Review Mazinkaiser 4/5 · Aug 13, 2023
Zwei: A Smorgasbord of Delight
Note: this is for the translated PC version from 2018, so localization will factor into this review.
Zwei is an adorable, low stakes RPG adventure that plays with enough interesting mechanics at its core to be worth playing.
The game centers around two siblings (Pipiro and Pokkle) as they track down six goddess statues stolen from their village. Gameplay is …
Note: this is for the translated PC version from 2018, so localization will factor into this review.
Zwei is an adorable, low stakes RPG adventure that plays with enough interesting mechanics at its core to be worth playing.
The game centers around two siblings (Pipiro and Pokkle) as they track down six goddess statues stolen from their village. Gameplay is action RPG fare with physical (stabbing forward) and magical (a ranged spell) split between the two characters. There is a meter that determines critical hits if timed correctly and combos reward special charged attacks, so it's helpful for the player to do more than just spam the attack button.
Gaining experience is done through food - there is a LOT of different tasty food throughout this world of varying health and experience values, and they can also be exchanged for more powerful food later on. Leveling up is less of a grind as much as it is careful management of what to eat and what to exchange, resulting in a unique and satisfying experience for growth. There are some additional equipment pieces that one can find in the world, but food is going to be the main source of power. There are also very powerful items such as magic scrolls and jewels that bestow elemental magic that the player can bring into battle in a short mini-inventory on screen.
Along with Pokkle and Pipiro, the player can bring along a pet (cat or dog), which apart from being adorable can follow the player and be commanded to heal and attack (unlocking even stronger charge attacks).
As for progression through the world, the game is separated into a bunch of dungeon spaces that are marked by recommended level. While not laid out in order, the player will quickly realize the order they need to complete the world while having some degree of nonlinear flexibility for optional content. Players may also repeat dungeons for higher score and rankings if they feel like improving their skills. There are also adventure game-style mechanics (getting and using key items, mainly) and a lot of dialogue and characters to interact with.
This is bolstered by the pun-heavy localization that the US version features, which is a big plus for this game's light-hearted tone. While more on the T-rated side, the blunt and confident Pipiro pairs alongside the pensive but joke-filled Pokkle with plenty of laughs to be had. The music is gentle but always welcoming, complementing woods, volcanos, gardens, and deserts. The graphics are laid out with excellent pixel art over a top-down perspective, with bright anime fantasy designs and 3D models used sparingly to indicate imposing bosses or mind-bending fast travel.
Overall Zwei is an excellent adventure that doesn't clock in at an incredibly long playtime, even if some of the end/postgame content gets a little too frustrating (see: Beelzebub) for its own good. The main loop is a joy to play and anyone who enjoys Falcom RPGs (action RPGs especially) should absolutely check this gem out.