Fans of the Fairy Tail series are getting a new video game chapter in Fairy Tail 2, an RPG sequel that adapts the Alvarez Empire Arc from the beloved manga and anime. Developed by Gust and published by Koei Tecmo, this game builds on its predecessor while introducing new gameplay mechanics and content. However, while the title captures the source material well, it stumbles in a few areas that prevent it from being truly exceptional.
The narrative dives straight into one of the most dramatic arcs in Fairy Tail, pitting the guild’s members against the overwhelming might of the Alvarez Empire and the fearsome Spriggan 12. As Natsu, Lucy, and other familiar faces, players relive the climactic battles that defined the original story. The game does a commendable job of recreating the epic scale and emotional weight of these conflicts, offering fans plenty of nostalgic moments. However, the storytelling occasionally feels rushed, with the pacing cutting corners that might leave newcomers or casual fans of the franchise feeling a bit lost and longtime fans feeling like they’re missing out on beloved story elements.
Gameplay sees significant improvements over the first game, particularly with its revamped combat system. Real-time battles replace the turn-based approach from the 2020 installment, injecting a sense of immediacy and excitement into the action. Flashy magic attacks and combos make battles visually spectacular, and the inclusion of strategic elements like character synergies adds depth. That said, the system can sometimes feel overly chaotic, with animations and effects cluttering the screen and making it harder to track the action during larger skirmishes – which look great for onlookers but can feel overwhelming when playing.
Exploration has also been expanded, allowing players to seamlessly navigate the vibrant world of Fiore. The environmental design brings iconic locations to life with polished 3D visuals that capture the feel of the anime. While the main battlefields and towns are lovingly detailed, smaller areas sometimes feel repetitive, detracting from the immersion. The game’s audio shines, with a soundtrack that complements the action and voice acting that effectively channels the personalities of the characters. However, some players might notice reused sound effects and background tracks from the first game, which can undercut the overall presentation.
In additional to using the source material, the game also features a new original story, Key to the Unknown, which unfolds after the events of the Alvarez Empire Arc. This epilogue provides fresh content for long-time fans and explores new sides of the characters, adding a layer of depth that wasn’t as prevalent in the first installment. However, this additional content sometimes feels like filler, lacking the emotional stakes of the main narrative.
As hinted at before, one area where Fairy Tail 2 still struggles is accessibility. While fans of the series will feel right at home, the game’s reliance on prior knowledge of the manga or anime makes it less inviting for newcomers. Additionally, while controls are generally responsive, certain sequences – particularly those involving intricate platforming – can feel clunky and unintuitive, breaking the flow of gameplay.
Ultimately, Fairy Tail 2 is a love letter to fans of Hiro Mashima’s work, offering a more polished and expansive experience than its predecessor. The improved combat and lush visuals elevate the game, but uneven pacing and accessibility issues prevent it from fully enchanting players beyond its core audience. For those deeply invested in the world of Fairy Tail, this sequel is a worthy addition to the series. For others, it might feel like a magical journey best experienced alongside the source material, which is a great starting point for Fairy Tail anyway.
Score: 7.1/10
Press Play Media 