For the past weekend, I’ve been playing the Attack on Titan 2 video game on the Nintendo Switch (it’s also available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One). As I loved the first Attack on Titan video game, it was a no-brainer to pick this up. I love my Switch and as Koei Techmo has been a huge supporter of Nintendo’s console, it made sense to pick this up on the Switch, as I already have so many third-party games on other consoles, including the first Attack on Titan game on the Xbox One. I’ve finished the campaign, and there are so many more things to do. I have to say though, after watching the entire series and playing this game, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Attack on Titan 2 video game is better than the anime.
Storytelling
One of the high points of Attack on Titan 2, aside from its impeccable gameplay, is its storytelling. The cutscenes are top-notch, and almost point-for-point when looking at the anime alongside with it. Due to the interactive and immersive nature of video games though, Attack on Titan 2 propels the series to new heights and makes possible what isn’t in the anime series.
You take on the role of a “nameless” hero who is interjected into the story, but it feels anything but forced. It’s actually quite interesting because you can develop relationships and there is more time for character development in a 25-30 hour-long campaign (this was my log at least). You get insight into what the characters are thinking and the game isn’t centered around Eren, thank God.
Because of this, it opens up new narrative possibilities and while some things aren’t exactly the same as the anime, and some scenes had to be left out because your character was elsewhere, it’s much more compelling than the anime series, while at the same staying true to its source material.
Gameplay and Immersion
The game is very reminiscent of Dynasty Warriors. This is no surprise, as developer Omega Force is responsible for the Dynasty Warriors series and was responsible for developing Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors, which have been very well-received for Nintendo. Attack on Titan 2 is even better. That’s not to say that the others aren’t fantastic in their own right, it only furthers what an amazing accomplishment Attack on Titan 2 is.
It is completely immersive. The combat, with your ODM maneuverable gear, is exhilarating. It takes you right into the world of Attack on Titan. The game isn’t easy though, especially when you get to the later chapters. It immerses you into the story like no other video game adaptation of an anime series.
Building off of its predecessor, there are also countless survey missions that you can undertake, which help take back land from the Titans. I’ve done like four and sit at a 7% survey mission completion rate. This can be used to build and strengthen relationships with your comrades, as you can take them on your missions. Building relationships with your comrades not only lends more character development, but also unlocks brand new skills to unlock, which gives a lot of customization to your character. The gear you decide to equip also does this as well. All in all, Attack on Titan 2 immerses you so much into the world of the series that it’s actually hard to go back and watch the series.
Video Games are a Superior Narrative Form
Video games are still in their infancy, but they are a superior narrative form than film, television, or anime. Attack on Titan 2 brings everything together, as the cutscenes, especially late in the game, are taken from the anime series to the minute detail. Yet it is the ability for gamers to actually live and breath in this world, rather than simply watch it from afar, which makes it superior to the anime series. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun, as Attack on Titan presents a unique opportunity given the nature of the combat in the series.
The anime series is great, and while the game misses some scenes due to the fact that your character isn’t present for some scenes, it immerses you in the world so much that that doesn’t matter because it doesn’t take away from the experience. Video games are still in their infancy as a narrative form, but Attack on Titan 2 shows us that there is limitless potential.