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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

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

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 divides critics; some praise its adventurous spirit and intriguing quests, while most slam it as archaic, grindy, and forgettable, with poorly defined characters and dull dialogue. Despite a few redeeming qualities, the narrative fails to engage, leaving it in the shadow of more memorable fantasy RPGs.

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 has garnered a mix of opinions, with some critics highlighting its intriguing elements. For instance, MondoXbox appreciates the narrative's adventurous journey filled with mysteries, while GameMAG notes the compelling plot surrounding a mysterious incident at the Mage Factory that leads to a series of engaging quests. Additionally, AusGamers points out that the main storyline offers a blend of intrigue and occult mystery, which, along with the side quests, contains surprising flashes of humor. Critics like Hey Poor Player also mention that the delivery of the story through dialogue and voice acting is impressive, adding depth to the characters and enhancing replay value. However, the overall sentiment regarding the story of King's Bounty II leans heavily towards the negative. Many critics, such as Cultured Vultures and PC Gamer, describe the narrative as archaic, grindy, and unengaging, with poorly defined characters and a lack of interesting dialogue choices. New Game Network echoes this sentiment, labeling the story as boring and forgettable, while Finger Guns criticizes it for being dull and featuring abysmal voice acting. The consensus among critics like Jeuxvideo.com and GameWatcher is that the story falls into generic territory, with minimal impact from player choices and a lack of memorable characters, making it hard for players to become invested in the narrative. In summary, while some critics find redeeming qualities in the story of King's Bounty II, such as its adventurous elements and potential for intrigue, the overwhelming majority express disappointment in its execution. The narrative is often described as uninspired and filled with clichés, failing to deliver a compelling or engaging experience. Critics like IGN and PCGamesN highlight the lack of nuance and depth in the storytelling, leading to an overall consensus that, despite some interesting ideas, the story ultimately does not rise to the level of memorable or impactful narratives found in other fantasy RPGs.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II offers engaging turn-based combat with strategic depth that many critics praise, but it suffers from frustrating exploration, slow movement, and an unintuitive UI. While some enjoy the tactical battles and decision-making, others find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in RPG elements. The game showcases a mix of strong mechanics and significant design flaws, resulting in a polarized reception among players.

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 has garnered a range of opinions, with several critics highlighting its strengths, particularly in the realm of combat mechanics. Many reviewers appreciate the turn-based tactical battles, describing them as engaging and challenging. For instance, Gamer.no and Pure Playstation commend the depth and strategic nature of the combat, noting that managing various units and understanding their abilities is crucial for success. Critics like Player 2 and God is a Geek emphasize the enjoyment derived from the hexagonal grid battles, which offer a variety of tactical options and require players to think critically about their strategies. Additionally, some critics, such as COGconnected and PCGamesN, acknowledge the satisfying balance between fun and challenge in the combat system, while others like GameCritics and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the diverse unit types and spellcasting abilities that enhance the gameplay experience. However, the gameplay of King's Bounty II is not without its significant drawbacks. Several critics express dissatisfaction with the exploration aspects of the game, citing slow movement speeds and a lack of engaging content outside of combat. For example, Universo Nintendo and Cubed3 criticize the game for focusing too heavily on exploration while failing to deliver a compelling experience, with the latter reviewer stating it does not live up to the RPG genre. Additionally, the user interface has been a common point of contention, with multiple reviewers, including New Game Network and WellPlayed, describing it as unintuitive and lacking essential information. The repetitiveness of combat and recycled maps also detracts from the overall experience, as noted by Everyeye.it and Gamer.no, leading to a sense of monotony that can frustrate players. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the tactical depth of the combat and those who find the exploration and overall gameplay lacking. While some reviewers like Gaming Nexus and MGG praise the strategic elements and the importance of decision-making in battles, others express concerns about the game's pacing and the execution of its RPG mechanics. Critics such as IGN and AusGamers highlight the need for a more balanced approach, suggesting that while the combat is a strong point, the exploration and RPG elements need significant improvement to create a more cohesive and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, King's Bounty II presents a blend of promising tactical gameplay and frustrating design choices, leaving players with a varied experience that may resonate differently depending on their preferences.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II boasts enchanting world design and immersive landscapes praised by critics, but is ultimately marred by outdated graphics, low resolution, and technical flaws. While it has commendable elements, the game's visuals fall short of modern standards, leaving a disappointing impression overall.

