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MONSTER

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Item: Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableMar 23, 2018

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperLevel 5

Overview

The sequel to Ni no Kuni being developed for Windows and PlayStation 4. Players control Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, a young king who was usurped from his castle and sets out to reclaim his kingdom. While players can freely navigate Evan throughout the game's open world, other characters can be controlled during battles against enemies. During these battles, players use magical abilities and elemental creatures known as "Higgledies", which are used to cast spells.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom's story receives mixed reviews – praised for its charming Ghibli-inspired tale with engaging characters and themes, but criticized for lacking emotional impact, character development, and depth. While some enjoy the whimsical adventures and positive themes, others find the storytelling inconsistent and lacking resonance. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience for fantasy fans but may fall short for those seeking a more emotionally impactful narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as GamePro Germany and Press Start Australia, appreciated the engaging and well-told narrative with endearing characters, humor, emotional moments, and themes of war, corruption, and building a new kingdom to bring happiness to its people. The charming and whimsical tale, as highlighted by Gameplanet and Cubed3, captures the essence of a Ghibli story with a focus on creating a new kingdom free of war and suffering, filled with unique situations, characters, and humor. Additionally, RPG Site praised the somber foundation of the storybook-style narrative, satisfying conclusion, realism in characters like Evan and Roland, and excellent voice acting. On the other hand, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the story of Ni no Kuni II. Impulsegamer and Game Informer noted that the narrative felt streamlined and lacked emotional impact, with the opening hours being boring and lacking depth. New Game Network mentioned tonal inconsistencies and a less interesting protagonist, while Shacknews highlighted lulls in the story. Furthermore, critics like Game Revolution and Digital Chumps criticized the uneven pacing, lack of character development, and characters feeling like interchangeable cardboard cut-outs. These criticisms indicate a lack of depth and emotional resonance in the storytelling, which may have detracted from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the opinions on the story of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom are varied. While some critics appreciated the engaging narrative, endearing characters, and positive themes explored in the game, others found the storytelling to be lacking in emotional impact, character development, and depth. The game seems to excel in capturing the charm of a Ghibli-inspired tale and offering a mix of whimsical adventures and darker themes, but it falls short in delivering a consistently impactful and emotionally resonant narrative for all players. Despite its shortcomings, the game manages to provide an enjoyable and engaging experience for those who appreciate its blend of fantasy elements and heartfelt moments.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom's gameplay has a mix of positive and negative feedback. Critics loved the engaging combat with real-time action and kingdom building mechanics, reminiscent of classic JRPGs. However, some felt aspects like kingdom management were clunky and disconnected. Overall, the game offers a diverse and engaging experience with addictive features, though some critics noted missed opportunities and lackluster side quests.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its engaging combat system, with elements such as real-time action combat, diverse abilities, and the addition of features like Higgledies, which added depth and complexity to battles. Critics like RPG Fan and Trusted Reviews highlighted the fast-paced and flashy mechanics of the combat, reminiscent of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy, making it enjoyable and easy to pick up. The inclusion of kingdom building mechanics was also well-received, with Game Informer and Gameplanet commending the clever and addictive nature of managing and developing Evan's kingdom, providing a sense of investment and progression for players. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Ni no Kuni II. Slant Magazine and New Game Network mentioned that aspects like kingdom management and real-time strategy battles felt clunky and disconnected from the core gameplay, with the former stating that the kingdom management mode felt nonessential and side missions could feel aimless or like padding. Game Revolution criticized the introduction of mechanics that were not fully utilized, indicating missed opportunities for deeper gameplay experiences. Additionally, Metro GameCentral noted that while the combat system was excellent, the side quests were mostly boring fetch quests, potentially leading to a lack of variety in gameplay activities. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom leans towards the positive side. The game's blend of real-time combat, kingdom building mechanics, and various gameplay systems like skirmishes and character customization was generally well-received for providing a diverse and engaging experience. While some critics highlighted issues such as disconnected elements and missed opportunities for deeper gameplay, the majority of reviewers appreciated the game's engaging combat, addictive kingdom building, and the variety of activities and systems that contributed to a rewarding gameplay experience. Critics like GameCrate and Digital Chumps praised the smooth mechanics and depth added by features like Higgledies, showcasing the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay of Ni no Kuni II.