Underplayed Gems

Arc the Lad II (1996)

Arc the Lad II cover
Developer
G-Craft
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment, MonkeyPaw Games
Platforms
PlayStation 3, PlayStation, PlayStation Portable
Genres
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure
Rating
4.7 of 5, 6 player ratings

How it feels

A weighty, narrative-driven tactical RPG that unfolds like an epic saga, blending deliberate turn-based combat with a brooding tale of lost identity and converging destinies.

story-drivenepicslow-pacedstrategicdramaticquest-drivenmethodicalserious

About

This direct sequel to "Arc the Lad" continues the unfinished story of the first game, but starts from a totally different perspective. You control a bounty-hunter named Elk, who suffers from amnesia. On his quest for his own true identity he discovers the powers hidden within him, and the destiny of his entire tribe. While pursuing his archenemy, Elk meets up with Arc, the hero of the first game, and then both realize they have been looking to destroy the very same evil. The battle system of "Arc the Lad II" is similar to the one used in its predecessor: in battles you can move your characters on the battle field, and your proximity to the enemies plays an important role. You cause and take different amounts of damage depending on your position on the battle field. Unlike the first game, this one is a full-fledged adventure/RPG, without the "strategy" feel of the predecessor. You move through the game world on your own, visiting towns and exploring dungeons.

What players say

A substantial, story-rich tactical RPG with surprisingly dark themes and an emotional core that vastly expands on the first game. A cult-classic milestone for the strategy-RPG genre.

Trailer

Screenshots

Arc the Lad II screenshot 1Arc the Lad II screenshot 2Arc the Lad II screenshot 3Arc the Lad II screenshot 4Arc the Lad II screenshot 5Arc the Lad II screenshot 6

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