Compared to Ryza 1, 2 MASSIVELY improves over almost everything the first game did. Exploration feels much more satisfying, character writing feels much fuller, and the actual gameplay within battles feel much more controlled.
The environments and their accompanying music all are great and differ enough to make each one feel unique. The added rope swing and diving abilities really add to these environments.
The battle system is probably the area that was improved the most as it feels to flow significantly better and actively encourages swapping control from member to member, and item usage is no longer heavily restricted by a set number of core charges. The battle themes are also very good.
The cast, from your party members to various NPCs you frequently meet, are all very well fleshed out. Each one has their own growth throughout the game and none feel flat.
While others may have gripes with the story, I personally enjoyed the absence of one for the most part. Rather, it's replaced for the most part with a sense of grand worldbuilding, something I enjoy.
If I have any gripes with this game, it would probably how weak the final boss felt even on hard mode, although it could be due to my own overpreparation.
The environments and their accompanying music all are great and differ enough to make each one feel unique. The added rope swing and diving abilities really add to these environments.
The battle system is probably the area that was improved the most as it feels to flow significantly better and actively encourages swapping control from member to member, and item usage is no longer heavily restricted by a set number of core charges. The battle themes are also very good.
The cast, from your party members to various NPCs you frequently meet, are all very well fleshed out. Each one has their own growth throughout the game and none feel flat.
While others may have gripes with the story, I personally enjoyed the absence of one for the most part. Rather, it's replaced for the most part with a sense of grand worldbuilding, something I enjoy.
If I have any gripes with this game, it would probably how weak the final boss felt even on hard mode, although it could be due to my own overpreparation.