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The RPG genre boasts a vast array of subgenres, from Japanese RPGs (J-RPGs) to Western RPGs, Action RPGs (ARPGs), and turn-based RPGs. Turn-based RPGs, a classic format, prioritize strategic thinking and complex mechanics over speed and reflexes. Within this category lies the niche and often challenging subgenre of Dungeon Crawlers.

As the name suggests, Dungeon Crawlers revolve around exploring intricate mazes, encountering random events, traps, treasures, and of course, turn-based battles. Notable examples of this subgenre include Shin Megami Tensei and Etrian Odyssey. Mary Skelter: Nightmares, initially released on PS Vita and PC, marked Compile Heart’s attempt to blend the Dungeon Crawler format with a unique anime-inspired aesthetic and fairytale-themed characters. Its relative success paved the way for Mary Skelter 2, released on Nintendo Switch and PS4 on October 22, 2019. This review explores what Mary Skelter 2 brings to the table.

Gameplay in Mary Skelter 2

Engaging and Deep Gameplay

Following the events of Mary Skelter: Nightmares, Mary Skelter 2 continues the Blood Maidens’ fight against The Jail, a perilous and monstrous land that holds humanity captive. Players follow Otsuu, the “prince,” and her companion Little Mermaid, as they search for new Blood Maiden allies after suffering heavy losses in previous battles.

True to the Dungeon Crawler genre, Mary Skelter 2 emphasizes maze exploration from a first-person perspective. However, unlike the demanding mapping required in Etrian Odyssey, exploration here is streamlined, focusing more on navigating to objectives. This simplification is a welcome change for many, as the intricate mapping in traditional Dungeon Crawlers can be a barrier to entry for some players. The reduced emphasis on exhaustive exploration, coupled with the random enemy encounters, makes Mary Skelter 2 more accessible.

Combat in Mary Skelter 2 is turn-based, with enemies appearing head-on. Players have standard J-RPG options like attacking, using skills/items, or fleeing. However, Mary Skelter 2 introduces unique mechanics to differentiate itself.

The Blood Maidens possess a “Chaos” transformation called Massacre Mode, which significantly boosts their stats and unlocks powerful abilities. This mode is activated by Overkilling enemies (dealing damage exceeding their remaining health) or exploiting elemental weaknesses. While Massacre Mode is crucial for overcoming challenging battles, it comes with a significant risk.

Blood Maiden transforming

The Blood Maidens are empowered by the blood of the Marchen enemies, but this blood also acts as a corrupting agent. Activating Massacre Mode while weakened, after death, or under negative status effects can trigger a transformation into Blood Skelter, a dangerous state affecting both enemies and allies. Blood Skelter grants even greater power than Massacre Mode but comes with unpredictable attacks that can easily wipe out the entire party. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth, forcing players to carefully manage Massacre Mode to maximize its benefits without succumbing to Blood Skelter.

Exploring environments

Impressive Audio-Visual Presentation

Mary Skelter 2 distinguishes itself with its unique fairytale-inspired characters, blending Eastern and Western design influences. The Blood Maidens bear familiar names like Little Mermaid, Red Riding Hood, and Snow White, each with distinct designs and personalities, catering to a wide range of player preferences. The character animations, though primarily seen during dialogue sequences, are expressive and detailed, enhancing the overall experience.

Character design

The game’s environments are also visually appealing, with each maze possessing a unique aesthetic. The first maze evokes a whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” atmosphere, while the second plunges players into a vibrant underwater world.

The audio design complements the visuals, with high-quality voice acting in both English and Japanese for most dialogue sequences. This allows players to experience the game in their preferred language and appreciate the nuanced performances.

Minor Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, Mary Skelter 2 has some minor shortcomings. The fixed camera angle during combat, a common issue in turn-based J-RPGs, feels dated, especially given the detailed character designs that deserve more dynamic showcasing.

The character management system, encompassing equipment, stats, and skills, is unnecessarily convoluted. Instead of a traditional class-based system, Mary Skelter 2 employs a complex and fragmented approach, coupled with lengthy and indirect tutorials, making it difficult to grasp initially.

Finally, the game’s difficulty can be punishing, requiring grinding even in the early stages. The Blood Skelter mechanic adds another layer of challenge, and the introduction of Jack, a side character with a similar “berserk” mode, further complicates matters. His transformed state, Jack The Ripper, can instantly defeat the entire party, posing a significant threat.

Jack the Ripper

Game Information

• Developer: Compile Heart
• Publisher: Idea Factory International
• Genre: RPG
• Release Date: October 22, 2019
• Platforms: Switch, PS4