Thank you for doing a review on this game! Seems to have gone under the radar with it being released so close to SMT5.

This is the kind of game that reminds me that JRPGs can be great without trying to be overly epic. I really enjoyed this one and the believable interactions between the characters. It also avoids the unnecessary multiple endings that have become too much of a thing (there are only two). I found the wire side-missions much more interesting this time with there multiple parts and it was a lot easier to find the myriad NPCs as well (although there were a few I had to search for). I also agree the music is great with some of the tracks still on repeat in my head weeks after I stopped playing. I am really hoping there is more to come in this series.

Underrated game. One of my favorites. For me the sleeper game of the year

Having played The Caligula Effect: Overdose before this, the sequel does streamline + declutter quite a number of things: - the combat system lets you queue only one action per turn (rather than up to 3 previously) - the probability in the Imaginary Chain actually can hit 100% if you've got enough stats (rather than get capped at like 97%) - the Causality Link only shows NPCs whom you can bond and interact with immediately - jumping between save points in a dungeon is possible even if you haven't cleared its boss yet Still I think it doesn't hurt to try Caligula Overdose first (or at least watch a playthrough), since there is some loose continuation in the story, and knowing what happened before Caligula 2 does add some neat context to certain characters' stories

I'm really happy that I snagged a physical Switch copy of this one just before the pre-order window ended. I haven't gotten a chance to play it yet, but I can already tell that this is one of those games of 2021 that too many people slept on! Additional note: 10/10 idea to put the JP subtitles on the cutscenes to avoid any spoilers for English speakers!

Literally just arrived in the post today. An watching your review just now made it feel like the absolute right decision :D I had read a couple of reviews prior that suggested it's a marmite game, but the ones that love it really did an love the parts that I feel like I would too :)

Fantastic game. Started it recently and it instantly clicked for me like Persona 4 and 5.

I still need to get this one lol. Was planning on getting it for once I've finished SMT V, but ended up picking up Bravely default 2 instead due to black Friday sale lol

My only personal complaints about the combat were I think it would’ve benefitted a whole lot from a fast forward system in the parts of combat where your setups play out. After hours of playing the game it can drag on given the system is inherently slower from the setup to execution. And I would’ve immensely appreciated being able to choose the order the party attacks in at the very start of combat. It can be confusing trying to set up a counter then a juggle when you juggler is the first party member you have to choose the move of. And then have to time the counter right so the juggler has enough time to hit them in the air. And my smallest gripe is to maybe have a way to allow a party member to do nothing without having to have them run circles around the fight until another party member is off cooldown. Like maybe a wait option were we just decide how long the character will stand there, which I suppose is functionally similar to how the running in circles works but think would’ve still been a nice convenience to have had.

Great review. I'm still going through the first game. Just from what I've seen from the game footage in your review, the second game definitely looks much more polished. That's good to know for when I finally complete the first game. Thanks for the video. I really enjoy your reviews. Your thoughts on the games you review are well organized and it makes the videos very easy to watch.

Enjoyed my time with the first game while flawed for sure, the OST & the battle system was what kept me playing to the end. Eventually I’ll pick this sequel up. My backlog still hasn’t gone down much lately, and the recent Black Friday sales didn’t help ease that backlog either. And of course looking forward to Monark as well, another interesting FuRyu game next year. that game already has an awesome OST that I’ve been listening to on repeat. Then there’s also Crystar finally coming to switch so I’m looking forward to playing it on the go next year.

I never played much of the first Caligula Effect, as I only played it about 5 hours and dropped it because something I wanted to focus on more came out and I forgot to come back to it. But this one does, at the very least, seem to be more visually appealing. The first one, from what I could remember, had a much more boring color pallette. I haven't bought it, but I'm much more interested in this one than I was in the first. Hell, I might even go back and give the first one a second chance.

The Caligula Effect: Overdose or The Caligula Effect: 2 Which is the best?

the only thing you forgot to mention: voice acting. some? none? good? but, thanks, it's obvious now, I have to get this. the combat and the music always had me interestet. and I always had a weak spot for the "High Schoolers go Supernatural" Scenario. I`m just grateful that japan continues to make games western developers would not dare to make - in every possible meaning ;-)

Thanks!

Nice review! You got me to buy caligula effect(well the first one since 2nd isn't on pc)on pc ty to this xD. I'm curious have you tried tokyo xanadu? I'm a big falcom fan, but wished they work on their other games more instead of pumping out legend of heroes because 1 we need to catch up and 2 burnt out at this point.

I purchased this on Switch. I must not get the combat system, because I encountered a vast difference in difficulty between regular enemies and bosses; so much so that I haven't figured out how to beat a somewhat early boss. Perhaps I'm underleveled. Subsequently, I've returned to Blue Reflection: Second Light for the time being so I can finish that. Perhaps I'll return to Caligula afterwards. Quick impression: interesting premise, but a little rough around the edges--art style, animations, overall quality (especially when compared to the likes of Atelier Ryza or Persona 5). "9" is a pretty high score relative to those games.

SPOILER QUESTION: I was about to get Caligula 2 on Steam the other day, but started reading wiki's about the first game seeing if there are references or important stuff from Overdose... and 2 revelations came up -- so far from two reviews I've watched they mention that Overdose is not required because as mentioned 2 apparently does a decent enough job catching the player up. So here's the spoiler -- Wicked's and Ki's origins -- how much MORE would I appreciate their storylines in 2 if I had actually played Overdose. Because if its substantial I would rather play Overdose before getting into 2. If there any other valuable references also. But reading up on Wicked's full storyline I feel like playing Overdose would do her ending justice. As far as Ki, I'm not how important Aria and Mu are other than their relationships which is kinda obvious based on character design... I also don't see much recommendation of watching the anime. But if that's also an option?

Thank you for the review 👍 didnt buy it for now. I'm a bit put off about those one hour boss fight (wtf). Otherwise it looks really interesting. The first one was really enjoyable to me, so i think i'll buy it but maybe on sale since my back log is kinda heavy atm.

Its a bit late but thinking of getting the game since its getting hard to find physical ver like the 1st game & I dont want to buy this game when its overpriced by then lol. Deciding on which console to get it for? would u guys recommend ps4 or switch? Seen a few gameplays but def run smoother on the ps4 and graphics looks a way better as well compared to switch.

Can you switch the protagonist for another party member on this one?

NISA did the game no favors with pricing

I love you

Might be better than smt5. Frickin game doesn’t even have a story lol. Amazing gameplay still won’t make up for a piss poor story

I would like to play this game but those battle arena borders are so distracting and ugly. I wish there would be a possibility to deactivate them.

Seriously? This game is pure garbage, the fucking ugly character models yeesh. Budget games or indie’s exist I grt it but this is god awful ugly. The combat is not fun and I didnt get past the fist or second chapter. Wasted money on the LE. This is like my 3rd FURYU game and wow FURYU never gets it right.