Every fan of role-playing games should try Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm. Especially now that Cornfox & Brothers released a big update with new levels, better graphics and other enhancements.
I devoted many hours to the original version, and got early access to The Golden Edition, which launched for everyone on Apple’s gaming subscription service on Friday. The update improves on what was already an outstanding title.
Cornfox promises Oceanhorn 2 “takes you on a magical journey across the vast world of Gaia, brimming with mythology and lore. A young Knight faces an impossible challenge, as Warlock Mesmeroth has returned with a formidable Dark Army. Will our hero be able to unite the Owrus, Gillfolk, and men in a fight for the fate of the world?”
I reviewed this game shortly after it debuted last fall. There’s nothing in The Golden Edition update released today that changes what I said about Oceanhorn 2 then. Even months later, this is still the best RPG on Apple Arcade.
What’s new in Oceanhorn 2 The Golden Edition
And the updated version brings some much-requested features. Among the most notable of these is a better ending. I’m not going to spoil it, but Cornfox added some scenes that give a greater sense of completion, while also more clearly tying this storyline to the original Oceanhorn: Monster of the Uncharted Seas.
And there‘s new content. You can quest for The Shield of Chronos, after which you have a shield that protects you from projectiles. Or go on some small side quests.
There are more hints about how to move forward in the game. Previously, it sometimes wasn’t clear whether you needed to solve a puzzle to leave a room or were just overlooking the door.
Plus, Cornfox made a lot of tweaks. They brought back the actors to do more voiceovers. It’s more obvious that your character is gaining experience. Water looks more watery. Bugs were squashed. That sort of thing.
I loaded the updated version on my iPad and the earlier version on my iPhone for a side-by-side comparison. The newer one looks nicer and plays better.
The Golden Edition doesn’t make Oceanhorn 2 a dramatically improved game because that wasn’t necessary. But the enhancements are welcome.
Still, there’s room for improvement. To me, the most needed feature is a way to save progress at any time. Currently, that only happens when you move to a new area. I can go a long time between saves in a large open area, which is frustrating if I slip up and get killed. Or just want to finish playing.
Screenshot: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Start playing now
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm is available only on Apple Arcade, which requires a $4.99 a month subscription. If you played only this game for a month, you’d get your money’s worth and more. But there are plenty more games in the Arcade.
You can enjoy this title on Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. It’s fine on touchscreens, but some Xbox or PS4 controllers are supported too. All MFi controllers are supported, as well.
