Soul Hackers 2 Review - Noisy Pixel

Read the full review here: noisypixel.net/soul-hackers-2-review-ps5/
A review code was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
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[@HitoriTeaTime]

This is the only review I've found so far that doesn't come off as ignorant about the SMT series and is actually informative. Good job.

[@cliffturbo2146]

This isn't Persona 5 - 4/10.

[@justinjones5778]

@CliffTurbo lmao hilarious 😂 so right for alot of games reviewed nowadays

[@TriggerhappyProjects]

Same. I am glad this review is balanced and detailed. It really helps you make an informed decision on when to purchase a title like this.

[@jonathansoko1085]

To be fair tho, MOST Persona 5 fans have NO IDEA what SMT even is.

[@NeOmega83]

Noisy Pixel writes very well articulated reviews. I've been watching them for some time now and the quality of writing is superb. Thank you.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Awh thank you so much

[@_Farlan_]

completely agree!

[@louish5068]

Completely agree, though i found this review a bit generous based off of the negatives they mentioned they definitely touched more on why they felt this way rather than just saying it was bad like a lot of other reviews. E.g with dungeon design, a lot just said the dungeons were bad whereas this review said why they were bad (corridors with a few optional paths for treasure)

[@ronbusby3335]

100% Agree! Totally professional!

[@philbln]

Agree, I love their reviews.

[@IrrelevantBecauseReasons]

As long as there isn't another cat telling me to go to sleep I'll get this game xD Jokes asside, it looks like a solid title even if the dungeons are on the bland side. Since Soul Hackers got a sequel, then I would love to see another Devil Summoner game.

[@JMO04091]

I never comment but I wanted to say EVERYTIME I see your review on a game I ALWAYS click here first. I don't even go to IGN anymore if you guys have your video on a game. GREAT information and a GREAT amount of time dedicated to each game. Indepth while still looking through the specific lens of what is important to the Gamer/Consumer. Love this channel

[@afroraykun]

Thanks for the review. The slightly lukewarm response from the mainstream games media dulled my hype a little bit, but the more I see of reviews like this the more I think this game sounds right up my alley even if it's not for everyone. So excited to receive my pre-order copy on Friday! =D

[@majinbobbyhill828]

Curious to hear your opinion if/when you play. Report back, pls

[@franciscobutte]

Remember that the first Soul Hackers was also review bombed by press and people. And it's a gem of a game.

[@cartoongamermatt9077]

An excellent review. The comparisons were between SMT and the first Soul Hackers. Persona 5 wasn't even mentioned, which is somehow always brought up when a new SMT game/spinoff comes out. Much more helpful than the reviews that claimed it "lacked features from Persona 5".

[@sukamadik5983]

Anybody remember playing the first one before they had grandkids?

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Omg lol

[@Kerdukie]

I remember walking 400 miles barefoot through the snow, bc we didn't have cars back then.

[@sukamadik5983]

@@Kerdukie Even your great grandparents heard this story when they where kids 🤣

[@ezg8448]

It was rereleased on the switch (edit: 3DS I mean) and I remember playing that version.

[@ombra711]

You posted this EVERYWHERE.

[@teamhebi13]

Man noisy pixel always have good reviewers so chill and on point thanks for this review btw

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Glad you like them!

[@joeyisabsb1]

after years of watching noisy pixel reviews I finally decided to sub. what took me so long? I have no idea.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

We appreciate it lol

[@arondyte318]

Nice. Pre ordered my PS5 Physical LE a few months ago. Only one week left! I can’t wait!

[@arondyte318]

@Jarrod Lamp I would’ve if they had an LE for the Series X as well 😅

[@dnaseb9214]

her design is incredible

[@TheRyuujinMike]

Ah, Ringo (Japanese for apple) and Figue (French for fig), cute.

[@gundambassexe31]

Soul hackers 2 and dusk diver 2 are definitely on my list for This week

[@philbln]

And did you get both? I only got Dusk Diver 2 so far, while it's not a great game, I still like it.

