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MONSTER

King's Bounty II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of King's Bounty II
Item: King's Bounty II
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableAug 24, 2021

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Developer1C Entertainment

Overview

The King's Bounty turn-based tactics series returns with King’s Bounty 2! In addition to the tactical depth fans expect from its combat, immerse yourself in the fantasy world of Antara with a whole new, non-linear narrative and deep RPG mechanics that give weight to your every decision.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

King’s Bounty II’s story splits critics: some praise its moral complexity, player agency, and layered conspiracies, but most dismiss it as clichéd, poorly executed, and hollow—with stilted voice acting, shallow choices, and a jumbled plot that undercuts its ambition. A missed opportunity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of King’s Bounty II receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its potential and unique elements. Reviewers like GameCritics and Impulsegamer commend the narrative for its moral ambiguity, layered conspiracies, and engaging political intrigue, noting that the plot revolves around unraveling mysteries and saving a kingdom from existential threats. GAMES.CH emphasizes the non-linear storytelling and player agency, where choices significantly impact outcomes, while Eurogamer Italy appreciates the "interesting and non-trivial reflections" and high-quality narrative delivery. Some critics, such as MGG and GameGrin, acknowledge the game’s classic hero’s journey structure, with political conspiracies and a chosen protagonist leading resistance efforts. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded praises the pulp fantasy elements and character-driven quests that evoke a Witcher-like vignette, adding replayability through distinct character personalities. However, the majority of critics panned the story for its lackluster execution and repetitive tropes. PC Gamer and GameWatcher criticize the narrative as "bog-standard" and "awkwardly executed," with underdeveloped characters and shallow dialogue choices. Cultured Vultures and Jeuxvideo.com (multiple mentions) describe the story as archaic, unengaging, and filled with clichés, while New Game Network and Finger Guns lambast the "boring," "stilted," and "abysmal" voice acting. The morality system is deemed "shallow" by Cultured Vultures, and IGN Italia compares it unfavorably to The Witcher III, noting that player choices lack meaningful impact. Riot Pixels and Everyeye.it criticize the jumbled plot, with elements like disasters and traitors feeling disjointed, while GameOver.gr and Checkpoint Gaming highlight linear storytelling and generic side quests that fail to captivate. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward disappointment, with most critics agreeing that King’s Bounty II’s story falls short of its ambitions. While a handful of reviewers, such as GAMES.CH and Impulsegamer, appreciate its moral complexity and player agency, the overwhelming sentiment is that the narrative feels derivative, poorly executed, and lacking in originality. The game’s attempts at creating an immersive fantasy world are undermined by weak character development, clichéd plots, and technical flaws like subpar voice acting. Despite some praise for its ambition and occasional engaging moments, the story fails to resonate with many, leaving it as a missed opportunity compared to other RPGs in the genre. As PC Gamer and Jeuxvideo.com succinctly put it, the tale is "uninteresting," "forgettable," and "not very interesting"—a stark contrast to the game’s strategic and mechanical strengths.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praised for deep tactical combat and RPG innovation but hampered by clunky exploration, unbalanced mechanics, and a baffling UI—King’s Bounty II is a flawed gem where strategic brilliance clashes with frustrating design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of King’s Bounty II receives praise for its strategic turn-based combat and RPG elements, with many critics highlighting its depth and variety. The tactical battles on hexagonal grids are frequently lauded for their complexity and engagement, with reviewers like IGN noting the enjoyable challenge of strategic thinking and GameGrin appreciating the simplicity of grasp combined with enough quirks to remain engaging. The game’s emphasis on unit management, spell combinations, and character customization is also a standout feature, as noted by SpazioGames and Generación Xbox, who praise the flexibility in troop selection and the impact of player choices on gameplay. Additionally, the hybridization of RPG exploration with tactical combat—such as the ability to recruit diverse units and navigate a fantasy world—adds layers of depth, as highlighted by Gaming Nexus and Pure Nintendo. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the game’s design, particularly in its exploration mechanics and user interface. The slow-paced movement, repetitive side quests, and limited exploration areas are frequently criticized, with Cubed3 and Universo Nintendo noting that the focus on a “walking simulator” detracts from the game’s core appeal. Issues like clunky controls, unbalanced combat, and confusing mechanics also surface repeatedly: Softpedia criticizes streamlined features and poor controls, while Screen Rant and Gamer.no describe battles as frustratingly unbalanced or lacking immersion. The UI is another major pain point, with WellPlayed, New Game Network, and PC Gamer pointing out its unintuitive design and lack of clarity, which hinders the overall experience despite the combat’s strengths. The overall consensus among critics is that King’s Bounty II is a game with strong tactical combat but significant flaws in execution. While the turn-based battles and RPG elements are praised for their depth and creativity—Jeuxvideo.com, Push Square, and Digitally Downloaded all highlight the engaging strategic aspects—the game struggles with pacing, accessibility, and polish. The divide between its core mechanics and other systems is evident: GameSpew and Xbox Tavern note that while battles can be thrilling, they are often interrupted by frustrating exploration or lack of guidance. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledge the game’s potential, with GameMAG and COGconnected praising its strategic foundations and hero customization. Ultimately, King’s Bounty II is seen as a mixed experience, where its tactical combat shines but fails to fully reconcile with its broader design choices.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

King’s Bounty II’s visuals blend ambitious world-building and artistic charm with glaring technical flaws, leaving a mixed legacy of nostalgic beauty overshadowed by outdated graphics, performance issues, and poor optimization.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of King’s Bounty II received mixed but occasionally positive feedback, particularly regarding its world-building and artistic direction. Several reviewers praised the game’s attention to detail in environmental design, with PC Gamer highlighting “lovingly designed environments” and “naturalistic touches,” while Eurogamer Italy commended the “loyal and colorful visual design” of Nostria, including enchanting castles, ruins, and landscapes. Games.cz noted a “fairytale-like impression” in the environment, and Screen Rant appreciated the game’s aesthetic and immersive world-building. Additionally, some critics, like IGN Italia, acknowledged “noticeable visual improvements” over previous installments, while others, such as MGG Spain, praised specific zones like Marcella Castle. The shift to a third-person perspective was also seen as visually appealing by some, with Impulsegamer noting that the visuals are “prettier” compared to earlier entries in the series. However, the majority of critics highlighted significant technical and aesthetic shortcomings. Many described the graphics as outdated or subpar, with GameSpew calling the visuals “lackluster” and “awful character models,” while Everyeye.it criticized recycled maps and uncreative battles. Finger Guns and Vgames pointed to performance issues like clipping, pop-in, and frame rate drops, and PlayStation Country noted graphical distortions akin to a PS3-era title. PC Games and Softpedia lamented the game’s failure to meet modern standards, with “low resolution,” “washed-out textures,” and “clunky UI” being recurring complaints. Others, like PLAY! Zine and PC Invasion, criticized static NPCs, rigid animations, and repetitive landscapes, while Switch Player and Universo Nintendo highlighted poor optimization on the Nintendo Switch, including jaggy textures and frame rate instability. These issues collectively painted a picture of a game struggling with technical polish and visual modernity. Despite these criticisms, there was a general consensus that King’s Bounty II’s visual design had moments of charm and ambition but fell short of expectations. While some reviewers, like PC Gamer and Eurogamer Italy, found the world-building and artistic direction commendable, the overwhelming sentiment was that the game’s graphics felt dated and technically flawed. Critics like XboxAddict gave a neutral 7.0/10 rating, reflecting the mixed reception, while others, such as GameStar and Cultured Vultures, acknowledged the beauty of certain elements but noted persistent issues like “lifeless” NPCs or “floating rocks.” Ultimately, King’s Bounty II showcased creative world design but was hindered by technical limitations and a lack of modern visual polish, leaving many reviewers disappointed despite its nostalgic or artistic merits.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

King’s Bounty II’s soundtrack and sound design dazzle with atmospheric fantasy flair, but clunky, often absurd voice acting ruins the immersion—critics split between praising its musical depth and condemning its vocal execrability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

