Soul Hackers 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 1997 cult classic Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers, struggles to capture the heart and depth of its predecessors, ultimately failing to deliver a meaningful RPG experience despite its high-concept premise.
A High-Stakes Sci-Fi Premise
Set in a 21st-century world on the brink of collapse, the game follows Aion—a hyper-advanced artificial intelligence—as it predicts an impending doomsday. To avert catastrophe, Aion sends two agents, Ringo and Figue, into the physical world. These entities possess the unique ability to “soul hack” the deceased, reviving them to serve as key players in a conflict between two rival Devil Summoner clans.
Narrative Potential vs. Execution
While the setup is compelling, the game’s execution falls short. The narrative explores themes of mortality and the human condition, particularly through the backstories of Ringo’s three companions. However, these complex plot points are rushed, leaving little room for genuine emotional stakes. Consequently, the moments intended to be impactful feel unearned and shallow, lacking the narrative weight necessary to make the player truly care about the outcome.
Combat and Exploration Shortcomings
Gameplay in Soul Hackers 2 rarely incentivizes exploration. The world is populated by uninspired side quests that force players to backtrack through repetitive, dull environments. When it comes to combat, the game leans closer to the Persona 5 style than the tactical depth of Shin Megami Tensei V. It replaces the series’ signature “press-turn” mechanic with the “Sabbath” system—a colorful, cinematic all-out attack triggered by exploiting weaknesses.
While the Sabbath looks visually impressive, it strips the combat of its tension. Because enemies cannot exploit your party’s weaknesses, the risk factor is minimal, leading to encounters that feel unnecessarily long and repetitive.
The Human Element
The saving grace of the 30-hour campaign is the chemistry between the core cast. Each character brings a distinct personality to the group, and witnessing their evolution from strangers to comrades is the game’s strongest aspect. Their casual conversations about the hardships of life as a Devil Summoner, shared over meals and drinks, provide glimpses of the humanity the game otherwise struggles to convey. Unfortunately, the player remains an outsider, never quite feeling like a participant in these intimate moments.
Ultimately, while the characters themselves are endearing, Soul Hackers 2 fails to reward the player with a sense of purpose or a deep, meaningful connection to the world they are fighting to save. It is a spectacle that lacks the soul its title promises.
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