Level-5's Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom originally released on PS4 back in March 2018 to pretty much unanimous critical praise, and playing it now in this latest Switch iteration, it's really not too hard to see why. This is a wonderfully well-crafted adventure that hits the ground running, nails pretty much every single gameplay mechanic it introduces across its 50-hour core campaign and, we're happy to report, lands on Nintendo's hybrid console in truly excellent condition.
Set some 100 years after the events of Wrath of the White Witch, this sequel kicks off with an explosion in an unnamed, US-like city that knocks President Roland Crane unconscious, during which time he's magically transported to the colourful kingdom of Ding Dong Dell. Struggling to understand what's just occurred, Roland is dragged immediately into an ongoing coup, taking up arms alongside House of Tildrum's teenage king (and walking hair disaster) Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum as he attempts to escape the clutches of the evil Mausinger and his armed thugs.
After a few brief skirmishes that teach you the basic ins and outs of the game's excellent real-time combat — during which Evan and Roland also learn the true extent of Mausinger's treachery and lose a treasured companion — Evan announces that he's going to strike out and build his own kingdom, a kingdom in which everyone can be truly happy and at peace. And with that our adventure begins in earnest.
As far as the narrative goes here, it definitely doesn't rise to the same level of delightfully Ghibli-esque weirdness or carry the same raw emotion as its predecessor and, especially early on, we found ourselves having a tough time caring for the rather brattish Evan and his troubled little rich boy plight. However, as the story begins to find its feet, as our heroes join forces with a motley crew of friends and adventure out across the many regions that make up the world map here, there's joy to be found in how this boy king begins to learn, grow, and discover himself through the actions and deeds of the brave people and creatures he meets along the way.
That joy is bolstered further in Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom by an opening twelve hours that never takes its foot off the gas as it barrels you from place to place, layering on combat mechanics, introducing large scale skirmishes, flinging you into puzzle chambers, and pitting you against a host of excellent boss battles. And the battles here, especially in comparison to the turn-based affairs found in Wrath of the White Witch, are a real revelation. The new real-time action you'll engage in as you take on the many wonderfully named enemies found across this world is immediately engaging stuff; fast, flashy and easy to get your head around.
Evan and his ever-growing party of pals have light and heavy attacks, magic-based skills and ranged attacks as the base of their offensive powers. These are then enhanced by a bevvy of neat wrinkles that keep you on your toes as you dance around your foes. As you bash away at enemies here you'll fill up a Zing meter on each of your weapons as you use them, top it out and it'll enhance your attacks, as well as enabling you to pull off some special charged manoeuvres. For players who just want to bash away and not engage with this stuff, there are semi and fully automatic modes available that switch your weapons around for you as your Zing meter fills, giving players of every ability the chance to just enjoy smashing baddies.
Once you've got your head around the basics, you'll then be introduced to the game's amazing little Higgledies, collectible element-based sprites who follow you into battles and have their own tweakable abilities and skills, including firing off large cannons, blasting foes with powerful dark energy, wind, fire and water attacks, as well as providing healing for your party. The Higgledies are an excellent replacement for Wrath of the White Witch's Familiars and how they're worked into the mechanics here, how you can find and collect new types, fiddle with how they factor into skirmishes and so on, make them a delight to engage with.
But then pretty much every new mechanic in this game is a delight to engage with, no matter how off-putting it may initially seem it's going to be. We were well aware going into this one that it introduces a fully fledged kingdom building element a little further into the story and, at round the 12-hour mark when it finally made its appearance, we were genuinely concerned it was going to ruin the excellent flow of the adventure up until that point.
However, beyond the introduction of some side missions that see a little backtracking and fetch questing, the kingdom building here is just another brilliant layer of fun added to Evan's adventure and is also extremely easy to get stuck right into. As you take on side and mainline quests around the world map you'll recruit citizens to come live in Evermore, Evan's brand new kingdom. Some of these citizens specialise in certain tasks, others just make up the numbers. These recruits are then used to populate the various buildings that you'll plop down on pre-assigned spots, giving you a steady flow of staff to enable the researching of new technology and upgrades for your fledgling town.
Within minutes of being introduced to all of this you'll be creating weapon workshops, spellworks, outfitters, cookshops and general stores, all of which can be upgraded and expanded through several levels, giving you and your crew access to tons of gear and goodies to help you as you take on the Big Bad of the piece, who's revealed at around about the same time you finally begin to construct your new empire.
