OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Cytus II is all about energy and blazing beats to get the party started. The fresh take on the rhythm format really resonates and hits hard. By following the active scan line as it moves up and down, the gameplay feels more dynamic matching the tone of the uplifting and energizing music. Compared to Rayark’s newer titles this isn’t on the same leveling of storytelling but that’s not as much of an issue as the gameplay is quite strong and engaging on its own. As usual, the art design is amazing. Carving out it’s own unique identity and perspective in the world they have created. What’s on offer here is incredibly fun. It’s not only for rhythm game enthusiasts. Those that enjoy just listening and discovering music will also find something refreshing here. This game has the power to transform and lift your mood.
GAMEPLAY & MUSIC:
You don’t just play a track in this game you feel it come to life. In many rhythm games you wait for the notes to drop, but in Cytus II you follow the scan line as it moves up and down. It may seem like a very simple change but it makes a massive difference in how the game feels. You feel like you are attacking the song. When you hit or hold notes you experience the impact of the music. In turn, this helps you get into a flow state and just enjoy the beats. Not thinking about anything else but being present. Seldom do games have that effect. The combination of music and gameplay in this way helps you escape your cares and worries of the moment.
The main gameplay loop revolves around playing tracks from several featured characters. As you level them up, you’ll gain snippets of story. To unlock certain points in the story you’ll need to reach a certain level with one or several characters. As you progress, you’ll unlock more and more tracks. It’s a relatively simple and straightforward gameplay loop on offer here. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. It’s still a very fun and engaging journey. Music is mostly upbeat, vibrant tracks ranging from genres like electronic, dance and pop. This is a journey not just about playing a track but discovering new music.
There is a range of difficulty settings that cater to various ability levels. Those new to the genre will be able to still play tracks and gain more experience while they are learning. New players will also likely be surprised by how fun some of the more challenging tracks can be. This is one of the aspects that I love most about the game. There’s something special about discovering something you never knew you’d enjoy. Cytus II allows for that type of discovery. ART DESIGN:
STORY:
The story in this game is told through an instant messaging text format akin to what you would see in many social media apps and forums. This gives the story a much more grounded and personal touch. It’s like reading diary entries of these characters as they comment on what is happening. Gamers that really resonate with this casual and intimate style of storytelling may be drawn into to this format but it can also be equally a barrier for those that enjoy more formal and traditional approaches to a narrative.
CHALLENGES:
The main challenge is if the style of storytelling engages and captures your attention. The overall gameplay is excellent and stands on its own. This era of Rayark seems to be all in on the gameplay and you can see their evolution with titles like Deemo II that powerfully combine gameplay and story. The gameplay does stand on its own but like with any game a combination of gameplay and story is captivating and a potent combination to deliver an unforgettable experience.
CLOSING:
Rayark is a special developer. It’s evident in their artistic vision. Cytus II presents innovative gameplay in the rhythm genre that accompany the many powerful tracks that are on offer here. Although the narrative may not be as powerful as what we’ve come to know in their new titles, there’s still something worth checking out here especially if you are a fan of the genre or developer. The gameplay in itself is an experience that can impact your mood and inspire and lift you up when you need it the most.
THANKS:
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GAME DETAILS
PLATFORMS: iOS, Android
RELEASE: 2018
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER: Rayark
GENRE/TAGS: Rhythm
TARGET AUDIENCE: Gamers that enjoy listening and discovering new music or for those new to rhythm games those looking for a new and innovative experience you can’t get anywhere else.
IMAGE CREDIT: Rayark
