Mirror 2: Project X blends indie RPG and adventure elements with match-3 puzzle mechanics in an Early Access title for PC. Set in parallel worlds filled with supernatural beings, the game follows Naoto Jinguji, a researcher studying a succubus in captivity. Through cel-shaded visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4, it delivers a narrative-driven experience where player decisions shape outcomes and battles.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around match-3 battles that drive progression and resolve conflicts. Players match at least three gems of the same type to score points, with five regular gems and six special gems available. Choices made in the story directly impact these battles, altering difficulty or available options. The system emphasizes strategy over casual puzzling, as decisions carry weight across the narrative.
Visual novel segments interweave with the puzzles, presenting dialogues and branching paths. Each choice affects character relationships and the overall fate of the world, creating a layered experience that combines RPG storytelling with puzzle-solving.
Game Modes
Story Mode immerses players in parallel worlds enriched by narratives and match-3 challenges. Here, pondering choices determines the destiny of characters like the vampire Ivy Treat or the frost dragon girl Lynn.
Challenge Mode offers endless enemies for intense match-3 sessions, focusing on combat without the narrative depth.
Home Mode provides a relaxed break on Dodai Island, where players interact with female characters from Story Mode. Activities include taking pictures, customizing poses, and exploring scenes with options for clothes and trinkets. This mode supports Steam Workshop for additional content.
Characters and World
The game features a diverse cast of supernatural female characters, each with distinct backstories. For instance, Rebecca Finglet is a pure-blood vampire princess who challenges notions of fate, while Rita serves as a senior FBRP officer overseeing supernatural research. These figures populate an immersive world that explores themes of solitude, heritage, and otherworldly dimensions.
Interactions reveal personal stories, enhancing the RPG adventure feel. The cel-shaded art style brings them to life, making encounters memorable.
Updates and Current State
As an Early Access game, Mirror 2: Project X receives regular patches that refine mechanics and add content. Recent updates have introduced DLC like Beckoning Reflections, expanding the narrative and features. The development focuses on improving match-3 battles and character interactions.
Is It Worth Playing?
With mixed player reception on platforms, showing about 52% positive reviews from over 300 users, the game appeals to those who enjoy narrative-driven match-3 RPGs. Criticisms often stem from expectations around content depth, but it suits fans of visual novels and puzzle adventures seeking choice-based stories. In its current Early Access form with ongoing updates, it offers value for players interested in supernatural themes and strategic matching, though it may not satisfy everyone due to the controversy over certain missing elements.
