King's Field: The Ancient City PlayStation 2
King's Field: The Ancient City Image
Metascore
60 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: An accursed idol responsible for the destruction of an ancient race has resurfaced to wreak havoc once again among the kingdoms of man. You must return the idol to the Ancient City to break its curse, but monsters of unspeakable horror haunt the ruins. There is a palpable fear in the air of the Ancient City - even the monsters themselves fear the evil that has returned. Treasures beyond imagination await the warrior bold enough to attempt the journey, strong enough to face the minions of death, and wise enough to follow the path that leads to the essence of light! Use your sword arm well to rid the land of a potent curse! Be aware that should the sword fail, you have the magical arts to serve you in your quest. [Agetec]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. GameZone
    82
    If this game is played for 15 minutes and then discarded due to the slow speed and pace of the game, you aren’t giving it the patience it deserves.
  2. All Game Guide
    70
    Gamers looking for big changes in the series, though, won't find the experience much different than earlier King's Field titles.
  3. IGN
    66
    Depth is what helps save King's Field from the world of mediocrity. The level of control over your character is most assuredly a nice bonus as you can equip armor on just about every major body part.
  4. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    40
    It's tedious, wearisome, dreary, slow, stiff, flat and monotonous...in other words, it's an utter bore. [Apr 2002, p.103]
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See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. JonathanR.
    10
    This game is VERY good. I hope the bad reviews this game receive won't stop the making of another King's Field title.
  2. R-e-n-n-a-t
    10
    Pure awesome-ness in game form. Yes, it's slow, and yes, it's frustrating if you die. But these are good things! You're truly afraid to die, you truly feel like an adventurer exploring cursed lands, and the slower combat allows you to think (which you must do to succeed) to beat your enemies and find the plethora of hidden items and secret places.

    This game is about exploration, about probing an ancient horrific land, and about surviving amidst large hords (impressive unit counts and NO load times, great graphics for the time) of depraved enemies. It has a very Lovecraftian vibe.    … Expand
  3. HeadacheBearcub
    9
    This game is exactly what I expected from the people at AGETEC. Yes, it is slow. Yes, you will probably die from the most asanine things the first several hours you put into it...YES it's a cool game. I love the series and hope they make another one with a slightly re-vamped gaming engine...that'd rock. Otherwise, I appreciate the visuals (better than morrowind by the way) and am gonna go play it now... -PFC Neill USMC… Expand
  4. MarkB.
    8
    I was sold on the first US version of King's Field, and this release was one major buying decision in favor of the PS2 over the fiXbox or Cube. That said, this is a dungeon crawl - it's lonely, eerie, and based on discovering your world. If you're an adrenaline junkie, this is not the one. If you like to explore 3D worlds, find hidden things and hack monsters, then rent it (if you're new) and see if the pace is OK for you. I bought it expecting to like it - and I do!… Expand

See all 6 User Reviews