GIRLS’ FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM: Tactical Dolls and Gacha Thrills

A strategic dance of bullets and anime aesthetics

Launch Day Larry

In the world of tactical strategy games, “GIRLS’ FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM” strides in with the confidence of a commander who knows their way around a battlefield—and a gacha system. This sequel to the original “Girls’ Frontline” promises a blend of strategic depth, engaging storytelling, and eye-catching graphics. But does it deliver on all fronts, or does it leave some soldiers behind? Let’s dive into the trenches and find out.

Gameplay: Strategy Without the RNG Roulette

For those who have ever cursed the RNG gods in XCOM, “GIRLS’ FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM” offers a refreshing change. The game ditches the dice rolls for hit chances, focusing instead on strategic planning and tactical execution. Each character comes with a unique set of skills, passives, and ultimate abilities, all operating on cooldowns or the intriguingly named “confectence meter.” This system demands thoughtful team compositions and strategic foresight, making every move count.

The game offers a variety of modes, from the main story to challenging side missions and even a roguelike mode. While the lack of difficulty settings might make some stages a cakewalk for overleveled characters, the boss modes require a PhD in tactical planning—or at least a few hours of YouTube tutorials. The auto mode is a double-edged sword, providing a laid-back experience but occasionally mishandling characters like a toddler with a Rubik’s cube.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Stutter

Visually, “GIRLS’ FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM” is a treat. The game boasts high-quality 3D models and animations that make the post-apocalyptic world come alive. The attention to detail is so meticulous that even the tights and stockings have been patented—because why not? Ultra-wide monitor support and an uncapped framerate ensure that the game looks stunning on high-end setups, though your GPU might start sweating bullets.

However, not all is rosy in the graphics department. Optimization issues, particularly on NVidia GPUs, can lead to high GPU usage and stuttering, especially on low-end PCs. The character animations, particularly mouth movements, sometimes venture into the uncanny valley, and pre-recorded cutscenes running at 20 fps can feel like a slideshow from the early 2000s. Despite these hiccups, the game’s visual appeal remains a strong point, especially for those with the hardware to handle it.

Story: A Slow Burn with a Serious Tone

The narrative of “GIRLS’ FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM” is a slow burn, gradually drawing players into its darker, more serious themes. The story doesn’t require prior knowledge of the first game, making it accessible to newcomers. By chapter 7, the plot thickens, and players find themselves invested in a tale of love, hope, and tactical dolls with guns.

Event-driven storytelling adds layers to the narrative, though the inaccessibility of story content post-events can be frustrating. The split into two regions, “Darkwinter” and “Haoplay,” feels unnecessary and can disrupt the story’s flow. Translation issues in the English version also detract from the experience, but the game’s potential shines through, especially in recent chapters.

Final Verdict

“GIRLS’ FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM” is a solid entry in the tactical strategy genre, offering a strategic experience without the RNG frustrations of its peers. While the graphics and story have their quirks, the game’s strengths in gameplay and visual design make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a veteran commander or a newcomer to the series, there’s plenty to enjoy in this post-apocalyptic world of tactical dolls and gacha thrills.

Score: 7.5/10