constant battle between good and evil is always simmering at the surface, whilst dragons wait on the sidelines for the main event. The original Drakengard was appreciated by Gamestyle, a real hidden gem on the system despite the reliance on a tired combat system. In reality it should have endured a fate similar to the Dynasty Warriors series, yet those glossy Square Enix touches somehow won us over.

A key element was the storyline, delivered mostly in huge, panoramic and glorious cut sequences. Five endings were on offer and it is a credit to the overall experience that Drakengard remains one of the few titles that we've actually revisited to sample each conclusion. Such endings lulled Gamestyle into a false sense that there would be no sequel; neither the storyline nor the retails sales could justify such project. However Drakengard 2 does exist, yet any feelings of joy are soon crushed by the huge disappointment that this sequel represents.

Set just eighteen years after the closing of the original tale, Drakengard 2 put you in the shoes of the main lead (Nowe) as he joins the Knights of the Seal. These guardians if you like, are tasked with protecting magical seals across the world that if broken could herald the end of the world. As ever it is typical, dramatic, Square Enix themes that permeate throughout the experience. Nowe feels uneasy about many of his fellow knights, including the general himself and some of the orders he must follow. Despite his loyalty to the knights, the intervention of the mysterious Lady Manah tests his resolve, and what he believes is right and wrong.

A key disappointment is that Drakengard 2's storyline feels unfinished, without the depth or variety of the original tale. Another limiting factor is after the grand budget of its predecessor, this sequel feels as if it has been done on the cheap. While there are some slight changes to the game play the majority of this title is harvested from the previous release, with little enhancement. A notable absentee is the cut sequences, with a large percentage of plot events delivered by text and terrible voice acting. The few cut sequences that do exist lack the flair and epic scope associated with the series. Sadly even the option to hear the original Japanese dialogue with subtitles is missing on this European version, instead you'll have to endure several woeful attempts at voice acting.

The combat system consists of clearing enemies or reaching a certain goal but slicing and dicing AI redundant hordes. It is certainly repetitive, somewhat frustrating, especially with the camera proving slow to correspond to changes in direction. Overall it is exactly the same as the original, yet someone fails to reach the same level of mundane fighting. Perhaps Gamestyle had its fill originally of this type of experience, or our rose tinted glasses need cleaned? Certain goals are unexplained or unclear, prompting backtracking across the landscape in search of the solution. The flying dragon combat also remains in place, and again untouched. Gamestyle is bitterly disappointed that new enemy classes, obstacles and some much-needed variety could not have been worked into this release.

A key component of Drakengard is collecting each and every weapon on offer. A sizeable shopping list is always available, but instead of scouring the environment for each and everyone, here you can simply collect coins and buy them from nearby villages. This we feel is a mistake and with the mission structure being reworked into a linear affair, it detracts from the need to return to certain areas. While the presentation made up for graphical shortcomings, this time around Drakengard 2 feels tired. Textures are bland, detail is simply non-existent and a huge amount of fog penetrates every level.  Some allowances have been made with regards to the difficulty structure, with timed missions relegated and the welcome ability to save often before embarking on another battle.

Sadly Drakengard 2 is a crushing disappointment, even to those that managed to tolerate the first instalment. Fans will not find much solace in the little details that relate to the previous tale. What we have here is a rushed product, pieced together from what went before with little enhancement, arguably to extract some financial gain for the series.

Rating: 4 / 10

Words by Jason Julier