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the stunning Graphics and Visual Design of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, praising its breathtaking visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli. While some critics note minor drawbacks like issues with the world map and inconsistent visual styles, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many comparing the artistry to Studio Ghibli films. The game's vibrant colors and immersive experience impress players, making it a visually captivating journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, highlighting its stunning and breathtaking visuals. Critics such as AusGamers and GameRevolution commended the high level of graphical polish and the collaborative design with Studio Ghibli, resulting in visually stunning environments and character designs heavily influenced by the renowned animation studio. The game's vibrant colors, rich tones, and beautiful cel-shaded aesthetic, as noted by Cubed3 and RPG Site, further enhance the immersive experience, with Easy Allies and Worth Playing emphasizing the gorgeous and dazzling visuals that impress players. However, some critics did point out a few drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Ni no Kuni II. For instance, Critical Hit mentioned that the world map view is at odds with the overall presentation, while Gamer.nl highlighted some issues with the change in visual style on the world map. Additionally, LaPS4 noted a mismatch between voiceovers and text, Softpedia mentioned minor issues with aliasing and occasional frame rate drops, and Metro GameCentral commented on basic geometry and primitive texture work in certain aspects. Slant Magazine also pointed out that the visual design can feel inconsistent, particularly in the depiction of the overworld and military battles with big-headed Chibi-style characters. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. The game is widely praised for its visually stunning presentation, with many critics comparing it to the artistry found in Studio Ghibli films. Critics such as Guardian and PlayStation LifeStyle lauded the gorgeously lush visuals, while Gameplanet and Push Square highlighted the vibrant art style that pops on screen. Despite some minor issues and inconsistencies noted by a few critics, the majority agree that the game's Graphics and Visual Design offer a captivating and immersive experience that successfully captures the charm and beauty of a Studio Ghibli production.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the sound design and music in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, praising the beautiful soundtrack, charming English translation, and how it brings the game world to life. While some critics find certain tracks overused or lacking impact, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with Joe Hisaishi's score adding to the whimsical atmosphere and enhancing the gameplay experience. Despite minor criticisms, the sound design and music are considered a major strength of the game, creating a delightful and charming atmosphere that resonates with both players and critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom have received high praise from multiple critics. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and LaPS4 highlight the incredible music that complements the gameplay and visuals, with LaPS4 specifically mentioning the beautiful soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere of the game. AusGamers appreciates the English translation adding charm to the game, while COGconnected notes that the sound design is on-par with the visuals, giving life and color to the world of Ni No Kuni. Additionally, critics such as Digitally Downloaded and Impulsegamer describe the soundtrack as masterful and magical, contributing to the joy of exploring the game world. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Ni no Kuni II. Critics like Easy Allies and New Game Network mention that the music relies too heavily on the original theme, with Easy Allies stating it is a step down from the previous game. Furthermore, Digitally Downloaded and New Game Network note that some tracks lack impact and are not as memorable as in the first game, with New Game Network also highlighting the absence of fully animated and voiced cutscenes from Studio Ghibli as disappointing. Additionally, critics like Worth Playing and PlayStation Country mention that while the music and voice acting are wonderful, some tracks may feel out of place, and the lack of extensive voice over work could be a drawback for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom are strong, with a few minor criticisms. The soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi receives widespread acclaim for upholding the whimsical atmosphere of the game and enhancing the overall experience, as noted by critics like GameSpot and The Overpowered Noobs. While there are mentions of some tracks being overused or lacking in impact, the general sentiment is positive, with critics appreciating the well-crafted audio cues, voice acting, and how the music complements the gameplay experience. Despite some minor flaws, the Sound Design and Music of Ni no Kuni II are generally seen as a significant contributor to the game's delightful and charming atmosphere, resonating well with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. Some praised the English voice work for its excellence, variety of accents, and enhancing character personalities. Others criticized the lack of voice acting, inconsistencies, and minimal coverage in key moments. While the voice acting contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, there are notable drawbacks that may leave some players wanting more consistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as Easy Allies and Press Start Australia, praised the English voice work, describing it as excellent, consistent, and featuring a wide variety of accents and speech patterns. IGN Spain also commended the voice acting for capturing the characters' personalities with unique expressions, enhancing the overall experience. Gameplanet highlighted the humorous Welsh accent of a companion character, indicating that the voice acting adds to the whimsical tone of the game. Additionally, Worth Playing and Softpedia both found the voice acting to be wonderful and immersive, contributing positively to the game's delightful and charming atmosphere. On the other hand, some critics pointed out negatives regarding the voice acting in Ni no Kuni II. Game Revolution and LaPS4 noted the lack of voice acting, making the cast feel underwhelming and leading to minimal character development. RPG Site mentioned that while the voice acting is excellent, key moments lack full coverage, with important scenes going voiceless. Gaming Age criticized the voice acting for falling flat at times, with sudden transitions from full voiceover to partial, and a lack of emotional depth in some performances. The inconsistency in the amount of voiced dialogue, as highlighted by COGconnected and ZTGD, was also a common concern among critics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is generally well-done and enhances the storytelling experience, there are notable drawbacks such as the lack of fully voiced dialogue and inconsistencies in coverage. The game's mix of fully voiced cutscenes and unvoiced sequences, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy, may leave some players wanting more consistency in the voice acting department. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers appreciate the efforts put into the voice performances, with many acknowledging the positive impact it has on the game's overall immersion and character portrayal.