Blue Reflection: Second Light - Is It Any Good? (Review)

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

PLEASE NOTE: Right at the end of the video I said the game was available on Nov 8th 2021, which is incorrect. Its actually Nov 9th 2021. I didn't catch that slip up until after the upload. Apologies for any confusion.

[@derekminna]

This review made me a subscriber. Not only is the information well organized and thorough, lots of matching personality traits make it extremely relatable. Super excited about the channel. Well done. In a sea of content creators its very refreshing to find a new channel to follow.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Hey Derek! That's incredibly kind of you to say and I really do appreciate it. As you can see, I'm still a small channel and I'm still learning, but I do put a lot of effort in to my content. That's why its so nice to get comments like this, people like you make it all worth while. I'm happy that you enjoyed the video and now that you've subscribed, let me just say, welcome to the channel! I hope you enjoy the rest of my content moving forward. I tend to focus on the more niche side of gaming but I do cover the odd "Triple A" game as well. Thanks again and cheers for being here!👍🏻😊

[@imposs8101]

Great review, I'm playing it on the Switch and I think it looks great, especially the colors. I'm disappointed about the dlc, it's always so expensive. I sure wish I had been aware of this game when the first one came out because the physical version is super expensive now.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Very true. It is a bit of a shame but you know, I'd still rather pay a bit more for a physical copy than only own it on digital download. I actually just bought the first Atelier Ryza game on an early Black Friday sale for £25/$30 so I'm looking forward to playing that too. Cheers for watching as always mate! 👍😊

[@MJ-oi6ul]

Beautiful video and channel! Wishing you wellness always

[@bunbungaming8446]

I downloaded the demo for PS4 last night, and I cannot wait to play it. I'm a fan of old school RPGs, and I love em more when they go for "The World outside your window" setting. I did come close to buying the original game at my old job, but I never got around to it...which is a shame, cause it was pretty cheap.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

That's cool, I really hope you enjoy it 😊 Its slow going as I said in the review but once you get into it, its hard to stop lol. As an example, I really like the Anime Movie - A Silent Voice. It has that kind of tone in places I think. Yea that is a shame. I picked up the first one from Amazon when it was new kinda randomly. Had no idea what it was at the time but I knew it was an RPG and it looked alright so I grabbed it. Very glad I did. Not every game we play hits right or stays with us but the Blue Reflection ones do, at least for me.

[@sagepirotess6312]

I like br1 better

[@cirmothe9]

The game has a certain type of humor that tickles my fancy.

[@MunkeyD]

Good review. And thank you for being honest.👍🏼

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Absolutely not a problem my friend. Thank you for watching it!👍🏻😊

[@AkariNeko3131]

As soon as you started the negatives and said "Koei Techmo", I knew where this was going lmao. At least with this new one coming out, hopefully I can get the previous game at a decent discount. Also coincidentally, I've been playing Persona 5 Royal for the past month. 👀

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Haha, yea it was inevitable! The base game is great honestly and I thought it was worth the asking price but the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions...I dunno man lol. Funnily enough, I think the first game started to become a bit more expensive recently. Due to the fact that its considered a bit of a hidden gem and also with the sequel coming out, people started buying up the first game. On digital I THINK, its still full price. Hope you enjoy P5r, the original Persona 5 and P5 Strikers were brilliant in my opinion. Some of the best RPGs I've ever played. Cheers for watching as always!

[@ChaoSTrophicS]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming loved the review, just wanted a clarification in terms of censorship, only the dressing room area got affected right? where your can't move the camera in certain angles, but what about the rest of the game ? is it fine or there are other stuff you didn't mention? Just asking cause I don't really like to buy and support these stupid decisions regarding censorship.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

@CHAOSTROPHIC, no problem at all, I should have perhaps been a little clearer in the review. As far as I'm aware, it's just the dressing room. I believe they MAY have also removed the "jiggle physics" from the characters in the dressing room as well. That 2nd one is just a guess though. From my experience, you can't see it in the dressing room at all but you can during the battles. Problem is, I don't have a Japanese version to test any of this. However, it has been said that the sequel is little bit more "tame" in terms of fan-service, even in the Japanese version. I also researched this stuff before making the video and I can't find ANY solid information either way. Long story short, the original Japanese version was already toned down and so they probably didn't change much, if anything for our release. In fact, the Japanese version itself may have the locked camera in the dressing room as well, I just can't be 100% sure. Sorry I can't be more factual.