[@gundambassexe31]

@@philbln yes I got both and I'm enjoying it

[@philbln]

@@gundambassexe31 that's good to hear. So Soul Hackers 2 is recommended?

[@gundambassexe31]

@@philbln well that depends on your interests tbh lol I'm not a reviewer so just play the ps trial if you're curious

[@davegutz8812]

Happy to hear overwhelmingly positive feedback about Soul Hackers 2 which justifies my LE pre-order I made a month ago.

[@joehayes8795]

The more reviews I read the more I think "Yeah, this one's for me". I'm excited to play another good Atlus game! I'm disappointed this one hasn't gotten the best possible scores but.. Yeah it's still for me

[@R3GARnator]

It's interesting to see this game taking so much influence from the Rebuild World series of cyberpunk novels, Ringo is heavily inspired by Alpha from those, for instance.

[@swtuber]

Are there any font size or UI sizing options in the settings? Things look horribly small from what I've seen so far.

[@calvinmatthews1527]

Really nice review. I just wish they wouldn't reuse the same 20 monsters every SMT game.

[@chaikagaz]

Its cause theyre too lazy to create new monsters. Pokemon at least makes new ones over time

[@FiggsNeughton]

Big agree.

[@lipsontajgordongrunk4328]

I mean a lot of the monsters directly tie to some form of Japanese Folklore

[@mappybc6097]

@@FiggsNeughton If they took out classic demons like Jack Frost, Angel, Alice or Beelzebub to make room for new ones people would also complain.

[@FiggsNeughton]

@@mappybc6097 Yeah I get it, I'm definitely the only person I know who complains about their repetitive games!

[@RaveDaddySavy]

Dont even gotta watch it playing it rn and i know yall rated it high lmao games gas thanks for shedding more light on one of my fav titles AND THAT INTRO SONG OMFG

[@cerebralcortechreviews1426]

This is what I'm talking about. Noisy pixel have a thorough, non biased, stellar review.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Love you

[@cerebralcortechreviews1426]

@@NoisyPixelNews thank you friend. Just keeping it real

[@philbln]

So far, I absolutely agree with that review. I absolutely love this game in terms of visuals, story, fighting system and atmosphere. My God, this game looks beautiful.

[@Omnicloudx13]

Great review, love the Persona and SMT games so I'm definitely picking this up!

[@Revealingstorm.]

I'll probably play this after the caligula effect 2

[@champdancer19]

I need to play that one still as well.

[@Blutroth]

Soul Hackers 2 vs. Monark vs. Caligula Effect, which is the best of those?

[@IgorTavern]

I noticed some demons being sold as DLC. Is it possible to recruit them in-game without spending extra money? Thanks for the review.

[@McLovin-Chan]

nope, thats classic Atlus for you. If you want the demons, you're gonna have to pay. Sad to see so much day 1 DLC

[@MakinaIcy]

Can I play with JP dub?

[@NeferArg123]

Yes.

[@MakinaIcy]

@@NeferArg123 nice & thank you!

[@NeferArg123]

@@MakinaIcy No problem, i was waiting the same here, jp dub hit different.

[@nathankalkoske454]

Christ I’m gunna have to beat xenoblade 3 first these are my very favorite type of jrpgs!

[@bigdrudogg33]

It’s nice to see something other than a 7… it seems like all the review sites got around the water cooler and decided 7 was the way to go

[@Makoto03]

Great review. I plan to get this later on though, since SD Gundam Battle Alliance releases the same day i wanna play that first.

[@champdancer19]

I'm glad I have this pre-ordered!

[@THaB4DGuY]

since smt5 was only on switch this alrdy looks better graphically and i just hated how stupid the main character looked and you could not change its appearance AT ALL. so just those 2 aspects alone, this alrdy seems better for me, plus i like to get trophies/achievements which is another reason i dont buy switch games unless its exclusive and i have no choice

[@evil_yellow_ranger8346]

I don't see any reason this isn't also available on Swith.

