It's the same game!

But if it does F E E L better...

A played a darling little game that I shockingly enjoyed earlier in this SNES RPG endeavor that got a sequel. Well, a lot of them did, but there was one, in particular, that stood out to me. It was a game often derided; a thought I didn't disagree with, but something about it really called out to me. Giant robots, space exploration, and stealing the parts of your enemies to empower you feels so good. And Cyber Knight II is perfect. "Perfect."

But it's the same game. It still looks like Phantasy Star IV, the ship menu is still annoying (with a caveat), and navigating the stars still feels like a chore. The battle system is exactly like game one, neo parts are still the goal, and treatment/repair characters still fill the same role. But why does it feel better? 

The dungeons are still among the worst in the genre, being only mazes or hallways with randomly locked doors to impede you. But it feels like there are more angles than dungeons. Some places don't require combat. And you can walk around outside the modules now, with even simplified battles. Is that helping? It helps explain why walking through the new ship is still annoying. But your backup party can also help you before combat now with long range support. That's hella rad. You can even get random allies to assist in battle. It makes the world feel more alive, at least. 

The music is also better. It's more varied, and, while I didn't get any earworms, I wish I could add some to my playlists. It's mostly still just sci-fi atmosphere, but whatever. 

The graphics are also more varied. Big cities are limited in their tiles, but dungeons have more colors and textures. The sewers, futuristic areas, various towns and villagescapes aren't the exact same set. I think there were more mob sprites, too. I didn't pay as close attention as I usually do. That's fun. 

It also helps that villains aren't a generic, nameless group. General Forrest's name shows up early and often and actually does something. They're still not good, mind you, but at least they exist. 

Characters are about the same, but the story moves. Things happen outside of you and because of you, and there are some neat things that happen at the end. And also a stupid twist, but that might be a me thing. 

It's the same game. It plays and looks exactly like game one. The world, characters, and plot are better, thankfully, with a lot of cute things going on. If you liked Cyber Knight I, you'll enjoy (the OG) CKII just as much. That being said, I still only gave it 28/50. So if you hate CK, go elsewhere.