We have rounded up a number of reviews for the recently released Blackguards 2, which so far has been received more warmly than its predecessor. I haven’t read any fan impressions yet, but it looks like Daedalic Entertainment made the right choices, at least when it comes to more mainstream tastes.
IGN, 7.8/10.
Blackguards 2 improves on its predecessor in almost every other respect. Daedalic effectively removed the elements that made last year’s release annoying at all the wrong moments, and left its players with the best parts of the experience. It’s still a methodical, almost plodding tactical roleplaying game, but now it’s easier to find the fun and to enjoy its world and characters.
Twinfinite, 5/5.
Blackguard 2 manages to exist as a game that feels like a classic strategy role playing game, and as so much more at the same time. A deep story with great characters, varied quests, deep customization, and great battles make for a must have game. It may be a bit daunting for those new to the genre, but the payoff after the challenge is more than worth it.
Hooked Gamers, 8.8/10.
Blackguards 2 is an immensely satisfying turn based strategy game that brings an enticing story and high-quality balanced combat to the table. A few frustrating battles are easily suffered for the experience the rest of the game offers. Paying a spy for rumours, only to capture the subject of said rumours in the following battle and using the information against them during interrogation, thus unlocking a second access point in the coming battle makes you feel like a master of intrigue, and using your environment to weasel your way out of a no-win scenario makes you feel like MacGyver with fireballs. Although the systems may have been streamlined (a word we take -very- seriously here), this not only feels like a Blackguards game, but a worthy sequel to a beloved game.
PCGamesN, 8/10.
Blackguards 2 has surprised me. Though I enjoyed the tactical combat in its predecessor, I wasn’t left hungry for a second outing. But the more focused campaign, and a protagonist that is much more than a cardboard cut out have elevated the sequel considerably. Some slightly awkward writing and odd moments of jarring silliness weaken the grim premise, but not enough to topple it. And the immensely satisfying fights are more than worth putting up with some cracks.
Softpedia, 8/10.
Blackguards 2 takes the formula of the initial release and expands upon it, but there’s nothing truly innovative, apart from the origin story of Cassia and her frequent moments of near madness.
The battles can often be surprising and engaging, especially when special objectives are involved and gamers need to deal with fantasy creatures, but they also sometimes become repetitive and unappealing.
Those who loved the original Blackguards will be probably happy to use their gaming time with the sequel, but newcomers, especially those who do not have any info about The Dark Eye, would be better served if they pick the first game up for cheap before getting the sequel.
Canadian Online Gamers, 76/100.
When you consider buying Blackguards 2, there are three questions you need to ask yourself. Do you enjoy tactics RPGs? Do you like an interesting high-fantasy story? Do you have hours and hours to sink into a new game? If you answered yes to any of these, then I’d definitely recommend checking out not only Blackguards 2 but its predecessor as well. Daedalic has done a great job at actually listening to the community to help improve their product, and I’m really happy to see what they’ve done. You’re not going to get blown away, but you’ll certainly be left with some fond memories and a solid experience.
Cheat Code Central, 3.6/5.
Released just a year following the first title, Blackguards 2 wields exactly what you might expect from an abridged development time. The display is largely the same, yet packed with much more detail. The gameplay mechanics are similar, though with a few adjustments based on critical feedback including a much appreciated non-linear approach to story progression. And yet it also carries with it bugs and design flaws that could have been addressed with more vigorous quality assurance testing before delivery of the final product. As a diehard fan of pen-and-paper RPGs brought to life through video games, I would love to see the series continue, but Daedalic really needs to shake up the formula before their next attempt.
Game Over, 70%.
Blackguards 2 is in many ways a game that compares more closely to XCOM than other RPGs. XCOM also had a limited number of maps to fight on if you’ve fought aliens in one forest, you fought in them all but the XCOM maps were larger which allowed for a greater variety of strategies to be employed. The maps of Blackguard are claustrophobic by comparison and have no fog of war. Finally, while your characters have some latitude in effecting the world you can choose to kill or spare this or that character, or attack this city or attack that one I didn’t really get the impression that I was branching out the flow of the adventure much with my choices. Many modern RPGs have significant branching effects that are determined by the player’s choices; while I may have missed it, I didn’t see that here. I can’t help but feel like this Risk-style questing is far more limiting than the open-ish world of Blackguards 1.
Nerd Rock From the Sun, 78%.
It may not be remembered as a revolutionary game, but Blackguards 2 gets a lot of things right. It’s immensely enjoyable, doesn’t force you to save the world, gives you a collection of oddball companions, and is a very satisfying way with which to spend 20+ hours of your time. If you can get past the repetitive combat, you’ll walk away feeling satisfied when you’re done with it.
GameHaunt, 4.1/5.
Blackguards 2 is suited for gamers who like RPGs. It has a great fantasy storyline and there are interesting characters. The combat system and interactive sequences offer a wonderful way to play an role-playing game.
The Koalition, 77/100.
Blackguards 2 uses it’s predecessor as a base and improves on it in almost every aspect. With simplified character progression, faster and more intense combat and a dark storyline with likeable anti-heroes, Blackguards 2 will no doubt have something for both armchair generals and RPG adventurers. If you want a turn-based strategy RPG full of adventure, intrigue and conquest, grab Blackguards 2 and help Cassia sweep aside her enemies to claim the Shark Throne.
GamePlanet, 8.0/10.
For anybody save the most passionate of fans of fantasy tactical combat games, Blackguards 2 is a superior game to its predecessor. Combat is faster in the second game and equally tactical. Production values are comparable. The plot and characters of the second game are far better and, although the two storylines are related, there isn’t enough substance in the first story to justify playing if before the second for that reason alone. Blackguards 2 is a lean, streamlined, 20 hour dark fantasy title and is even easier to recommend to fans of tactical combat games than its predecessor.
Mouse N Joypad, 77%.
To summarize, Blackguards 2 is a hardcore turn-based RPG with lots of content under the hood, but comes with a couple of splotches that may or may not ruin your experience somewhat. I’d recommend it to those of you who’re looking for a new fantasy storyline to look into, since it’s set in a masterfully crafted universe and sports a fair amount of interesting characters. The interactive sequences aside from the combat module are a fun change of pace, but might leave you feeling a tad queasy when the especially graphic scenes arrive. And the combat itself is a definitive upgrade compared to the original Blackguards, guaranteeing a more streamlined and satisfying, but still a difficult and intense experience. All in all, a very good addition to the sub-genre it fits in.
3GEM, 8/10.
Blackguards 2 will make fans of the first installment feel right at home. By improving on almost every aspect possible, the sequel is a much more fun-filled experience. While fans of the franchise and of large scaled turn base strategy games will be overjoyed, new players might still feel threatened by the game’s tough learning curve and its complex gameplay design. Blackguards 2 is not for those who are looking for a quick pick-up title, but for those who are truly dedicated into diving into a rich story filled strategy game, then consider this one a safe pick.
Chalgyr’s Game Room, 8.5/10.
Solid graphics, amazing voice acting, splendid ambient audio, and a solid, if dark story line with support cast members that are at times both flat and full of character, really show that Daedalic is continuing to grow the franchise and refine the existing formula. Those gamers, like me, that are eagerly awaiting the release of additional classic CRPG-style games are in for a treat with Blackguards 2 so head on over to Steam and pick it up. It is certainly worth it.