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.

In analyzing the graphics and visual design of King's Bounty II, it is evident that several critics have acknowledged some positive aspects of the game. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer Italy and AusGamers, praised the game's world design, highlighting its attention to detail, enchanting landscapes, and varied environments. Riot Pixels noted the mesmerizing views and well-crafted locations, suggesting that while the graphics may not be perfect, they still evoke a sense of fantasy and immersion. Additionally, PC Gamer remarked on the lovingly designed environments, indicating that the artistic vision behind the game has merit, despite its shortcomings. Critics like IGN Italia mentioned noticeable visual improvements compared to previous installments, which suggests that there is a foundation for a visually appealing experience. However, the consensus among critics points to significant shortcomings in the graphics and visual design of King's Bounty II. Many reviewers expressed disappointment with the overall quality, describing the graphics as outdated and reminiscent of earlier console generations, particularly the PlayStation 3 era, as noted by PlayStation Country and PlayStation Universe. Critics such as Vgames and NintendoWorldReport highlighted specific issues like low resolution, poor textures, and performance problems, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. The lack of detail in character models and animations was a common criticism, with GameSpew and BaziCenter pointing out that the character designs were particularly lackluster and uninspired. Furthermore, technical issues such as texture pop-in, rendering problems, and frame rate drops were frequently mentioned, adding to the overall negative sentiment surrounding the game's visuals. Overall, the critics' consensus indicates that while King's Bounty II has some visually appealing elements and a well-designed world, it ultimately falls short of modern standards for graphics and visual fidelity. The majority of reviews reflect a sense of disappointment regarding the game's technical execution, particularly on various platforms like the Nintendo Switch and older consoles. Critics such as PC Games and GameMAG emphasized that despite the game's potential, the graphical quality and visual design do not meet the expectations set by contemporary titles. As a result, while there are commendable aspects to the game's aesthetics, they are overshadowed by the numerous technical flaws and outdated visuals that detract from the overall experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II's music by Raney Shockne earns praise for its atmospheric and fitting compositions, enhancing the fantasy setting. However, the voice acting is widely criticized as stilted and inconsistent, dragging down the overall audio experience. Critics agree that while the music shines, the lackluster voice performances create a significant flaw in the game's sound design.

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 have received a mixed reception from critics, with some aspects being positively highlighted. Critics like Eurogamer Italy praised the music compositions by Raney Shockne, noting them as a strong point of the game, while God is a Geek appreciated the unobtrusive music that fits the serene ambiance of the fantasy setting. Additionally, some reviewers on the Nintendo Switch, such as Switch Player, found the sound design well-executed, contributing to an immersive experience with voiced cut-scenes and NPC interactions. Overall, there are mentions of the music being appropriate for the fantasy genre, with some critics acknowledging its ability to create a suitable atmosphere. Conversely, the voice acting has been a significant point of contention across multiple reviews. Finger Guns and PlayStation Country criticized the voice acting for being lackluster and stilted, while XboxAddict went as far as to label it one of the worst aspects of the game, rating it a mere 5.0 out of 10. Many critics, including COGconnected and PC Gamer, echoed sentiments of poor voice performance, describing it as wooden, cheesy, and inconsistent. This sentiment was also reflected in the PC reviews, where critics like Cultured Vultures and SpazioGames noted that the sound design and voice acting were lackluster, with repetitive dialogues detracting from immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the music in King's Bounty II has its merits, particularly in creating an atmospheric backdrop, the voice acting and overall sound design leave much to be desired. The criticisms surrounding the voice performances, as highlighted by multiple reviewers, suggest a significant flaw in the game's audio experience. Critics like IGN and PCGamesN noted that the inconsistencies in voice acting detract from the overall experience, leading to a general impression that the sound design does not live up to the potential set by its musical compositions. This dichotomy of praise for the music against criticism for the voice acting paints a complex picture of King's Bounty II's audio landscape.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II's voice acting is a mixed bag, praised for some well-written moments and unique character dialogue, but largely criticized as stilted, wooden, and amateurish. While a few performances shine, the overwhelming consensus is that the voice work severely detracts from the game's overall experience, with many critics calling it a major flaw. Future updates must address these shortcomings to meet the narrative's potential.

