Knights of the Chalice 2

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 73 reviews
  • graphics
  • story
  • gameplay
Knights of the Chalice 2 Game Cover
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"Knights of the Chalice 2 is a 2D RPG with turn-based combat for Windows and macOS, utilizing the OGL 3.5 ruleset. Create a party of up to six adventurers and explore Finchbury village and its dangerous sewers, recruiting new companions and uncovering a dangerous conflict with the Circle of the Black Rose. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a guidebook, module editor guidebook, soundtracks, and extra artwork to enhance your experience."

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Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 73 reviews
story2 positive mentions
graphics2 negative mentions
  • Knights of the Chalice 2 offers deep character customization and tactical combat, making it a rewarding experience for hardcore D&D fans.
  • The AI is highly intelligent, providing challenging encounters that require strategic planning and resource management.
  • The game allows for difficulty adjustments, enabling players to tailor their experience to their skill level while still offering a satisfying challenge.
  • The game suffers from significant balance issues, with encounters often feeling unfair and punishing, even on lower difficulty settings.
  • Graphics and UI are outdated and can detract from the overall experience, making it feel less polished compared to modern titles.
  • Many players find the difficulty spikes and random enemy reinforcements frustrating, leading to a reliance on trial and error rather than strategic gameplay.
  • graphics17 mentions

    The graphics of the game have been widely criticized for being outdated and subpar, often described as "janky" and reminiscent of older titles, which detracts from the overall experience, especially given the game's price. While some players appreciate the nostalgic, old-school aesthetic and find it fitting for the game's mechanics, many feel that the visuals are a significant drawback, with a lack of immersion and polish. Overall, the graphics are seen as a mixed bag, with potential for improvement through modding but currently failing to meet modern standards.

    • “Don't be put off by the simplistic graphics; the game is deep and has plenty of tactical options and is loosely based on 3.5 edition of D&D, though there certainly are differences.”
    • “It's too bad since I really love the graphical art style and the perfect music which sings of heroic adventure, along with the incredible level of detail flowing with tons of variety from spells to the classes you can play.”
    • “Obviously this isn't next-gen graphics, but it brings out old school vibes, and for that style, it's pretty decent.”
    • “A mixed bag; on one hand, it's a pretty decent battle simulator for 3.5 D&D, and I've no doubt modders could perhaps make a decent campaign with it. Unfortunately, the mod that ships with the game is of very low quality, not particularly immersive or well-written in the few hours I played it. The graphics are also very subpar, which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when balanced against the game's current price tag.”
    • “The graphics are possibly the worst thing here. There are multiple graphical options, and I would rate the vanilla one as the least interesting, especially because it is unfinished.”
    • “Even if you're not particular about graphics, this thing looks like you're playing Baldur's Gate 2 in Microsoft Excel on Windows 98.”
  • story16 mentions

    The game's story is described as lacking depth and focus, primarily serving as a backdrop for combat and exploration rather than a compelling narrative. While some players appreciate the open-ended nature and the potential for surprising encounters, many feel that the main storyline, "Augury of Chaos," is difficult and not particularly engaging, with future modules hoped to provide more substantial storytelling. Overall, the emphasis seems to be on gameplay mechanics and party dynamics rather than a rich narrative experience.

    • “I must say I've been taken aback by how delightful the story, combat, graphics, and sounds have worked together to make it hard to put down.”
    • “The biggest one being that the game is open-ended, and you can very easily go down a path you might not entirely be ready for - it's good in a way that it can really surprise you and be exciting.”
    • “There is a mod for the game called 'Hearkenwold' that has very reasonable difficulty and a good story.”
    • “Very little goes into the story or writing.”
    • “Don't expect any story worth a shit.”
    • “This first module, Augury of Chaos, is mostly combat-focused without much exploration or story; hopefully future modules bring more of that in.”
  • gameplay7 mentions

    The gameplay is praised for its interesting mechanics and balance, drawing heavily from the D&D 3.5 ruleset, which offers extensive combat options and strategic synergies that encourage thoughtful play. While the graphics are old school and the price point is high for an indie title, the in-game help feature and deep customization options make it a rewarding experience for those who appreciate complex mechanics and challenges. Overall, it revitalizes a classic system with fresh ideas, appealing to fans of traditional RPGs.

