Lost Kingdoms II

Consoles Plus (90 out of 100)

Doté d'un système de jeu original, Les Royaumes Perdus 2 est un RPG atypique et accrocheur, plus complet et mieux réalisé que son prédécesseur.

Nintendojo (9 out of 10)

Lost Kingdoms II is a great title for RPG lovers and card collectors everywhere. With beautiful music and great visuals, this is one sleeper hit no one should miss. I love this game and I'm sure many of you out there will too. It is a little hard to find but if you see it don't pass it up, you might not know when you'll see it again.

Gaming Target (8.5 out of 10)

While the franchise is still a few steps off of the beaten path, Lost Kingdoms II doesn't break any new ground. It expands upon an already great gameplay system giving players more of everything that they liked about the original game and throws in a few cinematic upgrades for good measure. If you liked the original game, picking up this sequel is a no-brainer. For the rest of you, this is a great introduction point to this fantastic series. The card battle system still remains fresh and the more than 200 creature cards will leave you searching high-and-low for every last collectible tidbit.

64 Power / big.N / N Games (84 out of 100)

Dem Kenner des Vorgängers fällt direkt auf: Die Kampfarenen wurden abgeschafft! Eine gute Idee, da man sich so viel freier fühlt, auch mal einen Kampf umgehen zu können. Grafisch gesehen kommt das Spiel zwar nicht an gewisse Square-Titel heran, aber die Effekte, Texturen und Animationen sehen trotzdem respektabel aus. Vor allem die pompösen Beschwörungen entlocken dem Spieler immer mal wieder ein zufriedenes Lächeln. Anders sieht es da schon im Soundbereich aus, welcher zwar in puncto Soundeffekte keine Wünsche offen lässt, aber dafür musiktechnisch durch die Bodendielen bricht. Wer zur Hölle hatte die Idee, Midi Dateien als Hintergrundmusik zu verwenden? Na ja, trotz allem bleibt Lost Kingdoms 2 ein innovatives Rollenspiel, das nicht nur Fans eine Investition wert sein sollte.

RPGFan (83 out of 100)

All in all, Lost Kingdoms II is a quick and enjoyable RPG for GameCube owners to play if they have already finished the better games available for the system. Nothing particular about the game stands out against its competition, but it is a solid effort out of which most RPG players will find some entertainment.

N-Zone (83 out of 100)

Die Idee, Karten in Echtzeitkämpfen zu benutzen, ist an und für sich recht gut. Nur leider entstehen gerade beim Durchsuchen der Karten oft frustige Momente, da die Gegner diese Situation schamlos ausnutzen. Gerade am Anfang verstreicht viel Zeit, bis man die richtige Karte für den entsprechenden Gegner gefunden hat. Rollenspieler, die das Kartensystem interessant finden, sollten auf jeden Fall eine Proberunde spielen. Wer aber bereits mit dem Vorgänger nichts anfangen konnte, wird mit der Fortsetzung auch nicht warm.

GamePro (US) (4 out of 5)

What would Yu-Gi-Oh be like if Yugi dropped the board-game malarkey and started tossing cards at nearby fang-ridden monsters? From Software is a very odd developer every game it makes seems to fall into that weird little almost perfect, but not quite category. Lost Kingdoms II (sequel to one of the GameCube’s best-kept secrets) naturally lacks the novelty of the original, but it succeeds in correcting nearly all of its faults...even if it creates a few more in the process.

Just RPG (80 out of 100)

Lost Kingdoms 2 is a solid gaming experience, and it's definitely worth the attention of any Gamecube owner who needs an RPG. It's certainly not without minor flaws, but it's a lot of fun, and one of the few RPGs available to Gamecube owners. Some gamers may find $49.99 too high of a price for a game they can beat over a weekend, but if you're weary give it a rental. Let's hope that the Gamecube continues to see games in the Lost Kingdoms series!

Computer Bild Spiele (2.08 out of 6)

Das Spiel richtet sich eher an erfahrene Rollen- bzw. „Yu-Gi-Oh!“-Spieler, die sich mit Zauberkarten auskennen. Lassen Sie sich aber nicht abschrecken, ein ausführlicher Übungsmodus macht Sie mit der Mechanik des Spiels vertraut. Kunterbunte und schöne, wenn auch etwas altbacken wirkende Grafik runden den durchweg positiven Gesamteindruck ab. Das Spiel hat „gute“ Karten.

GameSpot (7.6 out of 10)

It's great to see a sequel to Lost Kingdoms II that enhances all the good qualities of the original. Collectible-card games have been all the rage for some time, to the point that numerous video games based on them have surfaced over the years. But Lost Kingdoms II and its predecessor are the only games that have seen fit to take the concept of a video game based on a collectible-card game to its logical conclusion--to actually manifest the card battles in the physical reality of the gameworld. As Tara, you'll take on some of the game's tough enemy card-wielders in some rather intense showdowns that are action-packed, strategic, and challenging. And, thanks to this sequel's seamless integration of its combat and exploration elements, and to the improved graphics and overall production values, Lost Kingdoms II is a solid sequel and a good game that's recommendable to GameCube owners up for a complex challenge.

Entertainment Depot, The (7.5 out of 10)

Lost Kingdoms II is an enjoyable, fun experience for anyone looking to satisfy their collector urges without having to plunk down hundreds of dollars for a tangible collection. It features side-quests, multiple endings, over 200 cards to collect, and a battle system that ties all these features together in a package that often attempts to break the molds of conventional console RPGs. And although the game seems rather blank and tedious in some aspects and is rather difficult for players news to the Lost Kingdoms universe, it is successful in providing addictive gameplay and a uniquely fun experience sure to be satisfy most RPG fans. If you're skeptical about your need to "collect 'em all," at least try the game as a rental--especially considering the anemic RPG options available for the GameCube.

GamersMark (7.5 out of 10)

Pound for pound Lost Kingdoms 2 is better than the predecessor. But the thing is it should have been the first to hit the GameCube. LK2 is everything the previous game should have been. Lost Kingdoms would have been more suited as a Nintendo 64 game. Don’t get me wrong I highly enjoyed both Lost Kingdoms games. But it’s an acquired taste that many don’t have. Therefore I can’t recommend Lost Kingdoms II for the mainstream gamer. But if you feel any kind of interest in this game do rent it as fast as possible.

4Players.de (71 out of 100)

Lost Kingdoms 2 ist mehr Evolution als Revolution, was Fans des Originals sicher freuen, alle anderen aber auch dieses Mal wohl kaum von den Vorzügen der virtuellen Kartenschlacht überzeugen wird. Dabei ist nicht nur alles umfang- und abwechslungsreicher geworden, auch das im Mittelpunkt stehende Echtzeit-Kampfsystem hat man teilweise entscheidend abgeändert. So sind schleppende Zufallsbegegnungen in künstlich begrenzten Arenen nun Schnee von gestern. Neu ist auch die Möglichkeit, sich für kurze Zeit selbst in ein Kartenmonster zu verwandeln, um so versperrte Passagen frei zu räumen, höher gelegene Plateaus zu erreichen oder tiefe Abgründe heil zu überqueren. Es gibt jedenfalls viel zum Herumexperimentieren und Entdecken. Und ist erst einmal der Sammeltrieb geweckt, gibt man trotz mäßiger Technik und lauer Story nicht eher Ruhe, bis man alle 226 Karten sein Eigen nennt.

Armchair Empire, The (7 out of 10)

Owning all three current systems and a good PC means I have lots of choices when it comes to RPGs. As such, if it weren’t for being assigned to review it, I probably would never have picked up Lost Kingdoms 2. Still, I enjoyed the experience. Lost Kingdoms 2 is a good RPG for adult gamers and possibly even a great RPG for young gamers - especially those obsessed with deck-building card games like Yu-Gi-OH! and Dragonball Z.

Bordersdown (7 out of 10)

There is certainly more to tinker with and customise this time around. Each stage is generally tougher overall to complete, though with the ability to bypass certain battles, this aspect is balanced out somewhat. With more stages to tackle, and the fact that almost all of them have some areas that can only be explored or unlocked later on from obtaining certain cards or completing certain tasks, the main game will last a few more hours than the first adventure. But it still doesn't quite feel long enough. As much time is generally taken with overall deck improvements, obtaining the entire catalogue of cards and producing a tournament worth battle deck to compete against another human player. Whilst that part is just as rewarding for the target audience of this game, it isn't so much for the general gamesplayer. In essence, if you loved the first game, then this is a definite purchase. If not, then there is probably not much to convince otherwise.

Jeuxvideo.com (14 out of 20)

Une second volet qui surprend agréablement, en gommant les lacunes du premier opus pour rendre le jeu beaucoup plus plaisant à jouer. Un titre certes moins indispensable qu'un Zelda ou un Skies of Arcadia, mais suffisamment intéressant pour passionner les amateurs.

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( )

Lost Kingdom II‘s card-based gameplay is certainly innovative, and the execution of the battle component is superb. Fans of the original should be pleased with the additional 100 cards, not to mention the enhanced visuals and music. On the other hand, newcomers will be treated to a title that’s superior to its predecessor in many respects, but also fails to improve on some of the first game’s faults. Ultimately, Lost Kingdoms II is an RPG for those relics of the glory days who still pull out their deck of Magic: The Gathering cards every now and then.

Game Revolution (B-)

Lost Kingdoms II is a great example of a sequel learning from its predecessor's mistakes. It's clear that From Software knew what they were doing this time around and earnestly tried to fix the problems in the original. The game is longer, the gameplay is more fun and flowing and the main character is a bit more interesting. The only parts requiring more work are the story, the visual interface and the camera. Fans of the original will be pleased by the improvements, and fans of collectible card games should find some decent fun in Lost Kingdoms II.

