Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2014
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
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  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 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    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.    … Expand
  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, 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.
  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 / 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    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.    … Expand
  4. resident01
    Jan 4, 2015
    10
    I haven't enjoyed a game this much since the late 90's. It's a really long game with a great story and fun SRPG gameplay. I can't believe that any critic could give this game anything less then a glowing review. I signed up for an account just to rate this game. If you appreciate JRPGs with good stories then just get it and play it over a couple of months. You won't be disappointed.
  5. Michaelsnake
    Oct 5, 2016
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time, and there are hundreds of reasons why.
    First of all, the gameplay is amazing. The SRPG here is challenging but not too hard, just the ideal difficulty.
    The complexity is perfect as well, because you'll do fine as a beginner just looking at your stats and enemy stats, but then get the hang of understanding the entire situation and applying some    This is my favorite game of all time, and there are hundreds of reasons why.
    First of all, the gameplay is amazing. The SRPG here is challenging but not too hard, just the ideal difficulty.
    The complexity is perfect as well, because you'll do fine as a beginner just looking at your stats and enemy stats, but then get the hang of understanding the entire situation and applying some awesome tactics.
    There are so many characters and so many abilities and spells and each character specializes in its own great way that makes them different from anyone else and adding diversity to the battlefield.

    Secondly, my favorite, is the STORY!!! I have never seen a story as long, yet beautiful, and amazing as tears to Tiara 2. I don't want to spoil anything. But for the 60 hours I played this game, I was filled with joy, surprises and tears (hence the name tears to tiara.. just kidding). Sure the story is a linear like most JPRG's are, but thats what makes it so beautiful and I loved every second of it.

    Thirdly, the animation and music. It is debatable whether some people like the animation more or less, but I personally like it. sure the characters look chibi during battle, but I think thats cute and I love that it's 3D all the way, unlike fire emblem over there thats just a bunch of pixels imitating a character. And the artwork is amazing too, as it is anime-based.
    The music on the other hand, IS NOT DEBATABLE! Best music I've ever heard and one of the most amazing OST I ever came across.I bought the entire soundtrack and sometimes I play this game just to listen to the intro, it adds feelings and fits the game's story.

    Finally, I'm gonna go into the side aspects of this game that i believe make it so unique and beautiful. The mythological and historical references in this game are awe-inspiring. You'll come across a lot of it throughout the game, but not a single direct reference of it is made, so its up to you to catch on them which I personally thought was cool and interesting. The game does put a lot of effort into being a visual novel, but the voice acting (which is in japanese) will blow you away. I believe that being a visual novel was the best choice for this game, because it is the best way to carry out such an inspiring and beautifully told story. Not to mention that it truly is an original.

    I'm sorry if my review was a little to biased from my opinion, but that is exactly why I gave it a 10 and spent an hour writing this, because it truly is my favorite game. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone and even you. my score 10/10.    … Expand
  6. RynerLute
    Aug 22, 2015
    10
    One of the more underrated titles out there to come out recently.
    This game has a fantastic story that easily satiesfies VN fans anyone who likes fantasy, myths and anything involving history. If you could slog through the slow and lengthy start, you'll soon be hooked into a wonderfully crafted tale full of plot twists and deep character development that is anything but short of being    One of the more underrated titles out there to come out recently.
    This game has a fantastic story that easily satiesfies VN fans anyone who likes fantasy, myths and anything involving history. If you could slog through the slow and lengthy start, you'll soon be hooked into a wonderfully crafted tale full of plot twists and deep character development that is anything but short of being epic.
    While the game caters more to storyline lovers, fans of the SRPG genre should have more than enough aspects of the genre to keep them coming back for more.
    The music in the game is nice to listen to and while the graphics is nothing spectacular and is as you should expect in a VN, it should do more than its fare share of keeping those who prefer great graphics from complaining too much.
    The only real downside I could think of is if you prefer to have English dubs in a game, which is sadly missing on this one.
    All in all, if you like SRPGs and VNs and is looking for something with an interesting and deep storyline, look no further and give Tears to Tiara II a try.    … Expand
  7. Razgriz41
    Dec 26, 2015
    9
    I went into this game not expecting a whole lot because of the chibi like character sprites and the fact that I've never played an aquaplus game before, didn't want my expectations to be too high.

