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My Hero One's Justice 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of My Hero One's Justice 2
Item: My Hero One's Justice 2
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Fighting, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 13, 2020

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperBandai Namco Games

Overview

My Hero One's Justice 2, the over-the-top follow-up to the smash hit 3D arena fighter My Hero One's Justice, makes its heroic debut! Make full use of characters' Quirks as you clash head-to-head in epic battles across huge arenas!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

While My Hero One's Justice 2’s story mode dazzles with cinematic storytelling, dual perspectives, and rich arcs for fans, its repetitive structure, reliance on nostalgia, and technical flaws—like clunky mechanics and poor subtitles—sink its potential, leaving most underwhelmed by a recycled, inaccessible experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story mode of My Hero One's Justice 2 receives praise for its narrative depth and engagement, particularly for fans of the My Hero Academia franchise. Critics like Cultured Vultures highlight its focus on key moments from the anime’s third season, using cinematic storyboards and dual perspectives to enrich the experience. GameCrate notes that the game allows players to explore events from both hero and villain viewpoints, adding layers to the narrative. Additionally, GameOver.gr commends the richly detailed storytelling during the Shie Hassaikai arc, emphasizing emotional moments of sacrifice and camaraderie. The inclusion of a "Villain Side" mode, as mentioned by Xbox Tavern and Nintendo Life, is seen as an intriguing addition that offers fresh perspectives, while GameSpew acknowledges the game’s attempt to bridge the gap between the anime/manga and gameplay through interactive comic-style sequences. However, the story mode faces significant criticism for its lack of originality, repetitive structure, and reliance on prior knowledge. Areajugones and Destructoid argue that it offers little beyond unlocking outfits and coins, with side missions feeling monotonous and a narrative lacking depth. 3DJuegos and Wccftech criticize the superficial approach, calling it a "recap" of the original series rather than a meaningful expansion. Technical issues also detract from the experience: DualShockers points to poor subtitle translation, while Hardcore Gamer and Shacknews highlight frustrating mission mechanics and static manga-style cutscenes that disrupt immersion. Many reviewers, including Player 2 and Jeuxvideo.com, note that the story assumes familiarity with the source material, making it inaccessible or confusing for newcomers. Overall, critics agree that My Hero One's Justice 2’s story mode is a mixed bag, leaning more toward its shortcomings than its strengths. While it successfully adapts key anime arcs and offers dual perspectives, the repetitive structure, lack of narrative innovation, and technical flaws overshadow its potential. Cultured Vultures and GameCrate acknowledge its value for fans, but most reviewers, such as Digitally Downloaded and Noisy Pixel, feel it fails to deliver a compelling or original experience. The consensus is that the game caters primarily to dedicated My Hero Academia enthusiasts who prioritize nostalgia over fresh storytelling, leaving many critics underwhelmed by its execution despite its ambitious scope.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

