An Look at: Ni No Kuni 2 King Edition
Years ago, excitement started to build when it was announced that Studio Ghibli was involved with a new game. Upon it's release, many became fans of its charm and the experience of traveling with a kid in the other world with his faithful companion. This game is Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and inspired the game that we are unboxing today.
Brief Background of the Series:
Around 2010, two of my favorite studios came together to craft a new gaming experience. Level 5 (Professor Layton series, Inazuma Eleven series,etc,.) worked with Studio Ghibli (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away,etc,.) to depict a story about a kid who loses his mother and the adventures he face in her absence in hopes of being able to bring her back. The game came out in Japan first on DS (December 9, 2010) and PS3 (November 17, 2011) and after much vocal demand, it made it's way to the West in January 2013.
In January 2013, I received the Wizard Edition of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Queen. One of the best parts of the set is that it did what a collector's edition is suppose to do: help you become more emerged with the world created in the game. The Wizard Edition comes with a plush of Mr. Dribby, a Welsh accented creature with a lantern danging from his nose. He is a plush in the game that magically came to life. The set also includes a gold coin with Oliver, the main character, a CD soundtrack sampler, and a set of lithographs. The crown jewel of the set is 300+ page wizard book that not only includes spells in the game but stories that help paint the world that Oliver spends most of the game exploring.
The promotional image of the Wizard Edition from Namco-Bandai.
Which Brings Us to What Has Happened Now...
This year has brought us the release of the sequel, Ni No Kuni II: Reverent Kingdom. When the different editions were announced in August 2017, one edition stood out the most to me: the King Edition. Sadly, the edition became limited to the UK and Japan closer to launch. While the game doesn't feature the animated cut scenes that Ghibli did before, Level 5 was able to provide a similar feel with in-game cut scenes. The gameplay for the game is different from the previous game but it's a refreshing change to the Pokémon-esque combat mechanics from the first game.
The week after it's release, the King Edition finally arrived and I am over the moon about the design that went into this edition of Ni No Kuni 2. In the slideshow below, photos of each item from the collection.
The King Edition includes the following items:
- The Prince Edition of the game (which is the base game, extra DLC, and the Season Pass)
- Steelbook Case
- A 100+ page hardcover artbook
- A dual sided picture vinyl record with two tracks from the soundtrack
- Three art cards
- A music box, designed as a clear dome with golden cat ears
The only gripe that I have about the set is the lack of songs on the vinyl record. When looking back at the Wizard Edition of the previous game, I realized that was the same thing they did for that collection too. I wonder if it's a licensing reason why Level-5 did not include more tracks.
Who Is This For?
For fans of Ni No Kuni and Studio Ghibli, this collection provides enough well crafted items that make the price tag worth it. If you're not into collectibles or artbooks, I would recommend sticking with the standard edition of the game. From the unique locales, fun gameplay and interesting story, Ni No Kuni 2 provides an entertaining experience that will last you for hours to come. Level 5's Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is currently available for PS4 and PC.