Unless you’re already a fan, you’re probably better off trying Magical Drop IV or the Nintendo Switch Online SNES version. The core gameplay is interesting enough and makes rounds thrilling to play, but this release doesn’t offer much to keep you coming back. The two-player mode can be fun if you and your opponent are of equal skill level. Otherwise, it’s hard for a new or less experienced player to compete or learn the ropes. Magical Drop II isn’t a bad game; it’s just likely not the best entry point into the series.

Magical Drop II is certainly an oddity. Originally an arcade game, and then turned SNES game; this little puzzler shares a lot of similarities to bubble bobble's puzzle format. You go around throwing gems in order to clear rows and earn certain combos. The only thing really separating Magical Drop II from it's bubble bobble roots is a slightly tuned mechanic of how the gems are combined, and the cartoonish anime magical girl vibe it has going for it. While a lot of the art style can be unappealing at times or feel crudely drawn, for the most part the game does a good job of pulling it off. On top of that, you constantly have the characters show personality with showing them in the background reacting, and by having them move around to combine gems.Really Magical Drop II is kinda really interesting for what it is, and while it certainly didn't need to go hard on the various puzzle mechanics or adding additional modes, the fact it has a puzzle mode that sort of acts like a tutorial for how to make combos. If anything, I think the additional effort feels like it pays off, and anything off putting about this game is quickly wiped away because of such efforts.While I don't think Magical Drop II is a classic or impressive game for a general audience; I can absolutely see how someone would get captivated by this game. From it's unique artstyle, simple puzzle mechanics, and personality, Magical Drop II radiates a cult classic in it's own right, and sometimes that's all a game needs to be loved.