My Hero One's Justice 2 delivers accessible, fluid combat with quirky charm and varied modes, but its repetitive mechanics, clunky controls, and lack of innovation leave it feeling like a shallow sequel stuck in its predecessor’s shadow.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of My Hero One's Justice 2 receives praise for its accessibility, fluidity, and unique approach within the anime fighting genre. Critics like Digitally Downloaded highlight it as one of the more "unique anime arena fighters in recent years," while Screen Rant commends its "fun, fluid, and approachable" combat system, emphasizing dynamic fights, Plus Ultra moves, and an assist system that balances defense and offense. Noisy Pixel notes improvements in balance and mission mode, which adds RPG-lite progression, and IGN Italia acknowledges the game’s varied modes, including Mission, Arcade, and PvP. The inclusion of customizable controls, as mentioned by GameCrate and COGconnected, and the streamlined mechanics on Nintendo Switch (per Nintendo Life) also contribute to its appeal for casual players and newcomers. These elements collectively position the game as a solid entry for fans of the franchise and anime fighters. However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for repetition, lack of innovation, and shallow mechanics. Areajugones and Atomix argue that the core combat system feels unoriginal, with minimal new mechanics beyond minor additions like Chisaki’s final boss fight or dodge moves. DualShockers and PlaySense describe the controls as "clunky" and "awkward," leading to repetitive gameplay reliant on button-mashing rather than strategic depth. Destructoid and Everyeye.it point out underdeveloped characters, overpowered units like Deku, and a lack of technical complexity compared to titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and Shacknews highlight issues with AI behavior, camera positioning, and imbalance in online play, while Wccftech notes that the combat feels "unpolished despite hidden depth." These critiques underscore a general dissatisfaction with the game’s failure to evolve beyond its predecessor’s formula. Overall, critics present a mixed but largely critical consensus, acknowledging the game’s accessibility and charm while emphasizing its shortcomings in innovation and depth. While Digitally Downloaded and Screen Rant celebrate its unique appeal, most reviewers, including Areajugones, Destructoid, and Eurogamer Italy, agree that My Hero One's Justice 2 feels like a minor iteration of the first game rather than a significant evolution. The gameplay’s reliance on simple mechanics, repetitive design, and uneven character balance frustrates many, though its variety of modes and character roster (noted by GameSpew and GamingTrend) offers some redemption for casual players. Ultimately, the game is seen as a competent but unambitious entry in the genre, satisfying fans of the IP but falling short of competing with more refined fighting games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Faithful anime aesthetic with cel-shaded visuals and dynamic animations dazzle, but clunky mechanics, muddy environments, and technical hiccups undermine polish, leaving a vibrant yet flawed experience for fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of My Hero One’s Justice 2 are widely praised for their faithful adaptation of the anime’s aesthetic, with a strong emphasis on cel-shaded styles, dynamic character animations, and vibrant, theatrical presentation. Critics like Atomix highlight the game’s improved optimization compared to its predecessor, particularly on Switch, while GameCrate and God is a Geek commend the "visually stunning" character models and comic book-style effects that enhance clarity and style. The attention to detail in character designs—such as Eurogamer Italy’s mention of theatrical moves and Everyeye.it’s note on detailed Quirk animations—shows a commitment to translating the source material into a playable format. Additionally, destructible arenas and environments, praised by 3DJuegos and Wccftech, add visual flair, with GameSpew noting that the art style effectively captures the anime’s energy without relying on hyper-realism. However, several critics point to technical and artistic limitations that detract from the experience. Hardcore Gamer and IGN Italia criticize environments as muddy or minimalistic, lacking the polish seen in other games, while DualShockers and Hobby Consolas mention issues like clunky animations, subtitle quality problems, and occasional frame rate drops during intense action sequences. Everyeye.it notes underwhelming textures and pop-ups, and Shacknews points out that destructible elements sometimes obstruct the action. Additionally, some reviewers, such as COGconnected and FNintendo, feel the Switch version’s visuals lean into a "low-budget" aesthetic compared to full animation, with technical constraints limiting the overall polish despite the game’s vibrant art direction. Overall, the consensus among critics is that My Hero One’s Justice 2 succeeds in capturing the anime’s visual identity through its cel-shaded style, dynamic effects, and character fidelity, but struggles with environmental detail and technical execution. While GameOver.gr and Generación Xbox acknowledge the Unreal Engine 4 foundation and detailed Quirk animations, many agree that the game prioritizes aesthetic consistency over innovation or polish. The mixed reception reflects a balance between admiration for its faithful adaptation and frustration with its technical shortcomings, making it a visually appealing but imperfect experience for fans of the source material.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

