Stepping back into the monochrome world of the original Game Boy often brings forgotten gems to light. Among the crowded library of action-adventure titles, Rolan’s Curse II stands out, not just as a sequel, but as an evolution of its predecessor, offering a deeper quest for those brave enough to face the returning darkness. Released by Sammy in 1992, this follow-up built upon the foundations of the first game, delivering a more expansive and refined experience that captivated players looking for a portable RPG fix.
Unlike many simple dungeon crawlers, Rolan's Curse II invited players into a world threatened once more by the malevolent King Barius. This time, his return wasn't just a nuisance; it was a full-blown invasion requiring more than a lone hero. The call went out, and you, as the protagonist, had to gather allies, seek ancient treasures, and prepare for a confrontation with the evil monarch and his monstrous legions. It was a classic setup, but on the humble Game Boy, it felt like a grand adventure.
The Return of Barius: Story and Premise
King Barius, the big bad from the first game, wasn't defeated permanently – merely delayed. His comeback in Rolan's Curse II sets the stage for a more urgent and widespread conflict. The narrative quickly establishes the threat, pushing you into the world to find the means to stop him.
Key story elements:
- King Barius's Revenge: The primary antagonist returns, stronger and with a larger army.
- Gathering Allies: You're not alone this time. The quest involves recruiting companions to join your cause.
- Seeking Treasure: Finding powerful items and artifacts is crucial to gaining the strength needed to face Barius.
This premise immediately sets Rolan's Curse II apart, promising a journey of recruitment and combined might rather than a solitary heroic slog.
Gameplay: Building a Party on the Go
At its core, Rolan's Curse II retains the overhead, action-adventure perspective familiar to fans of games like The Legend of Zelda. You navigate screens, battle enemies in real-time combat, and explore dungeons and towns. However, the sequel introduces a significant mechanic: party control.
Here's what made the gameplay unique:
- Party System: You can control a party of up to four characters. While you directly control one, the others follow, and you can switch between them. This adds a layer of strategy, as different characters might have unique abilities or preferred weapons.
- Items and Abilities: Like the first game, you manage items, typically having a main weapon and a sub-item. Finding upgrades, new weapons (swords, wands, hammers), and permanent boosts (strength gloves, heart containers) is key to progression.
- Combat: Simple yet effective real-time combat. Timing attacks and using your sub-item wisely is essential against the variety of monsters Barius throws at you.
This party system was a relatively ambitious feature for a Game Boy title and gave Rolan's Curse II a distinct flavor compared to other action-adventure games on the platform.
Quality of Life Improvements
Rolan's Curse II didn't just add features; it also made the overall experience smoother compared to its predecessor.
Two major improvements stood out:
- Battery Backup Save: A monumental upgrade from the password system of the first game. Being able to save your progress anytime meant less frustration and the freedom to explore without fear of losing significant progress. This was a game-changer for portable RPGs.
- Auto-Map Feature: Navigating dungeons and the overworld was made easier with an auto-mapping system. While not overly complex, it helped prevent getting hopelessly lost in the game's various areas.
These features, standard now, were significant quality-of-life enhancements for a 1992 handheld title and showed Sammy was listening to feedback or pushing the boundaries of the hardware.
Why Revisit Rolan's Curse II Today?
For retro enthusiasts, Rolan’s Curse II offers a potent dose of early 90s portable gaming nostalgia. It's a game that feels familiar due to its genre conventions but provides a unique twist with its party system.
- Distinct Identity: While often compared to Zelda, its party mechanics and focus on recruiting allies give it its own feel.
- Challenging Fun: It offers a good challenge without being overly punishing, especially with the convenience of the battery save.
- Piece of Game Boy History: It represents a point in the Game Boy titles' life cycle where developers were experimenting with more complex game structures on the platform.
Finding and playing Rolan’s Curse II today typically involves emulation, allowing you to experience this classic on modern devices. Websites like Archive.org often host historical software, providing a way to legally access and play such vintage titles for educational or preservation purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rolan’s Curse II directly connected to the first game? A: Yes, it's a direct sequel where the main antagonist, King Barius, returns.
Q: How does the party system work? A: You control one character directly and can switch between up to four companions you recruit throughout the game. The others follow you.
Q: Is it a long game? A: While longer than the first Rolan's Curse, it's still a Game Boy era action-RPG, likely offering several hours of adventure rather than dozens.
Q: Is Rolan’s Curse II available on modern digital stores? A: As of now, Rolan's Curse II is not typically available on major modern digital stores like Nintendo eShop or GOG. Playing usually requires original hardware or emulation via historical archives.
Conclusion
Rolan’s Curse II might not be the most famous title in the Game Boy library, but it's a charming and competent action-RPG that deserves recognition. With its improved save system, helpful auto-map, and unique-for-the-platform party mechanic, it offered a compelling adventure against the returning King Barius. If you're a fan of classic Game Boy titles or curious about action-RPGs from that era beyond the biggest names, giving Rolan's Curse II a look is a journey well worth taking. It's a reminder of the simple joys and surprising depth found in those little gray cartridges.
