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Soul Hackers 2 (PS5) Review
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Turn-Based RPG / JRPG
Release: 2022
Soul Hackers 2 is a stylish turn-based RPG that combines Atlus' trademark demon collecting and challenging combat with a futuristic cyberpunk setting. Set in a technologically advanced world where humanity's reliance on technology has created new threats, the game follows Ringo, an artificial being created by the supercomputer Aion, as she attempts to prevent a catastrophe known as the Great One.
Although it is connected to the Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner universe, Soul Hackers 2 is designed to be accessible to newcomers. Its stylish presentation, entertaining characters and excellent combat make it an enjoyable RPG, although its repetitive dungeon design and relatively limited exploration hold it back.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The core combat system is based on the traditional Shin Megami Tensei formula. Battles are turn-based, with enemies possessing elemental weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage.
Ringo and her teammates can equip demons, allowing them to access different skills and abilities. Demon fusion provides another layer of customization, letting players combine demons to create stronger or more specialized companions.
One of the game's major combat mechanics is the Stack system. Exploiting enemy weaknesses allows the party to accumulate stacks that can be unleashed at the end of a turn through powerful attacks.
This encourages players to pay attention to enemy weaknesses rather than simply using the strongest available attacks.
The combat is generally fast and satisfying, although encounters can become repetitive when travelling through larger dungeons.
Strengths
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Excellent turn-based combat.
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Demon fusion provides extensive customization.
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Exploiting weaknesses is consistently rewarding.
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Large selection of demons and skills.
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Stack system adds another layer to battles.
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Difficulty provides a reasonable challenge.
Weaknesses
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Random encounters can become repetitive.
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Some battles feel longer than necessary.
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Demon management can become complicated.
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Combat doesn't evolve dramatically throughout the campaign.
Exploration & World Design
The game is set in a futuristic world dominated by advanced technology and competing factions.
Unlike the large open environments found in some modern RPGs, Soul Hackers 2 is relatively linear. The player travels between a number of major locations, with dungeons providing the majority of the exploration.
The futuristic city environments have a strong visual identity, combining neon lights, technology and urban decay. The atmosphere is one of the game's most successful elements.
Unfortunately, the dungeon design is considerably less impressive. Many areas consist of corridors and repeated environmental elements, with relatively limited opportunities for meaningful exploration.
The Soul Matrix provides additional areas associated with the game's main characters. These sections reveal more about the personalities and histories of Ringo's companions while also providing additional combat and rewards.
Story & Themes
The story follows Ringo, an artificial intelligence-created entity who takes human form to investigate a coming catastrophe. She joins forces with Arrow, Milady and Saizo, each of whom brings their own history and motivations to the group.
The narrative deals with themes of identity, humanity, relationships, technology and free will.
Ringo is an entertaining protagonist. Her initially detached attitude toward humanity gradually changes as she develops relationships with the other members of the party.
The supporting characters are also one of the game's strongest features. Their personal histories and interactions give the story an emotional dimension that goes beyond the main science-fiction plot.
The narrative can occasionally become predictable, and some of its larger concepts aren't explored as deeply as they could be. Nevertheless, the character-driven storytelling provides enough momentum to keep the player interested.
Mission Design & Progression
The main campaign follows a fairly traditional JRPG structure, combining story missions, dungeon exploration, combat and character development.
Side quests provide additional stories and rewards, while the Soul Matrix allows players to learn more about the party members.
Character progression is handled through experience levels, demon skills, equipment and the COMP weapon system. The COMP can be upgraded to provide additional abilities and bonuses.
The Hangout system also allows Ringo to spend time with her companions. These conversations gradually develop relationships and provide additional context for the characters.
This character-focused progression works well, although some of the optional content can feel repetitive.
Demon Fusion & Customization
Demon fusion is one of the game's biggest strengths.
As with other Atlus RPGs, players can combine demons to create new ones, inheriting skills and creating specialized builds. This creates a constant incentive to experiment.
A well-built demon can dramatically change how a battle plays out. Players can create demons specializing in fire, ice, electricity, healing or physical attacks, allowing them to tailor their party to different situations.
The large selection of demons also makes collecting and experimenting with different combinations enjoyable.
For players who enjoy optimizing RPG characters, the fusion system provides considerable depth.
Final Verdict
Soul Hackers 2 is an enjoyable Atlus RPG that successfully combines traditional demon collecting and turn-based combat with a stylish cyberpunk setting. Its biggest strengths are its combat system, demon fusion mechanics, soundtrack and memorable cast of characters.
The game is less successful when it comes to exploration. Many dungeons feel repetitive, and the relatively linear structure prevents the futuristic world from feeling as expansive as its setting suggests. The story also has interesting ideas about humanity, technology and identity, although some of them could have been explored more deeply.
Nevertheless, the excellent combat and demon customization provide a strong foundation, while Ringo and her companions give the adventure plenty of personality. It may not reach the same level as Atlus' most ambitious RPGs, but Soul Hackers 2 remains a worthwhile PS5 JRPG for players who enjoy strategic turn-based combat and demon collecting.
Score: 8/10
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