music and sound design

Description unavailable

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Stellar Japanese voice work in My Hero One's Justice 2 elevates immersion and authenticity, but missing subtitles, English dubs, and reliance on static visuals alienate broader audiences, highlighting a fan-first approach over accessibility.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in My Hero One's Justice 2 is widely praised for its authenticity and immersive quality, with many critics highlighting its strong connection to the source material. Cultured Vultures notes that the Japanese cast’s performances feel "authentic to the source material," enhancing the game’s immersion, while Eurogamer Italy emphasizes that nearly complete voice acting "enhances the immersion for fans of the anime." Noisy Pixel and Generación Xbox specifically commend the use of original Japanese voice actors, with the former calling it "well done" and the latter noting that their work "strengthens the game's authenticity." The reliance on the anime’s original vocalists is seen as a key strength, particularly in story mode, where the motion comic-style presentation is bolstered by dramatic and fitting performances. Critics like Hardcore Gamer also affirm that the Japanese voice work "fits for characters," even for fans of English dubs, suggesting a general consensus on its quality. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks related to accessibility and localization. God is a Geek and 3DJuegos criticize the absence of subtitles for non-Japanese speakers, with the former calling it a "drawback" and the latter noting that "the translation is correct but lacks subtitles during battles." Xbox Tavern similarly highlights the lack of an English dub as a "significant drawback," especially since the anime itself has established dubs. This omission is seen as a missed opportunity to broaden the game’s appeal, with PlaySense and FNintendo acknowledging the contrast between the game’s Japanese vocalization and the anime’s English version. Additionally, some reviews note that the story mode relies heavily on still images paired with voice acting rather than traditional cutscenes, which may limit visual engagement for players accustomed to more dynamic storytelling. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a balanced view: while the voice acting is celebrated for its fidelity to the source material and strong performances by the Japanese cast, the lack of English subtitles or dubs is a recurring criticism. The game’s reliance on original vocalists is seen as a strength that deepens immersion for fans, but this comes at the cost of accessibility for non-Japanese speakers. As noted by Cultured Vultures and Generación Xbox, the voice acting is a standout feature that reinforces the game’s narrative depth, yet the absence of localization options, highlighted by God is a Geek and Xbox Tavern, remains a notable flaw. This duality suggests that while My Hero One's Justice 2 excels in capturing the spirit of its anime roots through voice work, it falls short in catering to a broader audience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Xbox and Switch shine with smooth gameplay, while PS4 and PC struggle with lag, floaty physics, and quirks—yet My Hero One’s Justice 2 earns praise for its ambition despite technical flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of My Hero One’s Justice 2 varies across platforms, with several positive notes. On PS4, critics like Cultured Vultures praised stable online play and quick match connections, while Atomix highlighted smooth performance overall, noting improved optimization from the first game on Switch despite its 30fps cap. For PC, 3DJuegos acknowledged general stability, though they mentioned floaty physics and imprecise controls, and GameOver.gr noted reliable online multiplayer even on low-speed internet. Xbox One received a strong endorsement from GameSpew, which reported no technical issues, while Nintendo Switch versions were lauded for smooth performance by COGconnected and FNintendo, with Nintendo Life noting minimal frame rate drops. These platforms generally showcased consistent gameplay mechanics and responsiveness, though some critics emphasized minor flaws. However, the game faced notable technical challenges across all platforms. On PS4, DualShockers criticized clunky combat mechanics, poor subtitle translation, and input lag, while Eurogamer Italy and Hobby Consolas highlighted frame rate drops during intense action sequences or specific character moves. Jeuxvideo.com and Noisy Pixel pointed to outdated graphics, unresponsive AI, and occasional menu-related performance hiccups, respectively. PC users faced issues like inconsistent AI behavior (GameOver.gr) and floaty physics (3DJuegos), while Xbox One had complaints about frequent loading screens and a clunky UI from Shacknews. On Switch, Nintendo Life noted camera misfires and combat precision problems, though these were deemed less impactful than other platforms’ issues. These flaws, while varied in severity, collectively affected the game’s polish and immersion. Overall, critics reached a mixed consensus, with the game’s technical performance being more stable on Xbox One and Switch, where smoothness and responsiveness were frequently praised. The PS4 version, however, struggled with consistent frame rates and combat mechanics, as highlighted by DualShockers and Eurogamer Italy, while PC received a balanced review, acknowledging stability but noting quirks in physics and controls. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s ambition and improvements over its predecessor, particularly on Switch and Xbox One. While technical shortcomings were present across platforms, they were often overshadowed by the core gameplay experience, leaving the title with a generally favorable reception despite its flaws.

