Dusk Diver 2

Dusk Diver 2 is an action RPG set in the vibrant city of Taipei, where players explore both the human world and a hidden realm filled with supernatural creatures. The game combines stylish beat ’em up combat with RPG elements, allowing players to control multiple party members and uncover a compelling story that improves upon its predecessor. With its anime-inspired visuals and dynamic gameplay, Dusk Diver 2 offers an engaging experience for fans of the genre.

Dusk Diver 2: Review

Introduction

Dusk Diver 2, the sequel to the 2019 cult hit Dusk Diver, is a game that walks a fine line between ambition and execution. Developed by Wanin International and published by Justdan International, this action RPG seeks to expand on the original’s formula with a richer narrative, refined combat mechanics, and a more expansive world. Set in the vibrant streets of Ximending, Taipei, the game follows Yang Yumo as she navigates the complexities of her newfound powers and the threats that lurk in the dimensional rifts of Youshanding. While the game shows significant improvements over its predecessor, it also grapples with some of the same issues that plagued the original, making it a compelling yet flawed experience. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and reception, ultimately assessing its place in the gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

Dusk Diver 2 was developed by Wanin International, a studio known for its work on the original Dusk Diver and other titles within the action RPG genre. The game was released on February 24, 2022, for Windows, and later on August 30, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The development team aimed to address the shortcomings of the first game, particularly in terms of combat variety and narrative depth. The game was built using Unreal Engine 4, which allowed for more detailed visuals and smoother gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor.

The gaming landscape in 2022 was dominated by high-budget AAA titles and indie darlings that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. Dusk Diver 2 entered this competitive space with a unique blend of anime-inspired aesthetics, hack-and-slash combat, and RPG elements. The game’s setting in Taipei’s Ximending district offered a fresh backdrop, drawing inspiration from real-world locations and blending them with fantastical elements. However, the game faced the challenge of standing out in a genre saturated with titles like Persona 5 and Yakuza, which offered similar open-world experiences with deeper narratives and more polished gameplay.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Dusk Diver 2 picks up one year after the events of the original game, with Yang Yumo now a college student dealing with the aftermath of the Youshanding incident. The story revolves around the reappearance of Chaos Beasts in Ximending and the emergence of a mysterious boy who becomes a target for the Dark Diver. The narrative explores themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle between duty and personal desires. Yumo’s journey is intertwined with the efforts of her friends and allies, including Leo, Bahet, and Nemea, who join her in battling the forces threatening both the human and Kunlunian worlds.

The characters in Dusk Diver 2 are well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations that drive the story forward. Yumo’s growth as a protagonist is particularly noteworthy, as she grapples with the physical and emotional toll of her powers. The supporting cast, including the Kunlunian guardians and the enigmatic Dark Diver, adds depth to the narrative and provides opportunities for character development. The dialogue is generally well-written, though some localization issues and typos detract from the overall experience.

Themes and Dialogue

The game’s themes revolve around the balance between duty and personal freedom, as Yumo struggles to reconcile her responsibilities as a guardian with her desire for a normal life. The narrative also explores the consequences of dimensional rifts and the impact of supernatural forces on the human world. The dialogue is engaging and often humorous, with moments of levity that contrast with the more serious themes of the story. However, the pacing of the narrative can be uneven, with some sections feeling rushed or underdeveloped.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Combat and Character Progression

Dusk Diver 2 introduces several improvements to the combat system, including the ability to switch between four playable characters during battles. Each character has unique abilities and playstyles, allowing for a variety of combat strategies. The combat is fast-paced and combo-heavy, with a focus on chaining attacks and utilizing special moves to defeat enemies. The game also introduces a counter system and assist attacks, which add depth to the combat mechanics.

Character progression is handled through a skill tree system, which allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and stats. The game features a variety of weapons and equipment that can be customized and upgraded, providing a sense of progression and personalization. However, the combat can become repetitive, particularly when facing damage-sponge enemies that require excessive grinding to defeat.

User Interface and Controls

The user interface in Dusk Diver 2 is stylish and intuitive, with a graffiti-inspired design that complements the game’s anime aesthetic. The controls are responsive and easy to learn, with a variety of button combinations that allow for complex combat maneuvers. The game also features a mini-map and waypoints to help players navigate the open world, though the lack of a fast-travel system can be frustrating.

Innovations and Flaws

One of the game’s most significant innovations is the ability to switch between characters during combat, which adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. However, the game’s difficulty balancing is inconsistent, with some enemies and bosses requiring excessive grinding to defeat. The dungeon design is also a mixed bag, with some levels featuring unique gimmicks and others devolving into repetitive corridors and enemy encounters.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Dusk Diver 2 is set in the vibrant district of Ximending in Taipei, which serves as the game’s central hub. The game’s world is a blend of real-world locations and fantastical elements, with dimensional rifts that lead to the otherworldly realm of Youshanding. The game’s art direction is heavily influenced by anime and manga, with stylized character designs and vibrant colors that create a visually striking experience.

The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by its soundtrack, which features a mix of heavy metal, rock, and EDM tracks. The music complements the game’s action-packed combat and adds to the overall immersion. The voice acting is well-done, with Japanese and Chinese dubs that bring the characters to life.

Visual and Audio Design

The game’s visual design is a highlight, with detailed character models and animated cutscenes that enhance the narrative. The combat effects are visually impressive, with bright red graffiti visuals that appear when hitting counters. The sound design is equally impressive, with powerful sound effects that complement the gameplay. However, the game’s performance can be inconsistent, particularly on the Nintendo Switch version, with instances of stuttering and pop-in.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Dusk Diver 2 received mixed reviews from critics, with an average score of 65% on MobyGames and a Metascore of 60 on Metacritic. Critics praised the game’s improved combat mechanics, stylish visuals, and engaging narrative, but noted its repetitive dungeon design and inconsistent difficulty balancing. The game’s reception was generally more positive among fans of the original Dusk Diver, who appreciated the improvements and expansions to the gameplay.

Commercially, the game performed modestly, with sales figures not reaching the heights of major AAA titles. However, it found a niche audience among fans of anime-inspired action RPGs and hack-and-slash games. The game’s legacy lies in its potential to carve out a unique space in the genre, with its blend of cultural influences and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Influence and Impact

Dusk Diver 2’s influence can be seen in its contribution to the action RPG genre, particularly in its use of dimensional rifts and anime-inspired aesthetics. The game’s success in blending real-world locations with fantastical elements has inspired other developers to explore similar themes. However, the game’s flaws, particularly in terms of difficulty balancing and dungeon design, have also served as cautionary tales for developers looking to create similar experiences.

Conclusion

Dusk Diver 2 is a game of contrasts, offering a compelling narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics while struggling with repetitive design and inconsistent difficulty. The game’s strengths lie in its stylish visuals, engaging combat, and well-developed characters, which make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. However, its weaknesses, particularly in terms of dungeon design and enemy balancing, hold it back from achieving greatness. Ultimately, Dusk Diver 2 is a solid sequel that improves upon its predecessor in many ways but falls short of its full potential. Its place in video game history is that of a cult favorite, appreciated by a dedicated fanbase but overlooked by the broader gaming community. For those willing to overlook its flaws, Dusk Diver 2 offers a unique and enjoyable experience that stands out in the crowded action RPG landscape.