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom shines on the PS4 with smooth 60 fps gameplay and minimal technical issues, delivering an enjoyable gaming experience. While the PC version has some minor performance hiccups, overall, critics praise its steady frame rate and solid gameplay across different hardware setups. In summary, Ni no Kuni II impresses with its technical performance on both platforms, offering a largely positive gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on the PlayStation 4, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom received mostly positive feedback from critics. Attack of the Fanboy and Push Square both highlighted the smooth 60 frames per second experience, providing a fluid combat and gameplay experience. Gamer.nl and New Game Network also praised the game for its technical soundness, with no stability issues, crashes, or bugs affecting the gameplay. Despite some frame rate issues in visually busy areas noted by PlayStation LifeStyle, the overall consensus for the PS4 version leans towards a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. On the other hand, the PC version of Ni no Kuni II garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding its technical performance. Wccftech mentioned occasional frame drops near certain particle effects, while The Overpowered Noobs pointed out minor issues like inconsistency with jumping off surfaces. However, God is a Geek and PC Gamer both commended the game for running at a consistently steady frame rate, even on various hardware configurations and lower settings. The SixthAxis also noted a mostly consistent frame rate with no major technical issues on the PC platform. Overall, the critics' consensus for Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom across all platforms reflects a largely positive sentiment towards its technical performance. The game is praised for its smooth gameplay experience on the PS4, with minimal technical issues impacting the overall enjoyment. While the PC version received some criticism for occasional frame drops and minor inconsistencies, the general consensus is that the game runs well and offers a steady performance across different hardware setups. The positive feedback outweighs the negatives, indicating that Ni no Kuni II delivers a technically sound and enjoyable gaming experience on both the PS4 and PC platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the high replay value of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, praising diverse gameplay elements like dungeons, mazes, and kingdom building. While some mention drawbacks like dull side quests and flawed mechanics, overall consensus is that the game offers a rich and engaging experience with addictive features and compelling storytelling. Fans of JRPGs and adventure games will find plenty to love and reasons to keep coming back for more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlighted the various gameplay elements and activities that contribute to the game's replayability. Attack of the Fanboy praised the different content options like dungeons, mazes, and kingdom building, providing players with freedom in their gameplay experience. COGconnected enjoyed the enjoyable combat, phenomenal visuals, and lovable characters that make the game a treat for JRPG fans. Digital Chumps and Gameplanet also appreciated the freedom to explore, battle, and engage with diverse mechanics, encouraging multiple playthroughs. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. FANDOM mentioned that while the kingdom builder mode and combat mechanics offer replay value, side quests were described as dull and arbitrary, potentially deterring players from revisiting the game. New Game Network highlighted that flawed additions like kingdom management and real-time strategy battles could disrupt the game's momentum and hinder replayability. Slant Magazine also expressed concerns about the kingdom management mode and side missions feeling aimless or like padding, potentially limiting the game's overall replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom offers a wealth of content and activities that enhance its replay value. Critics like RPG Site praised the deep level of content, addictive kingdom building feature, and compelling storytelling that provide a rich and engaging experience for players. Trusted Reviews and PC Gamer highlighted the diverse quests, satisfying kingdom building simulation, and ample side quests that give players reasons to keep coming back for more. Despite some criticisms about certain aspects of the game potentially hindering replayability, the majority of critics found Ni no Kuni II to be a rewarding and replayable experience for fans of JRPGs and adventure games alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics for its positive aspects. The game is commended for its charming and engaging story, delightful cast of characters, beautiful visuals, and immersive world-building elements. Critics like Softpedia appreciate the game's deep story, engaging gameplay, outstanding soundtrack, and fresh ideas, making it stand out in the JRPG genre. The game's variety of fun gameplay styles, endearing characters, and engaging stories, as highlighted by Video Chums, contribute to a thoroughly enjoyable experience for players. Additionally, the game's depth, variety, and beauty, as noted by Digitally Downloaded, have been lauded, with the potential to establish itself as a major JRPG franchise. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. Issues such as lacking emotional impact compared to its predecessor, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded, and narrative shortcomings and problematic gameplay additions, as highlighted by New Game Network, have been identified as areas for improvement. Slant Magazine also notes that the game's visual design can be inconsistent, and the gameplay may feel repetitive or padded at times, which could potentially detract from the overall experience for some players. Despite these criticisms, the flaws in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom are generally considered minor in comparison to its strengths. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, with many praising it as a highly recommended and enjoyable JRPG experience. Critics such as RPG Fan commend the game for fixing issues from the original and offering a worthwhile experience for both fans and newcomers. The game's accessibility, charming characters, whimsical soundtrack, and gorgeous visuals, as highlighted by RPG Site, have resonated well with players, making it a nostalgic and enjoyable RPG adventure. The game's ability to blend various gameplay elements effectively, as noted by Polygon, and its improvement upon its predecessor in every category, as acknowledged by Easy Allies, further solidify its position as a standout title in the genre. In conclusion, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is widely regarded as a delightful and engaging JRPG that successfully captures the hearts of players and stands out as a crowning achievement in the genre.

