BLUE REFLECTION: Second Light Critic Reviews
21 Total Reviews
19 Positive Reviews(90.5%)
2 Mixed Reviews(9.5%)
0 Negative Reviews(0%)
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Digitally Downloaded
November 8, 2021
I often say that the original Blue Reflection is the most beautiful game. I say that because while it obviously didn’t compare to the AAA-blockbusters in terms of the money that has been thrown at it, the art direction was so pitch-perfect and downright beautiful that the technical limitations were irrelevant. Second Light clearly had a bigger budget and made the most of that to present a more refined and confident take on the Blue Reflection vision. The story is a vibrant, the JRPG action is classical and engaging, and the aesthetics are pristine. Getting something this wholesome and pure is a rare treat in an industry obsessed with hard and serious storytelling and adult themes, and I strongly suspect that, just like the original Blue Reflection, I’m not going to be able to get Second Light out of my mind for years to come.
Shindig
January 17, 2022
People like to joke about “the power of friendship” as a trope in JRPGs, but Blue Reflection: Second Light takes that notion and, as earnestly and sincerely as possible, makes it the heart of a truly wonderful adventure. Gust’s sense of atmosphere and aesthetic is second to none, and that’s never been more apparent than it is here. With themes of friendship, love, and support at its core, and every aspect of the game’s design serving those ideas, Second Light is one of the most genuinely uplifting, heartwarming, wholesome games I’ve played in a long time.
RPG Fan
November 8, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a beautiful game in every way. It looks fantastic, plays great, and sounds incredible. It’s challenging, rewarding, and a unique experience through and through. It has a hopeful, positive message and the story is a fun and winding ride. The presentation is top-notch, and the game itself demonstrates what Gust has learned in the past four years from their Atelier games. For those looking for a magical girl JRPG to play, consider checking out the entire series. For fans of the original game and anime, I highly recommend Blue Reflection: Second Light. It is one of Gust’s best games to date and easily the best game in the magical girl media subgenre.
Noisy Pixel
November 8, 2021
Blue Reflection Second Light is a powerful story of a group of magical girls stuck in a world where males just don’t exist. While they explore their past, bonds are created to deliver fun and energic moments of storytelling made grander by emotional story beats. The action-focused battle system is fast and addictive, and exploration is straightforward without weighing the experience. It’s a low barrier of entry JRPG with plenty of charm to warrant a playthrough.
TheSixthAxis
November 9, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is an improvement over the original in every way. It's a brilliant blend of action and storytelling, where both side complement each other perfectly. Some of the side systems like stealth and facility building are a bit flawed, but the meat of the game is divine – incredible combat, memorable characters, and a stunning soundtrack make this a must-play for any JRPG enthusiast.
The Games Machine
November 9, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a fine role-playing game, with a pleasing art direction that makes up for its cross-gen nature and modest budget. The storyline takes a while to get going and the multi-faceted combat system tends to drag common encounters for too long, but overall the game will surely appeal to those who don't mind the unusual setting.
Gamer Escape
November 11, 2021
I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a franchise take such a massive positive 180 as I’ve seen here in Second Light. What was easily one of the worst games I played in 2017 has received a follow-up that kept me coming back for more. It really feels like Gust took the criticism of the original to heart here. We’ve gone from a massive stumble of a game with some good ideas to an incredibly solid JRPG that does just about everything it sets out to do correctly. From the character writing to the speedy gameplay, the world design to the excellent soundtrack, this is a game worth taking a look at. If you are interested in jumping into this franchise, take my advise: just skip the first game completely. Start here with Second Light, it’s worth your time.
GameSkinny
November 11, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is an improvement upon the first game, following a group of schoolgirls looking for a way back home while fighting evil monsters.
GameSpew
November 12, 2021
For fans of the original game, Blue Reflection: Second Light is a must-play, with yet another engrossing story and some meaningful gameplay enhancements. But even those who haven’t played the original may want to delve into this sequel if they’re into emotionally-charged JRPGs that dare to experiment a little. This is a more serious affair from Gust, with some touching moments as pasts are revealed and new relationships are formed. And with its energetic battle system that keeps you on your toes, it’s captivating from beginning to end.
EGM
November 18, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a perfect example of judging a game on what it tried to be, and not what it isn’t. While it pales in comparison to other blockbuster Japanese role-playing games, and remains constrained by the long-standing limitations of its developer, it is an enjoyable and engrossing adventure when taken for what it is: a mid-tier RPG that brings together a group of fleshed-out characters who are trying to improve both their lives and their world. Coming off the original Blue Reflection, Second Light genuinely advances the franchise both in terms of storytelling and gameplay, offering an even better experience to those looking for this sort of game.
Video Chums
November 27, 2021
I'm thoroughly impressed at how much better of a game Blue Reflection: Second Light is when you compare it to the first game. In fact, it's so good that I kind of feel mean for disliking the original as much as I did. Here's hoping for a Third Light!
Multiplayer.it
November 9, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light takes the basis of the first game and creates a JRPG with a more interesting and tactically varied combat system and team management. Unfortunately, the low difficulty level limits the game's potential.
Screen Rant
November 8, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light might not break any molds when it comes to JRPGs, but it does a solid job blending different gameplay mechanics with an emotional tale of reconnecting to old friends and making peace with the past. Players who enjoyed the social interactions and teen drama of modern Persona games should feel right at home here, as Blue Reflection: Second Light has all the ingredients of a decent anime-style high school adventure.
SpazioGames
November 9, 2021
With Blue Reflection: Second Light, Gust has chosen to expand and to revolutionize the good features of the first chapter, showing to strongly believe in this franchise.
RPGamer
November 16, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a solid second step for a new series. It is visually charming throughout and turns out to have an intriguing story with engaging exploration and a simple yet fun battle system. Aside from the fact that the girls are over-sexualized, with odd interactions and some improper looks for their age, the game is surely recommendable. The series looks promising, and surely many players will be looking forward to a third entry.
IGN Japan
November 16, 2021
Blue Reflection: Second Light is an RPG in which a group of girls with lost memories find themselves in a different dimension in which they have to work together to solve a mystery. The main scenario – in which you will learn about the girls’ difficult pasts while seeing them grow as characters – feels satisfactory due to plenty of events throughout the game. While the battle system feels good enough to do the job, it comes with too many rough edges.
Jeuxvideo.com
November 28, 2021
A slower-paced J-RPG but which offers a calm and soothing experience that will especially appeal to fans of Japanese productions.
GameMAG
January 24, 2022
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a pretty comfy game about friendship, that tells its story through the lens of well written female characters. You can also count on a fun battle system with many different tactics and party members.
PLAY
February 23, 2022
It’s a game of two halves: one
moment you’re bashing monsters in
typical JRPG fashion, the next
you’re taking friends on dates to the
gymnasium and building takoyaki
stands. While varied, this loop can
feel repetitive as enemies mostly
offer little challenge and date
interactions follow predictable
formulas. Still, with engaging
characters and a coming-of-age
story of personal growth and female
friendship to root for, there’s a
magical adventure to be
discovered here – if you
can get past the repetitive
activity.
Everyeye.it
November 9, 2021
Compared to the original, Blue Reflection: Second Light undoubtedly represents a big step forward for the boys of Gust, who have once again synthesized an exciting and frenetic playful formula. However, the progress made on the gameplay front and the unexpected introduction of a more traditional growth system are again offset by an uninspiring tale, sleepy and repetitive side activities, and a technical system that is dated even by last year's standards. console generation. The road to obtain redemption is therefore still long, but it would seem that the majokko of the house Gust and Koei Tecmo have at least taken the right path.