8-Bit Adventures 2 (XSX) Review

While we’re not exactly living in a world devoid of modern-day retro themed games, there is a distinct lack of titles inspired by the golden era of video gaming that perfectly encapsulate just what made games hailing from those days of yore so special. Critical Games’ 8-Bit Adventures 2 brings back the magical air of RPG titles of the past and takes the player’s hand before guiding them on an enchanting and heart-warming stroll down Memory Lane.

Built solely in RPG Maker MV, the immersive title is the perfect escape for those looking to take a step back into far simpler times and bathe in the beautifully nostalgic world 8-Bit Adventures 2 creates so well. It’s a living, breathing memorial of times gone by and a perfect display of how a game doesn’t need Ray-Tracing, a 60 FPS framerate or online capabilities to strike the right chords and deliver an experience to rival many modern-day counterparts.

An Captivating Story and a True Adventure

I’ll hold my hands up and, for the sake of full disclosure, tell you hear that I haven’t yet had the pleasure of playing the first game in this two-game series. I have, however, learned that the story of 8-Bit Adventures 2 follows on from the events of the initial game. Centering around Charlie – a young orphan who was protected by “The Thief” -, we re-enter the 8-Bit Adventures universe with the youngster sneaking onto a ship and becoming a stowaway in a bid to assist his protector on her mission to rescue “The Warrior – and old friend of theirs from the exploits of the first adventure.

The story will follow the four friends across the diverse continents of the game’s realm as they encounter an abundance of perilous dangers and meet both new friends and foes along the way. I don’t want to delve too much into the story here for fear of spoilers, but the captivating tale takes many twists and turns at it draws closer to its explosive finale.

A Masterclass in the JPRG Genre

8-Bit Adventures 2 is a reminder of what the JPRG genre was like before the busy, text-riddled screens we see today. The 8-Bit themes of the game call for a simplicity that lends itself all the charms of classic console adventures that offer a level of retro authenticity seldom seen in today’s games. The simple musical score that plays like a melodic lullaby in the background, enveloping the player in sounds long forgotten and igniting fond memories of childhood. Every detail seems especially designed to cater to the older gamer looking to revisit a style of gameplay that’s sadly fell to neglect in favor of more visually impressive titles.

While the greying gamers will appreciate 8-Bit Adventures 2 for the familiar tones, younger gamers will still find a lot to love about this extraordinary indie JPRG. It’s an ideal entry point for those looking for an authentic replication of how games used to be. Real-time battles have made way for the tried and tested turn-based combat mechanics, extravagant soundtracks have stepped aside for 8-bit renditions, and true storytelling enters stage right; what more could we want?

Summary

With ports available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 alongside the PC version, 8-Bit Adventures 2 is accessible to gamers of all platforms. It’s modest price tag of $20 may seem pricey for what it is, but the game quickly pays for itself with around 40 hours of good, old-fashioned JPRG fun.

Charming, immersive, and seeped in retro deliciousness; 8-Bit Adventures 2 isn’t one to overlook.