Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X-Change 2 builds on the classic visual novel template with a branching narrative that rewards careful choice-making. Throughout your journey as Takuya Aihara, you’ll encounter decision points that not only determine which characters you grow closer to but also influence whether you maintain your male persona or embrace your new female identity. The sheer number of endings—23 in total—ensures that each playthrough feels fresh, encouraging multiple reloads to uncover every possible scenario.

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The interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly, featuring simple text boxes, character sprites, and on-screen prompts that clearly indicate when to make a choice. Your chemistry club experiments unfold through a combination of dialogue and static CG images, and although there’s no real “gameplay” in the traditional sense (no puzzles or minigames), the narrative momentum keeps you engaged. Frequent auto-save points make it easy to backtrack if you’re chasing a specific ending.

Replay value is high thanks to the many branching paths and optional romantic routes. By revisiting key decision nodes, you can unlock secret scenes and deeper character backstories—particularly those involving Takuya’s transformations. The pacing is carefully calibrated so that no single playthrough feels too long; you’re nudged forward by curiosity to see what happens next.

Graphics

The art style in X-Change 2 retains the late-90s anime aesthetic that fans of the original title will instantly recognize. Character designs are clean and expressive, with Takuya’s transformations rendered in tasteful detail. Each heroine, from Asuka to Chisato, has her own distinctive wardrobe and set of expressions that convey emotion effectively even without animation.

CG event illustrations stand out as the visual highlights of the game. These static images are used sparingly but with maximum impact, especially during the more explicit adult scenes. The inclusion of more hardcore sex sequences—including lesbian encounters—pushes the boundaries of the artwork, showcasing crisp shading, dynamic poses, and attention to anatomical detail.

Backgrounds are well drawn, though relatively simple: school classrooms, chemistry labs, and bedroom interiors set the scene without drawing focus away from the characters. While modern visual novels may offer animated sprites and dynamic camera angles, X-Change 2’s graphics hold up if you appreciate nostalgic charm and classic 2D illustration quality.

Story

Picking up one year after the events of X-Change, the narrative follows Takuya Aihara as he juggles a stable relationship with Asuka and his studies at Miyanomori Private School. His past life nightmares—where he inhabited a female body—seemed at last to be fading into memory. That is, until Chisato, an overzealous chemistry club member, enlists him as the guinea pig in a questionable experiment.

Once again, Takuya’s body becomes a battleground of gender identity and romantic intrigue. This time, however, his predicament draws attention not only from eager male classmates but also from girls who find his new form irresistible. The story balances lighthearted comedy—fish-out-of-water gags, school festival mishaps—with more serious themes of self-discovery and acceptance.

Dialogue writing is sharp, with each character’s personality shining through. Asuka’s sweet practicality contrasts nicely against Chisato’s scientific fervor, while side characters inject humor and drama. With 23 endings to pursue, the narrative web offers a mix of bittersweet, romantic, and downright erotic conclusions, ensuring that no two storylines feel identical.

Overall Experience

X-Change 2 delivers a compelling adult visual novel experience that will particularly resonate with fans of its predecessor and those who enjoy gender-bender romances. The combination of crisp artwork, an engaging branching storyline, and a robust number of endings makes it a title you can return to again and again. Even casual players looking for a dramatic school-life tale with mature themes will find it worth exploring.

The mature content is upfront and unapologetic: explicit sex scenes, including lesbian pairings, are woven organically into the plot rather than feeling gratuitous. If you’re sensitive to adult material, you may want to approach with caution, but for those who enjoy the genre, X-Change 2 raises the bar on storytelling and erotic flair.

Though the gameplay mechanics are simple by modern standards, the emphasis on narrative branching and character relationships provides depth and replayability. With its memorable cast, nostalgic art style, and a perfectly balanced mix of humor and drama, X-Change 2 stands out as a must-play for aficionados of Japanese visual novels seeking both heart and heat.

Retro Replay Score

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