The Special Support Section is back with more members and more cases to solve! How will this rag-tag group deal with the oncoming threats to Crossbell’s political stability while maintaining their team’s foundation?
The sequel introduces several new combat mechanics that build upon the solid foundation established in the previous entry. The turn-based battles now feature a Burst system, allowing players to temporarily seize control of the turn order by filling a special gauge. Once activated, the party can unleash a flurry of attacks and abilities without interruption, granting a significant tactical advantage. Additionally, the game introduces Master Quartz, which provide unique passive abilities and stat boosts to each party member. Players can customize these Master Quartz to suit different playstyles, adding an extra layer of depth to the character progression and build crafting.
The Quartz (equipment that grants stat bonuses and abilities) system has undergone refinement, enabling more varied combinations and synergies between party members. The game also introduces Mastery Quartz, which can be unlocked and equipped to further specialize each character's role and capabilities. This allows for a greater degree of strategy and experimentation when assembling the optimal party for each scenario.
The game maintains the series' trademark challenging, yet fair, difficulty curve, offering a range of options from the standard "Normal" mode to the punishing "Nightmare" setting. Enemies present a genuine threat, requiring players to carefully manage resources, position their party strategically, and effectively utilize the various combat mechanics. The final boss battle, in particular, is renowned for its epic scale and demanding nature, testing the player's mastery of the game's systems.
The quest system builds upon the foundation laid in the previous entry, with a mix of main story-driven objectives and optional side quests. These side quests are now more closely integrated into the narrative, providing additional context and character development. Completing these quests rewards the player with valuable items, experience, and a deeper understanding of the game's world and characters.
The game maintains the series' signature seamless progression, allowing players to freely explore the city of Crossbell and its surrounding areas without loading screens or interruptions. This creates a cohesive and immersive sense of place, as the player can interact with NPCs, discover hidden items, and uncover new quests organically. The pacing is generally well-balanced, with the story advancing at a steady clip while still allowing time for side content and character moments.