Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Review (PlayStation 5)

by Jim Smale · Published August 15, 2023 · Updated August 14, 2023

For this Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Review. we play the sequel to the critically acclaimed action adventure. Experience a gorgeous new third-person 3D view and embark on an epic journey that unfolds the mysteries of what happened 1000 years ago.

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Review Pros:

Beautiful graphics.
2.77GB download size.
Platinum trophy.
3 save slots along with a save backup system.
Ui scale slider.
Challenges act as the game’s own in-game achievements and give rewards for completing them.
Action adventure gameplay.
Cutscenes are a mix of cutscenes and in-game sequences.
A full 3D world with full 360-degree camera control.
Fast loading time.
Has a strong Zelda vibe.
Cheerful upbeat soundtrack.
Bloodstone – hidden collectible.
Collect material drops and they then unlock and become accessible potions like health.
A caster gun allows you to shoot enemies from a distance.
Hack and slash combat.
Cut down shrubs, and bushes and smash crates, etc for drops.
Enemies drop exp crystals.
The map fills in as you play.
Search spots can be dug up for loot/materials.
Progress bars for crafting/challenges/missions pop up as you build it up.
Tutorial sign posts are scattered around the world but the core controls show on the screen.
Stamina system in place for swimming/climbing/running etc.
Can Invert the camera axis.
New dungeons/encounters will trigger a flyover of said place.
Play how you want.
Auto saves regularly.
Loot chests to find.
Running playtime clock on the menu.
Find heart shards to increase your health bar.
All enemies require different strategies to take out.
Earn EXP and level up to get rewards and your health topped back up.
Handy retreat button to travel back to the last save point.
Open world game with full control left to you.
Travel the world on your boat.
Missions come in both sides optional ones and the main progress is the story ones.
Get special shards that attach to weapons that make them stronger.
With your shield, you can deflect attacks but also use stamina and the shield to move certain objects.
Vending machines are where you can get some resources and upgrades.
Big boss encounters.
Unlock and use fast travel points.
You can recruit and have party members with you who act independently at times but you can give commands.

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Review Cons:

The controls are a bit loose, not being able to toggle run or having a jump button or lock on makes it all a bit more tedious than simple tasks need to be.
Combat takes some getting used to.
Dropping down on ledges is a rough camera cut.
Sometimes it just feels like a Zelda game but with checklists.
Cannot drop down vines or climb them faster.
When you level up regardless of what’s going on the camera turns to face you and stays there for a few seconds.
The leveling up feels redundant.
Mission/quest management is a nightmare, as you cannot mark/unmark missions, all side missions are one icon color regardless of how many you have.
Cannot place your own waypoints.
Sharp difficulty spikes.
The combat is very mashy.
Can be hard to know where to go or what’s important.
Beautiful locations to explore.

Official website.

Developer: Cornfox & Brothers Ltd.

Publisher: fdg-entertainment.com

Store Links –

PlayStation

8/10
Graphics - 8/10
7/10
Sound - 7/10
7/10
Accessibility - 7/10
8/10
Length - 8/10
8/10
Fun Factor - 8/10

7.6/10

Summary

The previous game in the series had a bit of a Zelda vibe to it with the colors, combat, and general world-building but I always remember it having more puzzles than exploration and for the large part it was a good game but not necessarily what I look for. Enter the sequel and we are there, again it has the Zelda vibe but they have done everything bigger. The worlds are vast and full of opportunity as you find loot chests, resources, and materials for the many crafting blueprints you find. The world feels more alive and less like a load of NPCs standing still waiting for interaction. The combat is deeper with a reliance on learning patterns and not just always mashing your way to victory. Dungeons are more of a self-contained adventure rather than a mere extension to a quest. Puzzles are in the game but they are not as prominent and fit the setting well. I like how you can hire followers/party members and have them alongside you fighting and solving said puzzles, you can have them on autopilot and it’s fine but for more detailed tasks you have a small selection of commands. Overall I found myself losing hours to the game as when I encountered a tough boss or situation I could go off and find my own adventure to get better gear and go back. Oceanhorn 2 is a huge step up from the first game and a really rewarding RPG that is deep but keeps it accessible.