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.

In analyzing the voice acting of King's Bounty II, there are a few positive notes worth mentioning. Some critics, such as God is a Geek, found the voices to be well written and acted for the most part, suggesting that there are moments where the voice performances shine. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com highlighted that the dialogues are fully voiced in English, which is a significant feature for players who prefer English voiceovers. Furthermore, Vgames praised the voice acting as commendable, noting that each character has unique dialogue, which adds a layer of individuality to the characters. This indicates that while the overall quality may be inconsistent, there are instances where the voice acting contributes positively to the game's narrative experience. However, the overwhelming sentiment from critics regarding the voice acting in King's Bounty II is decidedly negative. Many reviewers, including Finger Guns and GameMAG, described the voice acting as lackluster and criticized the performances for being stilted, wooden, and lacking naturalness. XboxAddict went so far as to label the voice acting as one of the worst offenders in the game, giving it a low rating of 5.0 out of 10. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected echoed similar sentiments, describing the voice acting as flat and lacking spark, while others noted that it felt amateurish or cheesy. This pervasive criticism suggests a significant disconnect between the voice acting and the overall quality expected from a modern game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in King's Bounty II is a major flaw, detracting from the game's immersive experience. While there are a few positive remarks about individual performances, the majority of reviewers agree that the quality is inconsistent, with many performances being described as laughable, wooden, or subpar. Critics like New Game Network and PC Gamer pointed out that the voice acting is often worse than the writing itself, indicating a fundamental issue with the game's audio production. The mixed reviews highlight a critical area for improvement, suggesting that future installments or updates should focus on enhancing the voice acting to align with the game's narrative ambitions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II struggles across platforms, with PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions facing severe technical issues—poor graphics, frame rate drops, and bugs dominate reviews. Xbox One offers the smoothest experience at 60 fps but still feels outdated. PC can perform well on mid-tier rigs, yet suffers from janky controls and instability. Overall, the game falls short of modern standards, disappointing many players.

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.

In analyzing the technical performance of King's Bounty II across various platforms, there are some noteworthy positives that emerge, particularly for the Xbox One. Critics from Eurogamer Italy and God is a Geek noted that the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, suggesting a stable experience overall. This is a significant highlight for the Xbox One, especially when compared to the other platforms. On the PC side, some reviewers, such as WellPlayed, reported smooth performance on mid-tier rigs, indicating that the game can perform well under certain conditions. While the Nintendo Switch version faced challenges, Digitally Downloaded acknowledged that the game is playable, albeit with caveats. However, the negatives for each platform are quite pronounced. The PS4 version received significant criticism from multiple reviewers, including Finger Guns and PlayStation Country, who highlighted issues such as subpar graphics, frequent frame rate resets, and graphical distortions. The Xbox One version, while generally stable, was still described by Jeuxvideo.com as technically outdated with late-loading elements and ugly textures. The PC version also faced a barrage of critiques, with IGN and GameOver.gr pointing out janky controls, unstable refresh rates, and various bugs that detracted from the experience. The Nintendo Switch version was perhaps the most negatively impacted, with critics like NintendoWorldReport and Universo Nintendo emphasizing poor resolution, frame rate drops, and graphical inconsistencies. Overall, the consensus among critics is that King's Bounty II suffers from a range of technical issues across all platforms, with the PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions particularly struggling. The Xbox One version stands out as the best-performing console version, but still lacks the polish expected from a modern title. On PC, while some users may have a smoother experience, the game still faces significant performance hurdles, including frame drops and bugs. The game is generally viewed as technically behind its contemporaries, leading to a disappointing experience for many players, as echoed by multiple critics who noted the game's failure to meet expectations in terms of performance and polish.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II has a split opinion on replay value; some critics praise its diverse character choices and engaging quests, while others slam it for repetitive missions and a tedious grind. The game offers potential for varied experiences, but flaws in mission design may deter players from multiple playthroughs, resulting in a complex outlook on its overall appeal.

