Knights of the Chalice 2
- March 25, 2022
- Heroic Fantasy Games Dot Com
Get on Steam"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."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Knights of the Chalice 2 offers deep character customization and tactical combat that rewards strategic thinking, making it a standout adaptation of D&D 3.5 rules.
- The game features an impressive AI that challenges players with intelligent enemy tactics, creating engaging and dynamic combat scenarios.
- Players can adjust the difficulty settings to tailor their experience, allowing for both hardcore challenges and more accessible gameplay.
- The game suffers from significant balance issues, with encounters often feeling unfair and punishing, leading to frustration for many players.
- Graphics and UI are outdated and can detract from the overall experience, making it feel less polished compared to modern titles.
- Some players report frequent bugs, including corrupted save files and inconsistent difficulty spikes, which can hinder enjoyment.
- graphics34 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely criticized as outdated and subpar, often described as "janky" and reminiscent of older titles, which may detract from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the nostalgic, old-school aesthetic, many feel that the visuals do not justify the game's price tag and are a significant drawback. Despite these graphical limitations, the gameplay mechanics and tactical depth are praised, suggesting that players who prioritize gameplay over visuals may still find enjoyment.
“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.”
“The graphics are possibly the worst thing here; there are multiple graphical options, and I would rate the vanilla one the least interesting (moreover because it is unfinished).”
“The graphics are dated; the gameplay is isometric, and it is an utter throwback to an earlier style.”
“Even if you're not particular about graphics, this thing looks like you're playing BG2 in Microsoft Excel on Windows 98.”
- story32 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's story, particularly in the "Augury of Chaos" module, is considered underwhelming and primarily combat-focused, with minimal exploration or narrative depth. While some players appreciate the open-ended nature and the potential for surprising experiences, many criticize the lack of meaningful storytelling and writing, suggesting that the gameplay mechanics overshadow the narrative. Mods like "Hearkenwold" are noted for offering a more engaging story, indicating a desire for richer storytelling in future content.
“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.”
“There is a mod for the game called 'Hearkenwold' that has very reasonable difficulty and a good story.”
“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, but just have some saves ready in case you think, 'Hey, actually I reckon I need to do those other missions first!'”
“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.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is deeply rooted in the D&D 3.5 ruleset, offering extensive combat options and mechanics that encourage strategic thinking and customization. While the graphics are old school and the price point is high for an indie title, the game provides a robust in-game help feature for newcomers, making it accessible and rewarding for those who appreciate intricate mechanics and challenges. Overall, it revitalizes traditional RPG gameplay with innovative synergies and balanced mechanics.
“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.”
“The new mechanics breathe new life into a stale ruleset (similar to Pathfinder).”
- optimization6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization in "Augury of Chaos" is criticized for its uneven balance, particularly with hybrid classes outside of rangers, making them hard to justify in high-optimization scenarios. Players often face chaotic and poorly communicated challenges, with enemy casters having access to an overwhelming array of spells, which can disrupt gameplay. Overall, while the game showcases the potential of the system, it seems best suited for those already familiar with 3.5 optimization rather than newcomers.
“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.”
“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.”
“While you're often thrown into situations without information on what you're facing, the maps can get a bit wonky when you get to Gleegold Keep. The writing is mediocre, all the enemy casters somehow have 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, so you absolutely must try hard for them, which can be frustrating. Late game mobs tend to grapple and hold you down, making the experience feel overwhelming. 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.”
- music6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its epic quality, evoking a sense of heroic adventure reminiscent of classic themes like that of Conan the Barbarian. Reviewers find the soundtrack both simple and addictive, complementing the game's detailed graphics and diverse gameplay elements. Overall, the music significantly enhances the immersive experience.
“The game feels epic, and it starts with the music launcher reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian's main theme (mixed with pious/chivalresque tones).”
“The soundtrack is simple yet strangely addictive.”
“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 and tons of variety from spells to the classes you can play.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game adheres to a consistent ruleset and system, allowing players to expect a familiar experience akin to traditional Dungeons & Dragons scenarios. This continuity supports the design of engaging and immersive character arcs within the gameplay.
“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.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be both challenging and monotonous, leading to a tedious experience.
“This game is difficult and tedious.”
“This game is difficult and tedious.”
