King’s Quest II: Romancing the Throne (1985)

by Christopher May 1, 1985

written by Christopher May 1, 1985 4 minutes read

Summary

King’s Quest II: Romancing the Throne, designed by Roberta Williams, continues the saga of King Graham. This sequel enhances the original’s adventure gameplay, employing refined technologies and storytelling to create an immersive experience.

Release Year: 1985
Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Puzzle
Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, Apple IIGS, Atari ST/STE, DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Publishers: Activision, Sierra On-Line

Introduction

King’s Quest II: Romancing the Throne is a continuation of the innovative journey started by the original King’s Quest. Developed by Sierra On-Line and designed by Roberta Williams, it aimed to showcase the capabilities of second-generation computers through engaging adventure gameplay and storytelling.

Synopsis

The game follows King Graham as he seeks to find a queen for the kingdom of Daventry. Using a magical mirror, he discovers a princess imprisoned in a tower in a distant land. Graham’s quest leads him through diverse challenges across the realm of Kolyma, involving magical keys, puzzles, and encounters with characters from various fairy tales.

Characters

The central character, King Graham, encounters a variety of characters from folklore and fairy tales, including but not limited to Little Red Riding Hood, Dracula, and King Neptune, each contributing to the game’s rich narrative tapestry.

Gameplay

Utilizing the Adventure Game Interpreter (AGI) engine, gameplay involves navigating through the game’s world using keyboard controls for movement and text commands for actions. Puzzles are primarily inventory-based, requiring players to collect items and use them creatively to advance.

Reception and Critiscism

King’s Quest II has been praised for its fairy-tale charm, storytelling, and contributions to the adventure genre’s development. However, it also received criticism for its lack of innovation compared to the first game and the straightforward nature of its puzzles.

Conclusion

Despite its shortcomings, King’s Quest II: Romancing the Throne is a pivotal title in the adventure gaming genre, remembered for its whimsical storytelling and as a stepping stone for future innovations.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.