Are Ni no Kuni 1 and 2 Related? Unraveling the Connections in Level-5’s Enchanting World
The Ni no Kuni series, developed by Level-5, has captivated gamers with its stunning visuals, heartwarming stories, and engaging gameplay. A common question among newcomers and returning fans alike is: Are Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom related? The answer is a bit nuanced. While they exist within the same universe, they are only loosely connected. Ni no Kuni II is a sequel in the sense that it follows the original, but it’s more accurate to consider them standalone experiences with shared lore and themes. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of their relationship.
The Shared Universe: A Foundation of Magic and Wonder
Both games are set in a vibrant world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and distinct nations. This shared setting provides a sense of familiarity and continuity for players who have experienced both titles. You’ll encounter familiar races, enemies, and even some recurring concepts throughout both games.
The Time Gap: Separating Stories by Centuries
The key factor distinguishing the games is the vast time difference between their events. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom takes place hundreds of years after the events of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. This massive gap means that the characters from the first game are largely absent from the second. While their actions and legacy are mentioned, the plot focuses on a completely new cast and storyline.
Easter Eggs and References: Nods to the Original
Despite the separation, Ni no Kuni II does include numerous easter eggs and references to the first game. These are subtle nods that reward players who are familiar with the original, adding an extra layer of enjoyment. For example, there’s a brief retelling of how the protagonists from Wrath of the White Witch once saved the world, although the details might differ slightly from the actual events of the first game. These easter eggs enrich the world-building and acknowledge the series’ history without requiring players to know the original story to enjoy the sequel.
Standalone Narratives: No Prior Knowledge Required
One of the strengths of the Ni no Kuni series is that each game offers a self-contained story. You don’t need to play Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch to understand or appreciate Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. The latter introduces its own characters, conflicts, and world-building, allowing players to jump right in without feeling lost or overwhelmed. This makes the series accessible to newcomers while still rewarding long-time fans.
Themes and Art Style: Consistent Across Games
Although the stories are separate, both games share certain themes and art styles that unite them. The emphasis on hope, friendship, and overcoming adversity is prevalent in both titles. Furthermore, the involvement of Studio Ghibli alumni, particularly Yoshiyuki Momose (who was in charge of character design in both entries), ensures a consistent and visually stunning art style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Ni no Kuni 1 and Ni no Kuni 2:
1. Do I have to play Ni no Kuni 1 before Ni no Kuni 2?
No, you are not required to play Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch before playing Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. Both games are standalone experiences with their own stories and characters.
2. Is Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom a direct sequel?
While it is the sequel to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, it doesn’t continue the same storyline or feature the same characters. It takes place hundreds of years later and focuses on a new set of heroes and conflicts.
3. Are the characters from Ni no Kuni 1 in Ni no Kuni 2?
No, the characters from Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch do not appear in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. However, there are references to their past exploits.
4. Do the games share the same world?
Yes, both games are set within the same world of Ni no Kuni. You’ll encounter similar locations, races, and lore elements, but they are separated by a significant time gap.
5. Is there a connection between Oliver and Evan?
No, there is no direct connection between Oliver, the protagonist of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, and Evan, the protagonist of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. They exist in different eras.
6. What kind of references are there in Ni no Kuni 2 to the first game?
The references are mostly in the form of easter eggs, lore mentions, and recurring enemies. The story even contains a retelling of how the protaganist from the first game saved the world. These are designed to reward players familiar with the original without alienating new players.
7. Which Ni no Kuni game should I play first?
You can start with either game. If you appreciate classic JRPGs with monster-collecting mechanics, start with Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. If you prefer a more streamlined action RPG with town-building elements, start with Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom.
8. Does Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds connect to the other games?
Yes, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds is set after the events of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, featuring the city of Evermore.
9. Is Studio Ghibli involved in both games?
Yoshiyuki Momose, a Studio Ghibli alumni, was responsible for character design in both Ni no Kuni games. While Studio Ghibli was not directly involved in development, their influence on the art style and storytelling is evident.
10. Which Ni no Kuni game is considered better?
The “better” game is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is praised for its classic JRPG elements and monster-collecting, while Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is appreciated for its streamlined combat and town-building.
11. How long does it take to beat each game?
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch takes approximately 44 hours to beat the main story and 92 hours to achieve 100% completion. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom takes about 39 hours for the main story and 93 hours for 100% completion.
12. Are the gameplay mechanics similar in both games?
The gameplay mechanics differ between the games. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch uses a turn-based battle system with monster collecting (Familiars), while Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom features a real-time action combat system with Higgledies.
13. Is Ni no Kuni beginner-friendly?
Yes, the Ni no Kuni series is generally beginner-friendly. Both games offer tutorials and relatively straightforward gameplay. For Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds specifically, the Swordsman or Witch classes are recommended for new players.
14. How many citizens can you recruit in Ni no Kuni 2?
You can recruit 100 citizens in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom.
15. What does “Ni no Kuni” mean?
“Ni no Kuni” translates to “Second Country” or “Country of Two” in Japanese.
Conclusion: Appreciating Each Game on its Own Merits
In conclusion, while Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom share a universe, themes, and art style, they are essentially standalone experiences. You can enjoy each game independently without prior knowledge of the other. They each offer unique stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics, making them worthwhile adventures in their own right. The choice of which game to play first depends on your personal preference for JRPG mechanics.
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