Dragon Ruins II Review: Classic Dungeon Crawling Returns to Nintendo Switch
Dragon Ruins II, developed by Gravrobber Foundation and published by KEMCO, arrives on the Nintendo Switch eShop as a nostalgic tribute to the classic, first-person dungeon crawler.
Drawing inspiration from genre-defining titles of the early 1980s, Dragon Ruins II simplifies the dungeon crawling experience for a modern audience, while remaining faithful to the roots that fans of old-school RPGs hold dear.
KEMCO’s continued focus on retro-inspired gameplay makes Dragon Ruins II an appealing addition to the growing library of indie titles for the Nintendo Switch. Following closely on the heels of its predecessor, Dragon Ruins, the sequel builds upon the foundation laid by the original game—even for those new to the series, the narrative is easy to jump into.
However, it is within the gameplay mechanics that Dragon Ruins II distinguishes itself, introducing expanded features that enrich the dungeon-crawling loop.
Players now have the option to create a party from 21 unique classes, allowing for bespoke strategies as they assemble their team of four explorers.
Success depends on how players combine available skills, navigate early-game equipment limitations, and quickly adapt to the dangers lurking below. True to its grid-based heritage, dungeon exploration in Dragon Ruins II is handled through step-by-step progression, automatically mapping each block as you move forward.
Gear and currency are collected while the player’s advancement is challenged by encounters with hidden enemies, who remain unseen until they strike.
Unlike many modern RPGs, battles in Dragon Ruins II are handled automatically—the system resolves combat with no action required from the player beyond strategic preparation.
Survival hinges on careful early-game planning, with all risk and reward determined by how deep you venture before choosing to retreat.
Losses during failed expeditions mean forfeiting treasured loot, rewarding those who make timely exits with their findings intact. Dragon Ruins II embodies the philosophy of pick-up-and-play design.
Missions are brief and loops are designed for quick sessions, catering especially well to the handheld format of the Nintendo Switch.
Beyond the core campaign, players can pursue optional side quests that encourage replayability—quests can be repeated for additional rewards, and expansive maps give explorers new challenges run after run. Visually, Dragon Ruins II borrows from the minimalist aesthetic of early computer RPGs, evoking the look of late-1980s Mac software and sketchbook illustrations.
Battle animations are intentionally understated, prioritizing clarity over spectacle.
"Dragon Ruins II presents basic yet evocative visuals, perfectly aligned with its straightforward, retro-inspired gameplay," according to reviewers familiar with the genre.
This stripped-down approach may not resonate with every player, particularly those seeking more vibrant and detailed graphics, but it is likely to strike a chord with fans of classic dungeon crawlers. At a price point of $15 on the Nintendo Switch eShop, and with an estimated 10 to 15 hours of gameplay, Dragon Ruins II stands out as an accessible entry for RPG enthusiasts craving a nostalgic adventure.
While it doesn’t match the complexity of Etrian Odyssey or Labyrinth of Galleria, it confidently carves its own niche, offering a focused and engaging experience for those eager to revisit the roots of the dungeon-crawling genre. Summary: Dragon Ruins II delivers a streamlined, enjoyable dungeon-crawling experience on the Nintendo Switch.
With classic mechanics, expanded party customization, and quick play sessions, Gravrobber Foundation and KEMCO successfully modernize a beloved style of gaming for today’s audience.
Drawing inspiration from genre-defining titles of the early 1980s, Dragon Ruins II simplifies the dungeon crawling experience for a modern audience, while remaining faithful to the roots that fans of old-school RPGs hold dear.
KEMCO’s continued focus on retro-inspired gameplay makes Dragon Ruins II an appealing addition to the growing library of indie titles for the Nintendo Switch. Following closely on the heels of its predecessor, Dragon Ruins, the sequel builds upon the foundation laid by the original game—even for those new to the series, the narrative is easy to jump into.
However, it is within the gameplay mechanics that Dragon Ruins II distinguishes itself, introducing expanded features that enrich the dungeon-crawling loop.
Players now have the option to create a party from 21 unique classes, allowing for bespoke strategies as they assemble their team of four explorers.
Success depends on how players combine available skills, navigate early-game equipment limitations, and quickly adapt to the dangers lurking below. True to its grid-based heritage, dungeon exploration in Dragon Ruins II is handled through step-by-step progression, automatically mapping each block as you move forward.
Gear and currency are collected while the player’s advancement is challenged by encounters with hidden enemies, who remain unseen until they strike.
Unlike many modern RPGs, battles in Dragon Ruins II are handled automatically—the system resolves combat with no action required from the player beyond strategic preparation.
Survival hinges on careful early-game planning, with all risk and reward determined by how deep you venture before choosing to retreat.
Losses during failed expeditions mean forfeiting treasured loot, rewarding those who make timely exits with their findings intact. Dragon Ruins II embodies the philosophy of pick-up-and-play design.
Missions are brief and loops are designed for quick sessions, catering especially well to the handheld format of the Nintendo Switch.
Beyond the core campaign, players can pursue optional side quests that encourage replayability—quests can be repeated for additional rewards, and expansive maps give explorers new challenges run after run. Visually, Dragon Ruins II borrows from the minimalist aesthetic of early computer RPGs, evoking the look of late-1980s Mac software and sketchbook illustrations.
Battle animations are intentionally understated, prioritizing clarity over spectacle.
"Dragon Ruins II presents basic yet evocative visuals, perfectly aligned with its straightforward, retro-inspired gameplay," according to reviewers familiar with the genre.
This stripped-down approach may not resonate with every player, particularly those seeking more vibrant and detailed graphics, but it is likely to strike a chord with fans of classic dungeon crawlers. At a price point of $15 on the Nintendo Switch eShop, and with an estimated 10 to 15 hours of gameplay, Dragon Ruins II stands out as an accessible entry for RPG enthusiasts craving a nostalgic adventure.
While it doesn’t match the complexity of Etrian Odyssey or Labyrinth of Galleria, it confidently carves its own niche, offering a focused and engaging experience for those eager to revisit the roots of the dungeon-crawling genre. Summary: Dragon Ruins II delivers a streamlined, enjoyable dungeon-crawling experience on the Nintendo Switch.
With classic mechanics, expanded party customization, and quick play sessions, Gravrobber Foundation and KEMCO successfully modernize a beloved style of gaming for today’s audience.
