The Caligula Effect 2 Critic Reviews

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.

The Caligula Effect 2 is a game that deserved a better budget than it got. It’s combat system is amazing and engaging, but everything else about it could be better.

The Caligula Effect 2 is an interesting game but it has too many imperfections that make it uninvolving.

The Caligula Effect 2 is an improvement on its predecessor, most notably regarding the narrative and cast. However, it still has some kinks to iron out with the battle system and side quest structure. If a third game ever happens, and developer Aquaria can keep up the improved storytelling and characters while also continuing to polish its weaker areas, it has the potential to become a JRPG worthy of being recommended along with other titanic peers in the genre.

The Caligula Effect 2 has loads of cool ideas, but it's undeniably rough around the edges. The visuals and character models are basic, animations can be awkward, and the environmental design comes off as uninspired. At least the user interface looks lovely.

The Caligula Effect 2 is the kind of experience that works on paper, with a good basic idea and potentially intriguing protagonists. The game, however, is a hymn to banality and boredom without any redeeming traits. Fans (?) of the first game, with which it shares a weak narrative link, might find this game interesting. Everyone else should stay away.

All of this could be pretty much forgiven if the game offered a quick dose of eccentric JRPG fun, but our biggest issue is with the pacing. Elements outstay their welcome before even getting anywhere. The narrative (with frequently bloated dialogue) is painfully slow, and even its Imaginary Chain battle gimmick2 drags. While the idea of previewing your characters’ moves and shuffling them around so they interact like layering tracks in an audio mixer is thematically on point and great in theory, you’ll probably find yourself mashing (X) or using auto-battle just to save some time. You can teach an old musician new songs, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be a hit.