Dark Deity 2 review

2021’s Dark Deity wasn’t perfect, but the title demonstrated that a plucky indie studio like Sword & Axe could craft an absorbing Fire Emblem-style tactical role-playing game. Although the sequel has its own share of faults, Dark Deity 2 builds on the robust foundations of its predecessor, introducing players to a new generation of heroes. Undoubtedly, the game’s greatest asset is its flexibility, providing players with both scripted and randomized leveling as well as an abundance of builds for its 20 playable heroes.

Set a quarter of a century after the events of its predecessor, Irving now serves as the grandmaster of the peacekeeping Order of Eternals, allowing his three children to take seize the spotlight. Dark Deity 2’s new narrative lead sporadically adds sophistication, though both the lingering influence of player decisions, archetypes built around birth order, and the inevitability of family tensions. But between a plot that occasionally neglects key details or plods along and dialog that favors exchanges of quips, there are some missteps. Voice acting attempts to bring Deity’s cast to life, but some of the more engrossing interactions between characters are perplexingly silent.

Time and Tide Wait on Command

Largely, the joys of combat outweigh any expositional deficiencies. Before heading into battle, players can opt to tackle encounters with turn limits. Effectively, this restriction ratchets up the tension, forcing players to be efficient with each turn and increasing the hazard of chasing discretionary objectives. Fortunately, if you’re struggling with completing missions in time, these constraints can be turned off, resulting in lower stress levels.

When turn limits are activated, you’ll undoubtedly play more prudently. But this time out, the punishments for negligence aren’t as severe. With Dark Deity 2, Sword & Axe has removed the enduring wounds that left a permanent scar on your stats each time you were KO’ed. Now, defeated characters suffer a single-stage setback that’s not nearly as punitive.

Map Improvements So Attentions Aren’t Lost

Meanwhile, map design has significantly improved. The first Deity would habitually fling pairs of contesting parties on opposite side of undistinguished arenas. But the sequel adds some interesting topography that might challenge you to commandeer a choke point or seize the advantage associated with activating a switch. For me, interesting maps are one of the most important constituents for a TRPG.

An oft-neglected ingredient in this recipe is conveying the right information. Usually, Dark Deity 2 gets this correct. At present, you might have to fiddle with the unit range indicators or and your map cursor can step out of bounds. But largely, the statistical advantages and shortcomings are there for your perusal, helping to illumine the path toward victory.

A Life of Thievery is Never Far

Pleasingly, battles provide resources that can be used to augment your allies, offering assists like increasing the range of an AOE attack or elevating the effectiveness of healing. On top of this, each unit has two tiers of four different classes and can equip weapons that provide rune slots for additional advantage. Factor in rings that can supply status traits and elixirs that can directly enhance a character’s stats and there’s far more autonomy than your average tactical role-playing experience. And given the number of playables, the game lets you build nimble strike teams and throngs of tanky damage-dealers. If you appreciate the allure of experimentation, Deity 2 indulges.

Across the thirty-chapter campaign, players will encounter one-and-done challenge fights that might mix up the rules. Alternatively, you can pay to partake in training battles that are especially useful if some of your party members are underpowered. Like its predecessor, Deity 2 has noncompulsory bonding that can yield rewards. Often, these provide some of the richest reveals in the game, with characters exposing their weakness or worries. If you opt to heed Deity 2’s call, I’d recommend exploring them for both the advantages as well as the anecdotes.

Dark Deity 2 was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.