Kingdom Under Fire II
Encyclopedia
Kingdom Under Fire II is an upcoming video game set in a high fantasy
setting being developed by Blueside
which merges real-time strategy
(RTS), role playing game
(RPG) and massively multiplayer online game
(MMO) genres - the game will have a single player, and online multiplayer mode.
The game follow chronologically on from Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom
, and is the first RTS game set in the Kingdom Under Fire universe to be released since the 2005 Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes
.
The game was announced in January 2008, and has been subject to delay; as of 2011 it is expected to be released for PC
and PlayStation 3
. According to the official site, the online service for the PC is planned for 2011.
Missions often consist of different objectives. There are missions where you must defend a position/fort, escort allies to safety, siege an enemy stronghold, ambush enemy units or simply destroy the opposite force.
of the game's antagonist - Encablossa. The game's events continue the story of the Kingdom Under Fire universe, 150 years after Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders, and introduce a new faction - the 'Encablossians', who have been brought from the Encablossan dimension by Regnier, a protagonist in previous games.
The game explores the wars between three factions: the Human Alliance, Dark Legion, and Encablossians in their struggle for control of the game's world, the continent of Bersia. The main conflict will be between Kendal and Regenier as Kendal is now equally as powerful as Regnier after undergoing a mutation in the Dark Dimension.
Once the most powerful nation in the past, their power was reduced significantly during the Advent War, and now they're in the process of rebuilding themselves.
Their main activities involve reclaiming the northern part of Eclessia which is now occupied by Encablossians. The people that are doing the activities to regain this area don't have many weapons and are behind in technology. However, they're armored with their devotion to their religion and always ready to die in a battle.
They're also dispatching their military groups to every corner of Bersia to get the continent rid of all the evil spirits and devils who have been wreaking havoc everywhere after appearing out of nowhere subsequent to the end of the Great Diastrophism, People call these military groups the inquisitors.
In terms of the land itself, Hexter is literally a complete wasteland. Only the sands and rocks can be found wherever you go, and its dry wind takes away even the last drop of water that's left in this bleak land.
They rebelled against the half-vampires during the Advent War but they were disorganized and divided among themselves. For these reasons, their attempt eventually ended up being a failure as they were divided into pro-Vellond group and anti-Vellond group.
Confirmed by Blueside to have a more important storyline than ever before. Kendal is an Ecclesian and has strong faith in the tenets of his faith. He wields a War Crucifix and mace. Now with a mutation, Kendal is powerful and his strength rivals that of Regnier's.
Regnier:
Regnier has returned from the Dark Dimension and is now partly mutated and thus his appearance has changed. He is much bigger and stronger than his former self and his powers match that of his former self, however they are more devastating now. Regnier can now overpower ogres completely, easily crushing their skulls with his foot. He uses a mutated version of his massive sword from the previous game.
Glen:
Son of Gerald and Ellen, Glen is a quarter elf so he lives longer than humans, it is because of this that humans have come to hate him. Glen joined the army so he could feel at home and have his skills appreciated.
Isabella:
Isabella is an albino dark elf who uses an ice like sword to freeze her foes. She is believed to be the new leader of the Kades. She took this leadership from Lucretia (from previous kingdom under fire titles)
Kenton:
A dwarf with a white beard who wields a two handed axe which also serves as a gun. He is one of Glen's officers.
Olivia:
An elven officer with a calm manner who joins up with Glen.
and RTS gameplay to create a "Multiplayer Online Action RTS" or MMORTS; key elements of the gameplay design include a single player 'story mode' as in the earlier RTS Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
, and a separate online multiplayer element where players would be able to undertake battles, both castle sieges, and pitched battles in fields. The MMO aspect of the game was to take place in a persistent world
, with with players able to form and join guilds and take part in territorial battles (in up to 15 vs 15 player matches).
In July 2009 Blueside confirmed an Xbox 360 version for release in 2010, the Xbox 360 version was stated to have greater emphasis on the single player campaign, and to also have an online multiplayer mode, as well as downloadable content
, but a MMORTS mode was not confirmed.
In March 2010 the project was reported by MMOSITE.com to be rumoured to be in development hell
, with developer Blueside in financial trouble, with some employees salaries unpaid, and also as being affected by the departure of part of Blueside's development team to form a new company. In an interview representatives from Blueside and Phantagram
stated that 90 persons were working on the project, and that the game had been delayed due a shortage of manpower caused by simultaneous development of console and PC versions, as well as delays due to inexperience with online game development. The lead developer Lee Sang Yong stated that their was no real problem with the development.
In October 2010 the Xbox 360 version was announced to be delayed to at least Christmas 2011 due to restrictions imposed on Xbox Live
games by Microsoft
relating to billing; development of the actual game system was said by the developers to be complete. The projects budget had exceeded $20 million by late 2010.
In November 2010 Blueside announced the development of a PlayStation 3
version, initially with a projected release date in 2012, citing the suitability of the PS3's online mechanism's for adding updates. Issues relating to the online Xbox 360 version were stated to be under continued discussion with Microsoft.
