Yeah, between the long wait time between the two games, and the fairly obvious flaws game 2 has, and even pretty poor reviews on all games by critics, the series lost a lot of steam when 2 hit shelves. Which is really a shame.

Playing through now, while it's certainly a downgrade, the actual combat mechanics aren't that bad. Most problem comes from the fact to many enemies are given a lot of hit points, and even non-boss fights can drag on for to long.

The Dropping of an equipment system in favor of the equip able abilities kind of fails too, as it's like the Xenosaga 1 skill extraction system, which basically allowed you to have 6 accessories equipped (3 accessories, and three slots for accessories you extract from) and now you get 3 slots. An interesting premise, but badly executed.

Also I think my memory exagerated the characters being to similar. There is still plenty of reason to use certain characters over others, though the gap is shortened from what it was in Episode one, and it dissapointed me.

Probably the biggest problem mechanics wise was dropping the Tech system, where you could set and upgrade a variety of Techs with each character, in favor of the Break system. I actually think the Break System has some merit, most notably it forces you to actually pay attention to what attacks you use, and makes you alter your strategy depending on the full group you bring (Chaos, for example, being unable to hit air-bound opponents). The problem is in comparison to the Tech System of 1, this offers little variety. The game takes away a lot of the customization from 1, which was customizable in a way that gave you a lot of combat options as well as keeping all your characters unique, and instead we have different methods of customization which doesn't give you the same room to play with, while at the same time encouraging choices that limit party differences. It's kind of like the LIscence board in 12, why wouldn't you keep at least a little healing on everyone, as well as put on all the passive abilities that don't take up one of your skill slots?

Of course, I don't think it's possible to deny how damn well written the game is. In terms of the overall plot of the series it doesn't move forward much, but damn the story it does tell is told absolutely beautifully. Shion is the only odd factor here. Mostly in her reactions to Albedo and Jr., you kind of sitting their wondering what her thought process's are when she say this trout. 'Don't you want to make peace with your brother?'.....

Albedo has killed god knows how many people, activated the Song of Nephalim, and is out to Psychologically torment everyone. Tell me Shion, why the smurf are you wanted the Jr. and Albedo to make peace? Sympathising with Jr. is one thing, but if anything you should be more worried about finding a way to end the psychotic madman trying to connect with U-DO, just saying.

But again, ignoring her odd dialogue, as most of the cast seem to do in regards to this subject, amazing writing.

Just lost to Albedo's traps and he now has the Y-Data.