For The King II

Developer: IronOak Games
Release: Nov 2nd 2023
Platforms:
Adventure
Indie
RPG
Strategy
Tactical
Cooperative
Replayable
Buggy
Frustrating R N G
For The King II Poster

" Tactical turn-based roguelite RPG with cooperative multiplayer but initial bugs and unfair RNG "

For The King II Review

For The King II is a tactical turn-based RPG that expands upon its predecessor with a new grid-based combat system and chapter-based campaign structure. Players appreciate the deeper strategic gameplay introduced by positioning mechanics and class variety, which encourage experimentation and cooperative play. The game features procedurally generated maps and roguelite elements that enhance replayability, alongside a charming low-poly art style and atmospheric soundtrack.

Despite its strengths, the game launched with numerous bugs and performance issues that have since been largely addressed through patches. Some players criticize the RNG elements as punishing and the pacing as slow due to cumbersome UI and inventory management. The narrative, while providing a stronger framework than the original, is seen as serviceable but not particularly memorable. Overall, fans of the original and turn-based strategy genres find it enjoyable, especially in multiplayer, though some lament lost content and difficulty spikes.

Highlights

Gameplay mechanics are praised for tactical depth added by grid positioning and varied class abilities. The cooperative multiplayer experience is highly valued for enhancing strategy and social play.

The graphics maintain a charming low-poly aesthetic with improved animations and vibrant environments. The storyline offers a connected, chapter-based narrative that adds structure and replay value.

Procedural world generation and roguelite progression keep each run fresh and rewarding, with unlockable content encouraging repeated playthroughs.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on early bugs and performance issues that impacted the launch experience, including crashes and slow UI responsiveness. The RNG can feel unfair, sometimes negating player strategy and causing frustration.

Some players find the inventory and party management cumbersome, with restrictive mechanics like limited item swapping and character progression resets between chapters.

The story is described as thin and generic, and certain new mechanics such as field positioning are considered underutilized or difficult to master. Additionally, some miss content from the first game and feel the sequel lacks polish in areas.

Pros

  • Grid-based combat adds meaningful tactical depth to encounters.
  • Cooperative multiplayer enhances strategic planning and fun.
  • Procedurally generated maps increase replayability significantly.
  • Varied classes with unique abilities encourage experimentation.
  • Roguelite progression rewards repeated playthroughs with unlocks.
  • Charming low-poly art style with vibrant, diverse environments.
  • Improved animations and sound design create immersive atmosphere.

Cons

  • Initial release plagued by bugs and performance issues.
  • Random number generation can lead to frustrating unfairness.
  • Inventory and party management systems feel cumbersome.
  • Characters and gear reset between chapters, limiting continuity.
  • Storyline is serviceable but lacks depth and memorability.
  • Some mechanics, like positioning, are underutilized or complex.
  • UI can be slow and unintuitive, impacting pacing.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Battle against Fahrul's tyrannical Queen alone or as a party of four players in the sequel to For The King, the massively popular turn-based roguelite tabletop RPG. Will you unravel the once beloved Queen's terrible secret?

Release Date Nov 2nd 2023
Publisher Curve Games
Developer IronOak Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (4,506)
79% Positive 21% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
76