AGS Award Winners Codexery

A Tale of Two Kingdoms

A fantasy adventure game from Dutch studio Crystal Shard.

A Tale of Two Kingdoms is a fantasy adventure game from the Dutch developer Crystal Shard. Built with the Adventure Game Studio engine, it earned several AGS Awards. The story follows two kingdoms, Qualinem and Theylinn, locked in a long war that ended when three citizens of Qualinem—Lady Branwyn, a mercenary warrior; Taleisian, a clever bard; and Maeldun Whiteblade, a leader of men—defeated the evil King Vortigern of Theylinn. The main character, Maeldun Whiteblade, uses his quick thinking and a magical belt from his father to clear his name after being framed for the king’s murder. Just Adventure gave a favorable review, noting the game might not attract trigger-happy younger players but could reassure adventure fans that the genre thrives in independent gaming. Adventure Gamers offered a mixed review, praising the graphics and music while citing some detracting elements. Games for Windows and PC Zone both gave favorable reviews, with PC Zone highlighting the multiple ways to solve puzzles. The game won AGS Awards for Best Puzzles, Best Animation, Best Sound Effects, and Best Tutorial or Documentation in 2007.

developer
Crystal Shard
nationality
Dutch
engine
Adventure Game Studio
known_for
Winning multiple AGS Awards in 2007
genre
Fantasy adventure

Lore & Background

The game is set in two kingdoms, Qualinem and Theylinn, which were at war for many years. The conflict ended when the evil King Vortigern of Theylinn was defeated by three citizens from Qualinem: Lady Branwyn, a mercenary warrior woman; Taleisian, a wise and plucky bard; and Maeldun Whiteblade, a leader of men. The main protagonist is Maeldun Whiteblade, who uses his quick wit and a magical belt from his father to quest to redeem his name after being framed for the murder of the king.

Reader's Guide

A Tale of Two Kingdoms received a range of critical responses. Just Adventure gave a favorable review, noting that while it might not attract younger players, it could convince adventure fans that the genre thrives in independent gaming. Adventure Gamers gave a mixed review, praising the graphics and music but citing elements that detracted from the whole. Games for Windows and PC Zone both gave favorable reviews, with PC Zone specifically praising the game's ability to solve puzzles in multiple ways. The game won four AGS Awards in 2007: Best Puzzles, Best Animation, Best Sound Effects, and Best Tutorial or Documentation. Its significance lies in demonstrating the viability of independent adventure games using accessible tools like Adventure Game Studio, and its multiple puzzle solutions were noted as a strength.

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