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 opinions regarding the replay value of King's Bounty II reveal a mix of positive sentiments, particularly around the game's potential for diverse experiences. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Pure Nintendo highlight the significant player choice and the ability to play as multiple characters, which fosters varying storylines and gameplay styles. Generación Xbox and MGG also emphasize the impact of player decisions on the narrative, suggesting that the game offers a lengthy campaign filled with engaging side quests that can enhance replayability. The exploration aspect is noted positively by Video Chums and Starbit, who appreciate the abundance of side quests and areas to discover, contributing to the game's overall depth and longevity. Conversely, several critics express concerns about the game's replay value, pointing out significant drawbacks that may deter players from returning. Finger Guns and Push Square criticize the side content as mundane and time-consuming, with Push Square specifically mentioning the grind associated with dull missions. BaziCenter and Cultured Vultures echo these sentiments, citing repetitive missions and poorly defined characters that diminish the incentive to replay the game. Additionally, Gamer.no and WellPlayed point out the limited role-playing options and static encounters, which further reduce the game's appeal for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the presence of tedious quests and a lack of meaningful interaction in the game world are recurring criticisms that overshadow its potential replayability. The overall consensus among critics suggests a divided perspective on the replay value of King's Bounty II. While some reviewers celebrate the game's depth, character choices, and the potential for varied experiences, others highlight significant flaws that could discourage players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Critics like GamingTrend and MGG Spain recognize the appeal for both newcomers and franchise veterans, yet the criticisms from Finger Guns and Push Square about the grind and dull side missions cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the game presents a mix of engaging content and frustrating design choices, leading to a complex and somewhat contradictory outlook on its replay value.

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.

In analyzing the overall sentiment regarding King's Bounty II, several positive aspects emerge from the reviews. Critics such as God is a Geek and Generación Xbox highlight the game's engaging tactical combat and the depth it offers to players, emphasizing its potential to captivate fans of the genre. The combat system is frequently praised for its strategic depth, with many reviewers noting that it provides a satisfying experience, particularly for those who appreciate turn-based mechanics. Additionally, some critics, like Eurogamer Italy and PC Gamer, acknowledge the intriguing narrative and the diverse unit mechanics that contribute to the game's appeal. Overall, there is a consensus that, despite its shortcomings, King's Bounty II possesses a solid foundation for gameplay that could resonate with players seeking a tactical RPG experience. However, the game is marred by a plethora of negative elements that detract from its overall enjoyment. Many reviewers, including GameWatcher and New Game Network, describe the gameplay as tedious and burdened by poor design choices, leading to a frustrating experience. Critics like Universo Nintendo and PC Invasion point out issues with pacing, clunky controls, and a lack of polish that hinder the immersion and enjoyment of the game. The UI is often described as cumbersome, and the storytelling is criticized for being lackluster, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in the overall execution of the game's potential. The repetitive missions and lack of meaningful interaction, as noted by BaziCenter, further contribute to a sense of mediocrity that permeates the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward disappointment, with many agreeing that King's Bounty II fails to live up to its ambitions. While some reviewers like Hey Poor Player and Gaming Nexus find redeeming qualities in the game's tactical combat and RPG elements, the majority highlight significant flaws that overshadow these positives. Critics such as PC Gamer and PlayStation Country describe the game as a missed opportunity, emphasizing that it does not fully deliver on the promise of a compelling RPG experience. In conclusion, while King's Bounty II has its merits, the overwhelming sentiment is that it falls short of expectations, leaving many players unsatisfied with its execution.

TL;DR

King's Bounty II boasts an engaging tactical combat system and intriguing narrative, appealing to genre fans. However, it's plagued by tedious gameplay, poor design, clunky controls, and lackluster storytelling. While some reviewers find redeeming qualities, the consensus leans toward disappointment, marking it as a missed opportunity that fails to deliver a compelling RPG experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

Gamers Heroes

Aug 23, 2021