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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

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One

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 divides critics: some praise its mix of fantasy and political intrigue, while many slam it for being generic and uninspired. While a few find charm in its flaws and engaging character choices, the consensus is disappointment—awkward dialogue, poor voice acting, and a predictable plot leave the narrative feeling forgettable and lacking depth. Overall, it’s a missed opportunity for a compelling story.

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 opinions regarding the story of King's Bounty II present a mixed bag, with some critics finding redeeming qualities in the narrative. A few reviewers, such as God is a Geek and PlayStation Universe, highlight the engaging elements of the story, appreciating the blend of fantasy, political intrigue, and character choices that contribute to the overall experience. Hey Poor Player notes that while the story may not be groundbreaking, the delivery through dialogue and voice acting adds a layer of enjoyment, and the distinct personalities of the three protagonists enhance replay value. Additionally, Gaming Nexus mentions that the narrative can be entertaining in a "so bad it's good" way, suggesting that there are aspects of charm to be found within its flaws. Conversely, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution, labeling it as generic and uninspired. For instance, PC Gamer and Gamer.no describe the narrative as "bog-standard" and "generic," respectively, while Cultured Vultures criticizes the characters as poorly defined and the morality system as shallow. The consensus among many reviewers, including GameWatcher and Screen Rant, is that the story lacks depth and engagement, with numerous mentions of awkward dialogue, poor voice acting, and a linear plot that fails to captivate players. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and PCGamesN echo these sentiments, emphasizing the story's failure to leave a memorable impact. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward disappointment in the storytelling of King's Bounty II. While some reviewers recognize potential in the narrative's premise and character choices, the overwhelming feedback points to a lack of originality and depth, with many calling it a collection of familiar fantasy tropes. Critics such as Everyeye.it and GameSpace highlight the incoherence and predictability of the plot, leading to a narrative that many feel is unengaging and forgettable. In summary, while there are pockets of praise for certain aspects of the story, the majority of reviews reflect a sentiment that King's Bounty II struggles to deliver a compelling and memorable narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II shines with its tactical, hex-based combat, earning praise for strategic depth and engaging RPG elements. However, it suffers from significant gameplay flaws, including combat balance issues, slow exploration, and an unintuitive interface. While tactical RPG fans might enjoy its complexities, many critics find the game repetitive and lacking immersion, leading to a mixed overall reception.

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 mix of positive feedback, particularly regarding its combat system. Critics like GameCritics and Player 2 praised the tactical depth and enjoyment of the hex-based combat, highlighting the strategic planning required to succeed in battles. The game’s turn-based combat is noted for its complexity and the variety of unit types, as mentioned by Pure Playstation and God is a Geek, which adds layers of strategy and engagement. Additionally, several reviewers, including SpazioGames and MGG, emphasized the importance of player choices and the RPG elements that shape the gameplay experience, suggesting that the game offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate tactical gameplay. However, the game has also faced significant criticism, particularly regarding its overall gameplay mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Screen Rant and Gamer.no, pointed out frustrations with combat balance and the slow pace of exploration. Critics like Universo Nintendo and Cubed3 mentioned that the game often feels more like a walking simulator than a true RPG, leading to a disconnect between the exploration and combat elements. The user interface has also been labeled as unintuitive by several critics, including PC Gamer and WellPlayed, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the repetitiveness of combat and recycled maps were highlighted by Everyeye.it, contributing to a sense of monotony in gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the tactical combat and those who find the gameplay lacking in depth and engagement. While some reviewers, such as Finger Guns and Gaming Nexus, found the combat system to be a redeeming factor, others like GameOver.gr and AusGamers noted that the RPG mechanics and exploration aspects do not meet expectations. The game appears to appeal primarily to fans of tactical RPGs who can navigate its complexities, but it may fall short for players seeking a more balanced and immersive experience. The combination of strong combat mechanics and significant gameplay flaws suggests that King's Bounty II may not resonate equally with all audiences.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II features some beautiful environments praised for their creativity, but overall, critics are largely disappointed with its graphics. Many highlight low resolution, outdated visuals, and significant performance issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch, leading to a consensus that the game's graphics fail to meet modern standards. While there are moments of charm, the execution is marred by clunky UI and poor character design, leaving a negative impression on the game's visual appeal.

