The sequel drops the city building and doubles down on pure, punishing action. Less charming than the original but impressively tight in its design.
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Category
Platformer1 player12+
Description
Sequel to ActRaiser focused exclusively on action-platformer gameplay with a more combative Master. Published by Enix, released in the USA in 1993. More developed side-scrolling action levels, enriched Master moves including double jump and charge, imposing bosses and more detailed 16-bit visuals. A controversial sequel that dropped the simulation element of the original.
ActRaiser 2 review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Action and city-building united in a sumptuous showcase: polished sprites, detailed settings and celestial light compose a divine universe of great elegance. The richness of the panoramas and the epic atmosphere overflow with cachet. This art direction, polished and inspired, illustrates all of Quintet's talent.
Darker and more dramatic, the sequel deploys a Yuzo Koshiro orchestra of heightened intensity, cut for demanding battles. The grave, flamboyant themes underline the harshness of the divine crusade. This symphonic breadth, running counter to the first game's gentleness, confirms the composer's sonic mastery.
American release of Enix's ActRaiser sequel, dropping the simulation for demanding action-platforming and much-praised rigour. In NTSC form its desirability owes to its against-the-grain place in the series and the Enix logo that resonates with genre collectors, rather than marked scarcity. A complete copy in a clean cardboard box with manual is the enthusiast's target, the cartridge alone circulating easily for those who want the gameplay first.
Is ActRaiser 2 still worth playing in 2026?
A sequel to Quintet's masterpiece, ActRaiser 2 drops the city building half to focus on pure action platforming, with a winged hero and a fearsome difficulty. The dark art direction, the oversized bosses and Yuzo Koshiro's score form a visually striking whole. Losing the simulation strand disappointed at launch and the challenge is rough, yet the rigour of the level design now appeals to fans of tough platformers. An underrated sequel that deserves a fresh look.
