Valis II

As with its predecessor, Valis II is an action-platform game starring Yuko Asou, a Japanese schoolgirl teenager chosen to become the Valis warrior by wielding the titular mystical sword. It takes place after the defeat of demon lord Rogles at the hand of Yuko. Time passes, however, the dream world Vecanti fell under the rule of emperor Megas, whose hatred towards his brother Rogles seeks to wipe out any trace of the former tyrant, to the point of murdering any supporters Rogles might have had. Furthermore, his bloodthirsty tendencies recognize Yuko and the Valis sword as viable threats to his claim of the throne, and he orders his minions to eliminate her first before she has the chance to thwart him. Despite details of the gameplay varying between each platform, all versions do share several similar features with Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse as well.

The player controls Yuko through two-dimensional levels, battling enemies, jumping from ledge to ledge, and running until the player faces a boss at the end of each level. At certain points in the game, gameplay pauses, and cinematic cutscenes play regarding the game's storyline. The home computer versions feature two shoot 'em up-like stages where Yuko flies over a constantly scrolling background. This version also introduces a separate menu inventory where the player can choose power-ups found during levels, as well as costumes that alters Yuko's overall offensive and defensive attributes.

Valis II on the PC Engine CD-ROM²/TurboGrafx-CD was the first title developed by Laser Soft, an internal gaming division of Telenet formed specifically to explore games for the CD-ROM format. It was directed by Masami Hanari, who acted as programmer, and produced by Fumiyuki Moriyama. Hiroshi Akahori, who co-wrote the game's scenario alongside Bunzō Matsui, and Yukito Ohayashi served as co-designers. Animator Osamu Nabeshima served as art director with Tomokazu Tokoro, best known for directing the anime series Haibane Renmei and Hellsing Ultimate, providing support as character designer.

The soundtrack was co-composed by Kenichi Kamio and Shinobu Ogawa. Laser Soft also cooperated with Renovation Game (Reno), which handled the home computer version. Tadashi Tadami, Hiroyuki Kai, Hiroshi Yoshida, as well as Masayasu Yamamoto collaborated as main programmers of the PC-8801, MSX2, PC-9801, and X68000 versions respectively. Ogawa and Tenpei Sato co-arranged the mayority of music for the home computer version, with Sato focusing on tracks featured during animated cutscenes, while Masahiro Kajihara and an uncredited member under the pseudonym "Jizou Kurabo" each scored two pieces.

Valis II on the PC Engine CD-ROM²/TurboGrafx-CD garnered generally favorable reception from critics since its initial launch, some of which reviewed it as an import title. The Games Machine's Warren Lapworth lauded the anime-style cutscenes for showing off the PC Engine CD-ROM's capabilities, while finding the game's action to be simple but enjoyable. However, Lapworth felt that the in-game graphics were uninteresting due to the drab and repetitive backgrounds, and expressed similar thoughts regarding the sprites. Joystick's Jean-Marc Demoly commended the increasing difficulty of each level that contributed to its playability, as well as the game's visuals for the original and well-drawn enemy sprites, controls and sound, but noted that Yoko's animation lacked flexibility.

Génération 4's Philippe Querleux gave positive remarks to the soundtrack and save system, finding it to be a very addictive title, but noted its increasing difficulty starting from the third level. An editor for TurboPlay was impressed by the game's visuals and music but disappointed by its perceived low difficulty.