Can You Outsmart the Gatekeeper? Debunking the Ni no Kuni 2 Dice Game Mystery
No, you cannot win the dice game against the Grand Roller Gatekeeper (Pugnacius) in Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom. It’s a scripted event designed to highlight Evan’s character arc. No matter how lucky you feel, the game is rigged! This moment serves as a narrative device, emphasizing that sometimes, brute force and chance won’t solve problems, and other solutions must be sought.
The Illusion of Choice: Why the Dice are Loaded
The encounter with Pugnacius and his dice game is a pivotal moment early in the game. Evan, determined to enter a specific area, is confronted with a seemingly simple challenge: wager 1000 guilders and win a dice game. The game appears straightforward, offering the player a sense of agency. However, the outcome is predetermined.
The Scripted Loss
Regardless of the choices you make – whether you opt for a high-risk strategy or a more cautious approach – the Gatekeeper will always win. This realization can be frustrating for players who are used to games where skill and luck can sway the odds. However, it’s important to understand that this encounter is not about winning or losing a minigame. It is about advancing the plot and pushing Evan to explore alternative strategies.
The Real Lesson
The inability to win the dice game pushes Evan to seek a different solution to enter the area, ultimately leading him to build relationships and leverage his burgeoning leadership skills. This reinforces a central theme of Ni no Kuni 2: that true strength lies not just in combat prowess, but in diplomacy, resourcefulness, and the ability to inspire others. This aligns with the kind of social and emotional learning we see discussed at places like the Games Learning Society, highlighting the game’s potential to teach valuable life lessons.
Beyond the Dice: What Ni no Kuni 2 Offers
While the dice game is unwinnable, the rest of Ni no Kuni 2 is far from predetermined. The game is rich with engaging content and offers players numerous opportunities to explore its vast world, build their kingdom, and hone their combat skills.
Post-Game Content
The adventure doesn’t end with the main storyline! Ni no Kuni 2 has plenty of post-game content. After beating the game, you can save your progress and unlock a wealth of additional activities. These include:
- Kingdom leveling: Continue to develop and expand your kingdom of Evermore.
- Recruiting characters: Seek out and recruit the many citizens scattered throughout the world.
- Hunting corrupted monsters: Face challenging corrupted monsters.
A World of Exploration
Ni no Kuni 2’s world is packed with secrets, side quests, and challenging enemies. Players can spend countless hours exploring its diverse landscapes, discovering hidden treasures, and completing tasks for the various inhabitants. The game also offers a robust kingdom-building mechanic, allowing players to construct and manage their own thriving community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ni no Kuni 2
Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through your journey in Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom:
1. Can you keep playing Ni no Kuni 2 after you beat it?
Yes! There’s a considerable amount of post-game content available after completing the main story.
2. Is anything missable in Ni no Kuni 2?
No, nothing in the game is missable. You can always go back to previous locations, including Ding Dong Dell.
3. How long does it take to beat Ni no Kuni 2?
The main story takes approximately 39 hours, while 100% completion can take around 93 hours.
4. Who is the hardest boss in Ni no Kuni 2?
Many consider Thwomp in the 10th Dreamer’s Door Maze to be the hardest boss.
5. What is the max level in Ni no Kuni 2?
The maximum level achievable in Ni no Kuni 2 is 150.
6. Is Ni no Kuni 2 worth playing?
Absolutely! Ni no Kuni II is a fantastic game with a compelling story, beautiful visuals, and engaging gameplay.
7. Is Ni no Kuni 2 set after 1?
Yes, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom takes place hundreds of years after the events of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.
8. Is there romance in Ni no Kuni 2?
While there is no explicit romance, there are strong hints about a future romantic connection for Evan.
9. Was Studio Ghibli involved in Ni no Kuni 2?
Studio Ghibli was not directly involved in Ni no Kuni 2, however former Ghibli character designer Yoshiyuki Momose and composer Joe Hisaishi both reprised their roles.
10. Does Ni no Kuni 2 have DLC?
Yes, Ni no Kuni 2 has DLC that includes new story content, items, and equips, such as the Labyrinth DLC.
11. What happens if you leave Drippy behind in Ni no Kuni?
If you leave Drippy behind in Fairygrounds and return to the Sea Cow, he will unlock the Tidy Tears ability.
12. What difficulty should I play Ni no Kuni 2 on?
The Expert difficulty provides a good challenge, but adjust based on your gear, magic levels, and Higgledies.
13. Do you need to finish Ni no Kuni 1 before 2?
No, Ni no Kuni 2 is a standalone story and you do not need to play the first game to enjoy it.
14. How many citizens can you recruit in Ni no Kuni 2?
You can recruit up to 100 citizens to your kingdom of Evermore.
15. What level should I be in Ni no Kuni 2 labyrinth?
One of the Labyrinths has a recommended level of 120.
Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is a rich and rewarding experience. While the unwinnable dice game might initially feel frustrating, it ultimately serves as a valuable lesson about the importance of alternative solutions and building strong relationships. Embrace the journey, explore the world, and build your kingdom, and you’ll discover why Ni no Kuni 2 is a truly special game. And remember, gaming can be a powerful tool for learning, something the team at GamesLearningSociety.org truly understands.