The game was developed with a video game rating
of 15+, though the developers expected it may receive an 18+ rating due to the combat and war elements. A closed beta test began in late 2011.
High fantasy
High fantasy or epic fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that is set in invented or parallel worlds. High fantasy was brought to fruition through the work of authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, whose major fantasy works were published in the 1950s...
setting being developed by Blueside
Blueside
Blueside is a video game publisher and developer located in Seoul, South Korea.. It is mainly known for its popular Xbox game series Kingdom Under Fire.-Developed Titles:*Xbox** 2004 - Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders...
which merges real-time strategy
Real-time strategy
Real-time strategy is a sub-genre of strategy video game which does not progress incrementally in turns. Brett Sperry is credited with coining the term to market Dune II....
(RTS), role playing game
Role-playing video game
Role-playing video games are a video game genre with origins in pen-and-paper role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, using much of the same terminology, settings and game mechanics. The player in RPGs controls one character, or several adventuring party members, fulfilling one or many quests...
(RPG) and massively multiplayer online game
Massively multiplayer online game
A massively multiplayer online game is a multiplayer video game which is capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of players simultaneously. By necessity, they are played on the Internet, and usually feature at least one persistent world. They are, however, not necessarily games played on...
(MMO) genres - the game will have a single player, and online multiplayer mode.
The game follow chronologically on from Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom
Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom
Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom is an action roleplaying video game developed by Blueside and published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox 360. It is the fourth installment in the Kingdom Under Fire series and the first released for the seventh generation of consoles...
, and is the first RTS game set in the Kingdom Under Fire universe to be released since the 2005 Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes is an action strategy game, the prequel to Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders, released in 2005 for the Xbox.-Gameplay:...
.
The game was announced in January 2008, and has been subject to delay; as of 2011 it is expected to be released for PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
and PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
. According to the official site, the online service for the PC is planned for 2011.
Gameplay
The game combines action with RPG and RTS. The player will control a hero who has his/her own unit which is a melee unit. When the player engages enemies in combat as their hero, they gain full control of their character and can attack enemies as they wish. When controlling other units, the game plays like a typical RTS and you can move troops, change their formations and make them perform various actions. Sappers for example can be used to set traps and light fires. Cannons can be used to break down castle walls and spearmen can be used to protect troops from cavalry.Missions often consist of different objectives. There are missions where you must defend a position/fort, escort allies to safety, siege an enemy stronghold, ambush enemy units or simply destroy the opposite force.
Plot and game premise
The story in Kingdom Under Fire II comes chronologically after the events in Circle of Doom - which took place within the alternative dimensionParallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
of the game's antagonist - Encablossa. The game's events continue the story of the Kingdom Under Fire universe, 150 years after Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders, and introduce a new faction - the 'Encablossians', who have been brought from the Encablossan dimension by Regnier, a protagonist in previous games.
The game explores the wars between three factions: the Human Alliance, Dark Legion, and Encablossians in their struggle for control of the game's world, the continent of Bersia. The main conflict will be between Kendal and Regenier as Kendal is now equally as powerful as Regnier after undergoing a mutation in the Dark Dimension.
The World
The world is divided into several groups. Hironeiden and Ecclesia form the Human Alliance, Hexter and Kaedes form The Dark Legion and Encablossa forms Encablossian.Hironeiden
A sheikdom, Hironeiden is the most powerful nation in the Human Alliance right now. It has a long history that even goes back before the Great Diastrophism, and has been playing the role of shield for Human Alliance against the Orks from Hexter for a long time. There were dark days for this nation when they became the vessel state of Ecclesia in the result of the first War of Heroes, but they never rested in rebuilding the nation, and as a result, they successfully managed to climb up to the leading position in the Human Alliance.Ecclesia
Ecclesia is a nation built upon religion and is also at the heart of the religion of Ecclesia. It is the oldest human nation built during the Age of Light and their history goes back 1,500 years. They have deep pride in their culture and history.Once the most powerful nation in the past, their power was reduced significantly during the Advent War, and now they're in the process of rebuilding themselves.
Their main activities involve reclaiming the northern part of Eclessia which is now occupied by Encablossians. The people that are doing the activities to regain this area don't have many weapons and are behind in technology. However, they're armored with their devotion to their religion and always ready to die in a battle.
They're also dispatching their military groups to every corner of Bersia to get the continent rid of all the evil spirits and devils who have been wreaking havoc everywhere after appearing out of nowhere subsequent to the end of the Great Diastrophism, People call these military groups the inquisitors.
Hexter
Hexter refers to the wasteland located in the southeastern part of Bersia that is occupied by the orks. Hexter can mean two things, the wasteland that's located in the southeastern part of the continent, and the orks that are living in it.In terms of the land itself, Hexter is literally a complete wasteland. Only the sands and rocks can be found wherever you go, and its dry wind takes away even the last drop of water that's left in this bleak land.
