Project X Zone 2
OpenCritic Rating
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Project X Zone 2
Project X Zone 2 is a hilarious but sometimes tiresome genre mashup of every crossover you ever wanted.
Judged against other tactics games, there are so many better options on the 3DS that Project X Zone 2 doesn't rate. Don't come expecting deep gameplay or even inventive updates to distinguish it from the previous game. PXZ2 is much more interested in matching up a diverse set of mascots for maximum humor and references to classic Japanese game series, which it skillfully handles most of the time. Nostalgia can only take PXZ2 so far in a lengthy campaign of average strategy gameplay, but it's an engaging old-school reunion while it lasts.
The line-up of characters is the stuff of fanboy dreams, but the gameplay is enough to send you to sleep – if not give you nightmares.
Your mileage depends heavily on your appreciation of the characters and callbacks to familiar games. The tactical gameplay doesn't stand on its own, but the character interactions are fun
Project X Zone 2 embraces its extensive cast of characters, but it often falls into exhaustion due to its nonsensical plot and overreliance on its combat system.
A single battle in Project X Zone 2 can drag on forever, and its overarching story doesn't make much sense. Still, its hilarious character interactions and chaotic fights embody what a video game should be: Fun.
I understand I shouldn't expect the depth of SRPGs like Disgaea to build up a team from scratch, but I would like to feel like I was a part of the situation and not simply watching like a coach from the sidelines. Once that's a possibility, I will totally be onboard with PXZ as a series. But as enjoyable as this can be one battle each sitting, it overstays its welcome. But I'm happy it exists, and takes the concept that established characters can be played with like the Play-Doh these devs may have snacks on as children.
Project X Zone 2 is a videogame for videogame fans. It's not likely to present you with a huge challenge, nor does it take an immense amount of skill to be any good at it, with the tactical gameplay a far cry from genre greats such as Fire Emblem or Shin Megami Tensei. However there's a vast number of characters and content for fans of a particular ilk to revel in, and the spectacular battling is a highlight that never fails to amuse.