    That being said this game blew me away!! Not at first though as it takes a little while for things to get interesting with the story but it's definitely worth it once it gains momentum! The    I went into this game not expecting a whole lot because of the chibi like character sprites and the fact that I've never played an aquaplus game before, didn't want my expectations to be too high.

    That being said this game blew me away!! Not at first though as it takes a little while for things to get interesting with the story but it's definitely worth it once it gains momentum! The chibi character sprites didn't bother me at all as during dialogue you see the character portraits the whole time. It has to be said that there is no dual audio in this game (Japanese only) but the voice acting is absolute top notch so who cares! You can hear the passion in each character! This helps a lot with all of the dialogue you'll be reading as sometimes it can drag on for an hour or two, sometimes longer depending on your reading speed. Trust me though, the story is definitely worth all that dialogue, nothing is watered down.

    Something has to be said for my favourite part of Tears to Tiara 2, and that is the music! I love all of the songs especially the ones with vocals! "Tears to Tiara victory song (from hispania)" is my absolute favourite. Whatever music is playing always suits the scene / characters etc...

    This is a game for a specific audience though so if you don't like reading a lot or strategy RPGs you probably won't like this game. Only reason I don't give it a 10 is because sometimes there's a little too much dialogue which they could of cut (sometime a few characters say the same thing but in a slightly different way which takes up like 15 dialogue boxes and sometimes gets irritating) and that the graphics should be better considering this is a later PS3 game. But don't let either or those minor flaws deter you from this game!

    If you'd like great strategy turn based game with a great story, great voice acting and great music, then I highly recommend Tears to Tiara 2!

    9.5/10 for me    … Expand
  8. Max9595
    Sep 28, 2022
    10
    Tears to Tara 2 combines fire emblem like games with one of your favourite romance anime. It’s like watching a anime that you can battle in. It’s fights are hard and the story is good. What’s not to love.
  9. Dynel
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    Outstanding. In a single word, that's how I would describe the game. This comes as testament that games do not need high end graphics to be good.. So, let's review why this game is actually underrated by metacritic reviewers.

    First, Story: The most important aspect of ANY RPG. This game performs better in setting the story. Granted, has a lengthy intro, but, I didn't mind it. In fact, I    Outstanding. In a single word, that's how I would describe the game. This comes as testament that games do not need high end graphics to be good.. So, let's review why this game is actually underrated by metacritic reviewers.

    First, Story: The most important aspect of ANY RPG. This game performs better in setting the story. Granted, has a lengthy intro, but, I didn't mind it. In fact, I quite enjoyed it. More so than other games that feel completely stupid or do hand holding 90% of the game.

    Second, Music: Fitting and welcomed. Every melody is perfectly arranged and suits the moment of the game, to the point I forgot I was playing a game.

    Third, voices: Japanese voices are sometimes better acted than english voices, as most of the times, english dubs felt more like the people was reading the script, rather than acting.

    Fourth, Combat: Somewhat of a drag at first, after playing it a little, it becomes easy to figure.

    Final Verdict: Go and buy the game. If you enjoy classic true JRPG, then, you will definitely enjoy Tears to Tiara II, as this game is now considered a classic by me.    … Expand
  10. Ic3dCube
    Jun 24, 2015
    10
    This game is nothing short of a masterpiece. The story is deep and rich which fill take your emotions for a ride from A to Z, there is a simple but good battle system, enough character/party customization to keep you happy, absolutely fantastic music and I really like the art style. If you like Final Fantasy Tactics, pick this game up, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. GameCritics
    Mar 9, 2015
    45
    ith inert characters, forgettable villains, and an achingly slow plot, Tears to Tiara 2 never offers a reason for anyone to keep reading.
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  2. Gamers' Temple
    Jan 9, 2015
    72
    For the gamer who likes reading more than gaming.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
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