Edited on: December 5, 2025
Posted on: December 3, 2025
an actual(ly awesome) aRPG+
If you've played any so-called aRPG in the past (your Torchlights, Titan Quests or -- indeed -- Diablos); you'll know what to expect from KoN's core gameplay: you explore the map, whack things and collect loot... The difference is, KoN actually has a plot and (admittedly limited, but still) decisions you have to make which -- unlike any of the aforementioned games (which are strictly linear) -- could qualify as "role playing."
The control scheme is more action-y, as well, and lets skill (rather than stats) be the determining factor in fights. In Diablo, if you ran into an enemy that is 10+ levels above you, chances are good you would always lose until you level up and find better equipment. Here -- using reflexes and a judicious application of abilities -- you can actually persevere (though the game doesn't exactly make it easy).
As you run through the night and gather allies (who actually benefit you), there's a refreshing feeling of progression -- of the world changing thanks to what you have accomplished. And -- okay -- the music is nice and eerie, the 80s vibe pulled off very well (bologna sandwiches, Arnie T-800 posters and all); and the pixel graphics first-rate.
As for downsides, I've encountered one bug (where your inventory doesn't render in the "notebook"); that vanishes if you exit the game and restart, some of the dungeon-y maps (like sewers or, of all things, the convenience store) are a bit monotonous and overlong and item variety is limited (four, five hours in you'll have most of your drops memorized). Later in the game, a little stutter can kick in (too many enemies? too much inventory?); but not to an inconvenient degree.
All in all -- for a 500mb game -- Kingdom of Night is an impressive little gem and exactly what I hoped it would be.
Game lasts about 15 hours and doesn't drop the ball throughout. The writing stays consistent (and fun); new puzzles and challenges keep getting thrown into the mix and -- on the whole -- the story is captivating enough that I didn't mind what few rough edges it had.
The game made me want to keep playing and smile. If that's not worth 5 stars, I don't know what is.