If you're in the mood for a new slice of JRPG action, you might just be in luck, as Asdivine Hearts II has just plonked itself onto the Switch eShop. Yep, it's available today.
The game picks up two years after the events of the original game, Asdivine Hearts, with Zack and friends finding themselves heading off on another quest. This time, the gang hope to save the parallel world of Archelio, which is on the verge of being frozen in ice. In a nice touch, the game features a summary of the previous game so that you can jump right into the sequel if you prefer.
Speaking of the previous game, it's worth noting that we had mixed feelings after our playthrough for review. We said that Asdivine Hearts is "entirely competent but difficult to fully recommend; it ticks many boxes from its retro inspirations, and players looking for pure comfort gaming will find elements to enjoy, but as an experience it’s ultimately underwhelming". Naturally, we're hoping that this sequel might give us just a little bit more.
These screenshots should hopefully give you a better understanding of what to expect:
Asdivine Hearts II has you leading up to six characters into battle, destroying onslaughts of powerful foes along the way, and also gives you the ability to upgrade rare weapons and learn new skills. As noted above, it launches today and can be purchased for £11.69 / $12.99.
Did you play the original? Are you a fan of JRPGs? Share your thoughts on this one with us in the comments.
Comments 18
You forgot to mention that the publisher is KEMCO, to help readers set their expectations appropriately.
@riChchestM You only need to look at one screenshot to know when it's a KEMCO game anyway, haha. Steer clear, everyone.
Another day, another Kemco RPG. I wonder what kind of system they have in place that they can churn out these so fast.
I love RPG/JRPGs. But when I look for that sort of thing, I am not looking for a cheap title. We're talking about a genre of extremes, games can be unforgettable masterpieces, like the Xenoblade, Final Fantasy and Tales of series...
Or they can be generic low quality junk like this looks like it is.
Appearances can be deceiving, but I have only ever heard bad things about Kemco.
I played one of Kemco's RPGs to completion in around 20 hrs (Revenant Saga) and I guess it was an okay timesink for on the go, but strongly feel like each one of them is more of the same with every aspect underwhelming.
If I'd feel the need to scratch that classic RPG itch for around 10-15 bucks I'd probaby pick up either Earthlock or Cosmic Star Heroine.
@Expa0 Looks like RPG maker.
Was this made on RPG Maker 2003? Sure looks like it
This looks very generic. What's the appeal in an artstyle that's done sóóó many times in much better games?
Oh, it's another JRPG off Kemco's assembly line. Looks like something a person would make in RPG Maker.
@Drac_Mazoku They deserve all the bashing they get. Not only are their games really generic but some of them are ported straight from mobile with all the pay-to-win microtransations left in-tact despite costing a decent amount of money on the Switch. It's a pretty disgraceful practice so they're on my avoid list.
@Drac_Mazoku It's not about whether you need them or not that's the problem. I take issue with that sort of crap existing altogether. If they're pointless like you say, then they should have removed them from the paid version of the game like any respectable company would do.
Hey Nl people.
Please dont promote sub par games.
It would help most readers to steer clear of what is good and what is not
Not even worth playing on my phone for Free.
But dont take my word for it - it is F2P on iOS. Give it a spin
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rpg-asdivine-hearts-2/id1205369317?mt=8
If there's are a review and it's not bad might be worth a try. I do like the look at least.
Seeing RPGs like this is and has been an underwhelming experience for quite some time. 2019 isn't the first year where overworlds like this began to look (and, most importantly, play) ugly:
Retro-themed RPGs will always have a place in players' hearts, but there must be great content to justify the art style, and it doesn't look like the content is up to any acceptable standard here.
It's a shame, as much grander RPG experiences could be achieved using the technology of modern consoles today. Games such as Octopath Traveler are a great example of what can be achieved when you have a team with resources who go out of their way to put in the required effort to produce a memorable RPG.
But as good as high quality modern RPGs can be, one does not even have to make a 2DHD triple A title to make a great RPG today. Here is an all-time classic beginner's RPG Golden Sun running on the Game Boy Advance, an inferior piece of technology to that of Asdivine Hearts II:
Classic RPG elements and story mixed with Pokemon-like creature collecting, Breath Of The Wild-esque puzzle solving using Rune-like powers to manipulate the world in the field and in battle, a beautiful soundtrack by the composer of Dark Souls. Golden Sun is a prime example of an RPG from a classic console that manages to provide a more unique experience than the majority of modern RPG titles do on consoles that are technologically light years ahead.
With the furthering of console development and technology, the games should be becoming more ambitious, not less.
Kemco games are like if someone rigged up a procedural generation algorithm into RPG Maker and asked it to spit out and publish a game every month please.
And they don't just look like that from the outside.
Call me shallow, but I can't even consider playing a fantasy RPG with a hero named Zack. I want a Conan, a Legolas, an Elric or a Cugel for my lead. Not Zack. Zack is not a dragonslayer's name, it's that annoying kid who sat behind you in fifth grade and always wanted to copy your homework.
I know they can make a Physical....
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