Kingdom: Classic
- November 12, 2018
- Coatsink
- 17h median play time
A brilliant and more accessible sequel to enjoy with a friend
Get on Steam"Kingdom: Classic" is a strategy game where players step into the role of a monarch, building and defending their kingdom against the Greed. The game features a new campaign mode in "Kingdom Two Crowns," which introduces cooperative play, new unit types, advanced technologies, and fresh environments. Players must build a lasting kingdom and defeat the Greed once and for all.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Phone
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Android
Cloud
Linux
Mobile Platform
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
PlayStation
Tablet
Xbox
Reviews
- gameplay1,617 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Kingdom: Two Crowns" is characterized by its minimalist mechanics, which are easy to learn but can lead to repetitive and tedious experiences over time. Players appreciate the game's beautiful pixel art and engaging soundtrack, but many express frustration with unclear mechanics and the punishing winter mechanic that halts progress. While the cooperative mode adds a fun dynamic, the overall gameplay can feel shallow and lacks depth, often requiring players to consult external guides to fully understand the mechanics.
“With its 2D layout, stunning pixel art graphics, and one simple mechanic - dropping gold coins - Kingdom: Two Crowns proves that sometimes, less is more.”
“The game shines with its intuitive mechanics, where you balance expanding your domain with defending it from greed.”
“Kingdom: Two Crowns is a beautifully crafted side-scrolling strategy game that combines minimalist gameplay with a rich atmosphere.”
“Unfortunately, Kingdom Two Crowns runs out of steam too quickly, falling victim to a gameplay loop that becomes overly repetitive and a progression system that fails to provide the motivation and curiosity needed to continue the adventure.”
“The gameplay is very shallow and you spend most of your time waiting around for things to happen.”
“The gameplay loop can be repetitive, and it's definitely not the kind of game for everyone.”
- music1,060 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in "Kingdom Two Crowns" is widely praised for its beautiful, atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to adapt to in-game events, creating an immersive environment that complements the stunning pixel art. Many reviewers highlight the music as a standout feature, often describing it as relaxing and evocative, making it enjoyable to listen to even outside of gameplay.
“The soundtrack is a delight and really adds to that relaxing atmosphere, especially considering how familiar the gameplay is to me now.”
“Kingdom Two Crowns captivates with its beautifully pixelated art style and soothing soundtrack, creating a serene and enchanting world.”
“The music is beautiful, even arrestingly so at certain moments.”
“The game is really nice at first glance, the art, the music, the idea behind it all will suck you in... once you get past the first little bit, everything starts sliding downwards.... you start noticing NPCs flying in the air, NPCs floating in the water!”
“Heck, when I finished the 'dead lands' campaign, as a reward I was treated to a credit sequence which had multiple tracks of music playing simultaneously, ultimately an unskippable cacophonous mess.”
“I'm surprised, upon reflection, that the soundtrack was used to convey so little to the player about the current state of play.”
- graphics1,027 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Kingdom: Two Crowns" have received widespread acclaim for their beautiful pixel art style, which is described as charming, atmospheric, and visually stunning. Players appreciate the game's vibrant colors, detailed animations, and the way the graphics complement the relaxing soundtrack, creating an immersive experience. While some critiques mention the simplicity of the graphics and occasional bugs, the overall aesthetic is celebrated as a significant strength of the game, enhancing its appeal for fans of indie and pixel art games.
“The art style is beautiful and full of life.”
“With its 2D layout, stunning pixel art graphics and one simple mechanic - dropping gold coins - Kingdom: Two Crowns proves that sometimes, less is more.”
“The art style is stunning, with beautifully animated environments that range from lush forests to misty shores.”
“Was actually quite pessimistic about it, what with its basic graphics and pretty basic gameplay.”
“What is the point in making such archaic graphics that literally it is pain to distinguish anything.”
“The graphics may be simple compared to many other games, but if you don't stay for the graphics or gameplay, stay for the music.”
- grinding225 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly as they progress through the campaign. While some appreciate the sense of achievement that comes from grinding, others feel that the gameplay loop becomes monotonous and exhausting, especially when compounded by bugs and slow movement mechanics. Overall, the grinding can be enjoyable for those who embrace it, but it may deter players seeking a more dynamic experience.
