The Caligula Effect 2

 Switch
The Caligula Effect 2 Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

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  • Summary: Dive into a reality-warping adventure from Persona scenario-writer Tadashi Satomi and director Takuya Yamanaka!

    A virtuadoll named Regret has created the world of Redo in order to save people from their past regrets by unknowingly imprisoning them in a simulation. However, this "Paradise"    Dive into a reality-warping adventure from Persona scenario-writer Tadashi Satomi and director Takuya Yamanaka!

    A virtuadoll named Regret has created the world of Redo in order to save people from their past regrets by unknowingly imprisoning them in a simulation. However, this "Paradise" is shaken to the core when a virtual idol named X breaks into Regret's virtual reality and restores a high school student's memories of the real world. In order to escape Redo, they form the Go-Home Club, a resistance group that seeks to fight against regret and her enforcers, the Obbligato Musicians.    … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Oct 15, 2021
    100
    There is no doubt that The Caligula Effect 2 is a niche within a niche, and the fact that the second game so closely follows the first just confirms that the developers are comfortable with that. While it might not click with everyone, it's worth trying, because if you do like your games a bit thoughtful and arty, then this is going to be one of the highlights of the year.
  2. Noisy Pixel
    Oct 15, 2021
    95
    The Caligula Effect 2 is an incredibly modern game that encroaches on territory like no other JRPG. With a stunning soundtrack and an extremely fun battle system, it’s a riot to play. But it also has a cast ingrained into the narrative that leaves a very strong impression, and I really feel they’ll stick with me for a while.
  3. Shindig
    Oct 17, 2021
    90
    The Caligula Effect 2 isn’t a sequel I ever saw coming: a follow-up to one of the most overlooked, underrated games of the last few years. It follows closely in its predecessor’s footsteps, and while it could never hope to be quite as groundbreaking, it still finds ways to bring a fresh perspective to the moral philosophy and psychological exploration at the heart of the series. It still won’t be for everyone, but nor is it trying to be—and anyone who likes JRPGs that break from the mold and leave them with something to think about is in for something special.
  4. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 18, 2021
    75
    I haven’t had a game in which I’ve had to pull myself away from playing it for a while, but I spent a Saturday basically playing The Caligula Effect 2 and only stopping for supper. I really hope a lot of the other RPGs coming out before the year’s out on Switch can elicit that level of devotion.
  5. Starbit
    Feb 10, 2022
    70
    The Caligula Effect 2 improves on several aspects of the original, namely the combat system, and brings an exquisite story with many captivating elements, very well written characters, as well as a stunning soundtrack. At the same time, its level design could use improvements, and even though the soundtrack is indeed one of the game's top assets, some of its tracks are repeated to the point of exhaustion, which only leads to saturation. Overall this is an enjoyable experience which could have turned out better if some of those elements had been addressed.
  6. Cubed3
    Jan 7, 2022
    70
    If there is one problem with Caligula Effect 2 it is pacing. The beginning hits incredibly hard, with great characterization and drawing the player into the plot. The hours-long plodding dungeons and 'slice of life' sections kill what otherwise is actually a pretty cool story. Much like the first game, the core experience of fights and story is solid, but it is absolutely buried in detail which is unfortunate as it makes it far less accessible.
  7. Siliconera
    Oct 19, 2021
    60
    Like its predecessor, The Caligula Effect 2’s greatest sin is that it is entirely average. The soundtrack is incredible, to be certain. Progress is clear, given that the dungeons work so much better. The general story feels stronger as well. But the supplemental elements, generic enemies, and need to only take advantage of the tactical parts of battle when facing bosses leave it feeling a bit lackluster. It’s fine and even has its moments, but I suspect only FuRyu fans or people who loved other games in the series will really connect with it.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Davelorino
    Nov 7, 2021
    10
    I adore this game. The art style, music, plot, characters, side quests, character episodes, combat system - every last thing about this gameI adore this game. The art style, music, plot, characters, side quests, character episodes, combat system - every last thing about this game is a perfect 10. I really hope they continue this series.… Expand
  2. Phuz
    Mar 3, 2022
    10
    I'm a bit unsure as to why it has some hefty down scores. It's a pretty low score considering.