There's just so much going on in Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom by this stage, so much creating, combat, exploring and discovering, that it's genuinely quite remarkable that it holds itself together as well as it does. The rhythm of the core gameplay loops, venturing off to discover amazing new areas, dungeon-crawling, fighting great big Kingmaker bosses, crafting, upgrading and so on... it's endlessly enjoyable stuff that, for us, tops the gameplay found in its predecessor. Yes, the story might not measure up when all's been said and done, but in terms of how the combat and adventuring has been evolved, this sequel is a real winner.
And in terms of presentation, too. Studio Ghibli may not be directly involved this time around but Yoshiyuke Momose returns, as does composer Joe Hisaishi, to ensure this looks and sounds every bit as sumptuous as the original Ni No Kuni. On Switch, the graphical dials have undoubtedly been turned down a notch — it's not quite as crisp and clear as on more powerful hardware — but the exquisite art style here ensures that this genuinely doesn't matter. This is a tremendous-looking adventure, in both docked and handheld, and — more importantly — we didn't encounter a single noticeable framerate wobble, no matter how screen-shaking a boss we were battering, across our entire playthrough. This new Prince's Edition also arrives on Switch with all previously released DLC included, as well as some bonus dungeons and a few extra outfits. This is, in short, a fantastic and comprehensive port of a wonderful-looking action-RPG.
Do we have any negative things to say here? Well, yes, there are a few things if we're being picky. The side quests can be a little repetitive and, as we mentioned, they do introduce a little backtracking which we're not particularly massive fans of. The voice-acting, too, although what's included is excellent, just doesn't factor as much as it really should. There are some fantastic characters to get to know on your adventure, especially the likes of Lofty, the tiny little Welsh Kingmaker, and a whole host of sky pirates, merfolk and others who should be providing lots more humour than they do along the way, but they're hamstrung by a real lack of recorded dialogue. It's a shame, and something that takes away from a story that was already struggling somewhat when compared to that of its predecessor.
There's also a slight issue with difficulty settings. The normal difficulty may prove to be just a tad too easy for some players — although we have to admit we still really enjoyed the combat this way — and you'll rarely find you need to dip into your tactics tweaker and so on in order to come out on top. Harder difficulties, which were added in a patch to the original release, are also present and correct, although they can be a bit of a mixed bag, with the toughest setting making for some annoying one-shot kills that ignore armour stats and mess with the rhythm of things a little.
These issues aside, however, what's here is still one of the very best action-JRPGs we've played in a long, long time. Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom really is just that good. The combat, the exploration, kingdom building, art style, soundtrack, characters and script all combine here to make for a truly wonderful adventure that you should absolutely dive right into with this excellent port on Switch.
Conclusion
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is an excellent action-RPG that's arrived on Switch in a fantastic, feature-packed port. Evan and Roland's antics across this game's sprawling world are stuffed full of great characters, exciting combat and adventuring and a kingdom building mechanic that's a delight to get to grips with. It looks and sounds every bit as good as its predecessor and, although the story might be a little more hit-and-miss here, we were completely hooked into this one from beginning to end. This is a sumptuously crafted adventure you won't regret diving into.
Comments 59
Wow! Must buy I suppose!
Own this on the ps4 and havnt anywhere near completed it. Think i will be picking this up for the switch for those "cheeky hour in bed" sessions. Glad to see its not been ballsed up 👌
Glad to hear it's a decent port!
Nice I just needed to know if it was a good port or not. Will wait until BF to buy.
I can understand why peeps prefer the first game over the second, but I really loved the sequel because of the combat and the characters.
Also, without going into spoilers, there's a level out on the sea that has fantastic music with a really cool atmosphere.
I've had this preordered for ages so I'm glad it's a good port. Really enjoyed the first game so I'm looking forward to playing it.
I've not played Wrath of the White Witch, should I play that first or could I go straight into this one I wonder?
Loved the first one on switch so I’ll be buying the physical day one. In Australia the physical is released one week later than digital.
This reviewed fairly well on PS4, and I'm glad the Switch version is great. I loved the first game and this seems to be like a nice continuation even if it takes some time to get going. This is now on my buy list.
@RedRaven723
I wouldn't say it's required to play the first one before II, there are some callbacks, but it's like 99% standalone.
I will say the first is very good, though. I'd recommend playing both, but playing II first isn't going to be detrimental to your overall experience.
I really liked this game back in the day. Don't expect to find the Xenoblade 2, Dragon Quest XI or Ys VIII kind of quality, but it's quite fun, and the art style is great. I'll get it on Switch when it's on sale.
Now Level 5, bring on more games to Switch!
Is it challenging? Is there any hard mode or the combat is just flashy and easy? Hate the feeling in some action jRPGs when you just need to spam single button attack to win for ~40 hours.
