Fairune 2 (Nintendo 3DS) Review

By Neil Flynn 08.06.2018

Review for Fairune 2 on Nintendo 3DS

Fairune 2 is the follow-up to the rather pleasing Fairune, and it shares the same mechanics and gameplay of the latter. Developer Skipmore initially released the original on mobile devices, but the transition from mobile to a handheld console enabled physical button presses, rather than touch-screen ones. This has been developed with the Nintendo 3DS in mind, which has allowed for it to play to its larger screen size and power advantages.

Released at the tail end of 2016, Fairune 2 takes it inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, including its visual representation, puzzle elements, and use of a single-screen display that scrolls from area to area. The combat works ever so slightly different in that, rather than swinging a sword, the player just abruptly bumps into the enemies. This takes the enjoyment of defeating enemies out of the whole thing, although this concept is mainly used to help guide the player.

Only enemies of equal, or one level higher, can be defeated with ease, or without sustaining damage, hindering progress should a different route be taken. Defeating enemies provides more XP and, therefore, allows for a levelling up process, which in turn permits the player to go against stronger enemies. This progression system guides the heroes through the adventure, and, evidently, the difficulty curve is hardly existent, just like in its predecessor.

Screenshot for Fairune 2 on Nintendo 3DS

If anything, exploring the map is far more important than slaying enemies, as it uncovers a range of items, but, more importantly, reveals pathways that are needed to progress, so it is highly encouraged to discover the nooks and crannies of each area. This doesn't really punish dying, although some items do happen to end up going missing. Fairune 2 boasts a much more expansive map to explore than its predecessor, which in turn boosts its length to around the six-to-seven-hour mark, compared with the original, two-to-three-hour adventure.

The Fairune series feels more at home on the 3DS than it does on iOS and Android systems, with tight controls including a real d-pad, and a standard 8-bit-style soundtrack. The original has been listed for much cheaper, or even free, on mobile platforms, which can be a great entry to the series but for a fraction more this improved sequel can be purchased on the 3DS, and really appease fans of traditional 8-bit style games.

Screenshot for Fairune 2 on Nintendo 3DS

Cubed3 Rating

7/10
Rated 7 out of 10

Very Good - Bronze Award

Rated 7 out of 10

Fans of the original will need to pick this up, because, while it offers more of the same, it actually offers a much more extensive campaign. For those seeking an RPG on a budget, and one that tickles their 8-bit itch, then look no further than Fairune 2.

Developer

Skipmore

Publisher

Circle

Genre

Real Time RPG

Players

1

C3 Score

Rated $score out of 10  7/10

Reader Score

Rated $score out of 10  0 (0 Votes)

European release date Out now   North America release date Out now   Japan release date Out now   Australian release date Out now   

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