Black/Matrix II

About

Black Matrix II is a turn-based tactics game where you command a small squad in grid-based battles. Each character gains skills through play and can be swapped out between fights, letting you build teams around playstyles. The story follows a resurrected warlord seeking to reclaim his strength in a world split between warring factions. Combat emphasizes positioning and resource management, with enemy types requiring adaptive strategies. The game stands out for its branching romance arcs and endings shaped by dialogue and mission choices. Its fantasy setting flips typical tropes, Hell is portrayed as a misunderstood realm led by a kind ruler, while Angels come off as manipulative. Though dated by modern standards, its tactical depth and narrative complexity earned it a cult following. Strategy fans looking for a lesser-known sequel with replay value might find it rewarding.

Storyline

While the fictional world of Black/Matrix II is again fantasy-based, it is distinct from the original game. It is divided into three realms - heaven, home to white-winged angels; the human world, inhabited by relatively weak, wingless people; and hell, where black-winged devils reside. The three realms are largely independent and their natives are suspicious of the other realms. Many humans have been convinced of the evil nature of Hell by the angels, but for all their fearsome powers neither the devils nor Hell itself are inherently malevolent. Hell is ruled by the beautiful and compassionate Jenarose, who is said to love humankind more than anyone in the world.