Sequel set in a new world with new characters. The IPD song system is deeper and battles more dynamic. An emotional story and quality musical themes make this RPG a memorable experience despite some narrative pacing issues.
Your verdict
Category
RPG1 player12+
Description
The 2007/2008 sequel that pushes Ar Tonelico's sung world further, with two main Reyvateil heroines and a sprightlier three-line battle system. The bond between Croix and his partners stays central, played out through new and intimate Dive sequences.
Ar Tonelico II - Melody of Metafalica review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Extending the magic of the first, the sequel unfurls even more ambitious Hymmnos songs, where the voices of Akiko Shikata and Haruka Shimotsuki rise into overwhelming hymns. Blending lyricism and electro, the music remains at the very heart of the gameplay and the story. This vocal beauty, rare and inspired, confirms the series' unique identity.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Returning to the Reyvateils' song, this sequel fleshes out its systems even further, between battles paced by vocal magic, dives into the Cosmosphere and item synthesis. Seeing the adventure through, unlocking the endings and forging bonds takes long, patient hours. That weave of deep mechanics and intimate writing reinforces the dense-RPG reputation the series is known for.
Technical info
💾3,6 GB📅20/01/2009
Published by NIS America
Ar Tonelico II - Melody of Metafalica (PS2) price, value & rarity
Is Ar Tonelico II - Melody of Metafalica still worth playing in 2026?
A sequel to Gust's RPG, Ar Tonelico II Melody of Metafalica deepens the magic song system and the intimacy bond with the Reyvateils, in a more dramatic narrative carried by an ambitious choral soundtrack. The richness of the crafting system, the character writing and the strong musical identity win over fans of atypical JRPGs. The slow pace, sometimes repetitive combat and a divisive tone weigh on it. A title for fans of Japanese RPGs with a strong musical and narrative component and of the Gust stable.
