I’ll be upfront: my experience with the Fairy Tail anime and manga is quite limited. My sole interaction with the franchise was playing a portion of the initial game, which I found surprisingly enjoyable. Nevertheless, I am well-versed in JRPGs. Therefore, while the adaptation of Fairy Tail 2 into a new medium is significant, my primary inquiry when I had the chance to preview it on PC was, “Is it going to be a compelling JRPG?”
In the JRPG realm, one might anticipate numerous titles inspired by anime due to the notable overlap of the two genres. Yet, it’s quite surprising how few remarkable JRPGs are derived from beloved anime franchises. (I previously compiled a list of notable anime-themed JRPGs a few months back.) This context sparked my curiosity about how Fairy Tail 2 would perform.
In Fairy Tail 2, players once again accompany the members of the Fairy Tail wizard guild as they venture through the pivotal “Alvarez Empire Arc.” If you’re in the same boat as I am, unfamiliar with this particular arc, there’s no need for concern. Based on my early experience with Fairy Tail 2, Koei Tecmo makes impressive efforts to render the narrative somewhat accessible for newcomers. The game provides a comprehensive setup for the story, ensuring that players new to the series can grasp the context. Moreover, an in-game encyclopedia offers intricate lore, character backstories, and explanations, which is a modern JRPG feature I truly appreciate. I found myself frequently checking it, as it effectively helped to bridge the gap in my scant knowledge of the anime.
Now, let’s delve into gameplay. Fairy Tail 2 enhances the combat system from the first game, which was already a highlight for me. This game employs a turn-based combat dynamic with a unique twist, resembling an Active Time Battle (ATB) style. Players earn SP (Skill Points) through straightforward attacks as their action bar regenerates. These SP points can unlock formidable, eye-catching moves, adding a layer of strategy as players must decide the optimal timing to unleash those major attacks.
One of the most impressive aspects of the combat is the ability to string together special moves for powerful combos. Timing and strategic thinking are paramount. Players would want to initiate with minor attacks to accrue SP before executing stronger abilities. Additionally, during engagements, the Fairy Meter fills up, offering more SP to enhance combo length. This aspect can transform longer battles, especially against bosses, into nearly cinematic sequences where explosive attacks are exchanged, keeping the action exciting. The pacing of the battles, along with the flair of special attacks, made for an engaging experience, even for those unfamiliar with the source material.
Furthermore, the assortment of characters available from the beginning greatly enriches the gameplay experience based on what I witnessed in my early sessions. Each character has distinct skills, elemental affinities, and specialties. This variety necessitates thoughtful consideration regarding party formation and elemental attributes before each confrontation. Given that adversaries possess their own affinities and vulnerabilities, devising an attack strategy becomes crucial for maximizing damage and effectiveness. This dynamic approach ensures that gameplay remains refreshing, steering clear of mindless button mashing.
All of these elements are woven into a narrative that, within about an hour of gameplay, proved engaging even for a newcomer like myself. The character interactions and relationships resonate authentically, presented in a manner that allows even those with little knowledge of Fairy Tail’s past to appreciate the story. Series fans will likely discover even more enjoyable elements, as pivotal moments from the anime and manga are vividly realized.
Initially, I approached Fairy Tail 2 prioritizing it as a game over an adaptation; however, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I wasn’t merely passively absorbing this universe; I was living it through the characters and their confrontations. This experience sparked my interest in the overarching series, motivating me to explore the anime or manga for a more complete understanding.
In conclusion, Fairy Tail 2 has the potential to exceed the expectations of being just a game for existing fans. It could serve as an entry point for newcomers. The blend of accessible narrative, tactical combat, and a vibrant character lineup positions it as a robust addition to the sphere of anime-based JRPGs. For those like me who may have overlooked the Fairy Tail craze initially, it might just convert you into a fan as well.
Fairy Tail 2 is set to launch on Steam on December 11, 2024, and will be available on PS4, PS5, and Switch on December 13, 2024.
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