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 have garnered a mixed reception from critics, with some positive aspects highlighted. Several reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and PCGamesN, praised the game's world for its imaginative and vibrant environments, noting the beauty of the landscapes and the attention to detail in locations like Marcella Castle. Critics like Eurogamer Italy emphasized the enchanting visual design, showcasing the use of Unreal Engine to create colorful and captivating settings. Additionally, some reviews, including those from TheXboxHub and AusGamers, acknowledged the variety in environmental detail and the presence of eye-catching landmarks, contributing to a visually appealing fantasy world. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards criticism, as many reviewers pointed out significant flaws in the graphics and visual design. Critics like Vgames and Softpedia lamented the low resolution, outdated visuals, and performance issues, with Softpedia specifically calling out the clunky UI. Multiple reviewers, including GameSpew and Finger Guns, echoed these sentiments, highlighting poor textures, lackluster character models, and graphical distortions that detract from the experience. The Nintendo Switch version was particularly criticized for its optimization issues, with critics like Switch Player and Universo Nintendo noting frame rate drops and missing textures, which further exacerbated the visual problems. In conclusion, while there are moments of beauty and well-crafted environments in King's Bounty II, the consensus among critics is that the game ultimately falls short of modern graphical standards. Many reviews, such as those from IGN Italia and PlayStation Universe, describe the visuals as reminiscent of older generations, specifically pointing out that they feel dated and lack the polish expected from contemporary titles. The combination of performance issues, graphical inconsistencies, and a lack of engaging character design has led to a largely negative reception regarding the game's graphics, suggesting that while the world may be visually appealing in concept, its execution leaves much to be desired.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II boasts a well-received soundtrack that enhances its fantasy atmosphere, thanks to composer Raney Shockne. However, the voice acting is widely criticized as mediocre and emotionally flat, detracting from the storytelling. Critics highlight a stark contrast between the enjoyable music and the disappointing voice performances, resulting in a mixed overall reception.

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 garnered a mix of appreciation from critics, particularly regarding the musical compositions. Eurogamer Italy highlighted the contributions of composer Raney Shockne, noting that the music serves as a strong point of the game. Similarly, Gamepressure praised the soundtrack as fantastic, while God is a Geek found the music to fit the serene ambiance of the fantasy setting well. Critics on the Nintendo Switch, such as Pure Nintendo and Starbit, also acknowledged that the soundtrack accompanies the game effectively, suggesting that the music, while not groundbreaking, is generally well-executed and contributes positively to the overall atmosphere. Conversely, the voice acting has faced significant criticism across multiple platforms. Many reviewers, including XboxAddict and COGconnected, described the voice performances as mediocre or even laughable, with a lack of emotional depth that detracts from the storytelling experience. Critics like PC Gamer and PlayStation Country echoed these sentiments, labeling the voice acting as inconsistent and often distractingly bad. The overall sound design has also been criticized for being bland and lacking personality, with WellPlayed stating that it feels like "bland fantasy classical" that numbs players to repetitive loops. This negative sentiment is further supported by SpazioGames and PCGamesN, who found the sound design unimpressive and the dialogue delivery flat. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a clear division in the quality of the audio elements in King's Bounty II. While the music has received commendations for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, the voice acting is widely regarded as a significant flaw that undermines the narrative experience. Critics such as IGN and Finger Guns encapsulate this divide, noting that while the music can be enjoyable, the voice performances often fall flat, leading to a mixed reception overall. As a result, players may find themselves enjoying the musical backdrop while feeling disconnected from the characters due to the poor voice acting quality.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II voice acting has a few bright spots, like accessible Spanish translations and some well-written moments, but overall, critics slam it as lackluster, wooden, and amateurish. Many found it detracts from the game's quality, with some opting for the Russian voice option for a better 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.

In analyzing the voice acting of King's Bounty II, there are a few positive notes that some critics have highlighted. For instance, Generación Xbox appreciated the inclusion of fully translated Spanish texts and menus alongside the English voice acting, which enhances accessibility for non-English speakers. God is a Geek noted that the voices are well-written and acted for the most part, suggesting that there are moments where the voice acting shines. Additionally, Vgames praised the voice acting as commendable, highlighting that each character has their own unique dialogue, which can contribute positively to character differentiation. However, the overwhelming sentiment from critics regarding the voice acting is negative. Many reviewers, including Finger Guns and PlayStation Country, described the voice acting as lackluster, stilted, and lacking naturalness. GameMAG pointed out the absurdity of having two actors for the character Aivar, while TheXboxHub criticized the performances as laughable and lacking immersion. Additionally, several critics across platforms, such as PC Gamer and New Game Network, expressed that the voice acting detracts from the overall quality of the game, with some even resorting to switching to the Russian language option for a better experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in King's Bounty II is largely subpar, with many describing it as wooden, inconsistent, and at times, amateurish. Critics like Cogsconnected and IGN echoed similar sentiments, indicating a lack of emotional depth and quality across the board. While there are a few positive remarks about specific aspects or moments, the general impression is that the voice acting fails to meet the expectations of players and detracts from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II delivers inconsistent technical performance across platforms. The Xbox One shines with smooth gameplay at 60 FPS, while the PC version is generally playable but marred by frame stuttering. However, the PS4 and Nintendo Switch suffer from severe graphical issues and frame rate drops, overshadowing any positives. Critics agree that the game feels janky and unpolished overall, likely disappointing players seeking a refined experience.

