It’s not amazing but it’s worth checking out for former fans and newcomers alike. For the most part, it works and a deserving offering for newcomers and fans will find their way to the end just the same. It’s effectively a whole new game with a few nods in lore and concepts to an entirely different game that came out years ago. Aragami 2 is more of a re-imagining than a sequel so it stands a better light if you go in with that mindset.

It’s not just the mere presentation of the visuals that disappoints though, it’s the game’s sense of design and UI. There’s the repetition as both enemy types and the shadow dwellers lack variety, with the same character models cropping up over and over. The problem is that the pursuit of higher fidelity doesn’t seem to be matched by the quality of the end results. For all its unquestionable improvements in gameplay mechanics, impressive powers, and overall structure though, there’s something that’s missing about Aragami 2. For instance, there’s no awareness they’re increasingly alone as you take them our slowly. While Akatsuchi will react to loud sounds or to directly seeing you move around, or raise the alarm if they see a body. There’s one major change to Aragami 2‘s stealth mechanics, while you’ll remain hidden under the cover of shadow, you can no longer “Shadow Leap” to any spot of darkness, only to certain rooftops or ledges. There are often hidden collectibles or stashes of gold to be found that are only realistically reached with higher spec skills. Some may be difficult the first time you have to play, but returning with new skills later can be fiendishly fun. The versatility of the entire skill system also feeds back into the replay of the mission structure.

Skills and powers also get an expansion in Aragami 2.

Kakurega itself acts as a hub world between each outing, allowing you to interact with villagers, spend ability points to unlock new passive skills and active Shadow Powers, or craft armor and consumable support items. Completing missions earns experience points, as the Aragami now levels up RPG-style rather than finding hidden scrolls to learn abilities, and can be replayed to chase a higher success rank or earn extra experience to level grind. While the original told a fairly guided, linear story, Aragami 2 instead opts for a mission-based approach with the village elder, Katashi, sending you off to investigate Akatsuchi’s movements or rescue villagers. Almost everything about the game has changed, from its stealth mechanics and power sets to the very structure of the game itself. Returning players will find Aragami 2 a departure from its predecessor. Aragami 2 is set a century later and while there are some connections to the first game, this sequel requires no prior knowledge of the original.

Aragami metacritic