Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ningyō Tsukai 2 ditches the complex tournament brackets and economic management of its predecessor, Metal & Lace, in favor of a pure, fast‐paced arcade fighter experience. From the moment you select your character, you’re thrust into tight, responsive matches that emphasize timing and positioning over shopkeeping or resource juggling. Each fighter boasts a distinct move set, combining classic button‐masher combos with more nuanced inputs for special attacks.

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The introduction of a charging super bar adds a strategic layer to the fights. You can choose to spend meter on quick EX versions of special moves or bank it for devastating super attacks that can turn the tide of battle. This dynamic risk‐reward system keeps each round exciting—do you burn your stock for immediate advantage, or hold out for a cinematic, high‐damage finisher?

Additionally, Ningyō Tsukai 2 includes secret characters, unlocked through specific in‐game achievements or code inputs. This feature not only extends the game’s replay value but also rewards skilled players who master its mechanics. With single, story, and versus modes, the game caters to both solo enthusiasts and couch‐side face‐off sessions.

Graphics

The leap to SVGA graphics is immediately evident upon booting the game. Character sprites are richly detailed and smoothly animated, showcasing expressive facial reactions and fluid movement in every punch, kick, and grapple. Background stages are equally impressive, featuring layered parallax scrolling and vibrant color palettes that help each arena feel unique.

Special moves and super attacks are given extra flair with dynamic effects—sparks, impact flashes, and subtle screen shakes—that heighten the sense of power behind each blow. Developers have clearly invested in polish: hit sparks are crisp, and character outlines remain sharp even during the fastest sequences.

Despite being a Japan‐only release, all on‐screen text and menus are laid out cleanly. While you’ll need a basic grasp of Japanese to navigate story sequences or tweak settings, the core visual presentation remains intuitive. Even without reading every option, you can dive directly into battles and appreciate the game’s visual strengths.

Story

While Ningyō Tsukai 2 places its emphasis firmly on combat, the story mode offers a lightweight narrative to contextualize each fighter’s motivation. Between bouts, brief cutscenes introduce rivalries, hidden agendas, and interpersonal drama that hinge on the game’s unique “doll‐controller” theme.

Players will find themselves swapping perspectives as they follow the story arcs of various characters, each with a distinct backstory ranging from revenge plots to secret alliances. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that you’re back in the ring quickly rather than wading through lengthy exposition.

True to its adult‐oriented roots, the plot culminates in the customary disrobing sequences after victory, blending ecchi fan service with narrative payoff. While these scenes are primarily decorative, they reinforce the game’s identity and add a cheeky reward for completing chapters in story mode.

Overall Experience

Ningyō Tsukai 2 succeeds as a focused arcade fighter, delivering tight controls, energetic matches, and a suite of features that align with contemporary fighting‐game trends. The removal of economic mechanics streamlines the gameplay loop, allowing you to jump straight into action without unnecessary detours.

Graphically, the game stands out among late‐’90s SVGA titles with its polished sprites, vibrant stages, and satisfying visual effects. Sonically, the soundtrack and sound effects complement the on‐screen action, though all voice samples and text remain in Japanese, which may pose a minor barrier for non‐Japanese speakers.

For fans of adult‐themed fighters and those looking for a no‐frills, skill‐based challenge, Ningyō Tsukai 2 is a solid pick. Its secret characters, super bar mechanics, and multiple play modes ensure that you’ll return to the game long after your first playthrough. Just be prepared to navigate a language barrier if you’re after the full menu of options and story details.

Retro Replay Score

null/10