PGC NEWS

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, developed by Cornfox & Brothers, arrived on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, promising a Zelda-like experience. While the original Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas impressed with its visuals and gameplay inspired by the classic Nintendo franchise, this sequel attempts to elevate the experience with a fully 3D world and updated graphics. Does it succeed in capturing the magic of Zelda, or does it fall short of its inspiration?

A Visual Feast

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The first Oceanhorn made waves in 2013 with its impressive graphics for a mobile title. Oceanhorn 2 continues this tradition, boasting vibrant visuals and a detailed world. The art style, while reminiscent of Link’s Awakening, establishes its own identity with well-proportioned characters and polished textures. The developers have clearly invested in creating a visually appealing experience.

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The influence of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is evident in Oceanhorn 2’s open world and visual presentation. The use of vibrant colors and advanced lighting effects creates a world that is both inviting and engaging. Cornfox & Brothers have crafted a visually stunning game that immediately draws the player in.

Gameplay Disappointments

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Despite its visual strengths, Oceanhorn 2 suffers from several gameplay shortcomings. The combat, while similar in style to 3D Zelda titles, feels clunky and unresponsive. The character animations are stiff and lack the fluidity of its inspiration. The combat lacks the satisfying feedback and strategic depth that define the Zelda series. The balancing also feels off, with early-game enemies requiring a surprising number of hits to defeat.

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The ranged combat fares no better. The aiming mechanics are slow and cumbersome, negating any advantage of attacking from a distance. The limited ammo further restricts the player’s options in combat.

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Perhaps the most baffling design choice is the inability to jump. While this was less of an issue in the first game with its fixed camera angle, it becomes a significant hindrance in a 3D world. The world is littered with ramps and ledges to compensate for this missing mechanic, creating a repetitive and unnatural feel to the environment. The lack of jumping severely limits the possibilities for platforming and exploration.

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Design Flaws and a Lackluster Story

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Beyond the core gameplay issues, Oceanhorn 2 suffers from a weak and uninspired story. The narrative lacks the depth and intrigue of the original Oceanhorn, failing to establish a compelling motivation for the player. The introduction of companion characters does little to enhance the narrative and instead dilutes the focus.

The level design is equally disappointing. Many areas feel empty and pointless, offering little in the way of rewards or interesting encounters. The puzzles are simplistic and lack the cleverness and complexity of Zelda’s renowned puzzle design.

Conclusion

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, while visually impressive, ultimately falls short of its Zelda-inspired ambitions. The clunky combat, baffling lack of jumping, and weak story and level design prevent it from reaching the heights of its inspiration. While the developers clearly aimed to create a grand adventure, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Game Information

• Developer: Cornfox & Brothers
• Publisher: Cornfox & Brothers
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Release Date: October 28, 2020
• Platform: Nintendo Switch