DEEMO II

I respect what they are trying with the story and exploration, and they actually did okay in that regard. But I honestly don’t care much about the story. I play Deemo because I like the songs and they are fun to play. However, Something in Deemo 2 doesn’t sit right with me. The notes fall in a more narrow horizontal column and it is less forgiving in relation to the speed. I like the new holding notes mechanic and the speed up/slow down, but they aren’t utilized well. Most charts are either incredibly boring or way too difficult. Deemo 1 had some songs like that, but there were only a few and I would either play them for the challenge or because I liked the song. Deemo 2’s song list just isn’t as good IMO. Really the only two songs I like are Felzione and Karanosu, both of which are fun and challenging to play, so no complaints there. However, every other song is either boring or just plain bad. I really tried to give the game a chance but ultimately I always return to Deemo 1. Hopefully they add more songs that are bangers with good charts to boot. I’ll check in again every once in a while.

As a player of all the other rhythm games by Rayark, even Voez, I have to say this title of the franchise is amazing in the art style, the gameplay (mostly because it calibrates well and has very well designed charts), and some parts of the story. But is lacking in the original setting and tone that others by Rayark have. I still enjoy playing it for about 5-10 minutes a week maybe but the energy bar, lack of starting songs without grinding, and battle-pass-like feature make it feel like a soulless cash grab instead of a masterpiece akin to that of other Rayark classics. I say this is an amazing game and it accomplished the release of a sequel to a story that had a definitive ending but, it’s features in the execution of release, IE adding all these basically milking a of the franchise for money, have made the series feel over done and the series as well feel like it is dying due to these decisions. Still a somewhat good game (no ads, you don’t have to pay if you really don’t want to) but I’m hoping for Rayark to make a comeback with a game that isn’t too much like the slight disappointment like this one as I don’t want one of my favorite rhythm game companies to revive backlash from this.

DEEMO 2 is one of those rare mobile games which tries to break a few conventions when considering rhythm games. It is a free game so it has numerous in-game purchases which some people may not like, but considering the quality of the game as it is already, it is very justifiable. Beautiful 2D animation evoking the best of Ghibli, charming characters, a mysterious environment and of course, excellent music makes all of the wait for Deemo 2’s official release worth it. There are events, daily tasks, u can traverse and explore your surroundings and chat with the other creatures in the station, apart from playing the music charts. Deemo had a pretty touching, personal story which is a pretty high bar to surpass, considering it is one of my fav stories from Rayark and in a rhythm game in general. I am still at the beginning of Deemo II’s story though, but I am excited to see where it all leads to. Overall, one of the more unique rhythm games and anyone should try it at least once.