Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir Critic Reviews

Extremely fun to play with fast-paced fights and a great combo system that puts the first game to shame. This latest installment is a huge step in the right direction for the series.

Fans of the original material will obviously get the most out of Crimson Elixir, but due to the stylized look and easy to pick up gameplay even newbies to FMA will find a lot to like. Its biggest flaw is the short length but it's definitely fun while it lasts.

Curse of the Crimson Elixir, despite being ridiculously short and a bit too easy for advanced gamers, delivers a fun, beautiful and enthralling story experience that puts its anime license to perfect use.

FMA 2 does a grand job of portraying the boys as they are in the show and improves on the weaker elements of the first game to create an action adventure that is fun and easy to play. It's a real shame that it's so short.

It's not without flaws, and it's fairly short to boot, but if you're a fan of both the Elric brothers and over-the-top transmutations, you'll find lots to like here.

Even though Full Metal Alchemist 2: Akaki Elixir no Akuma is more of the same it has some improvements over the original. If you loved the original title or the anime than the sequel should please you. Otherwise you probably want to try before you buy because Full Metal Alchemist 2 isn't a hallmark action RPG.

I think the game would have benefitted from being based on the anime rather than distilled directly from it.

I couldn't help but notice it struggled in parts, namely with the game's basic nature or its lackluster sound features.

Like most carnivals it's fun today, dull tomorrow.

If you're a big Full Metal Alchemist fan, or even just enjoy flipping through manga or catching the show on Cartoon Network, then Crimson Elixir is definitely worth a rental.

A definite improvement over the original.

The sequel improves upon the original with a more engaging plot and tighter combat, but lacks that extra touch to really deliver on all fronts.

It's entertaining enough, even for those who aren't major followers of the show, but despite all it has going for it, the short length and repetitive gameplay keep Fullmetal Alchemist 2 from being anything more noteworthy than a weekend rental.

It's not a classic game, but Fullmetal Alchemist 2 ably performs both of its intended functions: it's fun for existing series fans, and a decent enough game that those who haven't had contact with the original property will get far enough that the concept could intrigue them.

Everything feels less sluggish - including the combat, which integrates the alchemy better than before. Plus, the graphics got a bit of an upgrade, too.

Terrible pacing of the game, which crawls along at a snail's pace due to constantly interrupting dialogue scenes.

This new Fullmetal Alchemist is an improvement over the first game, but an incremental one.

While it does have its great moments, it doesn't accomplish more than what the animated series already has.

If you want a meaty alchemic role-playing game, conjure up "Atelier Iris" instead.

Indeed, Fullmetal Alchemist 2 has proven to me that its parent anime is a good show. But I've yet to be convinced that Fullmetal Alchemist 2 is a good game.