Review:
Battle DNA 2 is an idle Role Playing Game (RPG) available on iOS and Android. It is simply a single player story campaign where the action happens automatically whether or not you’ve pulled up the game. Hence, an idle game. Battle DNA 2 doesn’t require an internet connection once started. An internet connection does seem to enable certain quality of life features. When I’m not connected to the internet I can’t seem to destroy all unequipped items. There are some helpful wikis online. The Help linked to in the game covers everything you need to know.
Time: You can ‘play’ Battle DNA 2 as long as you want. The player only manages the party with no active tactical input. Changing the party formation is especially important for boss battles. The game can take no time at all if you don’t mind staying in the same level and grinding.
Pros and Cons: Battle DNA 2 has an end-game in sight. It’s just very, very far away. When you click the Job button on Adel you’ll see level 600 has a job for him to unlock. It’s King with huge boosts to his stats. You don’t need Adel or reach level 600 to end the game according to the wiki (linked below). You should also note every time you Rebirth you effectively reset the game. except for diamonds. I have spent several weeks idly wondering if I could reach the second continent. Did it, Rebirthed, and then lamented the loss of 8 diamonds I experimented with in my first life. The pixel art is enjoyable, especially when you see your newest weapon swish through the air in your heroes’ tiny hands. Battle DNA 2 feels fun, the nostalgia drips with every musical number, and when you get bored it’ll play itself until you pick it back up. To reiterate, the game seems abandoned and the only way to make diamonds without paying appears to be through defeating bosses the first time (Rebirth will not reset the diamond drop). Considering you could just wait forever to progress instead, the system simply exchanges time and money.
Overall Impression: If you love old-school Final Fantasy, Soda Dungeon, or RPGs in general and don’t have time to commit to the latest JRPG, then Battle DNA 2 can scratch your itch. Battle DNA 2 is a solid choice. It’s family-friendly, doesn’t push in-app purchases at you, and can teach patience. If you don’t enjoy RPGs or idle games, then Battle DNA 2 isn’t for your ‘active’ lifestyle.
Tips:
- Hire heroes and check the shops - When you clear the latest level check the World Map for any new shops to see future upgrades. The Heroes are pretty much always better than at least one of your current party members and the equipment is always an upgrade you’ll usually need to defeat a boss.
- Hide your damage dealers behind tanks – The most efficient formation I’ve made so far is grouping 3 and 2 in rows. The heroes always attack the closest enemy to them (usually right in front or diagonally). Their special attacks can vary this targeting. Still, it’s best to focus fire as much as you can on one target at a time. Letting two tanks soak the damage as much as possible is more efficient since there are stat walls which decrease damage dealt and taken.
- Rebirth as soon as you defeat Chaos Place – None of your heroes or equipment will stick around. Now you know Alfonse’s pain from Fire Emblem Heroes! Still, the ability to increase Drop and Money acquisition is necessary to prevent the game from taking forever. The wiki recommends dropping points in Item Drop rate, Money and then XP gain. Based on my experience with the game, I have to agree. Items are often the main difference between victory and defeat in Battle DNA 2. Note the Rebirth Points won’t appear until you have chosen to actually Rebirth.
I hope the review and tips help you out, dear reader! Time to idly save the world!
Links: The App Store link is https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/battledna2-idle-rpg/id1182195646?mt=8 the wiki is at http://battledna2.wikia.com/wiki/Rebirth#comm-207 (Rebirth mechanic page).
Disclaimer: I’m not being paid by Isao Nakamura or anyone else to write these tips. The only money I could make would be through advertising on this site or on YouTube at this point in time. I don't take responsibility for the content on sites linked to from this article.
by Brian Petrilli AKA Jalinon