International version of King's Field IV, identical in content and oppressive atmosphere. Labyrinthine dungeons, demanding progression and underground exploration are characteristic of the From Software series. A difficult and atmospheric action RPG for patient and experienced players.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player16+
Description
European and Japanese edition by FromSoftware released in 2002, locally titled "King's Field IV." Same first-person exploration mechanics and same ancient castle as the U.S. "Ancient City" version, in a European localization with multilingual subtitles (and the original Japanese version).
King's Field IV review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Frustrating"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Exploring oppressive underground depths in first person, step by step, unfolds a slow, demanding action-RPG where every advance is earned. Mapping the place, outwitting traps and surviving a merciless difficulty calls for patience and method over long hours. That heavy atmosphere, signed FromSoftware, founds a stubborn reputation as a cult exploration RPG.
Known as King's Field IV in Japan and The Ancient City in the West, this FromSoftware dungeon crawler has you explore a hostile underground world in first person at a slow pace, where every step, sword blow and spell is weighed against a constant danger. The oppressive atmosphere, the methodical slowness and the sense of isolation foreshadow the DNA of the future Souls games. The stiff handling and the austere pace put off the hurried. A gem for fans of demanding contemplative RPGs and the curious about FromSoftware's roots.
