Let me tell you about the time I first encountered Anubis' wrath in the shadows - not literally, of course, but in that gripping second act of the game where ancient curses feel almost tangible. I remember staring at my objective board with three simultaneous investigations, feeling that peculiar mix of excitement and overwhelm that defines Act 2's core experience. This section, spanning roughly 35 hours of the game's 50-hour total runtime, truly tests your strategic thinking and patience. The masked targets don't just reveal themselves; you need to hunt them down methodically, and through my multiple playthroughs, I've discovered five powerful approaches that transform this daunting task into an engaging dance between Naoe and Yasuke.
First, embrace the chunk system rather than fighting it. The game deliberately gives you only three or four leads at a time, and I've learned this isn't a limitation but a design choice to prevent cognitive overload. Early on, I made the mistake of trying to track everything simultaneously, which led to missing crucial details in optional investigations. Now, I treat each chunk as a complete narrative arc - investigating thoroughly before moving to the next set of targets. This approach made me appreciate how the game structures its storytelling, with each cluster of targets representing a thematic chapter in the larger narrative.
The investigation phase requires what I call "peripheral vision" - paying equal attention to main objectives and those spontaneous side quests that pop up. Remember that paper butterfly quest? Initially, I almost skipped it, thinking it was just filler content. But helping that woman track down those fluttering papers unexpectedly unveiled that disturbing child abduction ring, adding depth to the world and providing valuable context about the shadows we were hunting. Similarly, that exasperated supernatural hunter's invitation into his world of yokai myths seemed tangential at first, but ultimately provided combat advantages against certain cursed enemies. These aren't distractions; they're narrative layers that enrich the core gameplay loop.
Here's something crucial I wish I knew earlier: the order in which you approach targets matters significantly. Through trial and error across three complete playthroughs, I discovered that certain investigation sequences contain subtle clues about other targets. For instance, eliminating the smuggler in the coastal region first often provides intelligence that makes confronting the ritualists in the mountain temple considerably easier. I've mapped out what I believe is the optimal sequence, though part of the fun is discovering your own path through these interconnected narratives.
Combat preparation deserves special attention because these aren't ordinary enemies - they're protected by ancient curses that require specific approaches. I developed what I call the "tool rotation" method: before each major confrontation, I ensure both Naoe and Yasuke have their specialized equipment ready. Yasuke's brute strength works wonders against physically-protected targets, while Naoe's stealth abilities prove essential against those shielded by mystical barriers. The game doesn't explicitly tell you this, but certain cursed enemies have vulnerability windows that only appear when you approach them with the right character combination and strategy.
Perhaps my most controversial take: don't rush the repetition. The core loop of discovering hints, adding targets, hunting them down, and repeating might seem monotonous on paper, but it's actually where the game's magic happens. Each cycle introduces subtle variations - new environmental challenges, different enemy placements, evolving character dynamics between Naoe and Yasuke. I've come to appreciate this rhythm, treating each completed cycle as mastery of another game mechanic rather than mere repetition. The dozen masked targets aren't just checkboxes; they're opportunities to refine your approach to Anubis' challenges.
What truly makes these strategies work is understanding that you're not just playing a game - you're unraveling a mystery where every decision matters. The frustration I felt early on when curses seemed overwhelming transformed into satisfaction as these methods helped me turn the tables. The shadows that once felt impenetrable became manageable puzzles waiting to be solved. This transformation from hunted to hunter represents the core satisfaction of overcoming what initially appears as Anubis' insurmountable wrath. The ancient curses that seemed game-breaking become manageable challenges through systematic approach and learned wisdom - exactly what makes this 35-hour act the heart of the entire experience.
