Swords & Bones 2

The second game is in the very same style. It has the same intended "faults" of old games and keeps its charm. Not that I'd complain, I like it that way.
You gotta farm some basic items at first to even be able to do everything you need to do in the levels to get the bonus item in each of them and I believe you can only beat the first boss after upgrading at least a little bit. Or it would be very hard without it. The levels are very short, so it doesn't feel too bad to grind a few basic upgrades.
Your attack range looks much shorter than it actually is, but it still isn't all that much. Takes a few minutes of getting used to. I've died in the first level many times, but once I've figured it out, I rushed through to the first boss in no time!
The more of the movement upgrades you buy, the better the experience, so the game starts you off kinda weak, but in the second world, you'll have enough stuff for it to not matter.
The story is largely the same from the first title, the music is still very enjoyable. The bosses are a little weird, as your shield will break after two parries, unless you bought more upgrades for it, so you gotta kill them faster than they kill you, as you'll be unable to dodge some attacks after blocking the first 2 times. This is especially apparent for the first boss. Anyway, it is challenging, but not unfair, I beat the last 3 bosses first try, so the levels themselves are more of a challenge than the bosses.

This is an extremely simple but very fun hack and slash game. Similar to the first "Sword and Bones" it's all about clearing levels while collecting golden goblets to unlock the true ending. The goblets aren't particularly well hidden, but you do sometimes need to backtrack because you buy upgrades at the shop. You also get heart containers and spells.
The spells in this game are a lot of fun and very overpowered. One shoots a tornado and another sends out a huge barrier of lightning that kills everything in radius. I would have liked a few harder challenges, but hacking at enemies and clearing each 30-60 second level was a lot of fun. If you get all the goblets you get golden armor that's very similar to Ghosts 'N Goblins. Clear a few more levels, kill the boss and the game is over. The music and graphics are spot on (except for the comedically bad cutscene graphics) and it hits all the right nostalgia notes without leaving much of an impact because it's so easy.

So the simple premise is that every 500 years there will inevitably be an astral conjunction that allows the rise of a new demon lord? With that, you can make entire eras out of Swords & Bones.
At first I was under the impression that not much had been improved, but I've been proven wrong, even if the game stays faithful to the original gameplay loop: short levels, each with a trophy to collect (necessary to unlock the final level), some requiring upgrades purchased at a shop that makes slaying enemies and collecting the money they drop a necessity.
While always small and with a short attack range, the player character here is more agile, has a slightly bigger arc of her sword slice, and most of all she can raise a shield, which can also be upgraded to take more hits before shattering: it doesn't always work (it's designed for frontal attacks) but can be a serious lifesaver in some tight situations.
The quantity of money that can be gained from any level has been noticeably raised, greatly reducing any necessity to spend a lot of the playtime getting coins; with just a quick pass over of the earliest levels to raise some extra funds, I found myself with all the main power-ups by the second boss already.
It's quite nicer to look at, with a more consistent style, a pleasant palette, the new heroine with a more distinctive look than the anonymous knight of the first game, and an entirely new set of enemies, several with their own death animation.
Even the levels, while far from great (there are only a few passages we may generously call "secrets"), felt quite better to play. The final ones, besides a sword that kills any non-boss enemy with a single strike, also allow for infinite use of the shield.
Sometimes during the levels, however, there are narrow passages filled with enemies that must all be killed, oftentimes the type that requires a dance of hit-retreat-repeat, multiplied across several ones; this slows down the pacing quite a bit.
Bosses are still very simple in their attack patterns, and they end up often easier than the levels preceding them. The only exception is the final boss, who's got an attack that I found really difficult, if not impossible, to dodge cleanly, so much that I ultimately launched myself into the fray and bulls**t the victory. Which was rewarded by an ending cutscene that is only a little less amateurish than the first game's. Oh well.
In the end, this is shorter and easier than the predecessor, but not for the worse, as it doesn't pad itself uselessly and it's quite more enjoyable. Not among SEEP's FINest but in a comfortable "mid tier".

Swords & Bones 2, developed and published by SEEP, is a retro-styled action-platformer that embraces simplicity and familiarity, delivering a focused experience rooted in classic arcade design. Rather than attempting to modernize the genre with complex systems or layered storytelling, it leans into fast-paced gameplay, short levels, and straightforward progression. The result is a game that feels intentionally compact, offering immediate engagement without requiring a significant time investment.
The gameplay is built around side-scrolling combat and platforming, with players guiding the protagonist through a series of tightly designed stages filled with enemies, traps, and hazards. Movement is responsive and easy to grasp, with a small set of actions that include attacking, jumping, and using defensive abilities. The addition of a shield mechanic adds a slight tactical element, allowing players to mitigate damage and approach encounters with a bit more control. While the mechanics are not particularly complex, they are well-tuned, creating a satisfying loop where success depends on timing and positioning.
Progression introduces a light RPG element that adds depth without overwhelming the core design. As players defeat enemies and collect gold, they can invest in upgrades that improve health, attack power, or defensive capabilities. Equipment and abilities can also be adjusted, allowing for small variations in playstyle. This system provides a sense of growth as the game progresses, giving players a reason to revisit earlier levels or experiment with different upgrade paths. However, the customization remains relatively limited, and it does not drastically alter how the game is played.
Level design is structured across multiple themed worlds, each offering a series of short stages that culminate in boss encounters. These levels are designed to be completed quickly, often encouraging repeated attempts to achieve better performance or collect additional rewards. Boss fights serve as highlights, requiring players to learn attack patterns and adapt their strategy, though they rarely reach a level of difficulty that feels overwhelming. The overall challenge remains moderate, making the game accessible while still providing moments of tension.
The pacing is one of the game’s most effective qualities. By keeping levels brief and focused, it maintains a steady flow that avoids long periods of frustration. Players can quickly retry after failure, which reinforces a sense of progress even when facing difficult sections. At the same time, this structure contributes to a certain level of repetition, as the core gameplay loop remains consistent throughout. The game does not introduce major new mechanics as it progresses, which can make the experience feel predictable over time.
Visually, Swords & Bones 2 captures the essence of classic platformers through its pixel art style. The environments are colorful and varied, with each world offering distinct visual themes that help maintain a sense of progression. Character and enemy designs are clear and readable, supporting the fast-paced nature of the gameplay. While the visuals do not push technical boundaries, they are cohesive and well-executed, contributing to the game’s nostalgic appeal.
The audio design complements this presentation with energetic, retro-inspired music and clear sound effects that enhance the action. The soundtrack reinforces the arcade-like atmosphere, providing a steady rhythm that matches the pace of the gameplay. While not particularly memorable on its own, it fits well within the overall experience and helps maintain immersion.
Despite its strengths, the game’s simplicity can also limit its long-term impact. The lack of significant mechanical evolution means that players may find the experience repetitive, especially if they are looking for more variety or challenge. The narrative is minimal and serves primarily as a backdrop, offering little in the way of character development or story progression. These factors make the game feel more like a refined homage to classic platformers than a fully modernized interpretation.
In the end, Swords & Bones 2 is a solid and enjoyable action-platformer that succeeds by focusing on accessibility and consistency. It delivers a satisfying loop of combat and progression within a compact structure, making it ideal for short play sessions or casual engagement. While it may not stand out for innovation or depth, it offers a polished and entertaining experience for players who appreciate straightforward, retro-inspired gameplay.
Rating: 7/10

casual and chill fun! a good time was had

Fantastic game, I really enjoyed playing it