Sprite games never get old
Released in 1999, "Rage of Mages 2" was developed against the backdrop of a challenging period for the gaming industry. The global economic crisis of 1998 had dealt a serious blow to many game development studios, leading to the departure of numerous up-and-coming creators. Even major companies found themselves in a difficult position, which impacted the pace of new project releases.
Nevertheless, "Rage of Mages 2" managed to preserve the key elements that made its predecessor successful. The player once again takes command of a party composed of warriors and mages, embarking on a perilous adventure. Much like the renowned "Diablo," the game emphasizes the importance of carefully developing your heroes, equipping warriors with armor and mages with powerful staves and unique spells. The balance of the team is crucial to its combat effectiveness and, ultimately, its survival.
The classic "tank-damage dealer-healer" combination works remarkably well here. The warrior tank draws the attention of enemies, while the mages unleash devastating spells and provide support through healing. However, in certain missions, this universal tactic may require adjustment.
The game offers three difficulty levels. While the first two are relatively manageable, the "difficult" mode will truly put players to the test. In addition to constantly upgrading the party's equipment, a key source of power comes from the random items that appear in the town's shop. To refresh the inventory, one must repeatedly enter and exit the location, sometimes spending more time on this task than on the missions themselves.
Even years later, "Rage of Mages 2" maintains its appeal. Vibrant sprite-based graphics, professional voice acting, and a memorable soundtrack create a genuine atmosphere of magic. The engaging storyline will keep players captivated from start to finish. Despite its venerable age, the game remains eminently playable, unlike many early 3D projects.
Aug 20th 2024
This review was posted from the United States or from a VPN in the United States.
Speedrun of “Rage of Mages II”:
Easy mode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6komN9i-Hc
And hard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN7E-z0Yh2w