King's Field (1994) is FromSoftware's 1st Fantastic Game

[@pizzadesushi0000]

im so glad i've found this channel

[@importgamingftw]

I'm glad you were able to find it, hope you like the other stuff I post/posted here.

[@Fellipe2k5]

It's impressive the team creating an entirely polygonal and three-dimensional world in 1994. They probably created their own tools to develop and model the scenarios and objects.

[@importgamingftw]

Yeah, it's insane how so many of these developers had to put in so much work with creating/modifying tools and game engines. I have nothing but respect for them...even more because of the crushing hours and work environment they were subjected to back then.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

When we imported the PlayStation on it's Japanese launch at the office we got Kings Field with it. It blew us away. Can't really convey how magical that time was, it's not nostalgia. It was literally the birth of modern gaming and it was wonderful. That first E3 we had a booth and I neglected it because there were so many conferences and things happening. Great video Jimmy.

[@importgamingftw]

Thanks, Gorilla--it was truly a magical time, I was pretty young still in '94, but when 3D started becoming a big "thing" in gaming, man was it cool. I have to admit that I was even impressed by Bubsy 3D in 95/96. Yeah, being on the honor roll meant NOTHING. Anyway, I need a video series called Gorilla Jones' Retro Gaming Story Time.

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you for watching! Check out the "real" ending to this video after you're done--link is in the description...and it's stupid. I couldn't add it to the end here because of KZbin's "end card" rules.

[@ИванВанёк-л5б]

Great review, mr. Import Gaming! Any chance you could find 2 kf mobile games? They are no longer available to download, so I wonder if there is a way to preserve them or info about them

[@DIASTCartoons]

Those hallways remind me of the dark color rooms in the PS1 Namco Museum titles. I'm also curious how games with rooms like these would feel like playing them in VR.

[@GameplayandTalk]

It's nice seeing someone cover the original (Japanese) game. It looks like it still holds up pretty well to me.

[@importgamingftw]

Yeah, I think it still holds up, but then again I'm old and have a lot of patience for these kinds of games!

[@reagandow850]

I really love your videos. I have learned so much about early Japanese games (which I absolutely love). Thanks for always making such great stuff.

[@importgamingftw]

Ah, thank you, I'm glad to share what I think is interesting about old Japanese games!

[@wackyswacky1374]

Luckily there is a full translation for the game now.

[@importgamingftw]

Always awesome when these games get the translation treatment.

[@timelord5603]

The only thing that this game is missing is our lovely friend patches.

[@snowychi1]

Once again, great video Jimmy!

[@importgamingftw]

Why, thank you, snowy!

[@AvalancheReviews]

Call me a hipster all you want, but I prefer fromsoftware's business support applications way more than their games. They sold out.

[@importgamingftw]

Oh my God, thank you so much for speaking up...I thought I was the only one who felt that way! Your honesty and bravery has inspired me to dedicate my next video to From Software's most hidden hidden gem...Genki Genki Office Mate '89!

[@goatbone]

I tried to get into their business software but like Dark Souls you really need a guide.

[@importgamingftw]

@@goatbone Psshhh, I'm too hardcore to use a guide. I'll figure out the deductibles for my company all on my own, noob.

[@zaciroth]

Amazing as always brother!

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it! Fingers crossed for a King's Field revival!

[@zeroyagami7753]

dat ending 😂. great video as always! i'll be sure to pass this video along to my Souls buddies! i appreciated the quick walkthrough too. i'm planning on picking up the game soon and hope to get through it even with the language barrier.

[@importgamingftw]

Glad you enjoyed the "ending," and I appreciate sharing the video. Hope you enjoy the game! You should be fine regarding the language barrier as long as you can navigate the menus. If you want to enjoy the character monologue/dialogue, however, maybe try out the patch or watch someone's gameplay footage of the patch on YT?

[@enjirube1]

I am glad that I found your channel from THCG because your content is great. I do speak Japanese (JLPT N1) and have lived in Japan, so I do play some niche games but having someone do all the research, create the video on the history and development of these games is something I couldn't do personally so respect. A well earned sub and thanks for the content, I have a lot of videos of your back catalogue to watch.

