Welcome to a world where it's perfectly acceptable to jump from shadow to shadow, all in the name of stealth and ninja-like shenanigans. If ninjas had a Yelp page, Aragami would be their five-star, flash-in-the-dark choice—just don’t forget to pay the bill or speak too loudly, or you might wind up swimming with the fishies. Fans of the first game and newcomers alike will find plenty of opportunity for sneaky mouths to feed in this stylish sequel, especially on the portable grandeur of the Nintendo Switch.
In Aragami 2, you step back into the shoes—or rather the shadows—of a vengeful spirit, Aragami. You’ll glide gracefully across 13 open-world chapters while mastering the art of stealth, teleporting from shadow to shadow like a caffeine-fueled ninja cat. Levels are filled with guards who have a penchant for carrying oddly specific single-use items such as light projectiles, which they uselessly hurl at you in a fit of rage when they spot you—cue a totalitarian level up in stress and borderline panic. Each chapter challenges players to complete increasingly elaborate objectives. Collect items, eliminate enemies, and find the exit—all while starring in your very own stealthy musical number, sans any actual singing. Players can also gather scrolls scattered throughout the levels to unlock abilities that are as flashy as a disco ball at a 70s party. Wanna go invisible? Done! Want to create more corpses than a horror movie? You got it! Just remember, Aragami has a limited supply of Shadow Essence—make sure to avoid those blinding lanterns like they’re your ex at a party. What really sets this game apart, though, is its co-op mechanics. Yes, that’s right! Team up with a buddy (or a fellow ninja enthusiast) to tackle missions together. Nothing says “trust” like stealthily stabbing ruthless enemies in synchronized harmony. Plus, you can even slap on different skins and armor, channeling your inner fashionista while you plot your vengeance against a regime of glaring light. Who says ninjas can't be fabulous?
Let’s talk visuals! The art style in Aragami 2 is a feast for the eyes, with environments rich enough to make painters weep from sheer beauty. Its stylized aesthetic feels like a 3D anime rendition of a shadowy fantasy world—if shadowy fantastical worlds had an abundance of shade and glowing elements popping like candy buttons. Playing on the Switch doesn’t seem to hinder the graphics much; while you may not achieve the same jaw-dropping detail as a high-end console, the magical art style still shines overall. However, don’t be surprised if you spot a few hiccups (they happen) as you leap around clumsily—I mean gracefully—through shadows. Performance may stutter from time to time, but it’s hardly a game-ender.
Aragami 2 allows players to dive right into a world where they can trampoline off shadows and defeat foes with style and grace... or just trip over their own stealthy feet. With its engaging gameplay, a dash of cooperative joy, and a visually stunning world, Lince Works has truly perfected the formula of a stealth game worthy of your time. Alright fellow gamers, if you haven’t given Aragami 2 a whirl yet on the Nintendo Switch, do it! Go let your inner ninja shine—and let’s be real, a game where you can zap between shadows deserves at least a solid 7 out of 10 in our book. Just keep your enemies in the dark—literally and figuratively!