[@ChaoSTrophicS]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming thank you for your kind and quick reply I guess if those are the little things they just changed or censored I won't mind, its good enough for me. I thought it got censored heavenly like they changed clothes etc...

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

@CHAOSTROPHIC, Nah nothing like that to my knowledge. Apparently the developers and character designer decided to tone down the original Japanese version from the very beginning, which is a bit worrying honestly. Problem is, you censor one small thing, then another, then it becomes the norm until finally the game has zero fan service OR doesn't release at all in the west. I'm pretty sure the creator of Senran Kagura had to scrap what he had already made for Senran7 and start over because of this kind of thing. Such a shame. Its just so weird that murder, torture, full on sexual scenes and all sorts of other stuff is allowed in movies and games, but you get some attractive anime girls and its like OMG NO! lol.

[@MsSaskue360]

Love the first game loving the 2nd game, got that ps4 physical it’s going to be rare just like the first game, wish there was a option to buy makeover swimsuits seperately and not be stuck to digital deluxe edition suck for me as I got a physical copy and no way to get the outfits in the deluxe edition, the only people who would be unhappy with how it looks doesn’t play these types of jrpgs in the first place they only play mainstream big budget jrpgs like final fantasy, this game looks really good, I do think their atelier ryza games look better graphically but this game looks really good either way, the art style is just beautiful as expected from gust

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Completely agree with what you've said there. The first game is getting pretty hard to find at the moment on physical. Only gunna get rarer as time goes on I would think. I feel like all of the costumes should have just been in the game as standard so people like yourself could have access to them. Its a shame to lock them behind a bigger edition. In regards to visuals, I think you're spot on. As I said, I think generally it looks really nice and I'm more than OK with its style. I don't play too many Triple A, big budget games these days honestly. I play a lot of stuff like Senran Kagura, Akiba Strip, Neptunia etc. Also, I've always been a gameplay over graphics guy so I completely get it. Funnily enough, both Ryza games are on my list to play over the Christmas break! Well, I'm glad you're enjoying the game and thank you very much for watching the video and commenting. I really appreciate it. 😊👍

[@AdriceJay]

Best review of this game so far 😊

[@colinnoel6119]

Just found your channel, definitely subbed. Keep it up ! You’re definitely deserving of more attention. Also please keep covering niche jrpgs :))

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Hi Colin, glad to have you here! Thanks a lot for the kind words, I genuinely appreciate each person who gives my channel a chance 😊 Also, don't worry, I will always cover these kind of games regardless of if I get a review code or not. Thanks again! 👍

[@akikokazama3122]

Just waiting for it to go on sale 💜💕

[@hazzar7784]

My first thoughts were 'this game has got a lot of leg!' Which is a good thing lol. I enjoyed your sentiment on censorship. Congrats in the code. I'll check the demo out.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Hey man, thanks for being here as usual! Always one of the first it seems! You aren't wrong about the leg haha, it is most definitely a good thing 👀 Yea, I just don't agree with censoring this kind of thing. Especially when The Last of Us Part 2 has a full on romp session in "close to" photorealistic graphics! haha. If 1 million people play a game and then 5-10 of them end up as pervs, I just don't see how anyone could logically say "well, its clearly that sexy anime games fault". It just doesn't make sense lol. Films like Saw or whatever else are fine, but those cartoon girls, no sir! haha. Its also a slippery slope you know? They start censoring small things and if we don't push back, they censor more and more until the game can't release here. I was VERY surprised when I redeemed that code! I was eternally grateful BUT, I have to do the right thing and point out the negatives, such as the season pass and the prices. Plus, I don't feel like I do it in a slanderous or nasty way. I try to be as respectful as possible when giving my reasons on things I don't like. Cool, let me know what you think of the demo. Play the prologue bit first and see what you think. It is a bit slow going but I made sure to read everything and take the time to get into it. Hooked me after I did that. Anyway, cheers as always my friend! 😊👍

[@gr4y1nu]

thank You for review

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

No worries! Thank you for watching!

[@nyotengu]

this was really helpful! have you finished it already?

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Thanks very much, glad to be of assistance!😊 and no, I haven't 100% finished the game yet. That's the problem when you review lots of games, sometimes you simply HAVE to move on and then finish them in your spare time (if you have any haha). Thanks for watching! 👍🏻

[@AzurJakX]

Wanted to know, on the ps5 does this game play at 60 fps. I played the demo for it on my ps5 when it just came out , but it seemed to be running at low framrates. Wanted to know if that had changed, or if it is still looked at 30 fps?

