It’s been a number of years since a brand new Fireplace Emblem recreation confirmed up on the Swap! We had Fireplace Emblem: Three Homes in 2019 and Have interaction in 2023, but it surely’s been comparatively quiet since then. Within the meantime, we’ve got seen related kinds of video games present up. One of many ones that’s fairly good at providing the identical type of environment and expertise is the indie Sword & Axe sequence Darkish Deity. Happily for each Swap and Swap 2 homeowners, a port of Darkish Deity 2 confirmed up whereas we wait and as we already established, it’s an awesome follow-up and stays an exquisite Fireplace Emblem like for us whereas we wait.
The very first thing I actually like about Darkish Deity 2 is that it is a true sequel, in contrast to most Fireplace Emblem video games. It takes place plenty of years after the unique recreation, so we see the development in Verroa and what occurred after Irving Sildairan and his pals “saved the day” the primary time round. We come to know the price of service of Order of the Eternals, and what occurs when Irving’s youngsters Gwyn, Riordan, and Arthur proceed on their very own journey to avoid wasting and unite kingdoms. It calls to thoughts the extra generational elements of Nintendo’s sequence, similar to entries like Fireplace Emblem: Family tree of the Holy Struggle and Thracia 776, Fireplace Emblem: The Blazing Blade and The Binding Blade, or Fireplace Emblem: Path of Radiance and Radiant Daybreak. Nonetheless, on the similar time, if you’re new to the sequence, it’s completely wonderful to begin right here for the reason that focus is on the brand new era of heroes.
Subsequent is that Darkish Deity 2 is impressed by the older Fireplace Emblem experiences. Whereas I do take pleasure in and even love the fashionable strategy and presentation within the installments that appeared on the Swap, I like some nice spritework on very clear grids with areas. The execution of the maps and path in Sword & Axe’s sequence feels very purposeful. We get goals that aren’t so simple as defeating each foe or reaching one spot. As soon as we get right into a mission, there may be some main goals to finish to succeed. This kicks off instantly, with the primary chapter involving getting to a degree in some crumbling ruins, then the next battle tasking us with evacuations and defeating the chief of some forces. From there, we have to make a pivotal choice about which group of endangered people we help, and naturally that influences different parts within the story.
Whereas I’ve introduced up methods wherein Darkish Deity 2 is much like Fireplace Emblem and the way that’s nice for these of us with a Swap or Swap 2 ready for a brand new recreation, the methods wherein it’s completely different additionally spotlight how welcome it’s on the techniques’ library. It focuses just a little extra on tools and progress, on account of crafting parts that may affect weapons held and character potential. We aren’t worrying about sturdiness. However we do want to contemplate if a weapon that’s “stronger” might be higher on account of different parts and stats. Whereas I miss the grave wounds system within the first recreation, which completely punished you in a permadeath type of manner for poor tactical selections, this sequel as an alternative quickly injures individuals for an encounter. Once you construct up relationships with characters by being round one another when attacking, you don’t want to be clustered collectively and there are different tangible bonuses listed for hitting tiers.
However I suppose one of many different causes I particularly respect Darkish Deity 2 being on the Swap now’s the sense of selection it gives. The Fireplace Emblem model may be very completely different than different kinds of technique video games. We’ve got seen plenty of nice tactical titles on the console currently! Phantom Courageous: The Misplaced Hero confirmed up on te system earlier in 2025. We’re getting Remaining Fantasy Ways: The Ivalice Chronicles on each the Swap and Swap 2 in September 2025. However there’s the thought of set items, relationship constructing, correct formations, crafting, and concern of a damaging impact based mostly in your poor selections current in Darkish Deity 2 that these different video games don’t supply.
There actually is just one draw back, and that’s its font dimension. It’s wonderful for conversations. It’s typically okay in main menus just like the choices and residential display screen. When it will get into finer particulars in menus and on maps, then it’s fairly unhealthy! The screenshots above this paragraph? They’re from the primary few chapters in among the areas the place issues get form of small and don’t function any spoilers. The one in the case of making a choice? Okay, that’s wonderful. The notification a couple of penalty for the subsequent battle on account of a unit falling and the primary menu exhibiting particulars about issues like relationships? Not nice!
Darkish Deity 2 simply seems like a powerful addition to the Swap and Swap 2 library, particularly if somebody enjoys taking part in technique video games on a handheld system. It’s difficult. The levels drive you to contemplate all of your goals and weigh the hazards of somebody being in poor situation to realize a purpose. It has the connection constructing with tangible boons. There’s a narrative that does reward you for maintaining, however doesn’t penalize you for coming in contemporary. It’s simply typically beautiful.
Darkish Deity 2 is available for the Swap and PC.