    I only played a short time. The OST is    I'm a bit unsure as to why it has some hefty down scores. It's a pretty low score considering.

    I only played a short time. The OST is amazing so far. Battles seem fun. Characters are a bit OTT but likeable.    … Expand
  4. Jeremiah824
    Feb 1, 2023
    9
    Loved the characters, music, and combat. Story felt like your typical anime power of friendship conquers all, but character interactions makeLoved the characters, music, and combat. Story felt like your typical anime power of friendship conquers all, but character interactions make up for it. Dungeons were pretty good, nothing insane, but okay. Battles weren't really difficult even on the hardest difficulty. Nice pleasant experience from start to finish.… Expand
  5. DixieKongReview
    Oct 31, 2021
    9
    Amazing game. Great characters, soundtrack, and combat. A bit of hiccups here and there but overall it is an amazing experience
  6. Tortor
    Jul 26, 2023
    5
    The music was bopping but the gameplay really got tiresome after a while.

    There really isn't a good variety of enemy types that it all felt    The music was bopping but the gameplay really got tiresome after a while.

    There really isn't a good variety of enemy types that it all felt very wash and repeat until you got to the next boss fight. The enemies all get really old to look at due to way too many overused generic enemy types and the types that do get different don't visually get too exciting compared to the rest.

    The main characters and Co stars are also very plain looking. I wish more was done to spice them up to be more larger then life looking. They all sorta blend together visually as well. What's really questionable is their 'transformation' is just so subtle that I honestly can barely tell there is anything different. Really takes away from the fantasy when it just doesn't go far enough from a visual percpective to get the characters we are supposed to care about to stand out more. I really was not digging any of them and found the character writing sorts generic and lazy.

    The enemies were decently written. I liked them more then the main cast because at least they had some more interesting motives and felt passionate with what was driving them. I really enjoyed hating them and visually they were also more interesting too.

    The gameplay was where I fell off. The dungeons were just boring corridors. I hated it. I could not be more underwhelmed everytime going into a dungeon. I hate to compare games but when you have persona 5 out there being bombastic, over the top and ooze with style, those standards are sorta hard to let go of when playing another game that is channeling the same vibe. This game really needed to step up to be impressive enough knowing these comparisons would be made. But like yeah, these were exceptionally boring dungeons even ignoring the comparison to the obvious.

    The combat took way too long and became a chore after a while too. I liked it for like 20 hours initially but after it really didn't get any more in depth as the game progressed, yeah, it wore off quick. Upgrades and gear felt useless too. It really boiled down to very minimal number changes that rarely were noticeable. It wasn't rewarding just seeing numbers move and not really feeling much of a difference in practice either visually or how the flow of combat would go. Combat just sorta went the same way every time once you get understand it. Organizing the best combos was really time consuming, I wish there was a speed up option too. Some combos you'd legit have to look through the entire fight scene again and again and again just to get the right timing for a small nudge at a time for some of the fights where your underleveled. Again, was neat at first knowing you can take out enemies like that but the reward was sufficient enough to warrant how much time it would take for just a random fight. Some of the Super moves were laughable bad too. Made to feel like it's significant but for some of the characters it felt lazy.

    The plot was ok, i liked the enemies, it wasnt anything mind blowing. I think not being able to get impressed by any of the characters really ruined my ability to get attached to the plot.

    The best thing about this game was the music. The way it was implemented in having 3 different versions of a track was fun and themed to the dungeon.

    I enjoyed myself some of the time, not all the time and often was disappointed. A very mixed game. Not the kind of game I'd jump to if talking about games with someone and I'd unlikely recommend.    … Expand