The Caligula Effect 2

« Ultimately, The Caligula Effect 2 is not a game for everyone. This is something the developers are keenly aware of. It’s not a flashy, high-budget, big-name, auteur-laden, AAA RPG that’s gone through the gauntlet of playtesters and focus groups. It’s a scrappy, low-budget underdog that’s full of heart and empathy, and it has a message to share. Though the game is a sequel, those interested can certainly start with this version, as its predecessor is vaguely recapped. For the few like myself who enjoyed the original game despite its numerous flaws, this follow-up is a dramatic glow up that deserves to be played. It is easily one of my favorite games this year. »

« Caligula 2 results in an interesting title which brights through its story development beside an addictive combat system and the various vocal themes that appears on it. »

« If you loved The Caligula Effect, chances are you’ll love The Caligula Effect 2 even more. It’s certainly an improvement across the board, with a story that will keep you invested for the duration. Newcomers, however, might be put off by the references to the first game, and also may not gel very well with the relationship-building aspects that aren’t all that rewarding or interesting. Overall, there’s a lot to like about The Caligula Effect 2, but it’s accompanied by a fair bit of tedium. »

« The biggest tell of how much of an improvement The Caligula Effect 2 is over its predecessor is how little of the game feels like a chore. Although it may lack those standout moments that top-drawer RPGs provide, it’s easy to find time whizzing by with catchy music and speedy combat and exploration. With characters and a story that keep things ticking along nicely, The Caligula Effect 2 makes for a satisfying use of one’s time. »

« Like the Matrix déjà vu, this sequel smells of the original. Changes are very subtle and ultimately mean a different cast in a similar setting. While the graphics are fairly poor and suggest a low-cost production, everything else makes a pretty decent if not excellent combination of fun mechanics and likeable characters. If you loved the first game, this one's for you. »

« The soul of the title, completely conservative, draws heavily from the material of the first chapter of the series, updating it only up to a certain point and never fully convincing: the solution certainly manages to satisfy the fans who already appreciated the experience. five years ago on PlayStation Vita, but struggling to convince everyone else. The sector is full of similar productions, much more inspired and cared for: both from the point of view of the gameplay (which also shows some creative flashes) and from the graphic-technical one, the latter really mediocre. Of course, the narrative itself might attract some curious: the conflict between the virtual and the real world, for some reason, is always captivating. »

« A good combat system and a infectious soundtrack are not enough to make The Caligula Effect 2 a recommendation. What we have here is much better than the first game, but not on par with the best JRPGs on the market. Still, fans of the genre may want to give it a try. »

« The Caligula Effect 2 has not too much to offer apart from a good combat system and some interesting artistic vibes. The game is a very classic JRPG technically wise far from the modern standards, which suffers from a quite frayed and monotonous rhythm. »

« Ultimately, the Caligula Effect 2 improves upon some of the things that the first game does, but doesn't fix everything. Pros; - The story is still great - The new cast of characters are still likeable and dynamic - The combat is still as rewarding to players who time their attack well, much like the first game - New game+ got fixed - Performance is solid on PS4 - The music is solid - Power ups can be done by selecting a different song, which has different effect to your party Cons; - The plot does retread some elements of the first game - No branching narrative plots like the first game - Post game is very lackluster While some people might write this off as "We've got Persona 5 at home", you are in for a good time if you pick this game up. »