The Book of Unwritten Tales 2
A crowdfunded point-and-click sequel with four quirky protagonists.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 is a comedy point-and-click adventure video game developed by the German studio King Art Games. Published by Nordic Games, it was released on 20 February 2015 for Linux, Microsoft Windows, and OS X, with console ports arriving later. The game is notable for being a successful Kickstarter-funded project that launched on Steam Early Access before its official release, and for its self-aware launch trailer that parodied video game monetization strategies.
Quick Facts
- Title
- The Book of Unwritten Tales 2
- Developer
- King Art Games
- Publisher
- Nordic GamesPublished as THQ Nordic on the Nintendo Switch
- Engine
- Unity 3D
- Platforms
- Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
- Released
- Windows, OS X, Linux · 20 February 2015 · PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One · 18 September 2015 · Wii U · 7 June 2016 · Nintendo Switch · 5 February 2019
- Genre
- Point-and-click adventure
- Modes
- Single-player
- Director
- Jan Theysen
- Composer
- Benny Oschmann
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game is set in the fantasy land of Aventasia, where a magic force is turning beasts into puppies and castles into dollhouses. Players control four protagonists: Wilbur, a novice gnome mage; Nate, a narcissistic human; Ivo, a pregnant elf princess; and a furry alien creature known as 'Critter'. These heroes reunite to combat the unusual transformation of their world.
The English translation and voice recording were provided by OMUK. The game was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter and made available on Steam Early Access before its full release. Its launch trailer humorously mocked free-to-play and microtransaction models. Console versions for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released in both physical and digital form at a budget price of $20 on 18 September 2015, while PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were digital-only, with the Xbox 360 version priced at $30.
Reader's Guide
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 received positive reviews, holding a Metacritic score of 80/100. Critics praised its complexity and refinement over its predecessor, with Game Revolution noting it offered 'a more complex and fine-tuned adventure.' Hardcore Gamer lauded its 'stunning (and clever) graphics, a fully orchestrated soundtrack and top-notch voice acting,' calling its production values 'second to none.' PC World highlighted the excellent puzzle design but noted occasional spotty graphics and audio, and remarked that the game served as a reminder that 'great traditional point-and-clicks can still be made' despite Telltale's dominance in the genre. The game's significance lies in its demonstration of a successful crowdfunded traditional adventure game in an era when the genre had shifted toward episodic, narrative-driven titles. Its release across multiple platforms, including last-generation consoles as digital exclusives, and a later Nintendo Switch port, extended its reach to a broad audience.
Did You Know?
- Its launch trailer parodied free-to-play and microtransaction monetization strategies.
- The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released exclusively as digital downloads.
- A Nintendo Switch version was released on 5 February 2019.
More in Adventure Games of the 2010s, Part 4 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced