Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ikusa Megami II builds on the foundation of its predecessor with familiar first-person menu navigation in towns and isometric dungeon crawling. As you guide Celica and his companions through winding corridors, you’ll encounter random turn-based battles that demand both strategy and resource management. Each encounter feels meaningful thanks to varied enemy designs—from lowly skeletons to powerful fiends—and a robust magic and skill system that keeps combat fresh.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The character advancement system is a standout feature. Unlike many JRPGs that rely on preset level-up bonuses, Ikusa Megami II lets you allocate experience points directly into stats of your choice. This freedom encourages multiple playstyles: you can forge Celica into a heavy hitter, bolster a mage’s spell potency, or craft a more balanced party member. The variety of weapons, armors, and accessories further deepens customization, ensuring that each playthrough can feel unique.

Beyond the standard battles, the game tracks your relationships with the female companions. Talking to them, choosing the right dialogue options, and timing special events will boost their disposition toward Celica. This “affection system” not only unlocks deeper story moments but also ties directly into the core gameplay loop: strengthening bonds can yield new abilities or stat bonuses in battle, making the social aspect feel genuinely impactful.

Of course, there is a mature twist to many of these interactions. The War Goddess within Celica threatens to seize control unless he finds a more… intimate way to keep her spirit at bay. These sequences, presented as anime-style cut scenes, contain explicit content that may not be for everyone. If you’re comfortable with erotic material woven into RPG mechanics, it adds an unusual layer of stakes to both your combat strategy and narrative choices.

Graphics

Visually, Ikusa Megami II represents a clear leap forward from the first installment. Character portraits and stills are richly illustrated in a classic anime style, and the cut-scene panels exhibit a level of detail that rivals many dedicated visual novels. The females in Celica’s party are drawn with care, and their expressions shift convincingly between moments of camaraderie, tension, and intimacy.

Dungeon environments maintain a consistent isometric perspective, with varied tile sets that differentiate fungal caverns, ancient crypts, and fiery chasms. While the textures can feel dated by modern standards, the vibrant color palettes and thoughtful lighting help maintain immersion. Enemies and loot chests pop against the backdrop, ensuring you rarely lose your bearings even in complex labyrinths.

Spell and skill animations are simple but satisfying. Fireballs arc across the screen, healing spells glow with a gentle aura, and special “divine” attacks boast multi-layered effects that reward leveling up key stats. The interface itself is clean: menus are responsive, clear icons denote status conditions, and tooltips provide helpful reminders about each ability’s effects.

One minor drawback is the reuse of certain dungeon tiles and enemy sprites. You may feel you’ve faced the same goblin or slashed through the same stone corridor more times than you’d like. Still, the overall artistic direction compensates with a strong sense of identity, especially during the more risqué cut scenes where the detail really shines.

Story

The narrative thrust of Ikusa Megami II is classic high-fantasy: an ancient demon sealed away beneath a dungeon is stirring once more, threatening to consume the world in darkness. The priestesses summon Celica, a young paladin whose body shares space with the spirit of the War Goddess. This duality forms the spine of the story, as Celica must resist the goddess’s violent impulses while forging bonds with his party.

Early chapters establish the stakes quickly—villages laid to waste, desperate pleas for salvation, and the ever-present tension between Celica’s own moral code and the goddess’s thirst for power. Dialogue is generally well-written, with moments of genuine humor contrasting the dire overarching plot. The supporting characters each have distinct personalities and backstories, from the shy healer haunted by past failures to the confident warrior seeking redemption.

Relationship events elevate the storytelling. Casual conversations in town can bloom into heartfelt confessions or heated arguments, depending on your choices. These scenes aren’t merely fluff; they influence combat performance and can even alter the ending you achieve. For players who enjoy character-driven narratives, the way personal stakes tie into the grand quest lends the story extra weight.

Of course, the adult content is woven directly into the plot. As Celica grows closer to his allies, intimate cut scenes hint at—but do not overly linger on—explicit moments meant to placate the War Goddess. These sequences heavily lean into erotic themes and may surprise those expecting a straight-laced RPG. Still, for its target audience, they add an unusual emotional dimension to the narrative struggle.

Overall Experience

Ikusa Megami II: Ushinawareshi Kioku e no Chinkonka is an ambitious sequel that refines the original’s mechanics while embracing a mature narrative twist. The freedom to allocate experience points and shape your party’s strengths keeps gameplay engaging over dozens of hours. Meanwhile, the affinity system ensures that your social choices matter as much as your battle tactics.

Graphically, the game strikes a balance between old-school dungeon visuals and high-quality anime illustrations. While you’ll revisit familiar tile sets, the presentation of character art—especially during cut scenes—remains a highlight. The sound design and musical score complement the atmosphere, with rousing battle themes and softer melodies for exploration or romantic moments.

Although the explicit content won’t be for everyone, it is integrated into both gameplay and story in a way that feels purposeful rather than gratuitous. It serves as a constant reminder of the goddess’s presence and the stakes Celica faces on his quest to save the world. If you appreciate JRPGs with a strong customization system, character-relationship mechanics, and mature themes, Ikusa Megami II delivers a compelling package.

Ultimately, whether you’re drawn by deep dungeon crawling, strategic character growth, or the promise of an adult-oriented fantasy saga, this sequel offers a well-rounded experience. It isn’t flawless—reused assets and niche appeal may limit its audience—but those who connect with its unique blend of systems and story will find a memorable journey into darkness, light, and everything in between.

Retro Replay Score

null/10