Magna Carta 2 is a 2010 JRPG from Korean studio Softmax, published exclusively for Xbox 360 by Namco Bandai and loosely following on from the earlier titles of the Magna Carta series from the previous console generation. The story unfolds during a protracted civil war between the kingdoms of Landor and Bruno, where the young soldier Juto finds himself caught in a whirlwind of political intrigue and must decide whose side to fight on, all while gradually uncovering a conspiracy reaching up to the throne itself and ancient forces shaping the fate of the entire land.
The character designs were created by acclaimed Korean illustrator Hyung-tae Kim, giving the game a look markedly different from most Japanese RPGs of its time, and the combat system runs in real time with the ability to switch between party members, summon powerful beings called Blade Corps, and use special skills tied to the relationships between characters. The game also places heavy emphasis on building these relationships through optional conversation scenes between chapters, which in turn affects the available combat synergies and the alternative development of certain story side-branches. Sprawling cities and war-torn landscapes serve not just as backdrop but as a reminder of how much the civilian population suffers from the conflict between the two kingdoms.
In the West it was a fairly niche title aimed mainly at genre fans willing to accept a slower pace, long dialogue sequences and a pronounced anime aesthetic; reviews were mixed to mildly positive, praising the visual style, music and the elaborate relationship system. Given the limited selection of exclusive JRPGs on Xbox 360, Magna Carta 2 remains an interesting pick for collectors and genre fans who want to explore lesser-known but conscientiously crafted pieces of the console generation that only reached Europe and other regions in limited numbers.
Why play it: For JRPG fans willing to accept a slower pace and long dialogue in exchange for a distinctive anime style, quality music and an elaborate relationship system.
Game 129 of 259 for Xbox 360