[@NP-ip3nj]

Too bad 1/3 of the game is cut out and being sold as DLC. Atlus sure knows how to treat its fans like crap.

[@Mohamed-tp7pg]

thx for the review.. how long this game ?

[@jordane813]

40 hours for main story

[@Mohamed-tp7pg]

@@jordane813 thx bro

[@christianmayle7792]

This game I think falls into the good category. Nothing out of this world but it’s simplicity is definitely welcoming for newcomers & people who wanna relax & enjoy a story like me. I’d give it a 7/10. It’s good & achieves what it sets out to do & nothing more.

[@pablodebella7695]

Seems to me they made this game to re use the assets forr the demons animations from Shin Megami Tensei V, not complaying tho

[@louish5068]

Theyre different teams, this was developed alongside V most likely hut it does seem like a cashgrab as it has def been personafied when you compare it to og soul hackers

[@pablodebella7695]

@@louish5068 thanks!

[@louish5068]

Idk how i feel that fulfilling requests always works in negotiation, takes the thought out of negotiation when you dont have to negotiate. Another downer for this game.

[@S_Hyde]

I was going about to pre-order it, but all the day 1 DLC threw me off, my personal choice is day 1 dlc means no day 1 buy from me. But it looks sooo good.

[@DreadclawDragodon]

Or just buy the game and not get the day 1 dlc ? Simple as that really

[@S_Hyde]

customers not supporting anti-consumer company moves, simple as that, really

[@OsunaS]

whats wrong about Day 1 DLC? Genuine question

[@OsunaS]

@Pointless Rat Race oh okay, I would understand if it was a palace, but what about cosmetics or extra personas you don't really need? Would people still get angry?

[@S_Hyde]

As the Pointless mentioned, there's also some story-based dlc, which doesn't appear to be that important, but still, I could understand a small indie studio making extra stuff payable to earn some much needed cash, but a big company already charging full price? dick move. Still, if you've bought it already, I hope you enjoy it. I may give it a try later down the line, once it's no longer full-price.

[@LordlyWeeb]

Looking forward to this

[@DieselJT]

Really excited for this game!!!!

[@TheAwsomeuser]

Finally, a review tht doesn't compare it to Persona 5. Like seriously nt every Atlus game or turn based RPG has to be Persona 5.

[@morcatna4767]

Is the purple haired girl playable? She looks like the main female character but just purple.

[@PantsaBear]

Why couldnt they make SMT V this well lol. This game looks like everything that one should have been, although I think I like this gameplay aestic and formula better than mainline SMT anyway. This doesn't look shackled to specific story/gameplay points that every mainline SMT game needs to touch on too, which imo hurts that series more than helps it at this point. Definitely picking this one up :)

[@FiggsNeughton]

Dude, they're all the same.

[@PantsaBear]

@@FiggsNeughton Whats all the same? SMT, or just the spin off games like Soul Hackers

[@FiggsNeughton]

@@PantsaBear All Megaten and Persona games. Like Pokemon, the gameplay is always the same, without exception.

[@prodigous21]

your serious? SMTV was miles ahead of the gameplay compared to this game and im a hardcore megaten fan, bought this one day one and am 30 hours in, the reason i still even play it is because im a megaten fan. The battle mechanics (sabbath+ no demon members) is straight up inferior to the press turn system of SMT and demon negotiations dont even exist in this game, you give them what they ask for and thats it which by that point you might as well remove that and let them join you for free since there is no depth to it. The dungeon design of Soul Hackers 2 is absolutely horrid compared to SMTV's exploration, theres no variance and its all just hall way simulators going through a maze as if we were still gaming in the 90s. I get that some people like the novelty of it but its not fun and the novelty wears off fast. I found myself just trying to speed through the mazes they call dungeons to get to the story points. The only good thing I give this game is the story is slightly better but not by alot, SMTV's problem was the story was non existent, Soul hacker's problem is the story is mediocre but everything else about the game like dungeon design and battle mechanics is just straight up dull.

