Kingdom II: Shadoan
| Kingdom II: Shadoan | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Virtual Image Productions |
| Publisher | Philips Interactive Media, Inc |
| Platform | DOS |
| Release | 1996 |
Kingdom II: Shadoan is a 1996 video game from Philips Interactive Media, Inc. The game is a sequel to Kingdom: The Far Reaches.
Gameplay
In Shadoan, players take on the role of Lathan, the last of the Argent Kings, on a quest to recover two ancient relics scattered across the Five Kingdoms. The game unfolds through animated sequences, with interactivity triggered at key moments when the player must quickly select the correct item to avoid peril—signaled by a falling hourglass. Navigation is handled via mouse, using tools like the Scrying Glass, Farsight Window, and Map of Journey, while the interface itself is complete with animated item selections and detailed graphics. The game does require some specific item acquisition—such as needing the Dagger of Arnes before pursuing the Crown of Malric. Magical scrolls from Daelon's Portal must be collected across multiple visits. Players manage inventory through the Scrying Glass, with items in the Pouch only usable once they appear in this interface. Supplementary tools like Lathan's Journal and the Book of History offer lore and note-taking, as well as the whimsical Shadoanomicon. The game also features unlimited healing and save options.[1]
Development
The game's budget exceeded $3 million.[2]
Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| All Game Guide | 4/5[3] |
| GameSpot | 7.3/10[1] |
| PC Gamer | 35%[4] |
| PC Joker | 39%[5] |
| PC Player | 2/5[6] |
| Power Play | 32%[7] |
| PC Gameworld | 35%[8] |
All Game Guide said "Shadoan is a wonderful game that will afford many hours of interesting play for gamers. If you are looking for a good adventure game, look this one up".[3]
GameSpot said "If you simply like really beautiful animation and fairy tales, this game is at least worth considering".[1]
References
- ^ a b c Anderson, Rebecca (August 23, 1996). "Shadoan Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ Chase, Randy (March 20, 1998). "Stylish animated adventure game combines engaging story, rich world and Disney-like feel". The Oregonian. p. 27. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Savignano, Lisa. "Kingdom II: Shadoan". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ Williamson, Colin (February 1998). "Kingdoms II: Shadoan". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on March 8, 2000. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ^ "Shadoan". PC Joker (in German). November 2000. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ "Shadoan". PC Player (in German). June 1997. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ "Shadoan". Power Play (magazine) (in German). November 1996. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ "Kingdoms II: Shadoan". PC Gameworld. Archived from the original on May 24, 2000. Retrieved February 2, 2025.