Cytus II
Cytus II, developed by Rayark Games, is a standout sequel in the rhythm game genre, building on the success of its predecessor, Cytus. Released on January 18, 2018, for iOS and March 7, 2018, for Android, this music-driven title has captivated players with its innovative gameplay, immersive cyberpunk narrative, and diverse soundtrack. Powered by the Unity engine, Cytus II offers a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that blends music, storytelling, and challenging mechanics. This article delves into the core elements that make Cytus II a must-play for rhythm game enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Gameplay Mechanics of Cytus II
At its heart, Cytus II is a rhythm game that refines the Active Scan Line system introduced in the original Cytus. Players interact with notes—circular icons that appear on the screen—as a horizontal line moves up and down in sync with the music’s rhythm. The gameplay involves tapping, dragging, or holding notes with precise timing to score points and achieve high technical precision (TP). Unlike traditional rhythm games where notes fall vertically, Cytus II’s dynamic note placement and varying scan line speeds create a unique challenge, requiring quick reflexes and pattern recognition.
Cytus II introduces seven difficulty levels: EASY, HARD, CHAOS, GLITCH, CRASH, DREAM, and DROP, each offering distinct mechanics. For instance, CHAOS includes flick notes and multi-finger gameplay, while GLITCH features teleporting scan lines and complex patterns. CRASH uses Greek letter ratings (α, β, γ), and DROP alternates between Cytus and Deemo II-style piano notes. These difficulties, rated from 1 to 16, cater to players of all skill levels, from casual to expert, ensuring a broad appeal. With over 800 charts across 250+ songs, Cytus II provides endless replayability.
A Diverse and Global Soundtrack in Cytus II
The music in Cytus II is a cornerstone of its appeal, featuring over 250 high-quality tracks from composers across Japan, Korea, the US, Europe, and Taiwan. Genres range from electronic and rock to classical, offering something for every musical taste. Each character in the game has a unique playlist reflecting their personality, enhancing the immersive experience. Notable collaborations include vocaloid Hatsune Miku and virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI, adding exclusive tracks to the game’s roster. Updates like the HARDCORE TANO*C PT.II pack introduced songs such as “Midnight Mirage” by REDALiCE and “Phantom Blossom” by Srav3R, keeping the soundtrack fresh and engaging.
The base game includes 50+ songs, with additional tracks available as in-app purchases (IAP) or through Google Play Pass, which grants access to all DLC for a monthly or yearly fee. While the $1.99 base price is a steal, the cost of additional characters and song packs ($9.99 and $4.99, respectively) has drawn criticism for being steep. However, the quality and variety of the music justify the investment for dedicated players.
The Cyberpunk Narrative of Cytus II
What sets Cytus II apart from other rhythm games is its deep, cinematic story, delivered through the innovative “iM” system—a futuristic social media platform that unfolds the narrative via posts, messages, and OS Logs. Set in a dystopian future where humans sync seamlessly with the virtual “cyTus” world, the story revolves around Æsir-FEST, a virtual concert by the mysterious DJ Æsir, who disappears after a blackout, leaving players to unravel the mystery. Characters like PAFF, a runaway idol, NEKO#ΦωΦ, a streamer, and ROBO_Head, a robot DJ, each have unique storylines that intertwine, exploring themes of identity, human experimentation, and resistance against an oppressive regime.
The narrative is enriched by the Object Analysis (OA) system, allowing players to virtualize and analyze objects in the game’s OS Space, revealing additional lore. While the story’s complexity and heavy reading can be daunting, its anime-meets-cyberpunk aesthetic and voice acting by talents like Sumire Uesaka (PAFF) and Tomokazu Seki (Xenon) create an engaging experience. Some players note translation issues, but the plot’s depth keeps them hooked.
Characters and Visuals in Cytus II
Cytus II boasts a roster of over 20 characters, including free ones like PAFF, NEKO#ΦωΦ, and ROBO_Head, and DLC characters like Amiya, Kaf, and Miku (available until January 15, 2026). Each character has a distinct musical style and story arc, encouraging players to explore different playlists to unlock narrative content. The game’s anime-inspired visuals, upgraded from the original Cytus, are polished and vibrant, complementing the cyberpunk setting. The user interface is sleek, though some players find navigation between screens sluggish.
Reception and Community Feedback for Cytus II
Cytus II has earned high praise, with ratings like 9.8/10 from players who call it the “best mobile rhythm game.” Its challenging gameplay, addictive mechanics, and thought-provoking story resonate with fans, though the heavy reliance on DLC has sparked criticism. Some argue the $9.99 per character and $4.99 per song pack feel excessive, especially with the Capso system adding further monetization. Despite this, the game’s quality, frequent updates (e.g., version 5.2.5 added free songs), and Google Play Pass accessibility keep players engaged.
Technical and Accessibility Aspects of Cytus II
Cytus II requires iOS 13.0 or later and Android 9.0 or later, with mild violence and vulgar language making it suitable for ages 15+. The game’s touchscreen controls are intuitive, though playing on a flat surface is recommended for better visibility. Some Android users report occasional crashes, but updates like 5.2.5 have addressed issues like cloud save functionality and audio bugs.
Conclusion: Why Cytus II Shines
Cytus II is a masterclass in rhythm gaming, blending innovative mechanics, a global soundtrack, and a gripping cyberpunk story. Its challenging gameplay, diverse difficulties, and rich narrative make it a standout title, despite monetization concerns. Whether you’re a rhythm game veteran or a newcomer, Cytus II offers an unforgettable experience that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Dive into its virtual world, tap to the beat, and uncover the mysteries of Æsir-FEST—you won’t be disappointed.