[@FiggsNeughton]

@@prodigous21 You gather pokedemons, you start out with fairies, work your way up to snowmen, then work your way up to gods, you hit enemies with the agi or bufo or lightning and get a free turn and hope they don't do the same to you, in the end you fight God, rinse repeat.

[@dunglifemovement]

I am still on the fence about this one.

[@Pumba424]

Love it. I know persona 6 is a long ways off and I was hoping this would be a nice gap filler. Looks like it is and I’m definitely picking it up.

[@Enigmalake]

Best writing? 😆 Someone never played Yakuza Like a Dragon 😉

[@Baiken]

So Ash is not playable?

[@breakmon218]

I'm not sure but based on megami tensei wiki, She's a supporting character only.

[@USMCinfinity]

Game having been released? It relases next Friday lol.

[@mitrikgaduk347]

As someone not familiar with this series (never played the first one but heard of it), I had no preconceived notions when I heard about this coming out (I was late to the party). With that said, apparently the game is getting a lot of hate from various people here on YT (dunno otherwise), most likely due to it not being the sequel they wanted probably. Knowing that this is standalone sort of really negates those arguments as it isn't related to the first game, so someone like me wouldn't have cared either if it was or wasn't. Fact is, the original game came out over 20 years ago unless people didn't notice. They have had over 20 years of opportunity to remaster or re-release the original on modern hardware but chose not to. Apparently the fanbase isn't vocal enough or is simply so small that it didn't even warrant that possibility. If people truly did care that much about it, I think Atlus would have taken advantage of that, they tend to be the company to do it for fucks sake (I mean, Persona, amiright?). I'm not saying it isn't deserving, nor am I saying that the prior game in the series didn't matter, history hasn't been kind to it, and I understand it's a beloved cult classic (I truly understand this, I'm a Bladerunner, Ghost in the Shell, and Tron fan, two of those franchises have received very little love, the other hasn't been kind when it comes to games and has a "so-so" Netflix adaptation, can you guess which? You can't, they are both "so-so", and nothing like their predecessors.). The point I'm driving home is that, this isn't the original, and yes, I understand that can be infuriating, I understand how irritating it is when the franchise you love gets co-opted and turned into something you despise (hahahaha.. Oh grief, where do I begin?), but this is literally standalone, and has nothing to do with the original, so honestly, either avoid or treat it as such. Whether or not I pick this one up comes down to if I have the time to play it (I've got a long backlog), but I'm happy it turned out great, it's amazing to see that turn-based RPGs are still kicking it, I feel like in the last few years we've had a huge resurgence as prior I felt like they were all moving toward Action RPGs (thanks to FFXV probably, terrible game in my opinion, sadly FF7R had the same fate, but it is what it is, another conversation for another comment section hah).

[@jackfrost6219]

Great-hee video-hoo! ATLUS is the GOAT!

[@matthewlin1182]

This Game Will be released on August 26 2022 Soul Hacker 2 for PS4 PS5 Atlus Game

[@ghoulfaceboy]

Great another game on my pick up list, don't worry wallet.... Don't worry...

[@kathrena1213]

good review unlike those other game journalist that played on easy mode lol

[@funkmastaC]

I’ll give atlas credit here. Megaten has badly needed a jumping on point for a while. P5R was the hook but this is the bait. That said it’s off to grinding pixies on hard mode for me.

[@caprice28]

If the game is too easy then what's the point?

[@kamen6009]

Not every game needs to be hard,i like easy games

[@caprice28]

@@kamen6009 they don't all have to be hard. Just challenging. If I have to go to optional bosses for even a moderate challenge thats a minus.

[@FallingStar1080]

The most important thing a game needs to be is..... FUN

[@GlueGuy20]

How about a good story?

