Sorcery! 2 (2013)

Embark on a vast, interactive journey through Kharé, the Cityport of Traps, a sprawling urban environment filled with treachery, cunning thieves, and potent magic. Sorcery! 2 offers an expansive narrative experience where every decision you make shapes the unfolding story. This installment continues the saga from the critically acclaimed gamebook series by legendary designer Steve Jackson, bringing a new level of depth, strategy, and choice-based gameplay to mobile and digital platforms.

Critical Acclaim

The game has been widely praised across multiple platforms. Rock Paper Shotgun named it the best RPG of 2016. Kotaku highlighted it as "another spectacular rendition of classic interactive fiction," while Gamezebo rated it 5/5, calling it "fantastic." 148Apps awarded the game 4.5/5, granting it Editor's Choice, and Touch Arcade recognized it as a Top 20 Mobile Game of 2013. Gamezebo also listed it among the Top 25 Mobile Games of 2013, emphasizing its engaging narrative and intricate gameplay mechanics.

Pocket Tactics crowned Sorcery! 2 as the Interactive Fiction Game of the Year, praising its unmatched depth: "I love this app... It’s better than any gamebook ever was in your head when you were a kid." Examiner.com awarded it a perfect 5/5, noting the "seemingly endless number of outcomes" and the extensive gameplay that ensures adventure fans will be captivated for hours.

Gameplay and Features

Sorcery! 2 expands the interactive storytelling experience with over 300,000 words and 10,000 choices, all remembered in real-time. Players can navigate the hand-drawn 3D map of Kharé, exploring streets, sewers, ships, and buildings with detailed interior maps. The story adapts dynamically to the player’s actions, allowing for a completely personalized adventure.

The game introduces a 3D spell-casting system with over 48 spells, each producing unique effects that influence both the environment and narrative. Combat is strategic, featuring more than thirty different monsters, and all encounters are described on the fly based on player decisions. Additionally, a new gambling mini-game challenges players to outsmart the citizens of Kharé at Swindlestones.

Players can choose a male or female hero and either start a new adventure or continue from Part 1. Kharé offers a wide variety of activities, including attending the Festival of Thieves, battling ghosts, escaping slavers, gambling at the Halls of Vlada, drinking at the tavern, and worshiping unusual deities. Each decision can have far-reaching consequences, from uncovering the city’s secrets to overthrowing the Council or defending against an invading army.

Design and Development

Sorcery! 2 is designed and adapted by inkle, utilizing inklewriter technology to dynamically shape the story around player choices. Original illustrations by John Blanche and maps by Mike Schley enhance the immersive experience, while the game’s text and combat descriptions respond in real-time to actions taken by the player. The app builds upon the foundation of Steve Jackson’s iconic gamebook series, co-founded with Peter Molyneux at Lionhead Studios, and in collaboration with Ian Livingstone of Fighting Fantasy and Games Workshop fame.

Part of a Larger Series

This is Part 2 of a four-part series, following the original Sorcery! game. Part 3, titled "The Seven Serpents," is set to release later, while players can enjoy a related title, 80 DAYS, while waiting. Sorcery! 2 stands as a significant step forward in interactive fiction, combining narrative depth, player agency, and strategic gameplay into an unforgettable digital adventure.

Sorcery! 2 is a must-play for anyone who loves adventure and choice-driven stories. The city of Kharé is alive with traps, thieves, and magic, and every decision you make shapes your journey. With over 300,000 words and more than 10,000 choices, it offers hours of deeply engaging gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.

The game’s spell-casting system, strategic combat, and hand-drawn 3D maps make exploring a joy, while the story adapts to your actions in real-time. Whether you are new to the series or a returning hero, Sorcery! 2 delivers an experience that feels fresh and exciting at every turn.

Simply put: this game is fantastic. You should buy it, play it, and lose yourself in Kharé. Adventure fans, don’t miss out.