Status:
Complete and Play Tested
----------------------------------
Blackguards 2 (PS4) Review
Released in 2015, Blackguards 2 is a turn-based tactical RPG developed by Daedalic Entertainment. A sequel to Blackguards, the game continues the story set in the dark and gritty The Dark Eye universe. Unlike its predecessor, which focused more on the traditional role-playing aspects, Blackguards 2 leans more into strategy and resource management, giving players a unique blend of combat, story, and decision-making. While the game offers an interesting and engaging experience, its execution leaves a bit to be desired, especially on the PS4.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The core of Blackguards 2 revolves around turn-based tactical combat, with players positioning their characters on a grid and taking turns to attack, defend, and use special abilities:
-
Combat System: The combat system is deep and strategic, with each character having a variety of skills that can be used to exploit enemy weaknesses. Movement is grid-based, and characters can interact with the environment, using obstacles and terrain to their advantage. Combat can get intense, especially when dealing with multiple enemies and positioning.
-
Character Development: Characters level up through experience points, and players can improve their abilities in several areas, such as offense, defense, and magic. The character progression feels satisfying, though the game doesnt offer much in terms of customization outside of combat skills.
-
Resource Management: A big part of Blackguards 2 is managing the resources you acquire throughout the game. Players need to balance their armys needs, such as equipment, resources for training, and morale. This adds a layer of depth and strategy, forcing players to think carefully about how they manage their limited resources.
-
Exploration: Outside of combat, youll explore the world in a series of maps and menus. While these areas dont offer a lot of interactivity, they provide context and set the stage for the story.
While Blackguards 2 shines in terms of tactical combat, the pace can feel a bit slow at times, and the difficulty spikes can be frustrating for players who arent as used to the tactical RPG genre.
🧑🤝🧑 Story & Character Development
Blackguards 2 has a dark and engaging story that centers around Cassia, a powerful woman seeking revenge and control of a sprawling empire. The plot revolves around her rise to power, with political intrigue, betrayal, and war at the forefront.
-
Story: The story is engaging, albeit a bit standard in its themes of power struggles and vengeance. What stands out is the main character, Cassia, whose motivations and journey make for an interesting narrative. The story can feel a bit linear at times, with the focus mainly on Cassias rise and the characters she recruits.
-
Character Development: The game features a variety of characters with unique backgrounds and motivations. These characters have well-written dialogue and development, though they can sometimes feel one-dimensional. While the characters are memorable, they dont always evolve as much as players might hope, leading to a more static experience.
Overall, the narrative in Blackguards 2 is solid but not exceptional. It delivers a decent tale of revenge, power, and manipulation, though the story's pacing can feel une
