Barbarian II
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game development and publishing |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Barbarian II |
Barbarian II is a fantasy action-adventure title released in 1991 by the UK-based developer and publisher Psygnosis, designed for the Atari ST and Amiga platforms. Serving as the follow-up to the 1987 game Barbarian, it centers on the hero Hegor’s quest to eliminate his brother Necron, a sorcerer who has been brought back to life.
Plot
Following his victory over Necron in the initial installment, Hegor was denied the throne by the High Council and instead received a substantial amount of gold. Due to poor handling of these funds, he eventually fell into destitution. In the village of Thelston, a local thief reveals that Necron’s cult has revived their master. Motivated by vengeance for his father’s murder and determined to thwart his brother’s sinister schemes, Hegor embarks on a new journey.
Gameplay
The game features side-scrolling mechanics where players control Hegor across six distinct environments such as forests, caves, and temples. The main armaments include a broadsword and bow, with supplementary weapons like a shortsword and axe also accessible. Gameplay focuses on running, jumping, and exploration, particularly within the more expansive levels encountered later in the game.
Reception
The Amiga edition received an 80% rating from The One, which commented that it did not quite match its predecessor due to fewer levels and somewhat repetitive gameplay. Nonetheless, the review commended the vibrant, well-animated visuals, richly detailed backgrounds, and immersive soundtrack. Enhancements such as better difficulty progression and more user-friendly controls were also noted. Overall, Barbarian II was described as "a straightforward source of enjoyment" for enthusiasts of simple hack-and-slash gameplay.
External links
- IGN [1]