/vr/ - Retro Games

>>2397270
The gameplay is actually fluid once you get used to it, the gliding and shielding mechanics are just unusual at first. Actraiser 2 was developed by Quintet at Enix USA's request as a hardcore action platformer though, so it remains consistently hard throughout. If you're not into hardcore platformers it's just not a game for you.

That being said, there's technically no "first" stage. You can access six stages right off the bat, and the each unlock another different one. The game does expect you to tackle Industen (the one in your screenshot) first, but in my opinion there are more newbie friendly stages.

While I wouldn't say that Actraiser2 is better, 2 certainly has a a more refined action system. Do I miss the SIM elements, personally yes, but the only problem Actraiser had was that both the action and the SIM was very basic. In 2 they scrapped the SIM but focused on having a deeper action system, so you get less variety for more depth. It depends on what you prefer, each is good in their own way.

I really like 2 because I think the setting is more interesting than 1 with the Divine Comedy and Paradise Lost influences. And the ending was great. It's just missing that connection with the people you had in 1.

I'd say 2 goes for a more epic vibe (the real epic, not the shitty memetic use of the word) because its scope is larger and focuses only on grandiose battles through its gameplay. 1 manages to have a more personal feeling, because ultimately the focus is on helping your believers on their community issues beyond battle, since that's what makes you powerful.