Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Cavia
- Publishers: Square Enix
Drakengard 2 (2005)
Drakengard 2 is a direct sequel to the original Drakengard, released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005. The game was developed by Cavia and published by Square Enix. It combines on-foot hack and slash with aerial combat stages and RPG game mechanics. The story revolves around Nowe, a boy raised by the dragon Legna, fighting against a tyrannical faction of Knights, encountering characters from the previous game and becoming entangled in the fate of the world.
Gameplay
Drakengard 2’s gameplay is similar to its predecessor, combining on-foot hack and slash with aerial combat stages. Players control Nowe on the ground, who can use a variety of weapons and magic to defeat enemies. He can also summon Legna to aid him in battle, who can breathe fire and attack enemies with her claws.
The aerial combat stages are similar to those in the first game, with players controlling Nowe on the back of Legna as they fly through the air and fight off enemy dragons and other flying creatures. Nowe can use a variety of weapons and magic to attack enemies, and Legna can perform special attacks to help him out.
In addition to the main story mode, Drakengard 2 also features a number of side quests and challenges that players can complete. These quests can reward players with new weapons, armor, and items.
Story
Drakengard 2’s story takes place several years after the events of the first game. The world of Midgard is once again on the brink of war, as a tyrannical faction of Knights known as the Order of the Azure Grimoire seeks to conquer the world. Nowe, a young boy raised by the dragon Legna, finds himself caught up in the conflict when he is attacked by the Order. Nowe and Legna team up to fight against the Order, and along the way they encounter a number of characters from the previous game, including Caim, Furiae, and Inuart.
As the story progresses, Nowe learns more about his own past and the fate of the world. He also discovers that he is the reincarnation of Caim, the hero of the first game. Nowe must now use his newfound powers to stop the Order of the Azure Grimoire and save the world from destruction.
Characters
- Nowe: The protagonist of the game, Nowe is a young boy who was raised by the dragon Legna. He is kind and compassionate, but he is also strong and determined. Nowe is the reincarnation of Caim, the hero of the first game.
- Legna: A dragon who raised Nowe. She is a powerful and loyal companion, and she is always there to help Nowe in battle.
- Caim: The hero of the first game, Caim is now a spirit who resides within Nowe. He guides Nowe on his journey and helps him to understand his own powers.
- Furiae: A witch who was Caim’s love interest in the first game. She is now a member of the Order of the Azure Grimoire, but she still has feelings for Caim.
- Inuart: A knight who was Caim’s friend in the first game. He is now a member of the Order of the Azure Grimoire, but he is secretly plotting against them.
Development
Drakengard 2 was developed by Cavia, a Japanese video game developer known for their work on the Drakengard series and the Nier series. The game was produced by Takamasa Shiba, who also produced the first game. Yoko Taro, who wrote and directed the first game, returned to write and direct the sequel.
Drakengard 2 was designed as a more mainstream game than its predecessor. The first game was known for its dark and violent story, but Drakengard 2 has a more lighthearted and whimsical tone. The game also features more traditional RPG elements, such as a leveling system and a variety of side quests.
Reception
Drakengard 2 received mixed reviews upon release. Western reviews praised the story and the aerial combat stages, but gave mixed opinions about the graphics and widely criticized the gameplay. Japanese reviews were more positive, with many reviewers praising the game’s unique and innovative gameplay.
Despite the mixed reviews, Drakengard 2 was a commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies worldwide. The game has since become a cult classic, and it is considered by many to be one of the best action RPGs of its generation.
Legacy
Drakengard 2 has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s unique blend of on-foot and aerial combat has been imitated by a number of other games, and its dark and twisted story has inspired a number of other works of fiction. Drakengard 2 is also notable for its use of multiple endings, which has become a staple of the Drakengard series.
The Drakengard series has continued to grow in popularity over the years, and a third game, Drakengard 3, was released in 2014. The series has also been adapted into a number of other media, including a manga, a novel, and an anime series.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