Kaedes
The origin of this nation traces back to the secret society formed by the dark elves, whose name has been carried down to present day and eventually became the nation's name. The dark elves that formed this society had originally resided in Vellond, but to them, it was a great shame to live under the control of the half-vampires who they consider, are of lower status. Their main objective is to build an independent sovereignty for their own race, the self-acclaimed holy race.They rebelled against the half-vampires during the Advent War but they were disorganized and divided among themselves. For these reasons, their attempt eventually ended up being a failure as they were divided into pro-Vellond group and anti-Vellond group.
Encablossian
Unlike the original creatures from Encablossa that were born in the Dark Dimension, Encablossians are originally from Bersia. Their body was mutated in the dark dimension after being swept into it by the black hole that suddenly appeared during the war amid the changing age, and evolved themselves into something suitable to live in the environment.Vellond
Although its King was killed during the Encablossa War it still lives on with Morene its Queen. They are working on rebuilding their kingdom. It is made of pro-Vellond dark elf soldiers, vampires, half-vampires and orks.Characters
Kendal:Confirmed by Blueside to have a more important storyline than ever before. Kendal is an Ecclesian and has strong faith in the tenets of his faith. He wields a War Crucifix and mace. Now with a mutation, Kendal is powerful and his strength rivals that of Regnier's.
Regnier:
Regnier has returned from the Dark Dimension and is now partly mutated and thus his appearance has changed. He is much bigger and stronger than his former self and his powers match that of his former self, however they are more devastating now. Regnier can now overpower ogres completely, easily crushing their skulls with his foot. He uses a mutated version of his massive sword from the previous game.
Glen:
Son of Gerald and Ellen, Glen is a quarter elf so he lives longer than humans, it is because of this that humans have come to hate him. Glen joined the army so he could feel at home and have his skills appreciated.
Isabella:
Isabella is an albino dark elf who uses an ice like sword to freeze her foes. She is believed to be the new leader of the Kades. She took this leadership from Lucretia (from previous kingdom under fire titles)
Kenton:
A dwarf with a white beard who wields a two handed axe which also serves as a gun. He is one of Glen's officers.
Olivia:
An elven officer with a calm manner who joins up with Glen.
Development and design
The game was originally announced in January 2008 to be published on PC and console platforms in 2009. The game was to be a blend of MMOMassively multiplayer online game
A massively multiplayer online game is a multiplayer video game which is capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of players simultaneously. By necessity, they are played on the Internet, and usually feature at least one persistent world. They are, however, not necessarily games played on...
and RTS gameplay to create a "Multiplayer Online Action RTS" or MMORTS; key elements of the gameplay design include a single player 'story mode' as in the earlier RTS Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders is a tactical wargame developed by the Korean studio Phantagram for the Xbox. It is the sequel to the 2001 game Kingdom Under Fire: A War of Heroes, and continues its storyline...
, and a separate online multiplayer element where players would be able to undertake battles, both castle sieges, and pitched battles in fields. The MMO aspect of the game was to take place in a persistent world
Persistent world
A persistent world is a virtual world that continues to exist even after a user exits the world and that user-made changes to its state are, to some extent, permanent...
, with with players able to form and join guilds and take part in territorial battles (in up to 15 vs 15 player matches).
In July 2009 Blueside confirmed an Xbox 360 version for release in 2010, the Xbox 360 version was stated to have greater emphasis on the single player campaign, and to also have an online multiplayer mode, as well as downloadable content
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
, but a MMORTS mode was not confirmed.
In March 2010 the project was reported by MMOSITE.com to be rumoured to be in development hell
Development hell
In the jargon of the media-industry, "development hell" is a period during which a film or other project is trapped in development...
, with developer Blueside in financial trouble, with some employees salaries unpaid, and also as being affected by the departure of part of Blueside's development team to form a new company. In an interview representatives from Blueside and Phantagram
Phantagram
Phantagram is a video game development studio based in South Korea. It is mainly known for its popular Xbox game series Kingdom Under Fire. Phantagram also co-developed the fantasy/strategy action game Ninety-Nine Nights with Q Entertainment, for the Xbox 360...
stated that 90 persons were working on the project, and that the game had been delayed due a shortage of manpower caused by simultaneous development of console and PC versions, as well as delays due to inexperience with online game development. The lead developer Lee Sang Yong stated that their was no real problem with the development.
In October 2010 the Xbox 360 version was announced to be delayed to at least Christmas 2011 due to restrictions imposed on Xbox Live
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It is currently the only online gaming service on consoles that charges users a fee to play multiplayer gaming. It was first made available to the Xbox system in 2002...
games by Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
relating to billing; development of the actual game system was said by the developers to be complete. The projects budget had exceeded $20 million by late 2010.
In November 2010 Blueside announced the development of a PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
version, initially with a projected release date in 2012, citing the suitability of the PS3's online mechanism's for adding updates. Issues relating to the online Xbox 360 version were stated to be under continued discussion with Microsoft.
The game was developed with a video game rating
Video game content rating system
A video game content rating system is a system used for the classification of video games into suitability-related groups. Most of these systems are associated with and/or sponsored by a government, and are sometimes part of the local motion picture rating system...
of 15+, though the developers expected it may receive an 18+ rating due to the combat and war elements. A closed beta test began in late 2011.