As with its predecessor, Valis II is an action-platform game starring Yuko Asou,[c] 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[d] at the hand of Yuko. Time passes, however, the dream world Vecanti fell under the rule of emperor Megas,[e] 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.[1] 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.[2]
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.[2] The home computer versions feature two shoot 'em up-like stages where Yuko flies over a constantly scrolling background.[2] 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.[2] The Mega Drive/Genesis remake is an amalgamation of both the PC Engine CD-ROM²/TurboGrafx-CD original and the home computer versions, featuring the ability to select power-ups and costumes.[3] Yuko can also shoot projectiles upward against enemies.[3] However, the game's physics are different, while characters interact via in-game text boxes.[3]