"An Obscure Game but a Great One"

For anyone who has ever played an RPG, you have an idea of what to expect. However, Nintendo has gone one step further and strayed away from normal role-playing games, creating a real-time card based game.

Graphics:10

Right from the start, you witness graphics that rival even the latest games. Even during parts that may not possess this level of display, the game still shows a crisp, clear image, so you can't make any graphic-related bungles. Not only that, but the monster animations are just incredible, so when you want to really intimidate someone, it's all about which card. Then there's the breathtaking bosses (the boss on the fifth level will really make you cry ''God Almighty!''). There are also subtitles, for those who are unfortunate enough to have lost their hearing (thanks Nintendo).

Sound:10

This game's sound is vastly improved from the previous! There is clear music, voices, and monster sounds consistently! Very rarely will you ever wonder what someone said. The musical score always suits where you are, and never skips or gets interrupted. Now, the monsters sound just incredible! If you are experienced, you can recognize a monster even if you are blind just by the sound effect!

Control:10

This game is easy to control. Once you get past the first couple levels, you'll learn how to control Tara and her cards. The in-game instructions will make everything easy for you. Never have I ever had a problem relating to controls.

Storyline:10
The story unfolds like a book. The characters make it so easy to understand that you will never have to wander around with no idea where to go. Even the side quests are told in detail. Every new friend and foe is introduced with detail, and will always make you remeber who that person is.

Difficulty:5

The difficulty really depends on how well you use your cards, and how well you prepared. Sometimes you may need to abort, and other times the level may seem too easy. If you collect as many cards as you can, even the final boss will be nothing. Point being, you just got to know your cards, and your enemy. Just make sure you bring cards that will give you an edge in combat.

Replay Value:10

With so many cards to collect, you aren't likely to get them all by the end of the game. Odds are, it will take you longer to collect all the cards than going through Story Mode. Also, the game has a secret ending, which I won't spoil for anyone. After even 40 hours of play, I still don't have them all.

With such a wide variety of cards, such a great battle system, and a load of other qualities that make this game great, it's strange that this game isn't popular. If everyone were to experiment with new games, I'm sure they'd find a place in their hearts for Lost Kingdoms II

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/24/03