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you for coming by, and I appreciate the kind words. It's nice to hear from people who can enjoy these games and don't have to worry about the language barrier--I hope you enjoy some of my other videos when you have time, and maybe you'll find a good game to play (or two)!

[@bakem0n0]

Love your deep dive videos on Jp games. Thanks for making this. 🙂

[@importgamingftw]

Much appreciated that you take the time to watch 'em.

[@lancem6755]

Very well done and informational!

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you!

[@lancem6755]

@@importgamingftw If you don't mind, where did you get your copy of King's Field? BookOff? Other? Did you get any of the other King's Field games as well? Thanks!

[@OrfinMusik]

Good stuff man

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you!

[@dylan.t180]

Love your videos keep it up so informative

[@importgamingftw]

Thanks you, I'm glad to inform when and where I can.

[@thebestchatman1578]

This was awesome Jimmy, great works as always.

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed this one as well!

[@RPGtourguide]

King’s Field (2) was one of my first PS1 games. I remember playing that beginning area over and over again, as this was before I had a memory card. So, yeah, got pretty familiar with those early caves and forts. :P This was a great look at its Japan-only older sibling! ;) I will have to look into playing this for myself.

[@importgamingftw]

I remember being too intimidated at the first parts of the U.S. King's Field (KF2), so I never really got into it and instead just watched a friend play once in a while. Hope you get to play the granddaddy of the series!

[@RetroIslandGaming]

I keep getting recommended this game, but it took your video to get me interested. I was not sure what all the fuss was about. Now I can see. This is very much like Ultima Underworld, one of my favorites of all time. I wouldn't dare hold King's Field to the same standard as that game, but King's Field looks incredible. I'm curious about the controls as I suck at FPS with controller. If I can get that English translation going, then I'm sold. Amazing video here, Jimmy Hapa. As always, I miss you, dearly. I'll be thinking of you when I play it!

[@RetroIslandGaming]

Ok, I beat it! Great experience. Thanks for the recommendation again. I was able to get the English translation going. It felt like a DOS game. I was not expecting that kind of experience on a console. I struggled hard at the start, but once I learned the combat controls it became simple to play. I am glad I took some notes. I never did find many of the magic weapons. Oh well! The moonlight sword was plenty good!

[@importgamingftw]

I'm glad you played it and liked it--when I was making this, I was thinking of you since I mention some of the old PC games. During the premiere, I think Mike (of the Rewind variety) said you had just beaten Ultima on stream the night before, so it was your destiny to play KF1. I was surprised you said on my last stream that you thought the original was much better than the sequel, since it's almost universally praised as an improvement in nearly every way, and objectively speaking, it is. I have a soft spot in my heart for the original, though, and since you're old like me (and older..and balder, even), I think you can appreciate it's rudimentary, "DOS-like" mechanics.

[@Caspicum]

King's Feel.

[@importgamingftw]

There was a lot of that going around back then...a lot of us probably have royal lineage that we have no idea about.

[@StephenWilds]

Good video, as usual, man. I'm not sure this one is for me, but it's neat to see it and learn about From Software a bit. Hope you're taking it easy over there.

[@importgamingftw]

Thanks, Stephen, I hope you're doing well. This might not be your kind of game, but I think it would be a good one for your lady friend's stream one of these days.

[@StephenWilds]

@@importgamingftw Yeah, she would, if I can get her to stop playing Diablo II (Andrew's fault).

[@retractingblinds]

Damn I missed the live stream, took my pants off for nothing. Just finished the video! These games really grip you huh? I've only tried KF4 on the PS2, they grip you hard. They feel intimidating and you'll probably restart a couple of times until you figure out how you really should progress to get a solid start, but once you do the whole world just unfolds beautifully. It's hard to compare it to anything except other first person games of the time like Ultima Underworld - you're gonna be intimidated at a wall of info to learn but once it grabs you, you won't be able to let go. Separating it from its own elements and picking it apart like a harsh critic attempting to undermine it won't get you anywhere either, you're completely right. The atmosphere, story and story telling, world and everything around it just suck you in. Looking forward to what's next! Although I have an idea it might have to do with Kokomahi.

