Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2014
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
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  1. Gamers' Temple
    Jan 9, 2015
    72
    For the gamer who likes reading more than gaming.
  2. The Digital Fix
    Dec 22, 2014
    70
    In short, it’s a mixed bag which is unlikely to appeal to any but the most curious of SRPG fans, but those who are prepared to give it a chance will be rewarded with a genuinely interesting game, unlike anything else currently on the market.
  3. LaPS4
    Nov 24, 2014
    70
    Tears to Tiara 2 is the new installment of the adult visual novel saga Tears to Tiara, mixing the lot with tactical rpg style battles. However it's not in Spanish, making it quite a slow game due to the excess of text. If you have no problem with the language, you can enjoy a nice game in your Playstation 3.
  5. XGN
    Nov 20, 2014
    70
    More story than game. Not everybody will enjoy playing this Japanese rpg, but for those who has a long breath, it's story will be amazing.
  6. 3DJuegos
    Nov 19, 2014
    70
    Another genuinely Japanese novel-like experience destined to a very specific group of PS3 owners.
  7. Vandal
    Nov 15, 2014
    70
    It's been a nice surprise, since it works better than we expected. It offers a deep, very engaging combat system, and a narrative worth checking out.
  8. Digitally Downloaded
    Oct 21, 2014
    70
    This is a game for genre fans only (and by that I do mean fans of both visual novels and tactics RPGs). For those people the game will slowly but surely hook its charms in until they come to see it as something quite brilliant for all its flaws.
  9. Hardcore Gamer
    Oct 16, 2014
    70
    Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord is a more than competent SRPG.
  10. Everyeye.it
    Nov 21, 2014
    65
    Western tastes won't have an easy time connecting to this typically eastern product. In the end, it's more a visual novel than a truly interactive game, and that calls for very specific tastes.
  11. Impulsegamer
    Dec 14, 2014
    60
    Overall Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord is a solid entry in the JRPG genre and worth a visit if you’re a fan of games of this type of ilk.
  12. DarkZero
    Oct 14, 2014
    60
    In the end, Tears to Tiara II is a well put-together game that’s hard to recommend in the long run. Had the game chosen to either be a full-fledged Visual Novel with proper saving features or a more evenly-paced Strategy RPG, it would have gotten a higher recommendation.
  13. RPGamer
    Dec 7, 2014
    50
    Strategy RPGs and visual novels seem like a suitable match given the history of great stories in this sub-genre. A fine union may still be possible, but Tears to Tiara II is certainly not it, and not because of a lackluster story.
  14. NZGamer
    Nov 30, 2014
    50
    Overall this is a game only a niche market will enjoy, anyone else looking for a great SRPG without the massive amount of dialogue should check out Disgaea 3, or any other of the SRPGs on the PS3. While, it has its moments, the battles just take far too long to get to, and the game suffers from the omission of an English dub and poor translation.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PS3 Game of 2014
34
#34 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2014
21
#21 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 78
  3. Negative: 13 out of 78
  1. ParallelPain
    Oct 14, 2014
    9
    Here's a checklist of whether or not you'll like the game. The more you tick the more you will.
    Visual Novel
    SRPG Roman History Classical    Here's a checklist of whether or not you'll like the game. The more you tick the more you will.
    Visual Novel
    SRPG
    Roman History
    Classical Mythology

    As part visual novel, expect a lot of reading. If you don't mind, then you'll find a fantastic story with strong, likeable characters filled with references to Classical Mythology and Roman History. There are two main themes used in this work: sacrifices and the place of religion within society. The first works adds to a moving story. The second is surprisingly not as black-and-white as it appears, and leaves you thinking, but in general recognizes both positive and negative sides of religion.
    There are flaws in the story for sure, mostly in the second half, with some of the twist feeling like cop-out. The conclusion of the first half is also incredibly strong, which kind of leaves the second half wanting.

    There is no English dub. If you don't mind that either, the Japanese voice actor will blow you away. Especially the leads. The BGM is flawless and will sway your emotions appropriately (except one song in Engrish).

    The graphics is this game's weakest part. The character design is good. The portraits and CGs works. But the Chibi game sprites works against the serious story, especially when lots of the story uses those sprites.

    The game itself is competent. The levels are diverse and interesting. The battle system works, though mages are slightly too strong in my opinion. A note here that when they say Hard Mode, they mean Hard Mode. It's not Fire Emblem level, but close. Especially if you're after bonus and ranks. The last quarter or so after you crossed the Alps (shown in the trailer) is especially tough on Hard Mode without level grinding. Easy Mode is no slouch either. If you want to focus on the story, play on Very Easy.

    Overall I would say start with 8/10, then add 0.25 for each of the four at the top you tick off. So for me 9/10.    … Full Review »
  2. subsided
    Oct 14, 2014
    10
    Easily one of the best Stragety RPG games out there. Has a terrific story and character and should not be overlooked by any fan SRPG games,Easily one of the best Stragety RPG games out there. Has a terrific story and character and should not be overlooked by any fan SRPG games, honestly im shocked at jut how good this game is for its $40 price tag. While there is no english audio the subtitles are all you really need so its not really a negative for me.… Full Review »
  3. Magus80
    Oct 22, 2014
    9
    Just finished the story, what an fantastic game, was not expecting something of this caliber since FFT.

    +80 hours of reading epic story /    Just finished the story, what an fantastic game, was not expecting something of this caliber since FFT.

    +80 hours of reading epic story / gameplay not including postcontent bonus dungeon which have 50 floors and probably will add another 30-40 hours, excellent value for $40 game.
    +well-written dialogues along with voice acting
    +fun battles that keep things varied
    +likable cast of characters
    +good details in chibi

    -graphics may be a turn-off to some if you dislike chibi models but I thought this was really well-done and I normally don't like chibi.    … Full Review »
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