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Hey there, as far as I'm aware there is no dedicated PS5 version and there is no minor upgrade if you play the PS4 version on a PS5 console. From my experience, and to my eyes, it looks like 30fps. Sorry to be the bringer of bad news but hey, thanks for taking a look at my video! I appreciate that! 👍🏻

[@AzurJakX]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming thanks for taking time to answer my question and for making the great content that you do, keep it up

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

No problem at all, happy to help. I think 2022 is gunna be a big year in gaming and I aim to be there for it! 👍🏻

[@AzurJakX]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming will you make a video talking about games you interested in for 2022?

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

In all honesty, I wasn't actually planning to. I know a lot of other channels do it though. I have done videos in the past where I talk about E3 and various games that I was looking forward to but I don't think I have that kinda influence at the moment. What I mean by that is, I don't think I have a big enough audience that would care about what I'm personally looking forward to. I could be wrong, maybe loads of my viewers would be interested, I don't know. What I will do though, is a community post and list some stuff that I'm hoping to play and review in 2022. I think if I can grow my following this year and hit maybe...5K subs? Then at that point, I may start to do some more opinion based videos. Like stuff I'm looking forward to and my top 5 JRPGs on the Switch or PS4 for example. That kinda stuff. Sorry for the long message but It would be cool to get your opinion on what I've said if its not too much of a hassle. 😊

[@nathanknight848]

Feels like Atelier games but in a highschool setting bought it based on this review and loving it

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

That's such a good comparison! I never thought of that but you're absolutely right. It really does feel like an Atelier in game in a different theme or setting. I mean both games are made by Gust and published by Koei Tecmo so I guess it makes sense haha. Thanks for watching!😊

[@Kris95x]

It's so good. I am enjoying it so much!

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Glad you're enjoying it! I love the mystery of the story.

[@dukenukem7043]

thank god KT is protecting the cartoon girls from us perverts and not being able to look up their skirts. i think the world is a better place because of it and women can rest easy now because their safe

[@ceceward5122]

There is another game that is similar to this one but I like this one better

[@johndalquen7668]

Someone once explained that in the east, buying virtual clothes for characters is all the rage, whilst in the west people prefer to buy real clothes for themselves. So the jrpg dlc for optional clothes is more a cultural thing, does that make it any better? Dunno, but all cultures are different in their approach. The lack of fan service doesn't bother me that much as that for me comes second. There are so many games with heavy fan service that devs hope it will sell on just that point and forget to make an actual game out of it. The fighting mechanics look interesting, the game as a whole seems to have a lot to offer. I didn't buy the first game as many reviews at the time presented it as Janky the video game. Back to fan service I will say someone took the time to make the girls look good and have them on all fours a lot, or it seems to be that way from the review. This game is on my radar, and after I finish Gaurdians of the galaxy I will be buying this.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Absolutely right. I've heard the same thing myself. Microtransactions in general are huge in the Asian territories, not just clothes. But yea, I definitely agree that its more of cultural thing when it concerns clothes. Especially in Anime based games like this one. Fan service is something that I've never minded. In fact, I'm all for it! I don't have any issue with any of it and I'm a huge fan of the Senran Kagura series. As I said, its a cartoon, an Anime, its not real and so what if its a little spicy? You know what I mean? Anyway, I'm glad you're planning on giving it a go! I did really like the original as well but its becoming a little bit rare in terms of physical copies. Cheers for watching as always! 👍

[@JD-dm1uj]

Very distracting how they just glide back and forth on their attacks. The enemies look uninteresting to me, kind of an odd design and overly simple in their appearance. Loved your recommendation on the DLC perspective. JRPGs tend to be overly crude lately, I've been a huge fan for years of these types of games, though it's time the Japanese step things up when it comes to graphics, presentations, and overall design quality, especially considering they're full priced.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Hey JD! I do see exactly what you mean. I can't say that those things ever bothered me during my playthrough but I do see it now you've pointed it out. Thanks very much, yea that's pretty much how I would present all DLC to players (assuming I had to sell any at all). Ideally, I would release a fully packed game and then IF the game sold well, I would perhaps create something worthwhile as a mid sized expansion. Maybe sell it for around £15/$20 max. That's just me though lol. Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it! 👍😊

[@maroXUprising]

