Heroine Anthem Zero 2 -Scars of Memories- (PC) (Preview)

Thank you Winking Entertainment for sending us this game to preview!

I recently reviewed and enjoyed Heroine Anthem Zero Episode One on PS4. The gameplay, art, voice acting and background music are well done in this story-driven action RPG series. My biggest complaint with the PS4 version is that I couldn’t figure out how to use items and struggled with the final boss as a result. I’m happy to report that I didn’t run into that issue in the Steam release of the sequel. In fact, in many ways this game is much better than the previous one. The biggest drawback is that it’s not finished yet despite being in Early Access for more than two years.

Twelve chapters are planned for this entry, but as of this preview, only 1-7 are playable. Chapter six enters into spoiler territory so I won’t mention any characters from there. While playing the first episode is not required, it is highly recommended to get the full impact of the story and characters.

Heroine Anthem Zero 2 -Scars of Memories- main character is Shama, a cat-girl thief that tries to disguise her femininity by wrapping her chest/cleavage tightly. Most of the male characters fall for the ruse, but the female characters can see right through her. Shama is haunted by and chasing her memories of her mother and a mysterious heirloom given to her.

The 2D action RPG gameplay is similar to the first episode. There’s plenty of platforming and puzzle solving required to complete the wide variety of areas. You’ll be rewarded with nice power-ups for exploring and going off of the beaten path a bit.

Along her journey, Shama will befriend and have the ability to use the unique services of a couple of different pet birds. Another added feature of this game is the ability to crouch and search the ground for hidden treasures. Campfires still provide opportunities to save and purchase items, but restoring health is only possible by her cooking delicious meals. You can try your luck by cooking a random dish, but more recipes can be purchased at the store. I didn’t have any luck randomly unlocking viable recipes. The pay to rest feature is not available in this episode like it was in the first game.

The storytelling and character development is well done and there are references to gods, witches, and the afterlife. There are many new ravenous creatures roaming the woods and whoever they bite, will develop scales and lose their mind just like their attacker. It is believed that anyone in this cursed state will not go to their equivalent of Heaven.

Along with dangerous creatures, there are many mini-bosses and regular bosses to defeat. I wasn’t too challenged at the relaxed difficulty, so it’s aptly named. The ability to switch characters on the fly with separate health bars is extremely helpful. The fact that I’m able to use power-ups and healing items this time around is good too.

From a moral perspective, this game still has some issues, but is a bit cleaner than the first episode. There is still some language (d*mn, p*ss) but it’s not as prevalent as the previous entry. Sexualized artwork is still present and you’ll see Shama’s rear end in one scene. Blood and violence is still a given as you’ll be slashing your way through many foes.

It took me roughly ten hours to get through the first seven chapters. I truly hope that they finish this promising series. If you don’t mind the appropriateness and waiting a bit longer for an ending, it’s worth checking out.