This is what I was waiting for! Will be buying shortly ✌️
Still haven’t beat the first but it’s only because I keep getting sidetracked. Excellent game though and looks like this is as good or better depending on who you ask.
So happy this is finally on Switch
I bought the collector edition on PS4 a few years ago, then got it on Steam. But I wasn't fully satisfied. This is a game that really needs that hybrid advantage.
Glad to hear it's a great port. Along with the excellent Cruis'n Blast I know what I'll be doing this weekend.
I still gotta play the first game but it's good to see that the Switch has more great port of great games
Loved playing the first one on Switch, so I’ll definitely be picking this up at some point! Combat was my biggest complaint about the first game so I’m glad to see it’s been improved for this entry.
@RedRaven723 id say go with 2.the issue for me is the characters and story are better in the 1st game, especially drippy who is imo the best companion from any game full stop but the combat from 2 is leaps and bounds better than the 1st. Just my oppinion tho. Deffo worth playing both tho as they are remarkable games in their own right.
The game is mediocre at best. At least they did a good job with the switch port.
Funny, Switchwatch's video said there were framerate issues.
https://youtu.be/2-b3RZzchyw
What's going on?
@xiao7 They said they had some on the overworld map, I didn't notice any, even jumped back in when I watched their video and I'm still not sure I'm seeing anything noticeable. The overworld parts of the game always do feel a little stodgier than other areas anyway so maybe I'm just not being sensitive to it. Everywhere else though, including the biggest boss fights in the game, I had zero issues.
Sad that Level 5 is basically done in the west now, I thought this was a massive improvement over the original, and I really liked that one. A proper Ni No Kuni III could've been amazing!
@SwitchVogel Yeah it's a shame. I was really surprised by this one too, loved the first one loads but this improves on it in every way in terms of gameplay.
Yay, hooray, I have been waiting for this game. It’s looking like I’m going to purchase it now.
So does this include all the DLC? Maybe I missed it, but I don't see what's included in this version.
I was onboard before the review, as chances are good this will be the last game developed by Level-5 we'll get in the west on Switch. We've got almost zero chance of getting a Megaton Musashi localization.
@SwitchVogel Are Level-5 really halting western releases? They made that claim almost a year ago, and yet we got Ni No Kuni II today. Maybe they were not that serious about it after all.
Got this on PS4 and have the first one on PS3, but having started a playthrough of the original digitally on the Switch not too long ago, I am tempted to get the Switch version of this one too.
Someone needs to do a rescue job on Level-5, their stuff is too good to disappear.
@chipia God, I hope that is the case. They have produced some of the finest RPGs ever. Dark Cloud 2, Dragon Quest VIII, Ni no Kuni, etc.
this just makes me want Yokai Watch 4 in the states ;-;
@SMH88 Yep, all DLC and some new dungeons and outfits too!
@OuTee The review addressed this.
I imported the Japan version of Ni no Kuni on PS3 back when that released, based solely on the prospect of a legit Ghibli RPG with Joe Hisaishi music, but then barely played it. Odds are the same would happen for me with Ni no Kuni 2...
I think I'll be among those who hold off for now - I'm kind of more interested in playing Level 5's Megaton Musashi later this year and I have excellent Spelunky, Cruisn' Blast, and (always a treat for me) Super Robot Wars X keeping me busy at the moment. But it's great to hear that NnK2 is a quality port and I will keep a lookout for good deals on a physical copy someday.
disappointed it’s not called Ni No Twonie
Does the Switch port have optional Japanese voice-overs?
@chipia This game was brought to Switch and the West due to Bandai Namco, not due to Level 5. Pretty much if Level 5 get a big publisher job it may come out in the West, but all of Level 5's solo titles won't be anymore. Ie Yokai Watch, Inuzuma Eleven etc.
This game definitely appears to have an unlocked frame rate. So if you aren't a fan of uneven frame pacing, then this Switch version won't be visually pleasing to you. Some of the youtube videos show it going down to 21 or 22fps, not for long, but that far down. I also saw the overworld running at 20 or 21fps in one video. It also runs at about 30 sometimes, it appears. Then another video showed battles inside a castle or building and it was like 30 to 45fps. Anyways, many people probably won't care, but some will. It does look like fun, and having it portable is a huge boon.
Definitely picking this up aftrr enjoying the first when it came to Switch. This should look really nice on the OLED.
@XenoShaun Ok, that doesn't sound THAT bad. I guess there is still some chance that Yokai Watch will find another publisher?
