This direct sequel to "Arc the Lad" continues the unfinished story of the first game, but starts from a totally different perspective. You control a bounty-hunter named Elk, who suffers from amnesia. On his quest for his own true identity he discovers the powers hidden within him, and the destiny of his entire tribe. While pursuing his archenemy, Elk meets up with Arc, the hero of the first game, and then both realize they have been looking to destroy the very same evil. The battle system of "Arc the Lad II" is similar to the one used in its predecessor: in battles you can move your characters on the battle field, and your proximity to the enemies plays an important role. You cause and take different amounts of damage depending on your position on the battle field. Unlike the first game, this one is a full-fledged adventure/RPG, without the "strategy" feel of the predecessor. You move through the game world on your own, visiting towns and exploring dungeons.


Reviews View More

長く長く遊べるゲーム。OPの音楽は前作もそうだけど素晴らしいよね。

Arc the Lad II was a quantum leap forward in both narrative and content, where G-Craft introduced Arc's sleek visuals to an urban-fantasy hell replete with dark and tragic moments. Everything from locations to characters (both new and returning) were given more depth, more personality, and more development as they continuously fell prey to this bleak and dreary tale, enduring sadistic events worthy of Suikoden or Final Fantasy's SNES trilogy. The brutal subject matter isn't the only high point - though, as a set of expansions (dungeons, unlockables) and additions (proper towns, puzzles, Chrono Trigger-ian preset encounters) completed Shining Force's mission to fuse SRPG battling with JRPG structure. And sandwiched between its village-to-dungeon formula is a dense side quest/hunt system, whose range of weird and comical scenarios come as a relief amid all the hardship.

The rest - unfortunately, isn't quite up to par. More inspired classes, weapon mastery and item/equipment modding may grant new customization options, but the combat itself remains rather slow and middling - without much variety regarding skills or battle strategy. A few redundant sections (especially in the second half) and long transitions detract from the overall pace as well. Even still, this transformation is shocking, one that - in retrospect, makes the original look like a faceless conservative sketch.