Direct sequel that beefs up the concept, more cards, more variants and a slightly more measured story. Combat remains singular, balance is sharper and the runtime is more generous. Arguably the better of the two Lost Kingdoms, recommended to FromSoftware fans.
Your verdict
Category
Card Battle1 player12+
Description
The hero collects new cards to battle the darkness in this FromSoftware GameCube Lost Kingdoms II. Published by Nintendo, released in the United States in September 2003. Card battle RPG sequel with new card system, enriched dungeons and new rare monster cards.
A card-based ARPG developed by FromSoftware well before the Souls era, which makes it an increasingly coveted piece as the studio's fame reflects back onto its older works. The modest US run creates genuine scarcity, and demand rises steadily, driven by From collectors tracing the developer's catalogue. Its desirability, long understated, now benefits from a retrospective spotlight that has turned it into a sought heritage title.
An underrated gem
This sequel fixes nearly every flaw of FromSoftware's first try: the card combat grows richer, clearer and more strategic, driven by a clever transformation system. Released to near-total indifference, it remains little known. Fans of hybrid RPGs and original mechanics would do well to rediscover it.
Is Lost Kingdoms II still worth playing in 2026?
A more accomplished sequel to FromSoftware's card battler, Lost Kingdoms II refines the real-time combat, enriches the card system and polishes dungeons and progression. Being able to transform cards to suit the situation adds tactical subtlety, and the collecting grows more varied. The presentation stays dated and the action can feel messy at times. An entry better than the first, worth recommending to fans of snappy card games and the curious about FromSoftware's pre-Souls output.