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 significantly across different platforms, with each having its own set of strengths. On the Xbox One, several critics, including Eurogamer Italy and God is a Geek, noted that the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, which is a commendable achievement. Generación Xbox also highlighted that despite some technical issues, the game remains a must-play for tactical RPG fans. On the PC, while there are mentions of occasional frame stuttering, critics like WellPlayed reported a generally smooth performance on mid-tier rigs, suggesting that the game can be playable for many users. On the Nintendo Switch, while performance is criticized, Digitally Downloaded pointed out that the game can still be played, albeit with caveats. However, the negatives overshadow the positives across all platforms. On the PS4, critics like Finger Guns and PlayStation Country reported subpar graphics, frequent frame rate issues, and graphical distortions that detract from the experience. GameMAG noted that the Xbox Series S version suffers the most, with downgraded graphics and slow character movement. The PC version also faces significant criticism, with IGN describing it as janky and unpolished, while GameOver.gr pointed out unstable refresh rates and limited control customization. The Nintendo Switch version is particularly plagued by performance issues, with low resolution, frame rate drops, and graphical inconsistencies highlighted by critics like NintendoWorldReport and Universo Nintendo. Overall, the consensus among critics is that King's Bounty II struggles with technical performance across all platforms. While there are some positive aspects, such as smooth performance on Xbox One and playable conditions on PC, the overwhelming sentiment is one of disappointment. Critics frequently mention issues like graphical downgrades, frame rate instability, and various bugs, which collectively undermine the game's potential. The technical shortcomings, particularly on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch, suggest that the game may not meet the expectations of players looking for a polished experience. As Jeuxvideo.com noted across multiple platforms, the game appears technically behind, which could deter demanding players from fully enjoying it.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

King's Bounty II has mixed reviews on replay value. Some praise its player choices and diverse storylines, while others criticize the mundane side quests and tedious missions. The game's potential for varied experiences is undermined by grinding and lack of engaging content, making its replayability a double-edged sword.

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 showcase a mix of positive aspects that highlight the game's potential for varied experiences. Several reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and Generación Xbox, emphasize the significant player choice and divergent experiences that can enhance replayability. The ability to select from three different characters, as noted by GamingTrend and Pure Nintendo, offers players a chance to explore distinct storylines and gameplay styles. Additionally, the presence of numerous side quests and areas to explore, as mentioned by Video Chums and Starbit, contributes to the game's overall depth and encourages players to engage with the content multiple times. Conversely, a substantial number of critics point out several drawbacks that hinder the game's replay value. Finger Guns and Push Square criticize the side content as mundane and time-consuming, with some missions described as dull and requiring excessive grinding. The lack of meaningful interactions and the repetitive nature of missions, highlighted by BaziCenter and Cultured Vultures, further detract from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the limited role-playing options and the absence of impactful dialogue choices, as noted by Gamer.no and WellPlayed, reduce the incentive for players to revisit the game after their initial playthrough. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the replay value of King's Bounty II. While some reviewers appreciate the depth of choice and the potential for varied experiences, others express concern over the game's tedious elements and lack of engaging content. Critics like MGG and Pure Nintendo acknowledge the game's potential for replayability through character choices and side quests, yet many others caution that the grind and lack of cohesion may deter players from returning. As a result, the game's replay value appears to be a double-edged sword, with the potential for rich exploration overshadowed by repetitive and uninspired gameplay elements.

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 surrounding King's Bounty II, it is evident that several positive aspects have been highlighted by critics. Reviewers such as GamingTrend and Generación Xbox praised the game for its engaging tactical combat system, which many described as a significant strength. The turn-based battles were noted for their challenge and depth, with critics like MGG and The Games Machine emphasizing that the game successfully refreshes the classic formula while maintaining strategic elements. Additionally, some reviewers appreciated the game's lore and world-building, with Digitally Downloaded referring to it as an "excellent fantasy RPG" despite its rough edges. The diversity of units and the potential for army composition were also mentioned positively, indicating that there are enjoyable mechanics within the game. However, the negatives associated with King's Bounty II are substantial and frequently mentioned across various reviews. Many critics, including GameWatcher and New Game Network, described the game as tedious and marred by poor design choices that detracted from the overall experience. The slow pacing, clunky UI, and technical issues were common complaints, with Everyeye.it noting that the conflicting gameplay styles and flawed open-world design failed to deliver a cohesive experience. Critics like Cubed3 and WellPlayed echoed sentiments about the game lacking vision and excitement, with some even labeling it a "missed opportunity." The repetitive quests and mediocre storytelling were also highlighted as significant drawbacks, leading many to conclude that the game does not live up to its potential. The overall consensus among critics leans towards disappointment, with many expressing that King's Bounty II fails to meet the expectations set by its predecessors and the genre. While there are commendable elements, such as the combat and strategic gameplay, the overwhelming feedback suggests that the game is bogged down by design flaws and a lack of polish. Reviews from sources like IGN and PCGamesN encapsulate this sentiment, indicating that while the game has enjoyable moments, it ultimately falls short of being a recommended title. Critics like Pure Nintendo and GameOver.gr summarize the experience as mediocre, suggesting that despite its potential, King's Bounty II may not resonate well with fans of the series or newcomers looking for a polished RPG experience.

TL;DR

King's Bounty II boasts engaging tactical combat and rich world-building, earning praise for its strategic depth. However, critics widely condemn its tedious pacing, poor design choices, and technical issues, leading to disappointment overall. While it has promising elements, many agree it fails to live up to its predecessors and isn't recommended for fans or newcomers seeking a polished RPG experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

Gamers Heroes

Aug 23, 2021