Project X Zone 2 Reviews
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.
While it's a pretty simple strategy game, so don't expect the satisfaction that you get from Fire Emblem or Disgaea from these battles, there are some new touches that add some much needed depth to the formula.
Project X Zone 2 still isn't the home run of a crossover one would hope for, but with a wittier script and improved gameplay mechanics, it's undeniably a step in the right direction.
This strategy RPG is a clever way to let fans of the Sega, Capcom, and Bandai Namco library jump into their favorite worlds with ease since the events have little to no bearing in the canonical continuity. The cast is pure fun but is soon overwhelming, where normally standout characters can hardly get a word in on the already impenetrable narrative.
No masterpiece, but captivating
Project X Zone 2 features a large cast of likeable characters and some great visuals and animation, but is hindered slightly by its repetitive gameplay and weak story.
A delicious helping of fan service and cracking character diversity and interactions between one another is the reason to own Project X Zone 2. As anyone that has played the previous entry or Namco × Capcom will be fully aware, the appeal is in so many beloved characters, new and old, from up and down the industry coming together in an ultimate all-star SRPG, with references fans of the represented series will appreciate. The repetitious and overdrawn nature of PXZ has carried over here, and it rarely feels like much strategy is involved, but even with these issues and its naturally nonsensical plot, it would be remiss to overlook PXZ2; the very fact it exists is reason enough alone to pick this dream collaboration up, if not as a decent backup to the latest Fire Emblem entries.
A fun romp if you recognise enough of the characters, with enough surprises to keep you guessing who will show up next. Fighting mechanic is simple and stays that way throughout, and hasn't changed since its predecessors on the PlayStation 2. Writing is focused on gags and references rather than staying true to original sources, but will entertain so long as you can endure a boob joke once in a while.
Ultimately, Project X Zone 2 boils down to a healthy heaping of fan service for weebs, or anyone who's familiar with the franchises included. While the story can be slow and plodding, it also has some decent gags and a lot of self-awareness that helps drive each crossover encounter.
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
If the developers went back to the drawing board and designed a strategy RPG from the ground up and implemented the systems present in PXZ2 they would be off to a great start. However an overly long introduction that becomes boring after a few hours distracts from what is otherwise a decent game. If this game had a tighter story, trimmed up the dialogue, and improved upon its technical performance by reducing slowdown, it would be something special.
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.
For a certain niche crowd that has the patience (or plays the game in short bursts), this'll be right up their street, but for the rest of us, it's nothing special.
Project X Zone 2 does a great job improving on almost every element from the previous game. The problem is that they also made the game easier; this removed any strategy needed, and so the experience has become rather dull. It is admirable that they made so many improvements, but with the total lack of challenge, it was all for naught.
Fan service isn't always for everyone, and with Project X Zone 2 overflowing with it, people are going to be turned off. I honestly don't think it could be any other way, though. Project X Zone 2 isn't for newcomers to its various represented series. It's for fans that have stuck by these venerable franchises for years. It shows how rewarding a zany bordering on nonsensical crossover can be, and it's unfortunate that more developers feel they can't take the risk to potentially alienate audiences with other properties.
Project X-Zone 2 is a dream crossover on paper that falters in execution, failing to excel in any area beyond unabashed novelty. The quality of the cast and engaging juggling mechanic are the most you'll likely get out of this crossover RPG.
Project X Zone 2 is exceptional at managing to successfully bring all these characters together.
Wait until this game gets a price drop or rent it somewhere. These cameos don't carry well.
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.
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.