Rise Eterna 2 (PS5) | REVIEW | A Strategy RPG & Compelling Sequel!!!

Rise Eterna 2, for the PS5, is developed by Makee Games in collaboration with Ricci Cedric Design and published by Forever Entertainment. This tactical RPG sequel immerses players in a kingdom torn by conflict, where rival families battle for control of the throne while a vengeful force lurks in the shadows. At its core, the game explores themes of loyalty, empire-building, and retribution through a series of strategic battles and narrative-driven missions.

The protagonist, Jacht, is a steadfast soldier from the Athracian Empire, driven by a personal quest to revive his homeland's past dominance. Opposing him is Lua, the cunning leader of the Heroes Army, who embodies the revenge subplot. The story unfolds as a direct continuation from the original Rise Eterna, set several years later, weaving in lore from the first game such as the lingering aftermath of previous wars and the rise of destructive threats like the so-called Destroyer. It builds on established world elements, including political intrigue and heroic legacies, to create a mature tale of power struggles and moral dilemmas.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay revolves around tactical turn-based strategy, with a single-player campaign mode featuring around two dozen missions set across varied environments like forests, mountains, and urban areas. Core mechanics emphasize party management, where players recruit and customize a team of heroes, each with unique backgrounds that influence their skill progression. Skill trees allow for tailored development, evolving abilities through combat experience. Customization extends to equipping gems with over 20 types available that enhance weapons, stats, and special moves, encouraging experimentation with different builds.

Combat takes place on grid-based maps where terrain plays a pivotal role, affecting unit movement, attack ranges, and defensive bonuses For instance, high ground might boost ranged assaults while forests could hinder mobility. Battles are objective-focused, such as defeating key enemies, protecting allies, or capturing points, with an emphasis on positioning to exploit weaknesses. Endgame goals center on culminating the campaign by dismantling the rival forces and confronting major antagonists, potentially unlocking deeper lore revelations. 

The Presentation ...

Visually, the game adopts a retro-inspired art style reminiscent of classic 16-bit JRPGs, with pixelated character sprites and detailed environmental tiles that evoke nostalgia while incorporating modern polish for smoother animations. Graphic design prioritizes clarity in battle interfaces, though it can feel somewhat dated in non-combat scenes. The soundtrack features orchestral and ambient tracks that heighten tension during fights and underscore emotional moments in the narrative, blending epic swells with subtler melodies. Dialogue is entirely text-based, with no voice acting, relying on written exchanges to convey character personalities and plot twists.

The Verdict ...

Overall, Rise Eterna 2 delivers a solid tactical experience with engaging strategy layers and a compelling sequel story, though its content feels somewhat compact for genre veterans seeking expansive worlds. Replay value comes from trying alternative party compositions and gem setups across missions, but the lack of multiplayer or additional modes limits long-term appeal beyond a couple of playthroughs. It's best suited for fans of turn-based tactics games like Fire Emblem who appreciate retro vibes and focused narratives over innovative twists.