"Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Review: A Fairytale Adventure Reignited on Handheld

Hello everyone, fellow Switch players! I'm your old friend, seasoned game reviewer, Otaku. Today, we're going to talk about a JRPG masterpiece full of fairytale charm – "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom." As the second entry in the series, it not only continues the exquisite Ghibli-esque visuals, but also innovates boldly in terms of gameplay systems and story. While we wait for the nintendo switch2 first look to reveal more details, why not experience this meticulously crafted RPG on your existing Switch first? So, how does this port to the Nintendo Switch platform perform? Is it worth buying? Let me, from the perspective of a veteran gamer, bring you a detailed review.

1. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Game Introduction

"Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" is developed by Level-5 and published by Bandai Namco. The story tells of a young king, Evan, who is forced to flee his kingdom after a coup and is determined to establish a new one. In the game, players will control Evan, adventuring with his companions, making allies, and ultimately reclaiming his throne.

The core gameplay includes exploring a vast world map, engaging in real-time combat, building and managing your own kingdom, and completing various tasks. Unlike its predecessor, "Ni No Kuni II" adopts a smoother and more dynamic real-time combat system, replacing turn-based battles, which undoubtedly makes the combat experience more exciting.

2. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Graphics and Sound Review

2.1 Visual Presentation: Perfect Reproduction of Ghibli Style

The most attractive aspect of "Ni No Kuni II" is undoubtedly its Ghibli-esque visuals. The vibrant colors, detailed scenes, and adorable character designs make you feel like you're in an animated movie. Even on the Nintendo Switch platform, the visual presentation is still commendable.

Of course, due to hardware limitations, the Switch version has slightly reduced graphical fidelity compared to the PS4 or PC versions, especially in handheld mode. But overall, the game's art style makes up for the technical shortcomings, still providing players with a pleasant visual experience. Especially in TV mode, the picture quality is quite good, with high color saturation, making it very comfortable to look at.

However, considering the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, its more powerful performance may allow "Ni No Kuni II" to achieve even higher visual fidelity. While waiting for the nintendo switch2 price information to be released, we might as well look forward to future ports to the new platform, which may truly unleash the game's visual potential.

2.2 Sound Experience: Joe Hisaishi's Classic Soundtrack

In addition to the visuals, the music of "Ni No Kuni II" is equally outstanding. The soundtrack, composed by the renowned composer Joe Hisaishi, is full of a fairytale atmosphere and perfectly complements the game's emotions. Whether it's the intense battle music or the melodious town music, it's all impressive.

The Switch version does not skimp on sound effects. Players can clearly hear various battle sound effects and ambient sounds, further enhancing the game's immersion. It is highly recommended to play the game with headphones for a better audio experience.

3. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Gameplay Experience

3.1 Combat System: Smooth and Refreshing Real-time Combat

"Ni No Kuni II" uses a real-time combat system, where players can control the protagonist Evan and his companions in battle. During combat, players can freely switch characters, use various skills and weapons, and dodge enemy attacks.

Compared to the turn-based combat of the previous game, real-time combat is smoother and more refreshing. The strategy of combat has also been improved, requiring players to choose appropriate skills and weapons to attack based on the enemy's attributes and weaknesses.

However, the Switch version sometimes experiences frame drops during combat, especially when there are many enemies or complex skill effects. It is hoped that the official team can optimize this in future updates. Considering the potential for better performance with nintendo switch2 compatibility, future ports might solve this problem.

3.2 Kingdom Building: Create Your Own Ideal Country

Besides combat, another major feature of "Ni No Kuni II" is the kingdom building system. Players can build their own kingdom, recruit residents, research technology, and increase the kingdom's strength.

Kingdom building not only provides players with various resources and buffs, but also unlocks new quests and storylines. This is a very interesting and replayable system, allowing players to experience the fun of building and managing while adventuring.

Kingdom building is not perfect, and it may become slightly repetitive in the later stages. However, overall, this system adds a lot of fun to the game.

3.3 Story Experience: A Heartwarming Fairytale

The story of "Ni No Kuni II" tells a tale about growth, friendship, and hope. Although the plot is somewhat cliché, it is still able to touch the heart.

The character development in the game is also quite successful. Evan's kindness and strength, Roland's maturity and stability, and Tani's cuteness and liveliness are all impressive.

Overall, the plot of "Ni No Kuni II," while not full of surprises, is still a heartwarming fairytale.

4. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Handling Feel

The handling feel of "Ni No Kuni II" on the Switch is generally good. The button layout is reasonable, and the controls are smooth, allowing even first-time players to get started quickly.

However, in handheld mode, due to the small size of the Joy-Con controllers, prolonged gaming may cause fatigue. It is recommended to use a Pro Controller for a better handling experience.

5. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Beginner's Guide

For novice players, I am providing some beginner's guides here:

• Familiarize Yourself with Controls: Familiarize yourself with the functions of each button, and master basic operations such as character movement, attack, and skill release.
• Team Composition: Based on the enemy's attributes and weaknesses, choose the appropriate characters and skills for the team.
• Actively Build Your Kingdom: Actively build your kingdom and increase its strength, which can provide various assistance for your adventures.
• Complete Side Quests: Completing side quests can earn rich rewards, and also learn more about the story of the game world.
• Make Good Use of Equipment: Equipment can improve the character's attributes. Choosing the right equipment can make it easier for you in battle.

6. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Advanced Tips and Strategies

• Take Advantage of Attribute Counters: The enemy's attributes are divided into five types: fire, water, wind, light, and darkness. Using attribute counters can deal higher damage.
• Use Skills Wisely: Different skills have different effects. Using skills wisely can effectively control enemies and increase output.
• Master the Rhythm of Battle: Pay attention to dodging enemy attacks and mastering the rhythm of battle to remain invincible in battle.
• Prioritize Upgrading Key Facilities: In kingdom building, prioritize upgrading key facilities that can provide resources and buffs to quickly increase the kingdom's strength.
• Recruit Powerful Residents: Recruiting residents with special skills can provide more help for kingdom building.

7. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Level Walkthrough

Since the level design of "Ni No Kuni II" is relatively linear, there are no particularly difficult points that require a walkthrough. However, the following suggestions may help you beat the game better:

• Pay Attention to Collecting Materials: There are many materials to be collected in the game. Collecting enough materials can make equipment and props.
• Actively Explore the Map: Actively exploring the map can discover hidden treasure chests and tasks.
• Challenge High-Difficulty Enemies: Challenging high-difficulty enemies can obtain rare equipment and props.

8. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Best Equipment and Skill Combinations Recommendations

• Evan: Weapon recommendation "King's Sword", skill recommendation "King's Light" and "King's Shield".
• Roland: Weapon recommendation "Paladin's Sword", skill recommendation "Holy Light Slash" and "Holy Light Shield".
• Tani: Weapon recommendation "Elf Bow", skill recommendation "Elf Arrow" and "Elf Dance".

In terms of equipment, it is recommended to choose equipment that can increase attack power, defense power, and speed. In terms of skills, it is recommended to choose skills that can deal high damage or provide auxiliary effects.

9. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Speedrun Tips and Hidden Elements Walkthrough

• Skip Unnecessary Dialogue: In story dialogues, you can skip unnecessary dialogues to save time.
• Fast Travel: Use teleportation points or mounts to move quickly and reduce travel time.
• Prioritize Completing Main Quests: Prioritize completing the main quests to quickly advance the plot.
• Use BUGs: There are some BUGs in the game, which can be used to clear the game quickly.

In terms of hidden elements, there are some hidden treasure chests and quests in the game that require players to explore carefully to discover them.

10. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Game Recommendation and Purchase Advice

Overall, "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" is a very excellent JRPG game. The Switch version has slight compromises in graphics and performance, but it can still provide players with a good gaming experience.

If you are a JRPG lover or like Ghibli-style visuals, then this game is definitely worth buying. Even if you are not familiar with this genre, you can give it a try, it may bring you surprises.

In terms of purchase recommendations, it is recommended to buy it when it is on sale, which can get a higher cost performance. Of course, if the budget is sufficient, you can also directly buy the physical version, which has a higher collection value.

11. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Game Cost Performance Analysis

Currently, the price of "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch version is around 300 yuan. Considering the quality and content of the game, this price is relatively reasonable.

If you have high requirements for the game, then you can wait for the release of Nintendo Switch 2 to see if there is a port version for the new platform, which may get a better gaming experience.

12. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version New Game Release Information and Predicted Evaluation

There is currently no information on new game releases for "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" on Switch. But considering the game's popularity, DLC or sequels may be released in the future. Let us wait and see!

13. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Comparative Analysis with Similar Games

Compared with similar JRPG games, the advantages of "Ni No Kuni II" are its unique Ghibli-style visuals and excellent music. The kingdom building system also adds a lot of fun to the game.

The disadvantages are that the plot is slightly cliché, and the game sometimes experiences frame drops during combat.

Overall, "Ni No Kuni II" is a very excellent JRPG game, worthy of every player's try.

14. "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch Version Score

Based on the above analysis, I give "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" Switch version a score of 8.5/10.

Reasons for the score:

• Advantages:
  • Exquisite Ghibli-style visuals
  • Excellent music
  • Smooth and refreshing real-time combat system
  • Fun kingdom building system
  • Heartwarming fairytale
• Disadvantages:
  • Plot is slightly cliché
  • Sometimes there are frame drops in combat

The score on Metacritic is also 79 points, which shows that the game has received widespread praise. Metacritic Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Review (Here is a link to the Metacritic score)

The IGN score is 8.8 points, which affirms the game's performance in all aspects. IGN Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Review (Here is a link to the IGN score)

In conclusion, "Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom" is still a masterpiece worth experiencing on the Switch platform. Although there are some sacrifices in performance, its core charm still exists. Especially for those players who like JRPGs and Ghibli-style, this game is definitely not to be missed. As for the Nintendo Switch 2, let us look forward to it bringing better performance to this game, making the adventure in the kingdom of Evermore more exciting!