Game Chronicles (6.4 out of 10)

If you're stuck with the Cube as your only system, and you've already beaten Zelda Wind Walker and Skies of Arcadia, you might be desperate enough for the lighthearted story effort found in Lost Kingdoms II. Of course, unless you like the idea of collecting different cards and using them in an action-game mission based gameplay mixed with a card game, you may not be able to get into Lost Kingdoms II. If however, the idea of a collectible card game ala Magic The Gathering or Pokemon mixed with some action elements entices you, you'll probably enjoy Lost Kingdoms II for its unique (other than the first one) gameplay style. Fans of the first game will probably like LK2 since it really is just more of the same but with even more cards and better production values.

IGN (6.2 out of 10)

Overall, Lost Kingdoms II is a definite improvement over the first game. You get twice as many monster cards, a quest that's two or three hours longer, some voiceover work, improved graphics, a better two-player mode, a less linear quest, and a few battle upgrades, but the core gameplay remains the same. The whole experience is more balanced and the changes are definitely welcome, but Lost Kingdoms once again is hampered by a cookie-cutter storyline and an overall feeling of blandness. The entire quest just feels uneventful -- and if it weren't for the added draw of collecting all the cards, it would be over so quickly you'd swear it was an action game, not an RPG. I can't deny that Lost Kingdoms shows a lot of potential to some day blossom into an appealing RPG series, but it's not quite there yet. The basic battle mechanics are solid but need more depth, and the character development, quest, and story elements need a big shot in the arm.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (6 out of 10)

They've had another go, and they still haven't got it right. For those of you that missed out on Lost Kingdoms, it appeared at a point in the Cube's life when "RPGs" was usually preceded by "where are all the effing", so we really did give it the benefit of the doubt for as long as possible.

Games TM (6 out of 10)

It's too much of a niche title to appeal to the majority of gamers. Though enjoyment can be found -especially in the improved two-player game - its unique brand of RPG gameplay may prove its undoing, especially wit the imminent arrival of The Wind Waker...

GameZone (6 out of 10)

Lost Kingdoms II has a good premise, but it stumbles along the way in terms of game play. The combat mechanics are weak and the use of the playing cards, while a sound idea, is somewhat distracting to the overall feel of the game. Lost Kingdoms II is a beautiful game, to be sure, but it has other elements that make it merely average at best.

RPG Site (6 out of 10)

All in all, I was glad I had the chance to shut off my Gamecube when I felt I had gone far enough in this game. If I did not love this site so much, I would not have put myself through that torture device for as long as I did. In short - it's not even worth the $10 that game stores are selling it for now. Buy something more worthwhile for your money.

GamesFirst! ( )

Overall, Lost Kingdoms II is a vast improvement on the first game, but still has a long way to go before it can stand among the RPG elite. It is basically a collectible trading card game attached to a thin story. That wouldn't be so bad, but the gameplay still needs a bit of tweaking. The cards themselves are detailed and interesting, but the way you use them needs to be fine-tuned. One thing that I'm not particularly fond of is the complete reliance on your cards in battle. I would have liked to at least have had a short sword so I could take some swings and defend myself, even if it didn't do much damage. Fans of card games such as Magic: The Gathering will love building new decks and battling with their friends in the versus mode. Hardcore RPG fans will be able to blast through Lost Kingdoms II in a weekend, so it is hard to recommend it as a purchase. The best thing you could do if you are interested in LKII is to try it before you buy it so you don't get burned.

Digital Entertainment News (den) (5.4 out of 10)

Lost Kingdoms II is a better game than the first, but that isn’t saying much. It fixes some of the more severe problems that game suffered from but still has the air of a “B-game.” If you think attacking enemies in real time with collectable cards sounds like a romping good time, well, it isn't. This one has "rent me!" written all over it.

Jeuxvideo.fr (5 out of 10)

Vous aimez les jeux de rôles et les combats de monstres ? Vous ne recherchez pas obligatoirement un jeu parfait ? Alors Les royaumes perdus 2 est pour vous. Un titre bien meilleur que le premier opus, amusant et divertissant grâce à son principe de cartes à contrôler et à collectionner.

GameSpy ( )

Lost Kingdoms II feels lost in the deck shuffle. The gameplay, like its predecessor, is focused almost entirely on a Magic: The Gathering-style combat system. Instead of the typical turn-based or action-style combat, players use magical cards that summon creatures or cast spells. It's a unique twist on the genre, but the developers focus on it too much and neglect the other facets of the game. What's worse is that the aforementioned combat system is more frustrating than losing a heel on prom night. Ultimately you're left with a game that's based on a really interesting idea, but as a whole is executed poorly.