I'm hoping that this thread can serve to stimulate conversations about From Software's various first person action-RPGs. Are you a fan of action-RPGs? Do you like first person perspective games? Then you've come to the right place. But first, for those who are not familiar with these games, here is a short primer with information for each release in chronological order:
King's Field PS1 (First released: December 16, 1994)
There was a small country called Verdite surrounded by a deep forest, encircled by fog and whirling winds. In ancient days, when a great battle was fought and many were dying, Verdite was saved by a person who then disappeared into the forest. Only the forest's drifting fog knew who this person was... The citizens called their savior the Dragon of the Forest and built a sanctuary and honored this person there. Eventually, only a legend remained and the Sanctuary was changed into the Royal Graveyard and all was silent. But, the legend says, "Someday the Dragon of the Forest shall return, bearing Magical Artifacts." However, the time has not yet come and the Sanctuary sleeps deeply...
First From Software game ever, and first RPG released on PS1. May be the first fully three dimensional dungeon crawler ever created, as in all objects and creatures in the game are actually three dimensional polygons (no sprites used except UI). This game was only released in Japan. But it received an English fan translation: http://www.romhacking.net/translations/1067/
King's Field II PS1 (First released: July 21, 1995)
The game takes place on the island of Melanat. You take the role of Granitiki prince Aleph (アレフ・ガルーシャ・レグナス) (alternatively named Alef/Alexander), who has taken it upon himself, as one of the king of Verdite's closest friends, to retrieve the holy sword known as the Moonlight Sword, and return it to King Alfred of the kingdom of Verdite. Alexander is washed up on the coast of Melanat, as the sole survivor after the ship he came with sank into the ocean. To find the Moonlight Sword, Alexander must press ever forward and uncover the secrets the dark island of Melanat holds.
This game was released in the USA as King's Field, which of course caused confusion later on. It has improved graphics over the first game, and changes the level layout from a linear experience into an unlinear "metroidvania" style. Once the game starts there are no load times and the huge world is constantly streamed to the player aiding in immersion. Enemy AI also improved and overall challenge level is much higher than the first game. More information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Field_II
King's Field III PS1 (First released: June 21, 1996)
Bigger is better, right? The third King's Field uses the same engine as the previous game and has you - as Prince Lyle - scour the land of Verdite to retrieve magic powers from four mages, in order to defeat a corrupt king. King's Field 3 takes you through open fields, dingy caves, dark forests, and treacherous lakes. This time the game is far, far more "open" and - once you receive the map showing you the whole playing area not far into the game - you realise that you will have to trek through vast areas to reach the final boss. http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/kingsfield/kf02.htm
Released in the USA as King's Field II, causing further confusion later on. The graphics have improved further. The "metroidvania" style of progression has been diminished, and areas are more straight forward to progress. Large outdoor areas have been added as well.
King's Field III: Pilot Style PS1 (First released: August 22, 1996)
This was a promotional mini-game meant to enhance public awareness of the existence of King's Field III. It is a standalone experience with its own tiny plot. Rumor says only 8 copies of this survive today. Supposedly short and sweet clocking in at about an hour. Pilot Style was not released in the USA, but an English fan translation is available:
The game is set on the continent of Eclipse, in the Holy Land of Zeptar. The player takes the role of a mercenary named Ruus Hardy. Returning home to Zeptar, he finds that the entire city, as well as the central tower, have been sucked into the underworld. He meets an old man who gives him the Dark One's sword, the only weapon which can injure the demons responsible. Swearing to rescue the old woman who raised him, as well as the rest of Zeptar, Ruus descends into the underworld.
Was released in the USA under the same name as its Japanese release. Shadow Tower is supposed to be much more difficult than King's Field, despite sharing many of its series' traits. (For one thing weapons and armor degrade in this game.) A bleak and unforgiving experience, this game was meant for the hardcore crowd (as if KF wasn't already meant for that). This game has no music, and you don't gain levels, rather skills and abilities. Your equipment dictates your fortitude and offense. For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_Tower
Eternal Ring PS2 (First released: March 4, 2000)
The player controls Cain Morgan, a young magician who is sent to investigate the Island of No Return, where a legendary artifact called the Eternal Ring is presumed to be held. The island is home to a large number of mythical creatures, including dragons, lizard men, and gargoyles, and is the location of magical gems and rings, including the Eternal Ring.
Eternal Ring is like an easier and less gloomy King's Field. The biggest difference is the ring magic system. For instance, if you mix a wind ring with a fire ring, you can cast fire balls. But if you mixed an earth ring with a fire ring, you might produce bombs instead. (It's very similar in that regard to the game Jewel Master on Genesis.) Overall I think that Eternal Ring is underrated and was misunderstood upon its release. Although honestly it's not as good as a true King's Field game, but it's still worth playing.
Sword of Moonlight: King's Field Making Tool PC (March 16, 2000)
Released only in Japan, but translated into English by fans. This utility allows you to create your own PC based King's Field games. It has a fairly active community and a handful of decent games have been made with it. It also included a From Software created remake of the very first King's Field game. For more information: http://www.swordofmoonlight.com/
King's Field IV PS2 (First released: October 4, 2001)
This game got a USA release under the name King's Field: The Ancient City.
An accursed idol responsible for the destruction of an ancient race has resurfaced to wreak havoc once again among the kingdoms of man. You must return the idol to the Ancient City to break its curse, but monsters of unspeakable horror haunt the ruins. There is a palpable fear in the air of the Ancient City—even the monsters themselves fear the evil that has returned.
Treasures beyond imagination await the warrior bold enough to attempt the journey, strong enough to face the minions of death, and wise enough to follow the path that leads to the essence of light. Use your sword arm well to rid the land of a potent curse. Be aware that should the sword fail, you have the magical arts to serve you in your quest. Learn the proper time and place for each or you too shall be counted amongst those lost forever.
