Back in the 16-bit days when I was a teen, I loved RPGs and couldn’t get enough of them.  Not so much now, but I do like it when someone makes a new retro inspired RPG that plays like the ones I used to enjoy.  Such is the case with 8-bit Adventures 2.  I’ve never played the first game in this series, so I don’t know what’s new, different, or improved.  It doesn’t do anything new or break the mold in any way, but it does feel like something I would’ve rented and played back in the day.  It’s available on all current consoles and PC, but reviewed on Switch here.

Gameplay is pretty standard RPG stuff.  You gradually collect a party of ragtag heroes as you explore towns, dungeons, and other locations in 2-D top down fashion.  You’ll gather clues and buy items in villages and explore dungeon mazes and other places defeating monsters and gaining experience points and levelling up along the way.  Battles are pretty standard turn-based fare.

Even though this is a classic styled RPG, there are a lot of quality of life features that I really liked.  There are no random encounters, you can see monsters come at you before you fight.  I also loved how they let you save your game at any time, but there are also save points to let you know when a big baddie is around the corner and it might be a good time to save again.  They also gradually explain the rules and instructions to you as you go along.  About the only problem I had is they spend too much time on story and dialogue than actual gameplay, especially at the beginning.  The game isn’t mind blowing or anything, but it sets out to do what it says and does a pretty decent job of it.

Kid Factor:

8-bit Adventures 2 is rated T for Teen with ESRB descriptors of Fantasy Violence and Suggestive Themes.  I didn’t really notice any suggestive themes and you fight enemies in turn based fashion and they disappear when defeated.  But because of the high level of reading required, I’d say this one is best for older kids and teens.

Tags: Game Reviews