[@lorddrifter7296]

Says name wrong.

[@FiggsNeughton]

Imagine a Megaten game that was different from the other Megaten games. Ha ha it would never happen.

[@TheREALHugo4]

The dlc problem is still there but wait and see.

[@Danny-px4oi]

So how much dungeons u want in your game Sadly im skipping this one

[@joehayes8795]

The actual gameplay I'm sure will make up for the so so dungeon design, it's supposed to be blast to actually.. Play

[@_CrimsonBlade]

dungeon look so bad, artstyle sucks, ill just get last of us remake

[@KVROACEGG]

@@_CrimsonBlade Yeah, better play that cashgrab and short Game, instead of a decent JRPG

[@_CrimsonBlade]

@@KVROACEGG cash grab? you got some nerve soul hackers2 is a cash grab nobody asked for this shit

[@KVROACEGG]

@@_CrimsonBlade And who even asked for a TLOU remake?? I mean, great Game, but it came out In 2013, the remastered PS4 edition a year later, not even 10 years and they are already making an unnecesary remake? On the other hand, Soul Hackers 2 while clearly not on the level of budget or polish as SMT or persona, makes a sequel to an interesting subseries title, and maybe they can make a Soul Hackers 3 that could be on the level of Main SMT or persona after.. So i prefer soul hackers 2 even if is just decent

[@evilkoala666]

I skipped SMT V, but I'll definitely pre-order this one. I'm disappointed the review said it isn't that challenging so I hope the story is really good.

[@escadrums2]

Supposedly the story works for the game but it's nothing special

[@louish5068]

Bro smt v is amazing and will likely be miles better than sh2 based off of reviews and whats been said about it so far

[@razzgrizz3]

wtf is that dungeon design lmao. i cant believe how lazy atlus was

[@jinchuriki7022]

You can do better?

[@omensoffate]

@@jinchuriki7022 you would think the game company can do better. Your comment is stupid

[@_CrimsonBlade]

dungeon look shit

[@thegamingspothd9557]

@@jinchuriki7022 they should do better since that's what they get paid for.

[@MohdAmirulHafiz]

The game has not been released yet

[@NoisyPixelNews]

We get review copies early 😳

[@AginoEvolutionHD]

@@NoisyPixelNews I was going to say the same thing, but I think someone already did, lol

[@juliuscassoni480]

PC Version has Denuvo, avoid it or go for Console version

[@jclosed2516]

Yeah - That's a big red flag for me too. I already lost lots of games in the past to crappy DRM that developers could not bother to update, or when they simply went out of business and shut down their license server. And no refunds of course, so all that money is lost. I think I wait until the game is a few dollars or Denuvo is removed (yes that happens sometimes).

[@Bndr11]

Nice

[@ezg8448]

This looks good though the animations look stiff IMO. This really should be on the switch, and I'm sure it can be done with a good porting company.

[@Kerdukie]

It will also be available on switch. I guess that's why its looking kinda stiff in the first place.

[@jordane813]

Yeah after Atlus built up a mega ten fanbase on Switch with TMS, Nocturne, and SMTV (and soon to be Persona), it's really weird to not make this a Switch game. Especially since it doesn't look like the game is particularly demanding from a technical perspective.

[@PantsaBear]

It probably can be done, but Im really glad that theres a native PS5 version that looks so clean on release and was prioritized. JRPGs need more games that at least look modern to attract more fans (not like Final Fantasy level budget of course lol, Square Enix's FF dev teams are crazy talented and have a ton of money backing them) SMT V was a very good game, but it was lacking a lot in terms of localization and graphics for it to really appeal to anyone who doesnt already know what SMT is and has a Swtich. There wasn't even an English trailer for the game until like a week before release lol, and the lip sync is all over the place

[@EGG_MusicMadness]

Those look like Persona 5 gsmeplay.

