Blacksmith Features
February 22, 2004 by Anastasia

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Castaway II

By KeLar

~Castaway II~ by KeLar is a challenging RPS campaign with an engagingtheme reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, and The Swiss Family Robinson. Aclassic tale of survival on an uncharted island, and is skillfully toldthrough two well-crafted scenarios.

The campaign begins as an impressive cut-scene scenario where we discoverthe island that is the backdrop for the playable scenario. There in thePrologue and it’s portrayal of events surrounding a previous castaway,players learn the fate of one Rodney York, who just years before wasstranded on the mysterious island.

In the next playable scenario we meet our hero Jonathan in the openingcuts as he embarks on a seaward voyage. The young privateer leaves hislove Josephine with a promise to return, but he is destined to castaway on the same island that Rodney York was years before.

The stars by which one navigates disappear into a raging storm, andsoon after the remains of Captain Scaggs ship lie atop a rocky shore,it’s hull crushed and scattered by the crashing waves. Our hero Jonathanrises from a sandy beach head and the game of survival begins.

The game play consists of a series of objectives that creativelyrepresent elements of the classic theme that one might expect. Explorationis essential to achieving the objectives, but while one is finding water,and other necessities they must contend with hostile natives.

This is well-balanced game play, and strategy is key to winning in thegame. Finding the right strategy can be difficult and saving or restartingis virtually unavoidable. Playing on Moderate, players will find thatsituations can get real hairy — real quick in regard to fighting thefixed enemy.

This is one of my favorite campaigns, and I’ve played and achievedvictory on all levels. Still, I suggest playing on Moderate or evenStandard as these suit the game play’s exploratory aspect that createsan element of surprise to all the combat. Players are free to advancethe one hero class unit (Jonathan) to anywhere on the island, but thejungle has eyes and players can expect to restart if they stumble into anenemy unprepared.

~Castaway II~ is an update of an earlier version of the campaign. The manyfantastic features were crafted in excellence by KeLar, only there is aclimbing cliffs and mountains aspect that exists only if the secondscenario is not saved at any point.

Saving the game often would be the normal advice for the kind ofchallenges found in the playable scenario, but to restart at thebegining will ensure the climbing feature. I believe the game can becompleted without the climbing, but if a player has the patience toplay each time from the beginning, they will find the cliff climbing andthe game play is well worth the experience. Either way the classic RPSadventure, and Best of AoK campaign is sure to please. Survive and helpJonathan to keep his promise in ~Castaway II~!