TL;DR

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a charming and immersive JRPG praised for its engaging story, lovable characters, beautiful visuals, and outstanding soundtrack. While some critics mention minor flaws like narrative shortcomings and repetitive gameplay, the game's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Overall, critics highly recommend it as a delightful and enjoyable RPG adventure that fixes issues from the original and offers a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

113 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Mar 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game puts forward an irresistible case for attention and serves as a timely counterpoint to negative stereotypes about video games.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Mar 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni II is a crowning achievement that marries a timeless audiovisual presentation with entertaining and rewarding gameplay mechanics. The reviewer highly recommends it and hopes to see more games united under this level of excellence.

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Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Mar 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a brilliant follow-up that improves upon its predecessor in every category, earning a score of 9.5 out of 10.

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God is a Geek

Mar 23, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer adores the game and believes it fills a void for a truly great JRPG.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Mar 20, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is highly recommended.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Apr 16, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

One of the best JRPGs in years and a must-buy for fans of the genre. Cute, addictive, and highly enjoyable

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Mar 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is described as a near-perfect RPG that consistently surpasses expectations, offering a multifaceted and engaging experience deserving of attention.

Wccftech

PlayStation 4

Mar 20, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom offers a charming JRPG experience with a mix of engaging gameplay elements, memorable characters, and unique kingdom-building mechanics, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the genre.

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IGN Spain

PlayStation 4

Mar 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom delivers a captivating JRPG experience with a compelling story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. It offers a mix of genres that blend well together, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

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Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 4

Mar 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom excels in delivering a top-notch JRPG experience with a magical world, great characters, and visuals. Fans of the first game will feel right at home in this new adventure.