Great review, needed some more recommendations on review for this game. Blue reflection games seem to have probably one of the best OST’s in a JRPG. Mixing some nice classical instrumental with E.D.M and other forms of synthetic music. Disappointed that some of the fan service aspects that was present in the original game not present in this sequel though. But, if anything else…I’d eventually will try to get BR: Second light for Nintendo switch, physically... Prefer to play JRPG’s on the Go, even with the clear graphical downgrade compared to the PS4/5 version. And on the topic of the whole digital/ultimate dlc practices. it’s annoying that Koei Tecmo keeps doing this repetitive practice for the sake of charging more then normal. This isn’t even Koei tecmo that does this practice….it’s annoying seeing triple A game publishers do this practice and encourage it.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Thanks very much, I really do appreciate the kind words 😊 I agree on the music, both games have a great soundtrack. It really helps with the overall atmosphere. In regards to fan service, it seems to be happening all over the Japanese gaming scene which is a huge shame in my opinion. Its funny to me how massive amounts of gore and violence is fine (and also some actual realistic sex scenes (The Last of Us Part 2) but a bit of animated fan service is a bit no no? Weird in my opinion. When it comes to the Switch, I completely understand. I think turn based games in general are really good for something like the Switch. Its good to see a lot of JPRG's coming to that console honestly. I'd recommend Voice of Cards on Switch if you've not already played it. And yea, when it comes to the extra content and DLC, its just the way things are going now. The majority of people are making the choice to buy it so companies are going to keep doing it. I'm not happy about it and I'm sad to say, it looks like the majority has spoken. Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting. 👍😊

[@maroXUprising]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming oh yeah I’ve noticed Japanese developers & publishers restricting themselves when it comes to fan service and some form of eye candy appeal to their character designs as of lately. Between Tales of Arise looking the most safest in terms of character designs, to something like Senran X Neptunia which is super tame compared to what you’d expect from a Senran game let alone Neptunia game at that. I never once voiced my distaste for mature themes in any form of media especially video games. Whether they have fan service, suggestive themes, gore, violence….all have a right to exist. Funny you recommend Voice of Cards, I definitely want to buy the game…unfortunately, as someone that prefers collecting games physically. I’m waiting to see if Square Enix will ever consider releasing an Asian Physical release of the game with English dual audio & Text support via websites like PlayAsia, or heck Amazon JP. It’s a shame that the majority are okay with spending extra for these digital Variations that usually include useless DLC or forced in Extra content that you wouldn’t be able to have access unless you bought said digital deluxe/ultimate editions. And on a side note, I’ve noticed in a couple of responses you’ve replied back to others, that you are interested in buying the Ryza games. Definitely should, they are probably one of the best Atelier games since like atelier Sophie, so looking forward to the sequel. Btw, have you ever played Koei/Gusts Nights of azure series of games? Both Nights of azure 1 & 2 introduced me to Gust’s games. Ever since then I’ve been enjoying every switch port of their game. Wish they’d make a new entry to that series, especially since Blue reflection got this chance to have a sequel after all these years.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

I'm actually putting together a review of Neptunia x Senran today haha. It'll be the next video I post actually! Big fan of the Senran games but I've only dabbled in Neptunia, I need to play some of those asap. I felt the same way with voice of cards, I was hoping for that myself but I really wanted to review the game so I went ahead and bought it. I rarely pay for digital but I enjoyed the demo so much that I just went for it, plus as I said, for the review. Not sure if you are, as I don't recognise your screen name, but If you're new to the channel feel free to check out the review 😊 I have literally just got a physical copy of Ryza 1. It was on sale for £25 ($30) on a site here in the UK so I grabbed it. Gunna to play it soon. I have requested a code for Sophie 2 so let's hope I get it haha! The Nights of Azure games are another series I've always wanted to play but just haven't got around to it. I've actually been looking at physical copies for PS4 on eBay but haven't actually bought one yet. Would you happen to know if there's any censorship on the PS4 versions? I hope not. Actually, while I'm asking, do you know if Ryza is censored on PS4 in anyway as well?

[@maroXUprising]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming at this point if you have a ps5, get yourself Neptunia Reverse. It’s a re-re-release of the first Neptunia rebirth game. Just recently Compile heart has announced a teaser for a new Neptunia game…for now it’s a mystery what it could be. Hm, yeah I’m new to the channel. I’ll check some of your other reviews then. As for Nights if Azure censorship on PS4, I don’t think neither entries got hit with any censorship. Playing the 2nd game on switch isn’t worth getting on if you hate horrible optimization. But it’s pretty much a lite-dynasty warrior-ish type of game, so button mashing is all that matters in the NoA games. (Personally even with the graphical performance of the switch version, I enjoyed my time with the 2nd game.) And as for Ryza censorship on PS4? Well Similar to blue reflections 2 across the board. There’s no chance to get any up-skirt shots via the outfit changing room. And you can’t pan the camera low enough for any up-skirt angles either with the camera in-game either, since the moment you pan the camera low enough, it pans above the waistline to view the sky. (Miss the good ol days of panning the camera in these games to get some good angles just for the heck of it.)

