Is Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom a Standalone Experience?
Yes, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a standalone game. While it shares the same world and some thematic elements with its predecessor, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, it does not require prior knowledge of the first game to be fully enjoyed. The story, characters, and overall narrative are distinct, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers to the Ni no Kuni universe. You won’t be lost or feel like you’re missing crucial plot points if you jump directly into Revenant Kingdom. Though there are nods and easter eggs that long-time fans will appreciate, they’re not essential for understanding or enjoying the main storyline. Ni no Kuni II delivers a complete and engaging experience on its own terms.
A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Separate Stories, Shared World
The core of the matter lies in the fact that while both games exist within the same overarching world, they are set thousands of years apart. This vast temporal gap ensures that the events and characters of Wrath of the White Witch are largely irrelevant to the narrative of Revenant Kingdom. While the games share recognizable landmarks like Ding Dong Dell and the general geographical layout of the continents, the story follows different protagonists and deals with different conflicts.
Ni no Kuni II centers around Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, a young king who, after being usurped, embarks on a journey to establish a new kingdom and bring peace to the world. This is in stark contrast to the tale of Oliver and his journey to save his mother in the first game. Think of it more like different stories told within the same shared universe, similar to how different books in a fantasy series might be related yet self-contained.
Easter Eggs and Nods: Fun for Fans
Although not crucial to the narrative, Ni no Kuni II does feature fun references and easter eggs for those who played the first game. These can range from subtle mentions of past events, to returning enemy types and familiar races. These nods offer a sense of continuity and appreciation for long-time fans but they’re purely supplementary to the main plot. These easter eggs are there as a treat for those “in the know,” not as a prerequisite for understanding Revenant Kingdom’s storyline.
Themes and Art Style: A Consistent Feel
Despite the separate narratives, Ni no Kuni II maintains the distinctive art style and thematic elements that made the original game so beloved. Both titles are known for their charming Studio Ghibli-esque visuals, evocative music composed by Joe Hisaishi, and a heartwarming narrative with themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. These elements create a sense of continuity and shared identity, even if the stories and characters are completely different.
Ni no Kuni II: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom and its relationship to the first game, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch:
1. Is Ni no Kuni II a Direct Sequel?
No, it is not a direct sequel in the traditional sense. While both games share the same world, Ni no Kuni II takes place many generations later, and the ties to the original are mostly in the form of easter eggs and shared thematic elements. The characters and plot do not carry over between games.
2. Do I Need to Play the First Ni no Kuni Before Playing the Second?
Absolutely not. You can jump right into Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom without any prior experience with Wrath of the White Witch. The games are designed to be accessible and enjoyable on their own merits.
3. Is Ni no Kuni II Connected to the First Game?
Yes, in that they share the same world, but they are set ages apart. The main point of recognition between the two is the shared location of Ding Dong Dell and the general shape of the continents.
4. Does Ni no Kuni 2 Reference the First Game?
Yes, there are references and connections, but these are not essential to the plot of Ni no Kuni II. They function as fun nods for veteran fans, rather than critical plot points. You can enjoy Ni no Kuni II perfectly well without knowing any of the first game’s storyline.
5. Is Ni no Kuni II as Good as Ni no Kuni 1?
This is subjective, but many fans agree that while Ni no Kuni II offers engaging town-building mechanics and a likable protagonist, Wrath of the White Witch is still considered a better overall JRPG by many, thanks to its engaging monster-recruitment system.
6. How Long is Ni no Kuni II?
The main story of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom takes around 39 hours to complete. However, a completionist playthrough can take up to 93 hours to achieve 100% completion.
7. Does Ni no Kuni II Have Difficulty Settings?
Yes, a patch added Hard and Expert difficulty modes for players looking for a greater challenge.
8. Should I Play Ni no Kuni II on the Switch?
While Ni no Kuni II is available on the Nintendo Switch, the visual setbacks make other platforms (such as PC or PS4/PS5) a more optimal experience.
9. Is Ni no Kuni II Beginner Friendly?
Yes, the game is generally considered beginner-friendly, particularly if players choose a class like the Swordsman or the Witch at the start, due to their balanced strengths and playstyles.
10. What is the Combat Like in Ni no Kuni II?
The combat in Ni no Kuni II is more streamlined than the original and is akin to a standard action RPG experience.
11. Did Studio Ghibli Animate Ni no Kuni II?
No, while the first Ni no Kuni featured the involvement of Studio Ghibli, they were not involved in the development of Ni no Kuni II. However, the game retains a similar visual aesthetic.
12. Is Ni no Kuni II a JRPG?
Yes, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a classic JRPG, offering a charming story, engaging characters, and deep gameplay.
13. Can You Gamble in Ni no Kuni II?
There is a dice game included in the story, but it’s scripted for story purposes, and is not actual gambling.
14. Does Ni no Kuni II Have Post-Game Content?
Yes, there is post-game content, including additional quests, town-building objectives, and the Faraway Forest dungeon. However, much of the post game is endgame grind if the player is not interested in trophies.
15. Does Ni no Kuni II Have DLC?
Yes, Ni no Kuni II has DLC that offers new story content, items, equipment, and a new dungeon called “Labyrinth.”
Conclusion: A Standalone Gem
In conclusion, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a fantastic standalone JRPG experience. You don’t need any prior knowledge of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch to enjoy this charming and heartwarming adventure. The game offers a complete narrative, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters, making it a great choice for both newcomers to the series and seasoned JRPG fans alike. So, feel free to jump in and experience the magic of Evan’s quest without any worries about missing out on crucial plot elements from the first game.