Konung 2 is a big, sprawling RPG set in a Norse-themed world where the central problem is that the big butch bad guy (gotta have one, right?) is trying to extirpate all magic items (other the ones he owns). While much of the gameplay is standard RPG fare--lots of combat and levelling up--there are some unusual elements:
- There are six different playable characters, each of whom starts in a different place in the world, and each of who has unique advantages and disadvantages--among other things, this leads to quite a lot of repeat playability.
- While you play a single character, this is a "party-based" (rather than single character) RPG. You hire (and at times) fire party members over the course of the game, and they level up and become more powerful as well.
- You can gain control of villages in the game (but aren't required to do so), and these can become useful sources of supplies and tribute--but you'll have to work to protect your villages from marauders as well.
- In general, while this isn't as open-ended a world as that of, say, Oblivion, there's a degree of simulation and randomness, so that it feels far less static and single-tracked than many RPGs.
- Unusually for a game set in a fantasy world, there are no spells. There are magic items and potions and such, but combat is entirely physical.
- Additionally, the game can be played (and won) with lots of combat, almost no combat, with lots of village management or none, with a small party, or with many hirelings. This variety also improves repeat playability
In general, it's quite well done for a game of its type (oblique overhead "2 1/2D" RPG), with some unusual features that make it worth checking out.
Video Known Issue
Konung 2 uses the Indeo video codec for its cinematic sequences. Unfortunately, if you are running XP (Service Pack 2 or later), you don't have the Indeo codecs, because neither Intel nor Microsoft support them any more. To solve the problem, see our Indeo information page.
Konung 2 FAQ
There don't seem to be any Konung 2 walkthroughs out there, but William Singer has kindly agreed to allow us to host his Konung 2 FAQ, which is pretty useful and worth looking at if you play the game.
The Developer Says
Konung 2 adopts the dark and complex atmosphere of ancient Scandinavia found in its predecessor, Konung: Legend of the North.
In this tale that combines history with classical myths and legends, immortal heroes, magical artifacts and ancient sorcery, good and evil have transposed, resulting in chaos and turmoil.
Having fallen under the spell of wicked magic, a new Dark Master now threatens the land and only six warriors, male and female descendants of the Titans, can stop him in his quest to destroy all that can be used to return peace and stability. These heroes must summon their courage, strength, and wits to defeat this new face of evil and his minions, both human and monstrous.
While continuing the original's tradition of going beyond action-style role-playing by offering adventure-style gameplay with dozens of quests and a strong storyline, the sequel stands entirely on its own and offers a wealth of new features.
Features
- Beyond action-style role-playing by offering adventure-style gameplay with dozens of non-linear quests and strong storyline
- Stands entirely on its own (from its predecessor) with a wealth of new features and striking improvements
- Enhanced RPG system with a wide range of character skills and features
- Better, more varied fighting techniques
- Additional RTS elements such as extensive settlement management
- Improved AI
- Dozens of quests
- Detailed dialogue system
- New monsters
Reviews
"...this game definitely delivers on adventure, on character development, and in pure playing pleasure."
- RPGDot
"Overall this title reminds me of a budget minded Dungeon Siege, a game I liked very much...If your budget is tight and you are looking for an RPG that is affordable, this maybe right up your alley."
- GameZone
"I have enjoyed playing this game, and have restarted as a different character after completing it...The game rewards patience and some planning. Getting the viking boat and setting sail. I'm still finding subtleties that make the play different for the different characters."
- ReviewOutpost
"The world gradually involves you, until the real plot manifests...Replay Value: 9/10 - There are six different characters, all with unique stories."
- Cosmos Gaming
Voice of the Masses
Konung 2: Blood of TitansNo posts
Not ready for primetime.
Not ready for primetime. This RPG seems to have untapped depths when you first start playing it. Unfortuantely you still feel this way when the demo times out. The bizarre, semi-complete port from the Russian gives Konung 2 a sort kitschy charm but it also makes the game difficult to figure out and this, combined with the fact that there is no manual (the FAQ doesn't cut it) and the interface is dated all add up to a game with a learning curve that you'll never get up to the top of in the two hours they give you to figure out whether you'd actually like to play it or not.