Last year’s Attack on Titan 2 was a winner – a solid sequel that improved upon the original, standing out as one of the best anime to video game adaptations you’re likely to find. More than a year later, developer Omega Force is now revisiting it with Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle, adding a hefty dose of bonus story content as well as new modes and features.
The studio is no stranger to double-dipping, its Dynasty Warriors franchise having received numerous expansions and remixes with each numbered entry in the series. These have usually been hit or miss, some adding unique twists while others have felt far too contrived. Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle definitely leans toward the former camp, injecting the original game with more content while improving the overall package with some interesting add-ons. Available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, it can be purchased as DLC or as part of a package that also includes the base game.
Those who already own Attack on Titan 2 will likely be grabbing Final Battle far one main reason: the story. Last year’s game wasn’t quite up to date with the smash hit anime series, but here you will be able to play through season 3, adding new characters, missions, and cinematics.
Here you won’t be playing as your own custom-made nameless soldier, instead switching between familiar characters as their stories unfold. While it’s great to be picking up the thread without needing to wait for a full-on sequel, don’t expect Final Battle to reinvent the wheel when it comes to Attack on Titan 2’s gameplay or mission structure.
As a refresher, these games sport a unique combat system that has you yoyo-ing between increasingly dangerous enemy Titans. It’s unique if a bit repetitive, though Omega Force has clearly been making an effort to keep it feeling fresh and varied. In Final Battle there are new flavours of omni-directional mobility gear to experiment with including the Anti-Personnel ODM, the Gatling Gun, and the Thunder Spears. Each applies their own slight twist to how the game plays out which helps make up for the identical feel of the 40+ available characters.
One addition veterans may overlook is the new control assist option, simplifying the button inputs needed when chasing and cutting down Titans. It’s an optional bullet point, though it’s great to see Omega Force make a genuine effort to bring new and casual fans aboard.
It’s likely that most players will hit up the season 3 story missions first, but there’s plenty to do elsewhere. The meatiest new mode being thrown into the mix is Territory Control which puts you in charge of your own scouting regiment as you gather recruits and organise expeditions beyond the wall. It’s basically another way of packaging the game’s missions, squeezing some tactical filler in between and giving you agency over which battle to pursue.
Looking at the online options, there’s plenty for you to get stuck into. Alongside co-op you’re treated a suite of competitive modes that have expanded after Attack on Titan 2’s original launch. They include the 4v4 Annihilation and 1v1 Showdown as well as a battle royale style mode dubbed Expulsion and Predator – a mode where you actually play as the Titans, attempting to cause as much mayhem as possible within the time limit.
This is easily Omega Force’s most robust online game to date though you’ll struggle to find lobbies for its PvP modes, even with Final Battle just having launched.
Final Battle underlines Attack on Titan 2 as a great adaptation – one that’s now even bigger and more refined than ever. It serves as both a full package as well as a great gateway for those who missed 2016’s game or have only just picked up the anime/manga.
