Knights of Valour 2

Knights of Valour 2

Overview & History

Developed and published by IGS in 1999 for the PGM (PolyGame Master) arcade hardware, Knights of Valour 2 stands as a monumental evolution in the Eastern beat-em-up genre. Taking heavy inspiration from Luo Guanzhong’s historical epic *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, the game thrusts players into the turbulent final years of the Han Dynasty. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel refined the sprite-based pixel art, introduced branching story paths based on stage decisions, and expanded the playable roster to feature iconic warlords and strategists such as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, Huang Zhong, Diao Chan, and Zhuge Liang. Its intricate item-crafting system and complex combo potential made it a permanent fixture in arcades worldwide, requiring immense coordination and quarter-feeding dedication to conquer.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Knights of Valour 2 revolutionized arcade brawlers by integrating deep RPG mechanics and inventory management directly into the action. Players can collect and equip various weapons, armor, elemental scrolls, and throwing items dropped by enemies or found inside destructible background objects. The combat engine relies on chaining normal strikes into devastating special moves, aerial juggles, and character-specific "Super Attacks" that consume energy from a dedicated meter. Characters possess unique weapon ranges and traversal speeds; for instance, the agile spear-user Zhao Yun excels at rapid ground combos, while the heavy-hitting Guan Yu delivers devastating sweeping polearm blows. Furthermore, the game features branching stage exits, secret rooms containing legendary artifacts, and horseback riding segments that radically alter the pacing of standard side-scrolling combat.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause