Ni no Kuni II Revenant Kingdom

🎮 Steam ⏳ 60 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Ambitious Sequel Setup #

This Ni no Kuni entry is a colorful and ambitious action JRPG that aims to capture the magic of its predecessor while expanding into a larger, more open world. Developed by Level-5, the MC is called Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, a young king who is forced to flee his kingdom after a coup. Determined to reclaim his throne, Evan embarks on a journey to build a new kingdom where everyone can live in harmony. Along the way, players meet a cast of quirky companions, each bringing their own charm and abilities to the adventure.

Ghibli-Inspired World Design #

The game’s world is visually striking, with environments and character designs clearly influenced by Studio Ghibli’s signature style. The landscapes are lush, the cities vibrant, and the attention to detail in every corner of the world helps create an immersive experience. The real-time combat system adds a dynamic element to battles, allowing you to switch between party members and employ strategic use of abilities. Additionally, the kingdom management mechanics provide a welcome layer of depth, letting you construct buildings, recruit citizens, and expand their influence across the world.

Divisive Management Mechanics #

Particularly speaking I really hate management mechanics such as the ones on this game, so I can’t really give an in-depth opinion, but I can assure you that if you also don’t like this kind of thing, this title won’t win you over. Fortunately this is just but one of this game’s aspects, and you can easily overlook this since almost all the other mechanics are very well implemented, so I wouldn’t bother much about this. The soundtrack complements the game beautifully, enhancing both the emotional weight of the story and the sense of wonder during exploration.

Genre-Driven Shortcomings #

Despite these strengths, the game does have some drawbacks. The story pacing can feel uneven at times, and certain character arcs lack the depth seen in the first Ni no Kuni. Some people may find the dialogue and quest structure overly simplistic, and the combat, while engaging, can occasionally become repetitive during longer play sessions. But all these problems are really more related to the JRPG genre than anything else, the only particular issue in my opinion is that this title really tries to make compelling and charismatic characters, but it fails more often than not.

A Worthy JRPG Journey #

Overall, this title manages to deliver a charming and magical RPG experience. Its combination of striking visuals, a heartfelt story, engaging combat, and kingdom-building mechanics makes it a memorable journey, even if it doesn’t fully reach the emotional heights of the original. For fans of JRPGs and anyone looking for a visually captivating adventure, it remains a title worth exploring. I would say this is a must-play for fans of the JRPG genre, it is high up there along with the classics.