Those who have played the Princess Maker 2 will find this game most intriguing, but unfortunately they will also find that this game is not half as good as PM2 was. The game is short and too linear. You guide your queen-to-be across the same setting of decisions and only difference is what skills you have. After one successful play I recognized several ways how to alter the game ending just by choosing little differently. For me it takes away replay value, because you know what to do differently next time. And there isn't really that many different options to choose from. Also the decisions you make doesn't really show much, for example the only concrete thing about raising or lowering taxes is how much money you have at your disposal. You just succeed in different skill-checks and failure doesn't seem to be registered. Also after several plays you know what event will come next. The relationship drama is also very hollow. You are supposed to marry someone, but you are not given any ways to interact with them. It seems you have to make the decision with little information and for me, there wasn't enough to connect with any of them. Long Live the Queen is just a snack in terms of gameplay. Couple hours of fun and some replay value, but not much else. For PM2 players like myself this game could be a disappointment. For others, this game would be a nice change.
Very well made Diablo 2 -clone! Even though inventory is small and the world is way smaller than in Diablo 2, they are only small nitpicks that doesn't ruin the game. Excellent idea to add a pet, that can haul those extra items to the shop and brings the money! No need to ruin something with "originality" when you can copy from the best. And this one is done with extreme piety to the original and it honors it. Not straight descendant, but very close cousin in the Diablo family.
