Blackguards 2 Reviews
A series of corrections rather than a sequel
Did you like the previous Blackguards? Did you want it simpler and more efficient? Do you like map control games? If you answered yes to all of these, I think I just found you a new PC game.
Coming so soon after the first entry Blackguards 2 is a surprisingly packed improvement over the original, giving you the chance to dominate and rule over South Aventuria with all the bitterness and rage such a task would need. It won't suit all newcomers to PC TRPGs and yes, battles can be brutal and unforgiving at times, but for those with even the slightest bent towards getting knee deep in stats and tactical battles then Blackguards 2 is a worthy purchase.
In spite of these small gripes, Blackguards 2 is a much more complete and better-playing game than its predecessor and will no doubt please all of those who loved the first. Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you are a hardcore fan like me), the game has not been streamlined enough to attract casual CRPG fans and will still be far too complex and challenging for those not accustomed to the difficulty of a dyed-in-the-wool European game like Blackguards.
I have sort of enjoyed my time with Blackguards 2, although writing a review where all you really want to do is scream "IT'S THE SAME AS BLACKGUARDS!" has been a challenge. It really is a testament to the fine voice actors and tightly crafted combat above everything else, that even after two extremely similar games I'm still not staggeringly bored of it all. Slightly bored, perhaps, but not staggeringly.
Blackguards 2 delivers more brutal hex-based strategy and environmental puzzling while refining the original formula in several smart ways. The more open yet focused campaign, propped up by a fantastic central character who's as evil as you want her to be, makes for a satisfying if punishing experience.
A sometimes frustrating, always enthralling strategy RPG that has its rough spots. The time necessary to get to grips with it is well spent despite this as it rewards you in so very many ways.
Blackguards 2 takes the formula of the initial release and expands upon it, but there's nothing truly innovative, apart from the origin story of Cassia and her frequent moments of near madness.
Blackguards 2 is an immersive and enjoyable game, which allows a player to adjust all aspects of the game to suit their own playstyle, while constantly keeping them on their toes, as the tiniest slip-up can result in failure. Very entertaining, even for those who aren't fans of turn-based strategy.
Ultimately, Blackguards 2 is very good and enjoyable, but gets weighed down by some stupid limitations and flaws, such as its often unfair difficulty and still-present bugs. It boasts a great strategy aspect and a decent story, but falters elsewhere. Enjoyable, but frustrating at times, and not enough spiders to eat those bugs!
Blackguards 2 presents a dark and engaging tale that's sure to haunt you even after you put it down.
I'll admit that the opening cinematic for this game immediately started me out on a bad foot, as [trigger warning for pet lovers] for whatever reason a kitten is cruelly thrown to its death, and for the life of me I cant even understand what that has to do with anything at all...
Although the turf-war element is fun to experience, the role-playing features of the game are completely uninspiring and feel like replicas of previous RPGs. No, I don’t think the game is a failure, as it is a decent follow up to the first Blackguards.