Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

First Queen II: Sabaku no Joō continues the series’ blend of RPG, strategy, and real-time combat, delivering a robust and multifaceted experience. Players take on the role of Aleph, a Roman officer with no memory of his past, tasked with recruiting and commanding a small army across a richly detailed pseudo-historical world. The seamless integration of town exploration, dialogue trees, gear management, and open‐world skirmishes ensures that no two sessions feel the same.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Recruitment and army management lie at the heart of the gameplay loop. Visiting cities, persuading townsfolk to join your cause, and equipping them with the right weapons and armor creates a constant sense of preparation and progression. While veterans of the first game will recognize familiar mechanics—such as unit morale, weapon durability, and class-based roles—newcomers will appreciate the intuitive interface and clear on-screen prompts that guide every decision.

Combat unfolds in real-time on an overlay map, pitting your ragtag force against waves of Frankish rebels, desert raiders, and mythical creatures. Tactics matter: positioning your archers behind shields, timing cavalry charges, and leveraging Aleph’s unique abilities can turn the tide of battle. Though the pace can occasionally feel overwhelming when facing large enemy formations, the strategic depth rewards thoughtful planning and adaptation.

Graphics

Visually, First Queen II opts for a charming pixel-art style that balances historical authenticity with a touch of high fantasy. Towns and landscapes evoke the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the exotic mystery of distant deserts. Although limited by the hardware of its era, the game’s color palette and detailed tilesets deliver a surprisingly immersive atmosphere.

Character sprites are small but expressive, with distinct designs for Roman legionnaires, Frankish warriors, and the exotic guards of Alexandria. Animations during combat, such as swinging swords or the flash of magic spells, convey enough motion to feel dynamic, even if they lack the fluidity of modern titles. The occasional frame rate dip in larger battles serves as a nostalgic reminder of the game’s classic roots rather than a dealbreaker.

UI elements are thoughtfully laid out, with clear icons for equipment, unit stats, and command menus. The world map, with its parchment-like background and hand-drawn rivers and mountains, underscores the game’s historical inspiration. While there are no flashy particle effects or 3D models, the cohesive art direction ensures that every environment—from Roman fortresses to desert oases—feels distinct and memorable.

Story

The narrative thrust of First Queen II centers on Aleph’s quest to recover his identity and fulfill a crucial diplomatic mission for the Roman Empire. Starting unconscious on a shore he cannot recall, Aleph’s amnesia injects immediate mystery into the plot. As he travels to Alexandria to secure an alliance, each encounter peels back layers of his past and reveals the political intrigue shadowing the Frankish rebellion.

Dialogue scenes are concise yet effective, featuring characters who range from loyal Roman centurions to enigmatic desert rulers. Although the writing occasionally resorts to genre tropes—noble emperor, treacherous barons, heroic sacrifice—the personal stakes of Aleph’s journey give the story genuine emotional weight. Side quests further flesh out the world, from rescuing villagers caught in rebel crossfire to uncovering ancient desert ruins steeped in magic.

What sets the narrative apart is its grounding in a pseudo-historical setting that borrows freely from the Roman world while embracing anachronistic fantasy. Sprawling desert cities feature mythical artifacts, and standard legionnaire tactics sit alongside arcane spells. This blend of the familiar and the fantastic keeps the storyline fresh and unpredictable, inviting players to ponder both the power of empire and the mysteries of magic.

Overall Experience

First Queen II: Sabaku no Joō offers a compelling package for fans of deep strategy and classic RPG mechanics. Its challenging troop management and real-time battlefield tactics demand attention and reward those willing to learn its systems. Though the steep learning curve may intimidate newcomers accustomed to more hand-holding, the sense of accomplishment after a hard-fought victory is immensely satisfying.

Graphically and sonically, the game evokes a bygone era of pixel-art charm and MIDI-driven soundtracks. Modern players seeking cutting-edge visuals may find it dated, but anyone who appreciates retro design will feel right at home. The story, with its amnesiac hero and political machinations, provides enough drama to carry players through the 20–30 hour campaign.

Ultimately, First Queen II stands as a testament to creative ambition on constrained hardware. Its ambitious fusion of RPG and strategy elements, bolstered by a rich pseudo-historical setting, ensures it remains a rewarding experience decades after its initial release. For those who crave strategic depth wrapped in a story of empire and mystery, this sequel remains an engaging and worthwhile journey.

Retro Replay Score

null/10