Drakengard 2 is certainly an oddity and a good one at that. Where Drakengard is hidden in the shadows of NIER, Drakengard 2 is hidden in its shadows even further.
Gameplay wise Drakengard 2 is far superior than the first. Better level design, being more fluid, and having a better weapon / combo system are some highlights. Also making characters not timed like the first game also gives better replay value which is needed if you're going to see all the endings.
The story is also fairly good but clearly needed some expansion in areas but its nothing that truly detracts from the plot. Where Drakengard dropped us off in a world that is already at war and the situation as the game progresses only gets worse, Drakengard 2 takes a more laid back approach which makes sense given it is a sequel to the "best" ending in Drakengard. Not that it detracts from it but the story never reaches the desperation you would see in the first game especially in the ending chapters after ending A. It still stands on its own and has emotional moments and characters one can like. As a continuation it felt like a good send off to the world especially with the final ending.
The main negatives come from the story though specifically the fact it has multiple endings. Drakengard 2 has 3 endings that do not change much between each yet requires entire play-throughs of the game on higher and higher difficulties to get them. They should have just stuck with the final ending and focused on improving other areas of the story and its presentation which for a ps2 game in 2005, it's a bit lack luster.
Definitely a overhated gem, just like Drakengard 1, though it's still not something I could recommend to everyone. Many people didn't care for the original game's gameplay, and even if I think the story is good, I know many would not like the tone change and if the tone/darker characters of the first is what carried you through the game I don't think you would enjoy this game very much.
You thank me still?
You're a sentimental fool...
Just like...your father...
Gameplay wise Drakengard 2 is far superior than the first. Better level design, being more fluid, and having a better weapon / combo system are some highlights. Also making characters not timed like the first game also gives better replay value which is needed if you're going to see all the endings.
The story is also fairly good but clearly needed some expansion in areas but its nothing that truly detracts from the plot. Where Drakengard dropped us off in a world that is already at war and the situation as the game progresses only gets worse, Drakengard 2 takes a more laid back approach which makes sense given it is a sequel to the "best" ending in Drakengard. Not that it detracts from it but the story never reaches the desperation you would see in the first game especially in the ending chapters after ending A. It still stands on its own and has emotional moments and characters one can like. As a continuation it felt like a good send off to the world especially with the final ending.
The main negatives come from the story though specifically the fact it has multiple endings. Drakengard 2 has 3 endings that do not change much between each yet requires entire play-throughs of the game on higher and higher difficulties to get them. They should have just stuck with the final ending and focused on improving other areas of the story and its presentation which for a ps2 game in 2005, it's a bit lack luster.
Definitely a overhated gem, just like Drakengard 1, though it's still not something I could recommend to everyone. Many people didn't care for the original game's gameplay, and even if I think the story is good, I know many would not like the tone change and if the tone/darker characters of the first is what carried you through the game I don't think you would enjoy this game very much.
You thank me still?
You're a sentimental fool...
Just like...your father...