Rolan's Curse II is good in all of the ways that Rolan's Curse I is not.
THE END
...Dammit.
Someday I'll work up the nerve to publish a single line review. It'd save me so much trouble, especially in the case of this game, where a single line does indeed serve as a sufficient review. NMK revisited the first entry, took note of what needed to change, then went on to exceed expectations. Exploring the cursed land of Rolan is no longer a smoldering plague. Everything moves at a faster rate. I can actually call the pacing methodical without laughing until I crumple into hysterics. Most important of all, the main character has a huge sword.
Look at it! Now that's what I call a sword! When it comes to top-down action-adventure games, the weapon should be so large that it bends reality around it like a rubber band. Notice how there's a monster below the hero. Also, notice how that monster gets hurt even when the sword is clearly not touching. Big sword. Bigger hitbox. Don't you just love it? If that wasn't enough, the hero's shining blade of excellence becomes more excellent as his level increases. Fancy slashing effects are added, increasing range and damage output. Maybe a weapon this awe-inspiring shouldn't be in every game, but it is totally welcome here.
Rolan has seen a welcome overhaul when it comes to level-design. The repetitive hallways and lackadaisical mazes are gone. Now each location has a nice and distinct feel to it. A wide assortment of respawning beasties patrols the area or hunts the player-character down. They're easily dealt with, but their constant presence keeps things lively.
While its predecessor opted for special items, Rolan's Curse II instead allows players to recruit other heroes, utilizing their special talents to explore the world or deal with baddies. The first of the recruits is an Elf who drops bombs, which serve a purpose that doesn't need explaining. Other recruits can cast healing spells or teleport to previous areas. Their full potential is unlocked by completing side-quests, which are often found near where you met them. Even if you have no intention of recruiting them, you may want to give them a hand anyway, since their dungeons provide leveling opportunities. In lieu of combat, you increase your level by finding specific power-ups. Oh, and by the way, there are seven potential recruits, though you can only have three at a time. The replay-value here isn't significant, but it exists.
No matter who you decide to recruit, a full party might be necessary for dealing with the bosses of Rolan's Curse 2. I know I've complained about bosses a LOT these past few weeks, but I'd say my reasons are sound. They always manage to come up with new ways to drive me up the wall. The first couple nemeses aren't liable to threaten anyone, but things take a turn shortly afterwards. There is a fight with a giant hand that chucks eyeballs. It seems simple enough, except the eyes are surprisingly hard to avoid, and it's not even worth the effort to try. Before long, this becomes the story for a number of bosses. Either they're firing too many projectiles or are just too difficult to dodge. You'll be locked in a war of attrition, relying on each recruit's HP, MP, and healing items to carry you towards the win. Be sure to swap out anyone who is low on health. The first person to die kicks the entire party back to the last checkpoint.
The boss-fights are often the unexciting end to a decent dungeon, but they aren't so punishing that they bring the adventure to a screeching halt. No matter your skill-level, you'll quickly discover that this is a very breezy adventure. It only gets difficult if you purposefully avoid level-ups, or don't take advantage of the constant restoratives that are dropped in your lap. A complete play-through of Rolan's Curse 2 should only take three or so hours. Twice as long as its predecessor maybe, but several times more compelling and fun. Altogether, this is a fine game to play while doomscrolling or whatever else you're into.
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