Warlock 2: The Exiled

Warlock II is like an edited finished version of the first one. Bit too easy, but very addictive. [May 2014]

Island-hopping in a fantasy world felt new to me, and this builds upon the already engaging strategy that exits in Warlock.

It looks like a twin to the first installment, but offers new gameplay elements and a lot of fun. Having to repeat the main quest in every new game is a bit annoying, though.

Warlock 2: The Exiled is a solid war-focused 4X strategy game with fantastic presentation.

Warlock II might take place in a silly universe where narrators like to impersonate Sean Connery and kingdoms are ruled by regal rats or chatting skeletons, but Ino-Co has taken its construction very seriously. It’s exactly what a sequel should be, keeping the spirit of the original but improving every aspect.

A TBS with a sense of humor doesn't come along every day. Don't mistake light-hearted for light-headed, however - “Warlock 2: The Exiled” is a solid, if limited, game. It can provide hours of fun in an attractive package without overwhelming the player with detail.

Warlock 2 is definitely a step in the right direction – it takes everything that was good about the first game, and refines it a bit, while also leaving the original experience intact.

Though it could still use some balancing, Warlock II is a highly addictive game that offers a new twist on the classic Civilization-style formula.

Warlock II manages to be a fun, elegant, even if not overly deep, strategy game. The AI won't win any Nobel prize, but the whole package is quite decent.

Warlock 2 is now the best version of an enjoyably streamlined strategy series. Unfortunately, for owners of the original, it isn't so much better that it's worth wholeheartedly recommending.

Warlock II: The Exiled mixes several elements like magic, combat and city building is an interesting way. It makes the game complex and deep and should be at least tried by fans of the genre.

While the AI could be smarter and the game in general more complex, Ino-Co Plus has done a good job of adding clever features to the established formula. Researchable spells, multiplayer and a mighty editor add a lot to the game’s replay value, while the new city limit keeps long matches from getting overly stressful. Whoever liked the first Warlock will probably love Warlock 2.

Because the focus is on such small groups, distinctive visual design helps reinforce the idea that each piece of your army is special. Ships, lords, and even foot soldiers are remarkably well designed.

Warlock 2: The Exiled is a game that offers some great content while still making the same mistakes as its predecessor. The differences with Warlock: Master of the Arcane are not as obvious to justify the release of a completely new game, especially without having corrected a number of the existing defects. However the game is still as good as it was the first time around and gets us to stay glued to our screens turn after turn. We could be facing a superb 4X game just with a few additional options, an improved AI and some technical work. But it will continue to remain a second-row-game as long as Ino-Co Plus isn't solving the evident shortages of this Warlock series.

Warlock 2: The Exiled is Warlock: Master of the Arcane with a new mode and tuning. If you have liked the previous game, you will love this sequel… but only if you accept paying for something similar in many ways.

Warlock 2 is a better game than its predecessor, Warlock: Master of the Arcane, but after several playthroughs you will succumb to the familiar boredom.

While the balance of complexity and usability of the resource and the Civ5-like city management is well executed the weak AI, the abysmal diplomacy system and the superficial religion do their best to keep you away from this. Sometimes this turnbased strategy even feels unfinished.

A very challenging strategy game that depicts a world of sorcerers and their empires. Civilization with spells? Yes – and it bites hard. [Issue#242]

Warlock 2 offers a lot of options for a fantasy strategy fan, and the Exiled mode is fun the first time, but there's something missing in the formula to make it a truly memorable game.

If you liked the first game or need something to scratch that Civilisation itch then this will make you very happy indeed – just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the giant turtles.