Magna Carta 2

Magna Carta 2 - (Xbox 360)
Developer: Banpresto
Format: Xbox 360
Genre: RPG


Japanese RPG exploits in this combat focussed adventure



We weren't expecting much from this rather obscure Japanese RPG, but we've been wrong before. Magna Carta 2 tells the epic tale of Juto, a boy suffering from memory loss in the midst of a civil war with two opposing factions warring with each other like there is literally no tomorrow.

Chuck into the mix a rather voluptuous female sidekick who also happens to be a princess and leader of the Southern army (who promises Juto assistance in finding out why a friend died), and you have yourself a depth-filled, engaging RPG complete with a team of computer controlled characters that can be levelled up via experience points and further customised through following the typical skill tree paths. Playing through MC2 is like a decent Sunday Roast - a classic dish, largely surprise free - but when done well, truly satisfying.

The fulfilment comes in a medley of features. Firstly the visual flourish afforded to the game is immense. Rich attention to detail makes every in-game character look unique, down to their highly distinctive costume designs. The camera work is largely excellent - often a bugbear in these open-world games; and the special effects on display during the lengthy fight sequences are impressive enough to be noteworthy.

Combat is the second reason to love this game - gone are the days of yawn inducing turn-based tedium, now it's all free flowing real time action - and boy are we glad! Pulling the left trigger opens up combat mode where you and your AI teams mates can slice, dice and shoot a wide array of imaginatively realised monsters and human-like characters. The controls are mercifully intuitive and the only concern we would note is how sometimes the AI counterparts aren't as smart as human buddies - especially when, say, a character should be healing rather than attacking. Sadly, there's no co-op feature in the game - a real shame as this type of combat based RPG would be great fun to play with friends.

With over 40 hours of worlds to explore, missions and side quests to undertake and a wealth of items, weapons and upgrades to play with Magna Carta II does everything a competent RPG should do.

MC 2 is an obscure game that will never hog the limelight, but sometimes the best treasure is buried out of sight.