Actraiser II Review

If you loved Actraiser, you should like Actraiser II.Don't get me wrong it is a terrific game in its own right, but Actraiser was a very hard act to follow.If you never played Actraiser it was really two games in one.There was the simulation part (ala Populous and/or SimCity), and the action part (a side scrolling hack and slash type game).You had to save the citys that you built from different monsters that threatened them.Both play aspects made for a unique game I haven't seen the likes of since.
Actraiser II kept the action part of the game and made it so much better, but ditched the simulation part.I remember people at the time this game came out were very upset about this and I still am when I think about it.Actraiser II could have been such a better game if they kept the simulation.
OK, now that I have gone on and on about what the game doesn't have, let me tell you about what it does have:You start the game with 20 HP, 3 sources of magic, and your full assortment of every type of magic to begin with, but nothing changes with your character throughout the entire game: sword, armor, etc.the only thing you can build up are sources of magic, and those reset whenever you leave the monster lair.I'll be honest this game is hard, even on the easy level.The hard level is almost impossible (you could wear out your sword swinging button).The game is worth it, with a nice story line, beautifully rendered backgrounds, and great music, this is a very good side scrolling hack and slash game.Your character (the Master) looks very cool, complete with a sword, a shield (that can deflect some attacks), and wings.Yes you can fly, well I would call it gliding down slowly.
In a game that doesn't give you any power ups or anything new to change your character, what is the motivation for playing it?The sheer sense of accomplishment of being that skilled at a game and being able to say you beat it on normal mode (which I have).Your skill must keep increasing as you play.Whenever I pick it up I cannot really get past the first level without a few tries.After getting back into it it gets much easier though.
Some secret extras that are cool about this game, like entering the code (in the password screen):
Xxxx Yyyy Zzzz
This brings you to a fight with Tarzana from the original Actraiser using your new Actraiser II character.
I would recomend this game to anyone who is very patient and who can master a game beyond anyone else they know.

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