TL;DR

technical performance

Xbox and Switch shine with smooth gameplay, while PS4 and PC struggle with lag, floaty physics, and quirks—yet My Hero One’s Justice 2 earns praise for its ambition despite technical flaws.

Replay Value

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TL;DR

My Hero One’s Justice 2 thrives on modes, customization, and a vast roster for fans, but repetitive combat, a shallow story, and lackluster innovation sink its long-term allure, leaving it stuck in nostalgic limbo.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The replay value of My Hero One's Justice 2 is bolstered by its variety of modes and customization options, which many critics highlight as strengths. Areajugones notes the online mode and character customization as contributors to replayability, while Destructoid emphasizes multiple modes like arcade, mission, and free play as extending longevity. Cultured Vultures and Eurogamer Italy praise Mission Mode’s progression systems and difficulty scaling, even if they call the process "clunky." The game’s large roster of characters—such as FNintendo’s mention of 40 fighters with 120 total paths—and customization mechanics (e.g., 3DJuegos’ team-building and arcade rewards) provide enough variety to entice fans. Additionally, modes like Arcade and Mission Mode offer structured challenges, with GameOver.gr noting that mission progression and character management add depth. These elements collectively create a foundation for repeated play, particularly for dedicated fans of the franchise. However, repetition and lack of innovation significantly limit long-term engagement. Critics like Areajugones and Atomix criticize the game’s repetitive gameplay and short story mode (3–4 hours), while IGN Italia and Jeuxvideo.com point to a "short story mode" and "repetitive combat" as major drawbacks. Cultured Vultures and Shacknews argue that the game leans too heavily on fan service, making it less appealing to newcomers. Mission Mode, though praised for its RPG-lite progression, is often deemed tedious (DualShockers) or unenjoyable (Eurogamer Italy). The lack of substantial new content beyond what was introduced in the first game—highlighted by Destructoid and Wccftech—further diminishes its appeal. Even modes like Arcade and Free Play face criticism for underwhelming rewards (Noisy Pixel) or unbalanced multiplayer (GameSpew), underscoring a general sense of stagnation. The overall consensus among critics is that My Hero One's Justice 2 offers moderate replay value, primarily appealing to existing fans rather than newcomers. While its multiple modes, customization options, and character variety provide initial engagement (as noted by GameCrate and Nintendo Life), the repetitive mechanics and lack of innovation prevent it from standing out as a compelling long-term experience. Reviews like those from Hardcore Gamer and PlaySense acknowledge some depth in multiplayer and mission systems but stress that these elements "fail to significantly enhance replayability for non-fans" (COGconnected). Ultimately, the game’s appeal hinges on its ability to satisfy dedicated fans through nostalgia-driven content, but its limitations in originality and variety mean it struggles to retain broader audiences. As IGN Italia succinctly puts it, the game “fails to significantly enhance long-term engagement,” reflecting a shared sentiment across multiple critiques.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of My Hero One's Justice 2 is largely shaped by its strengths as a fan-focused experience, with several critics praising its improvements over the original. Reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and GameCrate highlight its enhanced combos, expanded roster, and creative single-player depth, noting that it successfully translates My Hero Academia into a fighting game format. Cultured Vultures and Screen Rant commend its fun factor, dynamic Plus Ultra attacks, and faithful adaptation of the anime’s lore, while PlaySense appreciates its polished gameplay and content. The game’s customization options, character variety, and nostalgic nods to the source material are frequently cited as standout positives, making it a satisfying experience for dedicated fans of the franchise. However, the consensus also points to significant shortcomings that limit its broader appeal. Critics like Areajugones and Destructoid criticize the game’s lack of innovation, calling it a "copy-and-paste sequel" with underdeveloped storylines and repetitive combat mechanics. DualShockers and Wccftech highlight technical flaws, clunky gameplay, and poor quality-of-life features that detract from the experience, while Atomix and Hardcore Gamer note its failure to elevate itself beyond a cash-in sequel. The narrative is frequently described as secondary or unengaging, with Jeuxvideo.com and Shacknews pointing to a "boring story mode" and "mediocre" mission systems. Many reviewers also stress that the game struggles to attract newcomers, with God is a Geek and Player 2 noting its lack of accessibility and unclear identity for non-fans. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment among critics leans toward cautious recommendation for My Hero Academia enthusiasts. While IGN Italia and GameOver.gr acknowledge its polished execution and fan service, they agree it falls short of revolutionizing the genre. The game is seen as a competent but unambitious sequel that prioritizes nostalgia over innovation, with 3DJuegos and COGconnected noting its "forgettable" nature for broader audiences. Ultimately, My Hero One's Justice 2 is viewed as a worthwhile experience for fans who value its unique mechanics and anime fidelity, but one that fails to fully satisfy fighting game purists or those seeking bold creative risks. Its mixed reception reflects a balance between incremental improvements and persistent flaws, leaving it as a niche title rather than a genre-defining entry.

