8-Bit Adventures 2 is an upcoming turn-based JRPG styled game developed by Critical Games. As part of the Steam “Next Fest” the game currently has a demo available for everyone to try out. Luckily, the game has very low system requirements. As such, I tried the game out, and although it is a very small slice of the game. Its prologue, dungeon, and town segments you can choose from in the main menu of the demo were very enjoyable to experience.
8-Bit Adventures 2 Prologue
8-Bit Adventures 2 starts with a no-named adventurer wandering in a desert, looking for ruins. What these ruins are and why it’s of great importance to our protagonist is unexplained. But the journey from point A to point B mostly introduces the player to the game’s combat as well as level traversal.
Like knocking down pillars to cross over whirlpools and taking out skeletons. However, as this is a pleasant introduction to the game, the dungeon that’s available shows quite a bit more of the game.
The Dungeon
This segment of the demo was very lengthy and explains more of the combat in the game. As well as showing a snippet of the game’s story that I won’t be talking about here. You have three members for your party expanding to four shortly after, three of which you can name. Each of them has its own unique abilities. The warrior has defensive abilities and can choose from three strength levels for his basic attack. Weak, Normal, and Strong, all have varying hit chances, so choosing Strong can be a bit of a gamble if you’re feeling lucky.
The thief can steal items and has the ability to make her and her teammates faster or perform attacks that pierce through enemy defenses. While Charlie, the party member you can’t name, can use heavy attacks. As well as being able to attack two enemies at once, but losing some damage for both attacks.
Enemy encounters are also equally unique. As some enemies can synergize with one another. A scanner can lower defenses for a regular enemy to exploit and deal massive damage to an unlucky character. Multiple enemies will also ensure to target one party member, urging you to take them out quickly. 8-Bit Adventures 2 can be a bit tough though. So don’t think combat will be a breeze.
The Town
Between the story and fighting, the town segment of the demo shows there will be plenty of downtime to relax. You play as Charlie with his sister following around the town. It’s here you can just chat with NPCs and just explore a little bit. There is a secret boss to fight against in here, but I sadly wasn’t able to find it myself.
The entire game however does have loads of personality. When each character talks they feel distinct and not strictly be exposition dispensers. When in combat if a character is low on health their icon begins to look a bit worried and when they die they fall off their place, to then crawl back up when you revive them. Even abilities like the warrior and thieves’ “Love Shield” swirls hearts around the character they’re healing. The music as well is extremely energetic in combat.
Final Thoughts on the Demo
The demo for 8-Bit Adventures 2 was a genuine surprise to playthrough. The full game seems to be quite the meaty package too with a variety of very fun-looking boss fights. As well as the demo showing a very interesting story, that you should experience as well. Like I said before, the game has very generous system requirements. It does not ask much of your PC, it even plays on my very weak writing laptop and is compatible with gamepads. It will only take an hour to complete as well.
Currently, the game is aiming to launch this year with no specific release window. However, it will be available on all modern platforms. This includes Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GoG. If you play on Steam you can wishlist the game here.