“The mechanics are great, the gameplay is great, it's not grindy, it's just an all-around great time.”
“If movement weren't as tedious as it is, that'd be enough to change this game from 'bullsh*t' to 'gem'.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“The game-play loop is unique but became a bit tedious and redundant for me after a few hours.”
“Too often I found myself exhausted by the gameplay, as the campaign takes so many repetitive hours of tedious running around.”
“The core gameplay loop grows exponentially more tedious the longer you play.”
- atmosphere222 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its beautiful pixel art, immersive soundtracks, and captivating environments that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the relaxing yet occasionally intense ambiance, which effectively complements the gameplay, making it a joy to explore and build within the game world. However, some reviews note that while the atmosphere is strong, it can be undermined by gameplay limitations and bugs, leading to a mixed overall impression.
“The soundtrack is equally impressive, enhancing the immersive experience with its atmospheric tones.”
“When night falls, however, is where the game’s atmosphere absolutely shines; the immersion you get from the quietness and the sudden disappearance of the music and monsters is just a chef’s kiss.”
“The pixel art is a visual highlight, creating an atmosphere that shifts with the day and weather, adding a layer of tension and immersion.”
“Graphics and atmosphere are beautiful, but it gets boring real quick after endless grinding and collecting resources. I bought it around 1 dollar for the content it gives; I'm gonna say not bad but not gonna play this game for a long period of time.”
“For a game that relies heavily on a charming chill atmosphere (and with such simple graphics), this is unforgivable.”
“This is an extremely frustrating bug that stressed me the most and that ruins the originally smooth gameplay, bombing his relaxing pixel atmosphere and filling it with anger!”
- stability203 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches that severely impact gameplay, particularly in multiplayer modes. Many players express frustration over game-breaking issues, frequent crashes, and unresponsive mechanics, leading to a recommendation to avoid the game until these problems are addressed. While some players find enjoyment in the game despite its flaws, the consensus is that it remains unpolished and requires substantial updates to improve stability.
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“The game is now mostly bug free and plays very well.”
“No glitches, no lag, just pure fun.”
“The game is buggy, unplayable trash.”
“This game is so buggy that many of the upgrade objects can't be interacted with, and you'll have to exit the game and restart the run, but that only means something else has become broken instead every time.”
“Kingdom Two Crowns is plagued with numerous bugs and glitches.”
- story175 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a significant divide regarding the story aspect of the game, with many players noting a lack of a compelling narrative, dialogue, or character development. While some appreciate the minimalist storytelling approach and the ability to create their own backstories, others express frustration over the absence of a structured plot, leading to a repetitive gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game excels in mechanics and visuals, it falls short in delivering a meaningful story.
“I love the unique gameplay and interesting story and lore to this game!”
“Kingdom is a legendary game, not just because of the gameplay (which is genius) but also because of the subtle, epic, and rather deep story that is not thrown at you but requires a fair bit of thought.”
“It feels like a story unfolding before your eyes that you can feel and experience with your own emotional reinforcement as you play.”
“There's no plot, no story, no characters, no dialogue, and nothing of substance.”
“If you are here for the story - don't waste your time.”
“The story is as barebones as it gets, and that's ok.”
- replayability118 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising the addition of DLCs and new game modes that enhance the experience and provide hours of enjoyment. While some find the gameplay engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, others note that once the mechanics are mastered, the replay value diminishes due to repetitive elements. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the game offers significant replayability through its variety of challenges, themes, and strategic options.
“The free (and purchasable) DLCs add a fun new twist and give you plenty of hours of replayability!”
“It's a captivating experience, offering hours of strategic fun and near endless replayability.”
“The randomly generated world results in ever-changing gameplay with tons of replayability, making the title exceptional value for your library.”
“Sadly, I think the game's replayability is relatively low despite the new content that's been introduced, especially if you've played the previous games in the franchise.”
“Once players complete the game, replayability can feel limited.”
“The main problem with it is that, once you read a guide and play a bit, it's actually a pretty straightforward strategy game - that doesn't make for a lot of replayability.”