    • “Really interesting mechanics and balance, synergies that make you think before you play.”
    • “If you're not someone who's already familiar with the ruleset, the game has an in-game help feature with extensive documentation of the mechanics at the press of a button (F1) alongside handy hyperlinks within text and can also be accessed through right-clicking terms and menus.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, the options are extensive for combat: disarm, sunder, trip, bull rush, slide, pull, grapple, height differences, reach weapons, ignite web/grease, blow fog away, etc. It is very satisfying utilizing the options you have to resolve the encounters the first module gives you.”
    • “If you're not someone who's already familiar with the ruleset, the game has an in-game help feature with extensive documentation of the mechanics at the press of a button (F1) alongside handy hyperlinks within text and can also be accessed through right-clicking terms and menus.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, the options are extensive for combat: disarm, sunder, trip, bull rush, slide, pull, grapple, height differences, reach weapons, ignite web/grease, blow fog away, etc. It is very satisfying utilizing the options you have to resolve the encounters the first module gives you.”
    • “The new mechanics breathe new life into a stale ruleset (similar to Pathfinder).”
  • optimization3 mentions

    The optimization in the game is criticized for its inconsistency, particularly with hybrid classes and enemy spellcasting, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. Players note that the lack of clear information and the chaotic nature of encounters detracts from strategic planning, making it challenging to justify high optimization builds. Overall, while the game showcases potential in campaign creation, it seems best suited for those already familiar with advanced optimization in the 3.5 system.

    • “Chances are, if you aren't already deep into 3.5 optimization and heard of this game years ago, you probably aren't the audience here.”
    • “As a proof of concept, Augury of Chaos is good at demonstrating what KOTC2 can do in terms of creating campaigns, and the system itself is a fun 3.5 simulator.”
    • “Hybrids outside of ranger still stay problematic and will be hard to justify taking in a high optimization module like Augury of Chaos.”
    • “Hybrids outside of ranger still stay problematic and will be hard to justify taking in a high optimization module like Augury of Chaos.”
    • “While you're often thrown into situations without information on what you're facing, the maps can get a bit wonky when you reach Gleegold Keep. The writing is mediocre, all the enemy casters somehow have access to every single spell of their level, and there are random immersion-breaking riddle ghosts in the sewers that you must interact with. They give you more gold based on your performance, which forces you to try hard to the point of triggering grade 3 math class PTSD flashbacks. Late game mobs tend to grapple and hold you down like a horde of faceless men in a Japanese cartoon. As a proof of concept, Augury of Chaos is good at demonstrating what KOTC2 can do in terms of creating campaigns, and the system itself is a fun 3.5 simulator.”
    • “Chances are, if you aren't already deep into 3.5 optimization and heard of this game years ago, you probably aren't the audience here.”
  • music3 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its epic and heroic qualities, complementing the graphical art style and gameplay variety. Reviewers find the soundtrack both simple and addictive, with comparisons to iconic themes like that of Conan the Barbarian, enhancing the overall adventurous atmosphere.

    • “It's too bad since I really love the graphical art style and the perfect music that sings of heroic adventure, along with the incredible level of detail flowing with tons and tons of variety from spells to the classes you can play.”
    • “The soundtrack is simple yet strangely addictive.”
    • “The game feels epic, and it starts with the music launcher reminiscent of the Conan the Barbarian main theme, mixed with pious and chivalresque tones.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development in the module adheres to a consistent ruleset and system, allowing builders to create scenarios that align with traditional Dungeons & Dragons mechanics. This continuity ensures that players can expect familiar character progression and growth within the game.

    • “The finished module will still be using the same ruleset and character development system, so a builder should have an expectation of designing similar Dungeons & Dragons style scenarios.”
    • “The finished module will still be using the same ruleset and character development system, so a builder should have an expectation of designing similar Dungeons & Dragons style scenarios.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be challenging and monotonous, often leading to a tedious experience.

    • “This game is difficult and tedious.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and repetitive.”
    • “I spent hours doing the same tasks without any real progress.”
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Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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