[@orfeas2335]

Everybody thrash this game about its boring and tedious dungeons. 9/10 here..hmm i get mixed signals

[@jinchuriki7022]

Hmm..Is it lazy for atlas to use the same monster design for their entries?

[@Kerdukie]

Pokémon says no.

[@jordane813]

it's like Pokemon

[@Kerdukie]

@@jordane813 But Pokémon is like SMT 🤔

[@le3571]

Only on mainline SMT they create new demons. V have a lot of newer demons, like Nuwa, Idun, etc

[@athorem]

Since they're all spinoffs of SMT it's not that unreasonable to reuse the designs.

[@rahulyaxav10]

All is good and all but is there yuri in it

[@MakinaIcy]

Even better! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Not a bad question

[@ddrrdd1010]

According to what I see and read about it it is kind of decent but persona 5 and shin megami tensei V are better overall, so I'll wait for persona 5 switch release and skip this one. Just too many good jrpgs coming this year...

[@DreadclawDragodon]

More like Shitsona 5 huehue

[@prodigous21]

@@DreadclawDragodon "haha guys p5 is so overrated right? its too mainstream guys for our hardcore tastes!"

[@xscythe67]

Why did Atlus clone Pyra from the Xenoblade series twice?

[@Lisa_Minci96]

Come again?

[@Oneandonly12]

Ain't this a poor man's persona 5?

[@Yusei255]

too easy with no challenge at all.

[@Johnnybox81]

Hopefully it'll have more story and be a bit deeper than the disappointing SMT V.

[@sethchandler4170]

The game looks absolutely terrible

[@draconyster]

Comparing this to Dreamcast guys review it sounds like you are giving way too much praise for what is an overly repetitive gameplay loop and limited dungeon environments.

[@Amonkira1029]

I think this review makes it clear the focus is on story and not gameplay

[@MrNamine]

Dreamcast Guy is never happy with any game lmao

[@draconyster]

@@Amonkira1029 Im not sure the story is anywhere near Persona games, just stopping a series of bad guys.

[@sociallyawkard5675]

@@draconyster Devil Summoner is more about the style of the game and mystery,villains are more cartoonish like a Saturday morning show, and it's designed to make you feel like a badass

[@AM-uk7jv]

Nice return to form by the Atlus SMT team. SMTV, IMO, was a repetitive, technical train wreck. Maybe I'd have a better outlook on SMTV had it released on more powerful consoles. But as it stands, the gameplay loop and unnecessarily large open world style exploration got boring quickly and stayed boring throughout.

[@mpo48]

well i don't like this persona looking piece of shit either, its all garbage like everything else releasing these days.

[@nr2676]

This game is from Tokio Mirrage Sessions team not First Development Studio (Team Maniax) from SMT V.

[@mpo48]

@@nr2676 obviously poisoned by persona influence then, we need to go back to post apocalyptic tokyo and cyberpunk art style.

[@DIEFORME173]

@@mpo48 sure

[@_CrimsonBlade]

god i never thought there would be a day where i think an atlus game sucks but soul hackers 2 sucks

[@_CrimsonBlade]

its a skip for me, this game looks mediocre

[@dunglifemovement]

Looks aiite.

[@chaikagaz]

Basically a crappier persona game

[@DreadclawDragodon]

Persona is crap anyway when compared to smt v lmao

[@PriestessOfSlaanesh]

@@DreadclawDragodon SMT V is garbage compared to Persona 3-5 lol. What a nonsense you talk. P4 and P5 are easily the best videogames ever made in human history up to now.

[@JM-gs5oc]

@@PriestessOfSlaanesh I'm hoping that's sarcasm

[@FallingStar1080]

​@@DreadclawDragodon🧢🧢🧢

[@FallingStar1080]

​@@JM-gs5ocsmt v does suck compared to Persona, you're delusional if you think otherwise

[@shobitchouksey3442]

I feel persona 3 reload 4 golden 5 royal and 5 strikers is more then enough to experience these kind of gamea