Kingdom of Night is an action RPG that thrusts you into a nightmarish scenario in a small Arizona town overrun by demonic forces. Set in 1987, the game follows John as he battles through chaos caused by an ancient evil summoned by a cult. With elements of horror and fantasy, it combines fast-paced combat with character progression in a pixelated world inspired by 80s aesthetics.
Gameplay
In Kingdom of Night, combat revolves around real-time action where you control John, fighting demonic creatures and afflicted townsfolk. You select from five classes at the start: Barbarian, Knight, Rogue, Necromancer, or Sorcerer. Each class offers a distinct approach, such as melee-focused brawling for the Barbarian or spell-casting for the Sorcerer.
Progression happens through skill trees divided into three branches per class, with 10 talents in each. You earn points as you level up and can invest them across branches after reaching level 10 in one, allowing hybrid builds. Gear plays a key role too, collected from quests, hidden spots, or enemy drops via a tiered loot system. Items boost stats and grant special abilities, enhancing your build.
Exploration is open-ended, letting you roam the town map, interact with NPCs, and tackle side stories. Encounters include boss fights against Demon Generals, and the game features mechanics like text-based quizzes in certain interactions, adding variety to puzzle-solving.
Game Modes
The main mode is the single-player campaign, where you experience the story hour by hour through John's perspective. It supports local co-op, allowing a second player to join as another character, combining classes for synergistic combat against the demonic threats.
There are no online multiplayer options; the focus remains on solo or couch co-op playthroughs of the narrative-driven adventure.
Classes and Customization
Customization depth comes from mixing skill branches. For instance, a Rogue might emphasize stealth in one branch and poison attacks in another, while crossing into a third for utility spells. This system encourages experimentation to counter specific enemy types, like agile demons or hulking lords.
Loot variety includes common weapons and unique artifacts, each with modifiers that influence playstyle. Combined with class choices, it creates replay value through different builds on subsequent runs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Kingdom of Night suits fans of action RPGs with horror elements who enjoy open exploration and character building in a retro setting. Player reception highlights strengths in its suspenseful story and cosmic horror themes, though some note issues with repetitive combat and occasional unfun mechanics like quizzes.
If you prefer tight action combat and atmospheric narratives over polished UI or varied online modes, it offers a compelling experience. With its recent release and focus on single-player or local co-op, it appeals to those seeking a self-contained adventure without ongoing updates or seasons confirmed yet.