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

I actually have Neptunia Re-Verse on my Amazon watch list so I'll be sure to get that soon. Nights of Azure sounds like my kind of game honestly. Loved most Dynasty Warriors style games since Dynasty Warriors 2 on the PS2! I Don't like DW9 though...less said about that the better I think! Thanks for the censorship info. I definitely agree. I just think that if extreme violence in games and all manner of other things are OK, why is a little bit of spicy anime such a huge problem. Its like a blatant double standard. Anyway, cheers again and I hope you like my other videos!

[@timmeh69er78]

Looks pretty good mate. Dunno 🤷🏼‍♂️ if it’s up my alley. Great content as always though.

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Thanks dude, appreciate it 😊 Yea I think that's fine. I mean no one cares about everything, you know what I mean? I personally like this kind of game but not everyone's going to. Thanks a lot for watching it though, even though its not that interesting to you personally. Very grateful for that 👍

[@timmeh69er78]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming hey if it helps old mate love the content and points of view and your a nice bloke so appreciate it. Yo yo

[@timmy3822]

I got the deluxe edition because I liked the outfits included lol. That said, I won’t be buying any of the other DLC available, the pricing is just too much for too little. The new areas might be cool in the end, but there’s a little note saying that they’re not voiced which detracts from the “value” even more. Graphically I feel it does a decent job, especially with the lighting which is much improved on PlayStation compared to the Switch which I used to play the Atelier Ryza games. Thanks for the review (^.^).

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Hey there, that's absolutely fair in my opinion 😊 As I said in the review, I won't tell anyone how to spend their money and I wouldn't want to. I mean, if you found value in it then that's awesome. I think a lot of people will actually. I agree, the new areas are probably the best part but them not being voiced is a bit odd. I did see that little note but have you ever encountered that in any other games DLC? I can't remember if I ever have. Graphics and visuals wise, yea I do think it looks really nice in places and not so great in others. I haven't played the Ryza games yet. I do want to but I just haven't got round to it yet. Maybe I'll play them over the Christmas break or something. Not to mention the Ryza girl is very "eye catching", shall we say. 👀 Anyway, glad you liked the review and thank you very much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate that! 👍😊

[@timmy3822]

@@ConsolesOnlyGaming Aha yes she has certain features that catch the eye, it wouldn’t be a Gust game if it didn’t pander to a bit of fan service. Both Ryza games are good fun and we’re my first venture into the Atelier series, which I’ve fallen in love with since. Playing the first one isn’t required to enjoy the sequel but with several returning characters it’s always nice to know their backstory and connections to events in the first game. It can be quite addictive playing with the crafting system and trying to min-max item stats, you can create some really bonkers OP stuff in the end game if you devote the time to it. Entirely not needed but it’s fun to see how far you can push the system. For the voice overs I think some of the Ryza DLC areas weren’t fully voiced either, which again is annoying considering the price of the season pass for what it has. You’re welcome too, I just watched your Tales review (another game to add to my never ending backlog) and you make some great quality content. Subscribed!

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

She does indeed haha! Can't really deny that one lol. I'm no stranger to fan service games, being a big fan of the Senran Kagura series 😉 But yea, I think I'll pick up both Ryza's to get the full story. My first and only Atelier game was Sophie and I've seen that Sophie 2 is coming down the line so that's cool. Thanks very much for the kind words. Been doing KZbin less than a year and I'm pretty proud of where I've got with subs, Patreon, getting monetized and getting review codes etc. Had to learn a lot very fast so its really nice to hear that people such as yourself, enjoy what I make. As time goes on, I will of course try to improve everything even more. Also, I plan to do streams in the future so we can all chat in real time and talk about games and stuff. Anyway, thanks for the sub my friend, hope to see you in the comments on future videos 😃

[@djbogz1921]

Not my cup of tea. But I appreciate and enjoy your reviews

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Yea, this series is somewhat niche in my opinion. I do appreciate you giving it a watch though. I can't ask for any more than that, so thanks very much! 👍