Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Review

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, a follow-up to the critically acclaimed action-adventure game Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas, is a remarkable work that expands the Oceanhorn universe into a more immersive and captivating experience. It is a testament to the depths that indie games can reach when it comes to storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals.

Oceanhorn 2 is set a thousand years before the events of the first game. The story follows a young 18 years old knight who embarks on a quest to unite the races of Owrus, Gillfolk, and humans against the nefarious Mesmeroth, who has returned with a formidable Dark Army. With a narrative that is both cohesive and engaging, Oceanhorn 2 offers a rich lore that is captivating from start to finish. The story unfolds gradually, unveiling new locations, characters, and challenges that keep players invested in the game.

Among the role-playing games, this game has an average level of dialogue. That is, on the one hand, we have games like Baldur’s Gate 3, which has infinite dialogue, and on the other hand, we have games like Zelda, Tears of the Kingdom, which are mostly silent. Oceanhorn 2 tells a good story and offers interesting conversations with dialogues that are average-numbered and do not get boring.

The gameplay builds on the original’s formula, infusing elements from the likes of Legend of Zelda, while also introducing its unique mechanics. With an open-world design, players can explore a multitude of islands, dungeons, and cities, each teeming with puzzles, secrets, and foes to defeat. The previous game was made similar to the isometric Zelda games, but this time it is similar to the Zelda games that have a fully third-person camera. Also, don’t get me wrong, even though the game is open-world, it doesn’t emphasize it, and you can finish the story like a linear game.

The combat is simple but engaging, with a variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. The game introduces a new multi-character system where players can command other characters to solve some puzzles and defeat enemies. But this can not add a layer of depth to the game because their usefulness is limited. What makes this game so enjoyable is exploring its world. The combats are not what makes you want to continue playing. Rather it is searching and accessing hidden paths and items scattered in the environment that arouses a person’s curiosity to continue the game.

Oceanhorn 2 is visually stunning. The graphics are cartoonish but crisp and detailed, and the art style is vibrant, bringing the world of Gaia to life. Each location has its unique aesthetic, from the lush greenery of the forests to the eerie shadows of the dungeons. We played the game on Xbox but handheld versions of it seem like a miracle on phones and Nintendo Switch.

The sound design is equally impressive. The orchestral score is a perfect companion to your adventure, enhancing the overall experience. Dialogues and the sound effects, from the clash of swords to the magical spells, are immersive and well-executed. In general, the production level of this game is very high for an independent game. Oceanhorn 2 runs smoothly but with a lacking level of optimization. The controls are responsive, allowing for precise movements and actions. But the game options section is almost empty and does not let you experience the game as you want. None of the usual options in games are available for you to adjust.

In conclusion, Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm is a captivating adventure that whisks players away to a vibrant and immersive world. Its rich lore, engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning aesthetics make it an incredible game. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the series, Oceanhorn 2 is sure to provide an unforgettable gaming experience.

If you are a fan of the older Zelda games and you are not satisfied with its last two big releases, this game is for you. Also if you don’t have a Nintendo platform and are looking for an experience similar to Zelda games, this game is for you; finally, if you just want to experience one of the best independent games on the market and be entertained for dozens of hours, this game is for you too.

The review code was provided by the publisher