FromSoftware action RPG built on an original creature-card system. Dungeons explored with a deck of summonable monsters, the gothic fantasy mood typical of the studio and combat that is both strategic and snappy. A genuinely singular idea, well worth discovering.
Your verdict
Category
Card Battle1 player12+
Description
The hero collects monster cards to battle the Dark Kingdom forces in this FromSoftware GameCube Lost Kingdoms. Published by Nintendo, released in Europe in February 2003. Card battle RPG with dungeon exploration, monster card collection and darkness bosses.
Long before FromSoftware's glory days, the studio was experimenting here with an action-RPG where you fight by hurling monster cards in real time. Rough at times, it got lost in the flood of releases. But its hybrid system and dark flavour are worth a look for the curious who like watching a great studio's ideas take shape.
Is Lost Kingdoms still worth playing in 2026?
A card-based action RPG from FromSoftware, Lost Kingdoms swaps turn-based fights for real-time combat where you summon monsters and spells from a deck, controller in hand. This bold idea, blending card management and action, gives it a strong identity despite a modest presentation and a stiff camera. Collecting and deck-building stay gripping. An original curiosity from the studio before its fame, worth recommending to fans of action card games and explorers of the catalog.