45%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of King’s Bounty II received mixed but notable praise from several critics, particularly highlighting its atmospheric and thematic strengths. Eurogamer Italy praised the compositions by Raney Shockne, noting their quality as a standout element, while God is a Geek appreciated how the music complemented the game’s serene fantasy ambiance. MondoXbox acknowledged that the soundtrack “fits well with the fantasy setting,” and Cultured Vultures highlighted the “good quality” of unit and spell sound effects. Additionally, GRYOnline.pl and PLAY! Zine both commended the music for creating an immersive atmosphere, with Gamepressure outright calling the soundtrack “fantastic.” These positive remarks suggest that the game’s audio design effectively supports its world-building, particularly in crafting a cohesive fantasy tone. However, the voice acting and broader sound design faced widespread criticism. PlayStation Country and PlayStation Universe criticized the dialogue as stilted or overly dramatic, while Softpedia described it as “mediocre at best.” TheXboxHub and XboxAddict were especially harsh, calling the voice acting “laughable” and one of the game’s worst offenders, with the latter giving it a 5.0/10 rating. BaziCenter, Checkpoint Gaming, and COGconnected echoed similar sentiments, citing flat or poorly executed performances. IGN noted inconsistent voice acting, with some “distractingly bad” performances, while PC Gamer criticized the writing and opted for the Russian language option to mitigate the issue. Even on Nintendo Switch, critics like Pure Nintendo and Universo Nintendo pointed to awkward dialogue delivery and robotic voicework, underscoring a recurring flaw in how characters were portrayed sonically. The overall consensus reveals a split: while the music and sound design occasionally shine, particularly in creating atmosphere, the voice acting remains a significant weakness across platforms. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Gamepressure celebrated the musical elements as strong, but many others—such as TheXboxHub, XboxAddict, and PC Gamer—found the vocal performances to be a major detractor from immersion. Notably, Switch-specific reviews offered more balanced feedback, with Switch Player praising the sound design as “well done” and Universo Nintendo acknowledging some improvements despite robotic dialogue. This suggests that while King’s Bounty II has moments of audio excellence, its voice acting and sound design inconsistencies undermine its overall impact, leaving a polarizing impression among reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics split on King’s Bounty II’s voice acting: a few praise moments of charm and multilingual options, but most condemn it as wooden, stilted, and poorly executed, with inconsistent accents and cheesy dialogue dragging down the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

51%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in King’s Bounty II receives mixed but occasionally positive feedback from a handful of critics. God is a Geek acknowledges that “the voices are well written and acted for the most part,” highlighting moments where the dialogue feels cohesive and engaging. Hey Poor Player notes that “the quality voice acting helps to enhance the overall experience,” suggesting that certain performances elevate the game’s narrative. Cultured Vultures also points out that while there are “odd moments of dialogue incongruity,” the voice acting is “immersive” in parts, and GameSpew describes it as “amusingly poor,” implying some levity despite its flaws. Additionally, several critics praise the inclusion of multiple language options, such as Generación Xbox’s appreciation for English voice acting with Spanish translations, and MondoXbox’s mention of Russian and English voice tracks, even if neither reaches exceptional quality. These positives, though limited in scope, indicate that some reviewers found elements of the voice work to be functional or even enjoyable. The overwhelming majority of critics, however, criticize the voice acting as subpar, stilted, or outright poor. Finger Guns calls it “lackluster,” while PlayStation Country describes it as “stilted and lacks naturalness.” PlayStation Universe and COGconnected both label it “wooden” and “without emotion,” emphasizing a lack of authenticity in character delivery. XboxAddict gives it a dismal 5.0/10, calling it “one of the worst offenders,” and PC Gamer criticizes it as “worse than the writing,” even opting for the Russian voiceover to improve their experience. Other reviewers like TheXboxHub find it “laughable” and “lacking immersion,” while GameOver.gr and PC Invasion note that the dialogue feels “cheesy” or “unresolved.” Issues such as inconsistent accents, mismatched subtitles, and over-the-top delivery (as highlighted by New Game Network) further undermine the voice acting’s effectiveness. These critiques paint a picture of a voice work that frequently fails to meet expectations, often detracting from the game’s overall quality. Despite the polarized reception, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward disappointment with King’s Bounty II’s voice acting. While a few reviewers, like God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player, acknowledge pockets of competence or charm, the majority condemn it as unconvincing, poorly executed, or even comically bad. The recurring themes of “wooden” performances, “stilted” delivery, and “inconsistent” accents (as noted by PlayStation Universe, COGconnected, and GameWatcher) suggest a lack of polish that mars the experience. However, the presence of multiple language options—particularly Russian voiceovers praised by PC Gamer and WellPlayed—indicates that some players might find relief in alternative audio tracks. Ultimately, while there are minor positives, the overwhelming sentiment is that the voice acting falls short, contributing to a broader perception of the game as underwhelming or poorly executed.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

