Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. Game Chronicles
    84
    Extremely fun to play with fast-paced fights and a great combo system that puts the first game to shame. This latest installment is a huge step in the right direction for the series.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Fans of the original material will obviously get the most out of Crimson Elixir, but due to the stylized look and easy to pick up gameplay even newbies to FMA will find a lot to like. Its biggest flaw is the short length but it's definitely fun while it lasts.
  3. BonusStage
    77
    Curse of the Crimson Elixir, despite being ridiculously short and a bit too easy for advanced gamers, delivers a fun, beautiful and enthralling story experience that puts its anime license to perfect use.
  5. GameShark
    75
    FMA 2 does a grand job of portraying the boys as they are in the show and improves on the weaker elements of the first game to create an action adventure that is fun and easy to play. It's a real shame that it's so short.
  6. GameSpot
    73
    It's not without flaws, and it's fairly short to boot, but if you're a fan of both the Elric brothers and over-the-top transmutations, you'll find lots to like here.
  7. GameZone
    70
    Like most carnivals it's fun today, dull tomorrow.
  8. Worth Playing
    70
    If you're a big Full Metal Alchemist fan, or even just enjoy flipping through manga or catching the show on Cartoon Network, then Crimson Elixir is definitely worth a rental.
  9. GameSpy
    70
    A definite improvement over the original.
  10. GamerFeed
    70
    I couldn't help but notice it struggled in parts, namely with the game's basic nature or its lackluster sound features.
  11. DarkStation
    70
    The sequel improves upon the original with a more engaging plot and tighter combat, but lacks that extra touch to really deliver on all fronts.
  12. Siliconera
    70
    Even though Full Metal Alchemist 2: Akaki Elixir no Akuma is more of the same it has some improvements over the original. If you loved the original title or the anime than the sequel should please you. Otherwise you probably want to try before you buy because Full Metal Alchemist 2 isn't a hallmark action RPG.
  13. Play Magazine
    70
    I think the game would have benefitted from being based on the anime rather than distilled directly from it. [July 2005, p.79]
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  14. Gaming Age
    67
    It's entertaining enough, even for those who aren't major followers of the show, but despite all it has going for it, the short length and repetitive gameplay keep Fullmetal Alchemist 2 from being anything more noteworthy than a weekend rental.
  15. 1UP
    65
    It's not a classic game, but Fullmetal Alchemist 2 ably performs both of its intended functions: it's fun for existing series fans, and a decent enough game that those who haven't had contact with the original property will get far enough that the concept could intrigue them.
  16. PSM Magazine
    65
    Everything feels less sluggish - including the combat, which integrates the alchemy better than before. Plus, the graphics got a bit of an upgrade, too. [Oct 2005, p.94]
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  17. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    This new Fullmetal Alchemist is an improvement over the first game, but an incremental one.
  18. Game Informer
    60
    Terrible pacing of the game, which crawls along at a snail's pace due to constantly interrupting dialogue scenes. [July 2005, p.120]
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  19. eToychest
    59
    While it does have its great moments, it doesn't accomplish more than what the animated series already has.
  20. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    58
    If you want a meaty alchemic role-playing game, conjure up "Atelier Iris" instead.
  21. GameCritics
    55
    Indeed, Fullmetal Alchemist 2 has proven to me that its parent anime is a good show. But I've yet to be convinced that Fullmetal Alchemist 2 is a good game.
  22. G4 TV
    40
    Falls into the same sequel trap that many other games tumble into, where the emphasis in development is placed more on improving visual aspects rather than addressing flaws in the gameplay.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 6 out of 32
  1. Wookie9698
    Aug 26, 2022
    8
    Non canon to the 2003 anime, but it’s entertaining. If you like kingdom heart’s gameplay you most likely will enjoy this. The originalNon canon to the 2003 anime, but it’s entertaining. If you like kingdom heart’s gameplay you most likely will enjoy this. The original cutscenes are animated very well and the voice acting is just as good as the anime… Full Review »
  2. Sachi
    Dec 3, 2011
    5
    Fullmetal Alchemist is an alright game that has some very annoying flaws that prevent it from being a good game. The graphics could use a lotFullmetal Alchemist is an alright game that has some very annoying flaws that prevent it from being a good game. The graphics could use a lot of polish so the graphics are not great at all but the voice acting is very top-notch. The plot is relatively interesting as the plot of the game does not follow the plot of the anime although the anime's plot is much better the plot of the game is still nice. The gameplay is where the problems crop up, the gameplay is complex and rather annoying as enemies can constantly wear away at your health without you being able to retaliate and soon you are dead. You cannot heal yourself in the game and this proves infuriating. The worst thing about the game is the save points, they are so unevenly spaced out and so few that if you die you have to start from like 30 minutes ago and watch the same stuff a million times because you can't skip. I became very infurated because of this, all these flaws make Fullmetal Alchemist one of the hardest games you will ever play. Overall, Fullmetal Alchemist has a great story that is bound to keep you hooked but the annoying gameplay elements will turn you away. I recommed renting this game because you won't want it anymore after dying a million times and redoing everything a 100 times that you almost break the TV. Breakdown for "Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir": Presentation: 8, Graphics: 4, Sound: 7, Gameplay: 4.5, Lasting Appeal: 5, Verdict: 5.3 out of 10 "Average". One of the hardest games you will ever play.â… Full Review »
  3. EdwardE.
    May 21, 2006
    9
    I thought the game was really fun, and I have cleared it 3 times. The dialoge was pretty long, but I thought it was cool the characters I thought the game was really fun, and I have cleared it 3 times. The dialoge was pretty long, but I thought it was cool the characters vocies were added, but I wish that it didn't fallow the storyline so much, so it could be a new adventure. If you are very into the manga and anime (* like me,) you already know whats going to happen. Its a really fun game though, and I always enjoy playing it. SO I give it a nine.… Full Review »
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