TL;DR

A fan-service triumph with flashy combos and anime fidelity, but plagued by repetitive combat, undercooked storylines, and clunky mechanics—this sequel prioritizes nostalgia over innovation, delivering a polished yet forgettable experience that excels for My Hero Academia loyalists but fails to elevate the fighting genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

90 reviews found

GameCrate

PlayStation 4

Mar 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game succeeds as a niche title for My Hero Academia fans, prioritizing unique ideas and single-player depth over competitive viability. It’s recommended for its creativity but not as a mainstream fighting game.

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

Mar 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is lauded as one of the most fun anime arena fighters, with a robust combat system, extensive content, and faithful adaptation of the series, though it repeats much of its predecessor's content.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Apr 22, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that My Hero One’s Justice 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, with enhanced gameplay, a better roster, and overall enjoyment for fans. It is deemed worth the full price tag despite minor flaws in story presentation and mission mode balance.

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GameSkinny

Nintendo Switch

Apr 8, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a fun, improved sequel that adapts My Hero Academia well, offering incremental changes and an expanded roster. However, its lack of bold innovations may frustrate some players.

PlaySense

PlayStation 4

Apr 7, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A solid sequel with improved gameplay, visuals, and content. While online features need work, it's highly recommended for fans of the franchise.

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Mar 15, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fun and fast-paced fighting game for fans of the anime, with satisfying combat and extensive modes. However, it is criticized for being too similar to its predecessor and not welcoming to newcomers.

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GameOver.gr

Apr 3, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A polished, content-rich sequel that successfully translates *My Hero Academia* into a fighting game format. It excels in storytelling, character variety, and online play but falls short of revolutionizing the genre. Overall, it is a satisfying experience for fans and casual players.

Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Mar 28, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is criticized as conservative and more of an expansion than a true sequel, but it improves on some aspects of the original. It appeals to fans with increased content but lacks innovation for others.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 4

Mar 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

My Hero One's Justice 2 is a visually impressive fighting game with dynamic Plus Ultra attacks and destructible environments. While it lacks the depth of titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ, it delivers enjoyable combat for fans of the franchise and quick power displays.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Mar 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as honest and suitable for fans, offering a simple and predictable experience that doesn't improve much on its predecessor. It's enjoyable but lacks innovation for broader audiences.

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