King’s Bounty II is a janky, technically flawed mess: PS4 and Switch versions crater under subpar graphics, frame drops, and glitches, while Xbox One and PC offer uneven stability but still feel unpolished. Despite minor positives, its broken optimization overshadows gameplay, leaving a frustrating, half-baked experience across the board.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of King’s Bounty II varies across platforms, with some positive notes despite widespread issues. On the Xbox One, Eurogamer Italy and God is a Geek praised its stability at 60fps, while Generación Xbox acknowledged it as a must-play for fans despite minor bugs. For PC, Cultured Vultures noted mostly smooth performance with occasional frame stuttering, and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted that the game runs on most systems even at lower resolutions. The Nintendo Switch version, though criticized overall, was deemed playable by Digitally Downloaded and SpazioGames, with some reviewers noting its compatibility on mid-tier hardware. These positives suggest that while the game is not optimized, it remains functional on certain platforms. However, technical shortcomings dominate across all systems. On PS4, critics like Finger Guns and PlayStation Country highlighted subpar graphics, clipping issues, frame rate resets, and sluggish performance, with GameMAG criticizing slow character movement despite later patches. The Xbox One faced similar critiques, as Jeuxvideo.com described it as "technically outdated," while MondoXbox noted a lack of next-gen optimizations. On PC, the technical issues were more pronounced: IGN called the game "janky and unpolished," Everyeye.it cited combat mechanics flaws, and GameGrin mentioned frame drops in dense areas. The Nintendo Switch version fared worst, with NintendoWorldReport and Universo Nintendo condemning its poor resolution, frame rate struggles, and graphical glitches like objects disappearing and reappearing. These issues collectively paint a picture of inconsistent optimization. Overall, the consensus among critics is that King’s Bounty II suffers from significant technical flaws across all platforms, though some systems handle it better than others. While the Xbox One and PC versions received more balanced feedback—acknowledging stability or potential for improvement—the PS4 and Switch versions were repeatedly criticized for their poor performance, lack of polish, and unresolved bugs. Despite these issues, many reviewers noted that the game remains playable, with Cultured Vultures and WellPlayed highlighting its smoothness on mid-tier PCs, and NintendoWorldReport acknowledging its compatibility despite flaws. However, the technical shortcomings overshadowed the gameplay experience, leaving a mixed but largely negative impression overall.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

