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
- The game features the best AI for turn-based RPGs, providing a challenging and engaging combat experience.
- It offers extensive character customization with a wide variety of classes, races, and tactical options, making each playthrough unique.
- The game allows players to adjust difficulty settings to suit their preferences, making it accessible for both hardcore and casual players.
- The game can be excessively difficult, even on lower settings, leading to frustration for players who are not familiar with the mechanics.
- There are numerous bugs and crashes reported, particularly on certain platforms, which can disrupt gameplay.
- The graphics and user interface are considered outdated and unpolished, detracting from the overall experience.
- graphics23 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered outdated and subpar, often described as "old school" and reminiscent of earlier gaming eras, which may not appeal to players seeking modern visuals. While some appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and find the graphics serviceable, many reviewers note that the lack of unique sprites and cohesive art style detracts from the overall experience, especially given the game's price point. Despite these criticisms, the gameplay mechanics and depth are highlighted as strengths that may compensate for the visual shortcomings.
“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.”
“While still not as good as Neverwinter Nights 1, it's definitely the closest we ever got to it, allowing you to easily make modules with custom areas, graphics, monsters, spells, weapons, etc. In my opinion, that alone is worth the hefty price of admission.”
“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 feels 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.”
- story20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally considered simplistic and not a primary focus, with the main module, "Augury of Chaos," emphasizing combat over narrative depth. While some players appreciate the open-ended nature and the potential for surprising encounters, many express disappointment in the lack of meaningful NPC interactions and a compelling storyline. Overall, the game is seen as more of an adventure experience rather than a story-driven one, with hopes for future modules to enhance narrative elements.
“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.”
“This is not a story-heavy game, and if you're looking for the sort of NPC interactions found in Baldur's Gate (any of them, really), you'll be disappointed.”
“Very little goes into the story or writing.”
“The focus of the Augury of Chaos module is very much combat and encounters; there isn't any deep plot here.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is heavily inspired by D&D 3.5 OGL, featuring intricate RPG mechanics and a variety of classes, such as psionicist, that encourage strategic thinking and character customization. Players can engage in a wide range of combat options, making encounters satisfying and dynamic, though the tutorial may require a time investment to fully grasp the mechanics. Despite its old-school graphics and higher price point for an indie game, it offers substantial gameplay value for those who appreciate complex mechanics and challenges.
“Really interesting mechanics and balance, synergies that make you think before you play.”
“It's an old school vibes RPG with D&D 3.5 ruleset and deep mechanics and customization.”
“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.”
“Still, definitely recommend but be warned, the tutorial is more of a mini-module than strictly an introduction to the game mechanics, so you may want to set some time aside for it before you try it out.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's music is praised for its epic and heroic themes, particularly during character creation, and features a simple yet addictive soundtrack. However, many players find the battle music repetitive, leading some to mute the game despite enjoying the overall artistic presentation.
“I love the music track where you choose spells and feats during character creation.”
“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 and tons of variety from spells to the classes you can play.”
“The game feels epic, and it starts with the music launcher reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian's main theme (mixed with pious/chivalresque tones).”
“I'd say the battle music gets incredibly repetitive, and eventually I muted the game.”
“The music can - and probably will - become a nuisance and repetitive.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game is challenging, particularly for hybrid classes outside of the ranger, which struggle to fit into high-optimization modules like "Augury of Chaos." Players need a solid understanding of the 3.5 ruleset and should invest significant time in character creation to build an effective party, as the game often presents unpredictable challenges and requires strategic planning to succeed. Overall, while the system showcases potential for campaign creation, it demands a high level of optimization knowledge from players.
“It's still recommended to have a good knowledge of the 3.5 ruleset; a well-optimized party will be needed, and you will spend a good hour at least in the character creation menu.”
“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.”
“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 overwhelming. Late game mobs tend to grapple and hold you down like a horde of faceless men, making the experience frustrating. 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.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers high replayability due to its diverse combinations, though some users note that certain quirks may slightly diminish this aspect. Nonetheless, many find the replayability to be a strong point, enhancing the overall experience.
“Replayability is high because of the various combinations.”
“This is pretty neat for replayability.”
“It's understandable again, but it may be the main quirk because it diminishes the replayability a bit.”
“Replayability is high because of combinations.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is closely tied to a Dungeons & Dragons-style ruleset, allowing for intricate and rewarding progression. Players can expect a deep and complex character development system that enhances the overall experience, particularly for those who appreciate challenging turn-based combat.
“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.”
“Overall, highly recommended to anyone who enjoys challenging turn-based combat and complex character development.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative 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 monotonous.”
“I find myself repeating the same tasks over and over without any real progress.”
