Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lost Kingdoms II builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor by refining the card-based combat system and expanding exploration opportunities. Players once again assemble a deck of 30 cards, each corresponding to a unique creature or spell, summoned through the power of an ancient runestone. The game strikes a satisfying balance between strategic deck management and real-time action: you must choose the right moment to deploy your cards while weaving through enemy clusters and environmental hazards.

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Progression feels rewarding as you venture across diverse regions—from mist-shrouded forests to fiery caverns—unlocking new cards and discovering hidden areas. Each stage challenges you to adapt your deck on the fly, swapping out underperforming cards for newly acquired ones. The artificial runestones crafted by the Kendarian artisans introduce less potent but more readily available cards, encouraging experimentation with mixed-strength decks that can still hold their own against tougher foes.

The pacing of the combat is brisk yet approachable. Early encounters against weak bandits and forest beasts serve as a tutorial in risk management, while later battles against Kendarian war-mages and mechanized constructs demand careful resource conservation. The inclusion of special “rune infusion” battles, where you must charge your runestone under fire, adds an extra layer of tactical depth that keeps the gameplay loop fresh throughout its 20–25 hour campaign.

Boss fights showcase the system at its best, forcing you to read attack patterns and counter with appropriate creatures—ice elementals to freeze swift foes, fire drakes to shatter armored targets, and healing sprites to sustain through prolonged duels. If you’re the kind of player who enjoys refining a deck to perfection, Lost Kingdoms II delivers in spades, though newcomers may face a steeper learning curve when juggling card stats, runic energy, and real-time positioning all at once.

Graphics

Visually, Lost Kingdoms II stands out with its bold use of color and inventive creature designs. Each summoned monster pops off the screen with distinctive animations, from the swaying tentacles of poisonous trolls to the soaring arcs of lightning gryphons. The game’s pre-rendered backgrounds combine painterly detail with occasional animated touches, lending life to swaying grasses, flickering torches, and drifting fog.

Character models—especially Tara Grimface—are rendered in crisp polygons that hold up well on a standard-definition CRT, and the portrait art accompanying dialogue scenes is impressively expressive. Enemies range from recycled staples to brand-new adversaries, with mechanical golems and Kendarian war-machines introducing a cooler, metallic sheen that contrasts nicely with the organic feel of forest spirits and fire-breathing drakes.

Performance is rock-solid, even when the battlefield gets crowded with summoned creatures. Frame rates remain consistent, and load times between areas are short enough that exploration never feels hindered. The game also includes subtle particle effects—embers drifting through the air in volcanic zones, shimmering auras around runestones—that heighten immersion without overwhelming the hardware.

While textures can appear a bit soft by today’s high-definition standards, Lost Kingdoms II’s artistic direction more than compensates, creating a cohesive fantasy world. Occasional pop-in of background elements is one of the few blemishes, but rarely does it distract from the vibrant landscapes or the spectacle of a well-timed summon spell tearing through enemy lines.

Story

Set two centuries after Queen Katia’s legendary triumph, Lost Kingdoms II weaves a tale of political intrigue, clandestine craftsmanship, and personal discovery. You step into the boots of Tara Grimface, an orphan whose skills in thievery and combat are matched only by her mastery of a powerful runestone. Beginning as an ally to lowly bandits, Tara’s early exploits feel mischievous and carefree—perfectly setting up her growth into a true hero.

As Tara chases clues to her own mysterious origins, the plot unfolds at a measured pace, balancing missions to foil Kendarian arms shipments with heartfelt interactions among returning characters and new allies. The dialogue isn’t Shakespearean, but it captures the spirit of a high-fantasy epic, complete with unexpected betrayals, moral gray zones, and a looming threat that could shatter centuries of peace.

The narrative excels when it ties the supernatural elements—runestones, ancient prophecies, and mythical beasts—back to personal motivations and kingdom-wide stakes. In particular, the backstory of Queen Katia and the lineage of runestone bearers is woven into moment-to-moment gameplay, reinforcing why each battle matters beyond mere experience points.

By the time Tara stands face-to-face with the mastermind behind the artificial runestones, you’ll have formed a connection with her journey, making the climax feel earned. Minor pacing hiccups in the midgame can slow momentum—some fetch quests drag on longer than necessary—but overall, the story remains engaging and provides a compelling reason to see every lingering side path.

Overall Experience

Lost Kingdoms II successfully refines its card-based combat system while delivering an engrossing narrative and a visually appealing world. The combination of deck-building and real-time action makes each encounter feel meaningful, whether you’re taking down a band of highwaymen or confronting a hulking elemental guardian. Exploration is rewarding, offering hidden cards and side challenges that complement the main storyline without overstaying their welcome.

The game’s difficulty curve is generous, and optional battles allow both novices and veterans to adjust their challenge level organically. Replay value is high: you can revisit earlier levels with upgraded decks to chase perfect clear times or hunt down silver and gold medals by fulfilling specific conditions. Trading in underpowered artificial runestones for relics of the old monarchy adds an additional layer of long-term strategy.

Minor flaws—such as occasional backtracking and repetitive fetch objectives—don’t overshadow the strengths of Tara’s quest or the elegant design of the runestone battles. Veteran fans of the original will appreciate the new mechanics and expanded card roster, while newcomers will find a well-rounded RPG that rewards experimentation and exploration.

In sum, Lost Kingdoms II stands as one of the most memorable action-RPGs on its platform, offering a balanced blend of strategy, story, and spectacle. Whether you’re drawn in by the world-building, the strategic depth of its card system, or the thrill of summoning mythic beasts to do battle, this adventure delivers a thoroughly satisfying experience from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10