Lost Kingdoms II (Nintendo GameCube, 2003)

If you like good, solid RPGs, this is a definite pickup. Lost Kingdoms II has an impressive card battling system combined with real-time movement.

Gameplay-
The game's battle system is quite well done. Cards are randomly pulled from the deck and then assigned a button (A,B,X,Y). To attack, you simply press the button for the card you want to use. The numerous types of cards and effects are an alluring aspect, mainly because it's not the same thing every time. You have Weapons which you use to target the enemy yourself. You can use anything from a jellyfish shooting a lightning bolt to an armored knight who spears the nearest enemy. There are Independents which walk around and attack the enemies for you. There are Helpers which do everything from raising stats to healing you and your independents. There are Traps, which usually stay in one place when unleashed and do tremendous damage once a condition is fulfilled. Lastly, there are Transform cards which turn you into the monster on the card (For example, you can become a large stone golem which can 1 hit KO enemies with ease). All cards in the game come in one of these categories, and there are plenty of cards to choose from (I haven't taken the time to count them all, but there are tons), so there are plently of strategies to be used to defeat tough bosses. The leveling system is also quite nice, because not only does your main character gain experience, but so do the cards you battle with. When enough experience has been gained, the cards can become newer, stronger versions, or even duplicate themselves so you have two of that card to use, and because of that, it's a good idea to experiment with all the cards you get. Sometimes the weakest card you have has the tendency to become the strongest one you'd place into your deck. Anyway, the gameplay is excellent. 10/10.

Story-
Eh, The story isn't much better than the last game's. You play as a thief who works with a band... Of thieves. This girl, like the heroine of the last game has a Runestone. Most of the story centers around the Runestone and why she has it. As far the thieves go, the thieves try to steal a lot of things from a country that doesn't want those things stolen. Then all heck breaks loose. You know the story. Well, even though I talked about it in a bad manner, it's not really THAT bad. 6/10

Graphics-
The graphics are okay, but not really what one would expect for the Gamecube. This title definitely did not push the GCN's hardware limits... 7/10.

Music-
Not bad. Not insanely great, but not too bad. Some of the catchier tunes may get caught in your head after a while. 8/10.

Controls and Ease of Use-
This game shouldn't be hard to get into. Unlike the first Lost Kingdoms game, this game doesn't have random battles that will disorient you and make you wander in the wrong direction for 10 minutes. The random battles now are where enemies pop up near you, you defeat them or continue running in the direction you were to get away. Like Diablo only with cards, right? >_> Nevermind.
The controls are tight, and the game isn't very fast paced, so you can take your time getting the hang of it. Not something I'd let my grandma play, but that's a comepletely different story. 10/10 on controls and learning curve.

Overall-
+ Very entertaining battle system that doesn't get old.
+ Use of cards means multiple strategies for people who like that kind of stuff.
+ It's pretty cheap now!
- Story isn't so great.

this is another rpg that is involving the use of magic cards with summoning creatures or casting spells. this is a sequel to the first one that takes place many years after. it still using the same type of cards and system for battling. the only difference is that it is in real time and not where you go into a battle type phase. besides that there are only a hand full of new cards and not much else. the story is kinda intresting but not that great. it is still a solid card rpg but htey can do much more and invoating things but the did not and kinda left me saying "wow its the same as first with no battle screen!" if you played the first this one you can kinda miss out on and it will not be that bad, but if you not have not played the first it is and ok pick up.

I bought this because the original Lost Kingdoms was hard as crap to beat. Turns out this one poses the same sorta challenge. It's got better monsters, a better battle setup, and better character depth.
Gotta love a solid rpg!

This game is a classic, as far as I am concerned. It's not for everybody, but few game have managed to give such a full freelanced gameplay in the Card/RPG Genre. A rare find, and one that will keep you entertained and pleased with exceptional artwork, style, and a unique realtime gameplay mode.

Great game i like the first lost kingdoms but this one has a lot more cards and combos that you can use and the graphics are better as well