- humor49 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Kingdom Two Crowns" is widely praised, with players highlighting its ability to evoke laughter through quirky character actions, amusing gameplay scenarios, and lighthearted interactions, especially in cooperative play. Many reviews note the game's blend of humor with heartwarming moments, making it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. However, some mention that the humor can become repetitive over time, though it remains a significant draw for the game's charm.
“In conclusion, Kingdom Two Crowns is a hilariously heartwarming adventure that will make you laugh, cry (from laughter), and maybe even learn a thing or two about feudal economics.”
“I play with my brother every now and then, and what would be a disheartening breach of the walls turns into a hilarious good time.”
“The funny thing is that although the game is supposed to be about monarchs, kingdoms, and feudalism, you are actually a fantasy capitalist - you don't rule by commanding, but by investments - give a beggar a coin, and he will become your loyal subject.”
- emotional20 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of heartwarming experiences and moments of frustration, evoking a range of feelings from joy and laughter to sadness and disappointment. Players appreciate the game's artistic direction and music, which enhance the emotional journey, while also noting that the gameplay can lead to moments of heartbreak, particularly when facing setbacks. Overall, the game fosters a sense of nostalgia and connection, making it a memorable experience that resonates deeply with players.
“In conclusion, Kingdom Two Crowns is a hilariously heartwarming adventure that will make you laugh, cry (from laughter), and maybe even learn a thing or two about feudal economics.”
“These Kingdom games have a special place in my heart, and listening to some of the music, like in New Lands, made me cry before.”
“It feels like a story unfolding before your eyes that you can feel and experience with your own emotional reinforcement as you play.”
“So elegantly driven and emotional that you cry.”
“So elegantly driven and emotional that you cry.”
- optimization20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players noting smooth performance on specific platforms like the Steam Deck, while others report significant lag, stuttering, and graphical bugs that detract from the overall experience. Many users express frustration over performance issues, especially during multiplayer sessions and when numerous characters are on screen, indicating that the game is poorly optimized compared to its predecessors. Despite some updates improving visuals, the overall performance has reportedly declined, leading to a less enjoyable gameplay experience.
“The game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, making it a perfect companion for gaming on the go.”
“Two Crowns is, as of this review, the newest and best of the Kingdom games. The game has been seriously optimized and has a more satisfying ending than the classic did, and the feature of exploring and unlocking things as you progress is better than New Lands.”
“The performance is great; it does have a few bugs here and there, but they will be ironed out. I am missing some graphical settings like the ability to turn off V-Sync, and I also notice small frame drops when there are hundreds of archers and Greed on the screen, which I did not have in the previous games.”
“It just keeps lagging and stuttering, which is really annoying.”
“There is a graphical bug and performance bug where the game is slower than normal.”
“Serious stuttering (massive framerate drops) is simply unacceptable (i5, gtx970, 16gb); it literally makes me sick to watch on long runs.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 71 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for relying heavily on microtransactions and in-game purchases, leading many players to feel that it prioritizes profit over player experience. Despite the enjoyable core mechanics, the overall impression is that the game feels like a cash grab, detracting from its quality and the developers' commitment to their customer base.
“While the core mechanics and game are very enjoyable, the game feels like a cash grab.”
“Quality game, but their release model is really cash grabby.”
“It's obvious they went with a cash grab rather than valuing their customer base.”
Critic Reviews
Kingdom Two Crowns Review
Kingdom Two Crowns offers a hell of a view, but you may find its brand of light strategy too sedate if you’re not one to ‘smell the roses’. Give it a chance, though, and it really grows on you. Disappointing framerate aside, it’s a great introduction to the series, and valuable split-screen co-op adds a fresh, more relaxing dimension to its tower defence. If you bounced off New Lands, this won’t win you over, but if the last game piqued your interest but passed you by, Two Crowns is a much easier recommendation.
80%Kingdom Two Crowns Review - PS4
Kingdom Two Crowns is an immersive and frequently surprising strategy game that is quite unlike any other. Fans of slow-burning, atmospheric strategy efforts with emergent discovery will find much to enjoy here - as would newcomers to the genre at large.
85%Kingdom Two Crowns
A surprising twist on the strategy and resource management genre, Kingdom Two Crowns offers players a mostly serene experience with gorgeous art and limited direction that may frustrate players not willing to uncover its secrets.
82%
