Dungeon Keeper 2

"Now it's even better to be bad..."

For those of you who are new to the Dungeon Keeper series, the objective is the following : raise creatures, build rooms and devious traps, cast spells and conquer your rival keepers, along with all that is good and true.
Dungeon keeper 2 adds more features to the already successful formula of Dungeon Keeper 1, bringing updated graphics, a new quest, more creatures from the lowly imp worker to the horned reaper himself a massive being from hell, spells both offensive and defensive from making gold to making a massive inferno, traps like cannons, spikes and a huge Indiana Jones style boulder, rooms like places for your creatures to rest, train, and even gamble their wages. Plus a new Pet Dungeon mode with which you can do whatever you want with a dungeon in an attempt to gain the best score.

Story 7/10 You are a “keeper” on a quest for the portal gems, when gathered, open the gate to the overworld, where you can wreak havoc to your hearts desire.
The game’s plot advances along with you, telling a story of rival keepers, greed, and the battle of good against evil.
Nothing exceptional, but then again there very rarely is in strategy games in my opinion. Although it is very nice to play the bad guy once in a while :)

Graphics 9/10 Interesting effects, and detailed characters as well as the ability to possess a creature and see your dungeon from the inside. Standard FMV sequences and still pictures.

Sounds 8/10 Rich and varied, although some of them do get annoying after a while. The battle music is wonderfully atmospheric and adds an extra touch to the wonders of the game. Chickens cluck, demons fart, doors slam, heroes scream, and boulders roll.

Gameplay 10/10 Fun, frantic and fluid, although the game may suffer slowdown in particularly nasty situations featuring 20+ creatures. And of course, the typical Bullfrog humour is present and correct, as represented in your mentor's comments and a number of film sequences unlocked by progressing in the main game. There is one issue though, the game is somewhat easy. However, set yourself personal challenges and this is no longer true.

To buy or to rent? A definite buy, this one will last you for years, and plus you can always make your own extra levels and quests using the downloadable map editor.

Overall 10/10 an incredibly enjoyable game that will keep you hooked for ages.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/25/02, Updated 08/25/02