[@importgamingftw]

I understand the embarrassment of pulling down your pants, having no purpose for it, and slowly pulling them back up in shame. I'm sorry to hear you had to go through that. You hit the nail on the head with your description of King's Field games. Playing II, I remember restarting over and over again until I "got it"...and also because of running into trouble and dying. And you'd be right with your idea as to what's next...but that probably won't go down until winter!

[@darktetsuya]

I remember hearing Japan got another King's Field title before we did, but we only really started on what would've been the sequel... It was kinda fun but yeah it had that trademark difficulty the souls games were known for. may have to throw them on the PS classic and give them another try!

[@importgamingftw]

Yeah, give them another try! And if you get stuck, no shame in using a guide!

[@gldev8191]

I have been binging the videos since i saw the HappyConsoleGamer episode featuring the channel and i love it, i feel like you speak a little bit fast but it may be just me, thanks for the great content.

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you for coming by and binging, I appreciate it and have John to thank for so many new viewers. It's funny, I was told I speak to slow, so in more recent videos I tried speaking faster...I need to find a nice balance!

[@gldev8191]

@@importgamingftw keep going man, i really like the format of the videos and i am already planning to go through some titles you mentioned!

[@BigC60]

Great video ! ❤️

[@newtypepunk9967]

Nice video and channel, I've been watching a lot of King Field videos recently, so great timing, it's a series I want to try, and after all the vids I decided I want to try shadow tower instead lol, but I will give them all a play, I'm a fan of the souls games and more so even Armored core, it's real sad that FS turned their back on both series that pretty much made them, when you talked about a remake to kings field at the end there, my mind wondered what insane things they could pull off with todays tech, but instead we will just get another souls game.

[@importgamingftw]

Thanks, and good luck with Shadow Tower--that's a From Software series that poses a real challenge! And yeah, there would be so many cool things that could be implemented in a King's Field or Shadow Tower game with today's PCs and consoles...but you're right, we'll probably just get another Souls game before anything else...but hopefully it's "Armored Souls."

[@newtypepunk9967]

​@@importgamingftw Oh I'm up for that, I've played The Screamer, I don't know if you've heard of that, but one death and it's game over, no saves, I think I got to the 2nd floor, I think there were 6 in total, I'll see how I fair on shadow tower. Ha I've also wanted Armored souls, the kings field inspired levels in armored core are some of my favs, I guess frame gride is the closest we will get to that, another game FS probably forgot they even made lol.

[@DonCarlos590]

The hidden areas were much harder to find i assume since you had to grope around each perimeter and repeatedly hit the action button. Just like in Doom games. You never knew it was there unless you painstakingly ran along each wall. Thanks for covering the import version. Is this really the first dark souls game though ? Or is that simply what people dubbed it as? I dont think it has anything in correlation to dark souls. That's just my opinion though.

[@unplugged3415]

I stopped at the spoiler warning just so I can enjoy this from fresh start. Checking jp sites for a copy now!! Great video. I've come to admire and enjoy these obscure rpgs especially the open world 3d games

[@importgamingftw]

Good to know, and I hope you enjoy the game! In case you want to watch past the spoiler stuff, 20:24 is where you can resume.

[@immortallegacy100]

Fantastic video! I fell in love with "King's Field" through Dave Control's KZbin channel shortly after falling in love with "Dark Souls", and I've been itching to play the game ever since. Unfortunately it's pricy online, and in all honesty, portable gaming on Switch has ruined me when it comes to sitting down and playing an RPG for hours on end. I like being able to go wherever I want in the house while playing rather than stuck in front of the TV, and while it's doubtful, I'm hopeful that "King's Field" will make its way onto modern consoles. I'd also really like to see some of the old AD&D games like "Pool of Radiance" make a return, or at least games inspired by that playstyle, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Thank you for the video, friend. I'm looking forward to whatever the game you teased at the end was. If I could make a suggestion on a game series, I'd love to hear you talk about Ys someday. HappyConsoleGamer got me hooked on the games and would love to hear your take on them (if they're your cup of tea that is). Thanks again, and God bless :)

