The sequel to the critically acclaimed RPG for the Nintendo GameCubeTM, Lost KingdomsTM II takes the immersive Real Time Action/RPG gaming experience to the next level with an expanded game world, new cards and exciting perils to face. Set 200 years after the events of the original Lost KingdomsTM, the Kingdom of Argwyll is on the brink of destruction. All hope lies in the hands of a new heroine Tara. Abandoned as a child and raised by a gang of thieves, Tara must use the force of her magical Runestone and summon Guardian Creatures to battle the invading evil force, uncover its terrible origins and save the kingdom.

Features:

• Enhanced Card-Based System: Gamers collect and power up over 200 Guardian Creature Cards including 100 new cards that can be used to battle more than 200 enemies in real time. Creatures range from fighting skeletons and fire-breathing dragons to new mechanized beasts-each with unique attack moves.

• Unlimited Battle Areas and Expanded RPG Gameplay: Players can use cards to battle enemies anywhere in an environment. A new Card Transformational Ability allows gamers to transform into creatures and use their abilities to launch multiple methods of power attacks, explore environments or overcome obstacles. In addition, each quest features new elements such as hidden quests, puzzles and magical items to collect. Players may also choose which quests they wish to embark on and trade collected items with other characters.

• New, Magical RPG Adventure: The game challenges players to embark on an all-new quest to save the Kingdom of Argwyll from doom. Through over 30 hours of gameplay, players become immersed in a fantasy adventure as they journey through 25 3D worlds filled with forests, mountains and fortresses. Through their journey, players discover secret areas, interact with characters and unravel the mystery that threatens to destroy the kingdom.

• Multiple Modes of Play: In addition to single player Story Mode, players can pit their card collection against friend's and battle to the finish in head-to-head two-player Versus Mode.

Last updated: 10/11/2002

There’s a legend about a magical artifact that allowed humans to not only control monsters and guardian creatures, but even the Gods. It was the Runestone, a relic that only the female descendants of the great Queen Katia could wield. Over 200 years ago, the legendary monarch unified the land and brought peace to its inhabitants. Since then, whenever unrest had overcome the land, she or one of her descendants would settle the dispute with the Runestone.

However, once again there is trouble in the land. The Charent tribe, famous the world over for their engineering and mechanical prowess, succeeded in developing a facsimile of the Key. While it was but a mere copy, it was able to control some creatures of the land. Using this awesome power, the tribe began to invade neighboring countries.

A proclamation from the Queen demanded the Charent to cease their invasion lest they face her wrath. For a short period it appeared that the enemy had relented, but few believed that the peace would last as the people of Colten had begun to build up their army.

As per the previous game, players will be able to create a custom card deck of thirty cards, mixing and matching monster types. One of the more exciting prospects is that this time around, there is no “battle” screen that the action shifts to when a monster attacks. The player will fight monsters within the actual level, taking better advantage of the surrounding area.

In addition, From Software is adding an entirely new Element to the series: Machine. Previously there were five; Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and Neutral. It is unknown what the Machine Element will be strong or weak against at the moment. With over 200 cards to find and raise, it will take some time to collect them all. An all-new class of monster types has been added to improve the playability. Players must use “Transform” cards to take the shape of a monster of Guardian Creature to jump, fly or otherwise reach previously inaccessible areas. The From Software website makes mention of “comboing,” and while it does not go into great detail, they promise it will be “integral to gameplay” to learn and exploit.

From Software is promising many more levels and to allow players to re-enter a mission level directly after completing it. There may be new stories or treasures to find in a completed area, so it is beneficial to re-explore the level.

This along with the return of the two-player mode has us looking forward to an all new adventure in the land of Argwyll.