Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition

Nintendo Switch

Reviewed by Josh Brant

Developed By: Seaven Studio

Published By: Plug in Digital

Category: RPG & Adventure

Release Date: December 13, 2018

Many RPG’s require some type of grinding and if not executed correctly can become tedious and boring. If the formula is streamlined and fun though, you’ll have hits such as what Blizzard is doing with Diablo III and World of Warcraft. Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition, from developer Seaven Studio, strikes a fine balance between being addictively fun while also annoying. When it shines though, Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is a charming romp through a large world with plenty to see and do.

Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is a turn-based RPG first and foremost that mimics a Dungeons & Dragons or d20 play session. You start off by creating your team from a variety of different characters or characters types from a high-school you might attend, including hipsters, jocks or even cheerleaders. There are only two party member initially, but soon you’ll be able to add a total five. Each one of these characters has to be equipped with class and race as well, and you can get pretty crazy with the customizations like having a cheerleader dwarf mage.

Just like you’re able to unlock new characters along the way, you’re also able to unlock new classes, though you can never have two or more of the same in your party at once. Nothing is overly complicated as far as deep stats or abilities and items to equip. Your characters have up to four different moves they can perform at one time depending on their class. Improving certain stats are done by leveling up and you can focus on upgrading one ability or each one individually.

Some of these abilities are passive and other ones are spells that you can perform in battle with an MP meter that dictates how many times you can perform magic. There is a main quest that you’ll slow start to work your way along going from area to area and visiting towns and dungeons. Of course, all other kinds of side quests will be added to your journey alone the way. Before each action there is a menu you’ll have to pull up and decide whether or not you’ll want to rest, go to a new area, or take on a quest for the location you’re currently at.

Every time you perform some type of action, whether it be resting or traveling, you’ll have to rule a die, so Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is very much like a D&D session. If you fail a dice roll you’ll end up having to face off with an enemy and sometimes multiple foes where you might be bested. There are not many rogue-like tendencies though, so if you die you won’t end up having your character completely kills and be able to resurrect them for a fee depending upon what level they are.

Speaking of the currency you earn for completing missions and defeating monsters, there’s other nifty items you can buy, such as potions, equipment, and weapons. You are also able to decorate the table and your surroundings; changing up wallpaper or adding a pet to further increase the morale and give your party some perks.

I appreciated how all the quests had to be completed by defeating a certain number of enemies or collecting certain items. Before these battles you can actually set how many enemies you want to face in the upcoming fight, and there’s a clever difficulty gauge showing how much tougher a battle may be if you keep adding enemies. You can also take on random battles at any location that you are currently at and this is a great, albeit not very fun, way of leveling up if you need to.

Even if you end up rushing through the main story, it’s probably only going to take you a few hours to complete, but can go longer if you are a completionist and want to level up everyone in your party. Thankfully, the Deluxiest Version features some helpful bonus items and expansions to make your adventure more bearable. There are also a few easter eggs and secrets that can be found, adding a little replayability to the proceedings.

The 16-bit art style looks crisp and clean, adding much more the original and stale first version. Musically, the soundtrack was simple and catchy to a fault, as I liked the sound of the music but didn’t care to listen to the same five songs over and over again. While appreciated the humor in the dialogue and pop-culture references throughout the adventure, I still felt it never stood out or was memorable even if I chuckled occasionally.

Overall, Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition is a fun and charming RPG that brings back the good ol’ days of having an imagination and playing some epic D&D matches. While other RPG’s may be more polished, complex, and rewarding; Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is a simple and deeply customizable title that I found myself coming back to often. If you’re looking for a casual fantasy adventure with some humor sprinkled along than this is the game for you.

3.5/5

Buy Knights of Pen & Paper 2

$12.99

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