AeternoBlade 2 Overview
Aeternoblade II is an action-RPG developed by Corecell Technology. In this game you play as three characters with different weapons, fighting styles, abilities and story lines.
Freyja, the protagonist from the first game uses the Past AeternoBlade which allows her to warp and reverse time. Bernard uses the Present AeternoBlade a huge axe, and can make his opponents completely stop moving and can destroy huge obstacles. Lastly (my favourite) Felix uses the Future Aeternoblade, a whip that allows him to record his action and get to higher platforms.
But one thing remains constant amongst each of them, the ability to manipulate time. I didn't grow up playing many games with time manipulation mechanics such as the Prince Of Persia games, so this was a first for me. Also, in each stage you can move from 2D platforming to 3D during boss battles.
Combat + Time
The fact that time manipulation can be used during battle adds a new layer to the seemingly simple combat. That's right - don't let it fool you. The enemies are annoying and relentless. You have more tools at your disposal besides your weapon deal with monsters, you possess a double dash that can be used on the ground and in mid-air, and can be used to avoid damage. You also possess a "launch" attack and and a double jump as well.
Of course, just as you begin to feel confident about a certain approach, a new enemy with a unique pattern may decide to crush your ambitions and dreams. I gotta admit - this game hurt my feelings from time to time. BUT - not enough to make me quit. Instead, I took every defeat as a taunt, and in my stubborn rage, carried on.
AeternoBlade II does a good job of keeping your attention when it comes to enemy design and attack patterns. The diversity of these patterns helps to keep the seemingly simple combat from actually being simple.
Strategy Is Key
The player has the option of just running up to the monster and just slashing away if you wish, but unless you know what you're doing you will fail multiple times like I did. If you hit a wall, no worries - the game gives you the option of lowering the difficulty level.
Another key to beating enemies is knowing how and when to implement the characters time related abilities. Just using them at the beginning of the battle without thinking it through can have consequences in battle, another aspect of this game that I really liked.
Players can also purchase uprgradable relics from a shop in game and take on various quests. These quests can help players get the hang of their abilities as they progress through the game.
Story Time
The last element of this game that I enjoyed was the story. It draws you in immediately, and was pretty accessible. Even though I wasn't familiar with the Aeternoblade universe before, the narrative was built in a way that helped everything make sense.
The characters aren't just re-skins of one another either - they each have their own voices and reasons for behaving the way that they do. The lore that the player is presented with is simple but still maintains a layer of depth.
Aeternoblade II is an interesting game. If you are in the mood for something challenging yet familiar I recommend that you pick up a copy for the Nintendo Switch.