[@importgamingftw]

I can get the "spoiled by Switch" thing--modern day conveniences are quite addicting! I've enjoyed some portable gaming in my life, but I'm always more of a "sit down in front of a TV and dedicate your time and attention to the game" kind of guy, I guess. Sadly, I never really got into the Ys series back then because I didn't "get" it. It's something I regret, because it really is a great series and guys like HCG really show how great it is. I just recently played the original to completion earlier this year and I had a blast with it. I don't think I can say anything about Ys that guys like John haven't already said, but if the opportunity arises, I'd love to give those games the shine. Also, speaking of HCG, there might be something in the works with him soon...so keep an eye out!

[@immortallegacy100]

@@importgamingftw If I had a better gaming setup I'd probably enjoy playing at my TV more, but it's been low on my priorities lol. Yeah, I just discovered Ys a few years ago and feel like I've been missing out. Johnny's done a great job with Books 1&2 and 3, and some of the modern games (8 and 9 come to mind), but he's never really tackled 4 or 5, and you have a more "methodical" style than his more "nostalgic" style. Just want one of my favorite KZbinrs to talk about my favorite games lol. I'm looking forward to the collaboration. Keep up the great work :)

[@axeoseilez3207]

I love seeing from softwares roots. Kings field looks like a interesting precursor to dark souls. And definitely gives a rogue like feel pf morrowind. I am suprised such a thing existed. A shame it never got localized. Maybe I'll add it to my library someday.

[@importgamingftw]

Hope you get to play it...and I hope for some new King's Field anything!

[@denNESdanMAKU]

You did it again... make me watch a video about a game, wich genre I dislike and never intend to play. But damn was it a nice one! BTW I know it doesn´t matter but I liked your older Thumbnails a lot more. And nice joke at the end ^^

[@importgamingftw]

Hey there, my man--thanks for watching! And I wonder what you liked more about the old thumbnails. Anyway, I was thinking of you the other day...I sent my contact details to you a long time ago as a comment in one of your videos, but I guess you never saw it or forgot to respond.

[@zintosion]

wait did you cover kings field in a demo demoing episode before? i feel like someone covered the first few minutes of it before. Man i watch so many retro gaming channels that it kinda got all mix up.

[@importgamingftw]

Sure did, Demo'ing Demos #3 on Demo Demo PlayStation Vol. 1. Playing that demo is the reason I made this video, actually!

[@Bludgeoned]

Thanks to Johnny Millennium for sending me here, this channel fucking rules!

[@importgamingftw]

Very much appreciated, to you and John! Thank you.

[@generaldurandal3568]

Bolder Toss is my fave spell.

[@MellowGaming]

I always really wanna like these games and the Souls series but my lord am I bad at them and seemingly incapable of getting good at them. I think there's maybe 2 or 3 Soulslike games I've managed to make more than a few hours progress in and that's it. That said, if they remade the King's Field series, or made a new one, I'd give it a go. Did you do a few new things with the editing on this episode? Some different styles of lower thirds and graphics and whatnot. Super slick as always.

[@importgamingftw]

I think you have what it takes, Anthony--I think when I first played Dark Souls, about two hours in I thought "starting this game was a mistake," but I sucked it up and kept going, understood the mechanics better, started kicking ass and hundreds of hours later, I can say that I got more than my money's worth! I didn't really do anything new with the editing, just the usual photoshop and outdated editing software stuff, but I'm glad it looked new to you! I am so out of the loop with this stuff that I had to look up what "lower thirds" was...so that's what I've wanted to incorporate in my videos for years!

[@MellowGaming]

@@importgamingftw It was just little things like descriptive text sliding on and some of them dissolves with the sepia toned images that looked new and suited the game that I was spotting. You always have a load of nice presentation touches. I feel like I half arsed the last scripted vid I did on the UK Demo 1 disc. In my mind I was pairing things back a bit so the video was less busy but really those little touches enhance the final video.

[@ggbetz]

Any chance you'll do a review on all of these?