King’s Bounty II offers rich replayability through branching narratives, multiple protagonists, and strategic depth, but repetitive side quests, unbalanced mechanics, and grindy systems undermine its potential, creating a polarizing experience between fans of complexity and critics of its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews of King’s Bounty II present a mixed but largely optimistic view of its replay value, with several critics highlighting its depth and variety. Multiple outlets praise the game’s branching narratives and character-driven choices, such as GamingTrend’s note on three distinct characters with unique stories and Generación Xbox’s emphasis on decision-making impacting the story. Pure Nintendo and Switch Player commend the ability to play as different protagonists and explore side quests, while Video Chums and Video Chums celebrate the abundance of content. TheXboxHub and MGG Spain also highlight the game’s potential for long-term engagement, citing its deep combat systems, strategic progression, and the necessity of multiple playthroughs for full completion. Additionally, SpazioGames and Multiplayer.it note that army composition and alignment choices encourage replayability, offering fresh experiences through varied tactics and moral dilemmas. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s execution, which undermines its replay value. Finger Guns and Push Square criticize the repetitive and tedious side missions, with the latter describing the game as “unforgiving” in forcing players to endure hours of dull content. BaziCenter and Cultured Vultures point to a lack of meaningful interaction and overused tropes, while Everyeye.it and GameCritics highlight flaws in progression systems, such as unbalanced gold mechanics and poor integration of moral choices. IGN and WellPlayed note that limited battles and static encounters reduce the appeal of revisiting the game, and Gamer.no and ZTGD mention that restricted role-playing options and “moral farming” detract from engagement. TheXboxHub’s observation that the game requires three playthroughs also underscores its grindy nature, which may deter some players despite its content. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: while King’s Bounty II offers substantial replay value through its multiple characters, branching narratives, and strategic depth, its execution is marred by repetitive side quests, unpolished systems, and a lack of meaningful player agency in certain areas. Critics like Pure Playstation and GamingTrend acknowledge the game’s potential for hours of gameplay but note that challenges like grindy mechanics and disjointed storytelling may limit its appeal to all audiences. The divide between those who appreciate its complexity (e.g., MGG, Multiplayer.it) and those frustrated by its flaws (e.g., Finger Guns, IGN) reflects a game with strong foundations but uneven implementation, leaving replayability as a double-edged sword.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict on King’s Bounty II highlights several positive aspects that many critics acknowledge despite its flaws. A significant number of reviewers praise the game’s turn-based tactical combat system, which is often described as engaging, challenging, and a standout feature. For instance, New Game Network and Jeuxvideo.com commend the strategic depth of battles, while GameMAG notes the game’s ability to captivate players with its gameplay and world-building. The organic world design, diverse unit creation, and moral choice mechanics also receive praise, with SpazioGames highlighting the “good system of ideals and moral choices” and Generación Xbox appreciating the attention to detail in the medieval/fantasy setting. Additionally, some critics, like Ragequit.gr, acknowledge that minor issues do not significantly detract from the enjoyment, suggesting the game has potential for fans of tactical RPGs. However, the negatives are more frequently emphasized across reviews, with many criticizing the game’s execution and polish. Common complaints include slow movement mechanics, a cumbersome user interface, lack of tutorials, and repetitive missions. New Game Network describes the game as a “slog” with “irritating design choices,” while Everyeye.it and Cubed3 point to conflicting gameplay styles, inconsistent storytelling, and technical flaws like poor facial animations and character designs. The open-world exploration is often criticized for being tedious, with Universo Nintendo and Vgames noting the lack of meaningful interaction and slow-paced quests. Additionally, issues like unpolished controls, outdated mechanics, and a generic story are recurring themes, as highlighted by Games.cz and IGN, who argue that the game falls short of its ambitions despite its tactical combat strengths. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward disappointment, with many viewing King’s Bounty II as a flawed yet occasionally enjoyable experience. While some praise its tactical depth and world-building—such as God is a Geek’s assertion that it “shows great respect to the genres it merges”—others, like Cubed3 (4/10) and Everyeye.it, argue it fails to deliver a cohesive or compelling experience. The game’s potential is acknowledged by several reviewers, including MGG and TheXboxHub, who note its replayability and charm despite technical shortcomings. However, the majority of critiques emphasize that the game’s design choices, lack of polish, and repetitive elements overshadow its positives, making it a divisive title. Ultimately, while King’s Bounty II has moments of brilliance, most critics agree it falls short of expectations as a modern RPG-strategy hybrid.

TL;DR

King’s Bounty II delivers thrilling tactical combat and rich world-building but is bogged down by sluggish mechanics, clunky UI, repetitive quests, and jarring technical flaws, resulting in a divisive experience that prioritizes ambition over execution.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

Gamers Heroes

Aug 23, 2021