@PJOReilly There's new, exclusive content? Now I'm interested.
@JaxonH I feel you on that, I've had this game in my Steam library for years now and I never found the motivation to play it because it feels like I'm missing something.
A Switch version may change my mind and convince me to actually go through with playing the game.
Need to finish the first one. Put this one on my wishlist. Maybe I can finish the first before my birthday!
@120frames-please yes. The switch up review stated everything seemed to be reasonably smooth but when traversing the open man they had drops in to the 20's but as it was just running from point A-B it wasnt so bad. In towns, battles, settlements etc it seemed to fare alot better.
@CromAstronomy thanks for no help. The review is really vague on this topic. I am looking for other sources of this information. I am looking for something that is not 1 button mash but not only 1 shot deaths either.
@jcboyer515 @chipia Level 5 could find publishers in the West to pick up their titles, but I believe they have said they aren't actively looking to have their games launch outside of Japan.
I only mentioned Yokai Watch as that was a franchise that had games planned to release in the West but were cancelled due to Level 5 shutting Western operations.
Yeah waiting for my physical copy soon.
Enjoyed NNK: WWW on ps3 for a while when it first came out, but lost interest fairly quickly. Seem to remember the combat getting tedious. Since review of 2 says combat improved, may take a shot down the road when on sale.
@chipia This is an older game that released before they pulled out; Namco just ported it to Switch. I mean, it's not like the door is closed forever or anything like that, but I wouldn't hold my breath on any new releases of theirs coming over anymore.
How is the frame rate during skirmish battle ? Back then my PC rushed a lot during these battles ahah.
Uncapped framerate? We really need to stop this.
@Kidfunkadelic83 Yeah, the frame rate seems mostly good. Maybe most people would have no problem with it. I can't hardly enjoy any game with uneven or irregular frame pacing, so it's not for me. I'd love to have a Switch with variable refresh rate tech in it so there would be a way to smoothen out unlocked frame rates.
@mikegamer Just like it doesn't bother some gamers, it must also not bother some developers. I recently played Falconeer on Xbox series X and it looks astonishing locked at 120fps. I really wish that was the standard for all games!
@Froid12 Since the frame rate is unlocked it varies quite a bit. There are at least 2 or 3 youtube videos showing Switch performance for this game. They give a pretty good overview of the performance situation.
@Gwynbleidd
IIRC, Level 5 has stated that (after No no Kuni 2?) they will no longer self-publish localized versions of their games in the West, including Megaton Musashi. We can only hope a 3rd party company steps in to do so!
MM looks good enough for me to import the Japan version when it releases on Nov 11. If I’m not mistaken it has its own anime on the air in Japan this fall. Really I’d be surprised if somebody doesn’t license and translate the game/anime for English-speaking audiences.
SRWX has been a great welcome back to the series for me! I’ve already bought SRWT to play next, and V looks really tempting too. It is so awesome that they’ve brought shows like Yamato, Nadia, and Harlock into the fold, and all the games even include English translation!
Nice review and I am so happy that it is a good port as my pre-ordered copy has been delivered yesterday ^^
@120frames-please I'll stick to the PS4/PS5 version, as that's locked at 60. A 30 FPS lock would have been so much better on Switch, as Ni no Kuni 1 ran smooth at 30 fps locked. Sounds like a cop out to me from the devs.
@Gwynbleidd
Thanks for the follow-up!
I do indeed love classic mech/sci-fi anime - shows like old U.C. Gundams and Macross, Dunbine, Mazinger, Gaiking, Combattler, GE999, Cobra, Gunbuster, Nadia, pretty much everything 70s thru the early 00s! Those mechs and charas usually get the majority of my playtime in SRW games, so I'm glad to see them live on in the current releases. A stellar voyage with the Yamato crew sounds like an awesome premise, so SRWV will be a must-buy for me.
Personally the review score is way too generous. I played the PS4 ver and would not rate it more than 7/10. Love the 1st game but the sequel is not the game. Take the positive in the review and add negative as below:
I refuse to pay 50$ more Nintendo tax for $59.99 when its on sale for just 8$ on PS big in Japan sales. Isn't it a little too much difference?
Great review but I have to point out that the combat in the first game definitely was NOT turn based. It was the same real time fare, you just had to control monsters instead and they attacked automatically. I actually enjoyed that battle system more than this, despite initially finding it hard to get my head around. At least it was challenging.
The combat here really is the weak point for me. Like you said it's just easy. I find I can finish off even higher leveled enemies and not even make use of the higgledies, or even my spells. Personally I think the first game was better in many ways, but this is still a top class RPG
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