[@importgamingftw]

Originally that's what I wanted to do, but I think the Dark Souls and RPG guys out there have done a better job than I could ever do. I'd still like to do more with King's Field, though...I'd have to pick up the English versions first. I ended up getting Sword of the Moonlight for Windows, that would be fun to talk about!

[@ggbetz]

@ImportGamingFTW i think you're a more interesting voice than the soulsbros. I hope you get back to it eventually!

[@fireflocs]

Whenever FromSoft comes up, it's always Dark Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls. I feel like the only person who remembers Armored Core. God those games were awesome.

[@importgamingftw]

I had some friends in the early 2000s who were big PC gamers and "hated" almost anything game-related from Japan...but even they were into Armored Core 2, and they got me into the series. It really is such a shame that From Software hasn't made any mech games, despite the great stuff they've been putting out.

[@fireflocs]

@@importgamingftw Maybe with all the money and success they've been receiving, they'll find it in their collective corporate heart to do another one soon.

[@JC-jg7nx]

I love the From games, I just suck playing them

[@importgamingftw]

I'm the same way with a lot of fighting games.

[@Zirakzadeh]

YAAAAAAS! Always love me a good King's Field video!

[@importgamingftw]

Is this my boy Don?

[@Zirakzadeh]

@@importgamingftw yussir! ❤

[@mattmyers9351]

Cool!

[@gochem3013]

So, the Moonlight sword is like the Karasawa of the King's Field.

[@larrshinshin7606]

So it was the oblivion of dark souls?

[@Michael-ep7fp]

While not a part of the Kingsfield series at all Lunacid is in early access on Steam and takes heavy inspiration from the series

[@screwthenet]

Awsome

[@MegaDeathRay10]

Oh hey

[@importgamingftw]

Oh, hi.

[@Kcalien]

Slope got me here

[@importgamingftw]

Thank you for coming by, Daniel has done a lot for me over the years.

[@perpetualcollapse]

Alright then.

[@importgamingftw]

DAS RIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!!!!

[@DubiousGamingOnline]

Clack Clack

[@importgamingftw]

You misspelled crack! Also, are you in possession of my old copy of King's Field?

[@Doom_master1122]

I discovered King's field after playing Demon's Souls. I remember getting all the games and slowly playing through each entry. I'm very patient with older game, so the clunkyness of the mechanics and the very "back tracky" nature the series has felt fine to me. I feel they hold up well still. King's field 3 (JP)/King's Field 2 (US), however is a painful jaunt. The mechancis are very unforgiving, and the map designs are QUITE questionable at times(Im looking at you, Passage of death). However it also a pretty good finale for the story, before King's Field 4 did it's own thing. I have a hard time picking which is my favorite. KF1 is amazing for what it did, and I felt the level design was great. Its a smooth ride. KF2 was a welcome improvement and built well beyond what the first game offered. KF3 was...... A game. And KF4 was absolutely outstanding. While separating itself from the first 3 entries, it also felt much like an improved King's field title. I really can't choose which is my favorite.

[@mikekrow]

You made this to spite Yahel, didnt you?

[@importgamingftw]

Who?

[@mikekrow]

@@importgamingftw the secret ending makes so much more sense now. Are you really satisfied?

[@importgamingftw]

@@mikekrow Not really.

[@ryukishi8492]

It's not fantastic. That's why no one cared about these games before Dark Souls. It's OK

[@Kuikkamies]

The BGM is a bit too loud. It's drowning your voice.

[@goatbone]

I thought it was fine. I like to be able to hear the game and the talking.

[@importgamingftw]

Ah, balancing the audio was something I struggled with a lot here and tweaked several times. I really wanted to allow the wonderful music to come through...and playing it on my computer's speakers and through some decent earphones, I thought it was all right. I'll have to pay more attention next time.

[@importgamingftw]

@@goatbone I'm glad to hear that--I think it's mostly dependent on what device is playing the audio.

[@DonCarlos590]

I never played this one. I must have been playing kings field 2 which is part 1 for north america. All i can remember is those skeletons scared my soul

[@ukrpgfan4029]

Awful game.....An absolute stinker. But each to there own.

[@kageakiminato8536]

the sword of moonlight version of KF 1 honestly sucks. Ugly and slow