Valhalla Knights 2

"Could be better, Could be worse."

When I play Valhalla Knights 2, I think about what could have been in the game more than whats in the game itself. Don't get me wrong, it's all I have been playing since it came out, but when playing it you can't help but point out to yourself "Well that could have been done differently." Not all of us are game creators, and programmers, but there are some things that even a child could point out as very VERY annoying. In regards to the game itself I will give you my analysis.

Starting out the game with the beginning CGI was nothing short of awesome. Actually starting the game, wasn't as warm of a feeling. You have the choice between 5 races to start with, and a Male and Female selection. Think this is awesome, there isn't much further customization than that. You get to pick between 6 (if memory serves me correctly) different faces (4 out of the 6 look as if they have down syndrome) and 6 measly haircuts with no colour change, so as far as cosmetics go, I wasn't thrilled about that. You pick your job, your name, and you continue on.

The very first quest of the game seems really bizarre. Of all things it makes you delve deep into the dungeon system to look for... well you are not sure what, but it has something to do with the rock you receive! After finding this "Crystal" you report back and you start the other set of quests. The next quest you don't even need to go that far... Which makes me ask "Why for the very first quest of the game, would you make the player go much further than he needs to at the time, and have new quests at the near start?" The questing system is extremely flawed, as it gives you very little detail on your mission and how to accomplish it. The story portions of the story progression quests are a little less than interesting, and could have been done a bit differently.

Exploring the dungeons themselves are more of a fear as you progress, rather than excitement. you quickly remember, the further you progress, the further you have to make that annoying walk back if you die. That's right, WALK back. And if you do come across enemies much higher leveled than you, it is next to impossible to flee. How impossible? I have yet to do it successfully if that says anything. I have not beaten the game yet, but I am far enough to tell you that there are no portals to take you back to the locations you want to be (though I head there are minor shortcuts here and there). You have to walk back to your area. You can use an Escape Card to take yourself back to town, but you cannot go back. This is in my opinion one of the most poorly planned parts of the game. One of the "Well that could have been done differently" statements.

Next off the Weapons and Armour, one of the most exciting aspects of your average Dungeon Crawler. As far as cosmetics, the weapons and armour I have seen are so-so. As far as stats go... well that is a whole different story. Yet another time to say "Well that could have been done differently". In the scheme of things, weapon power is increased by both WL (weapon level) and Attack Power. How either of these effect your damage output is beyond me, and increasing the character stat "Strength" doesn't show it adding up either, though you do see the stats and what it affects overall. This is the very same with Armour, it has a AL (armour level) and Defence. Vitality seems to effect this one, but once again, the stats seem to be hidden, but you notice an overall difference in battle.

The one thing I did find really fascinating in a way, was the Job/Sub job system. The fact that you can place certain class skills and pertain to another class is really fun, and cool to mix up here and there. It is also the way in which your characters "Level Up" and gain stats and the like.

There are many other things that could have been with this game. Like I said, if you like dungeon crawlers, its not necessarily your best bet, but it is fun if you have the time (and patience) and I would vote for it. *Shrugs*


-Booch138

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/09/08

Game Release: Valhalla Knights 2 (US, 10/01/08)