This was the first King's Field I ever beat, and it was a helluva an experience. This is the best dungeon crawler I've ever played, and I can't recommend it enough. For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Field_IV
Shadow Tower Abyss PS2 (First released: October 23, 2003)
The game is set within the citadel first featured in Shadow Tower, and sees the return of a number of familiar non-player characters. The protagonist, an explorer, is in search of an arcane spear thought to have given great powers to the long-dead ruler of the kingdom, and ushered in an age of unrivaled prosperity. What remains of the kingdom today is largely covered over by the forest, save for the tower itself. Once inside the citadel, the protagonist encounters a mysterious Old Man, who traps him within and forces him to climb to the very top of the structure to escape.
Only released in Japan. An English version was being developed by Agetec, but the project was cancelled by Sony Computer Entertainment America, its publisher, prior to completion. Shadow Tower Abyss is supposed to be much easier than the original Shadow Tower, and it also allows use of the analog sticks finally! Received a fan translation however: http://www.romhacking.net/translations/2042/
King's Field: Mobile Cellphone (Released: 2004) King's Field: Mobile EX Cellphone (Released: 2004) King's Field: Mobile II Cellphone (Released: 2005)
These were mobile games released only for the Japanese cell market. I do not know much about them. But as far as I know, they have not been made available in English. That said, here's some information about these games: http://ktn87kingsfield.webs.com/otherki ... dgames.htm
King's Field: Additional I PSP (First released: July 20, 2006) King's Field: Additional II PSP (First released: August 24, 2006)
These were PSP games only released in Japan. To my knowledge, there has not been an English fan translation released for either game yet. So, I don't know much about them, other than the fact that they use grid-based movement as opposed to free movement like the other games. There are English walkthroughs available for both of these games on GameFAQs however. From what I understand long time King's Field fans were not too keen on these two games, and they received rather unfavorable reviews.
What's great about these games?:
Serious atmosphere, these are some of the most immersive games ever made. You will receive a true sense of isolation and beautiful melancholy, as well as spikes of pure horror and suspense. Excellent and deep dungeon crawling, with secrets galore. Hardcore gameplay; From Software refuses to hold your hand because they respect your intelligence. Story takes a back seat, theses experiences are basically 100% gameplay, plot exposition barely exists. True challenges that you will relish and feel a sense of accomplishment in overcoming. If you're looking for an experience than can suck you into its world and eat a whole weekend without you knowing it, these are the kinds of games that can do that.
Questions for the reader:
Have you ever played any of these games?
If so, what were your experiences like?
If not, why haven't you tried any?
Would you be interested in trying one of these games out soon?
Last edited by Exhuminator on Wed Jul 15, 2015 8:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
I have not played any of these games, though I have been aware of them for several years. They just haven't been high on my priority list, particularly as my interest in playing PS1 and PS2 games has slowly but steadily waned with time. That's not to say I'm not interested, but I'm very occupied with my SNES, Steam, and GOG collections these days. Also, for some reason I used to mentally associated Eternal Ring with Summoner. I'd give these games a shot, particularly the PS2 titles, but it will be some time.
I actually knew nothing of the series until I saw your conversations about it on the Summer Games Challenge. If I get the time, I will definitely check out the PS1 titles. Any particular place I should start, or should I just start from scratch?
Ack wrote:I don't know, chief, the haunting feeling of lust I feel whenever I look at your avatar makes me think it's real.
-I am the idiot that likes to have fun and be happy.
Ack wrote:I'd give these games a shot, particularly the PS2 titles, but it will be some time.
I believe when you finally get around to doing so, you'll kick yourself for not having tried them sooner.
BogusMeatFactory wrote:Any particular place I should start, or should I just start from scratch?
It would probably be most difficult to start from the very beginning. The safest bet is to start with the PS2 games. They have a far smoother engine and higher frame rate than the PS1 games do, and are simply a lot more polished overall. If after finishing those you want more, going back and playing the PS1 games is totally doable, considering you'll look past the technical warts knowing how much fun the gameplay still is despite that.
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Well I can't help but be disappointed with the lack of responses to this thread. Then again, when you're talking about old RPGs and not even MrPopo pipes up, you know you're really dealing with something truly esoteric.
I honestly believe that anyone who tried these games and actually finished one of them, would fully understand my fervor. That player would understand the vigor that lead to the impetus strong enough to create this elaborate thread. On the flip side, considering no one has played these games to any extent around here other than myself apparently, I probably just seem overtly eccentric.
Well I may be that, but these games are still goddamned awesome. I hope in the future more players bother to discover that truth for themselves. Third person brought From Software's action-RPGs to the forefront, but nothing beats the immersion of first person. And that's why I don't think the Souls series is automatically better than what From Software was doing for so long before that simple camera paradigm shift.
I find the idea of the games fascinating. But my frustration with the Souls games sours me. Those are games I also found fascinating... but hard to get into. I loved 3D Dot Game Heroes tho, haha.
Just never encountered any Kings Field games in the wild about the only game I have from your list is Eternal Ring. It seems to be fairly common in my area though.
Fragems wrote:Just never encountered any Kings Field games in the wild about the only game I have from your list is Eternal Ring. It seems to be fairly common in my area though.
Yeah the same here. I had never heard of the series at all until just now. I am very curious and will grab me a PS2 copy of one in the series and see how I feel. I will let you know when I get that going though Exhuminator and maybe get some tips.
Ack wrote:I don't know, chief, the haunting feeling of lust I feel whenever I look at your avatar makes me think it's real.
-I am the idiot that likes to have fun and be happy.
