Legends of Amberland II: The Song of Trees

Legends of Amberland II: The Song of Trees is a first-person, turn-based RPG set in a fantasy open world, offering a sandbox experience with multiple unit control and point-and-click mechanics. Developed and published by Silver Lemur Games, it serves as a modernized throwback to classic computer role-playing games (CRPGs), immersing players in the mythical land of Amberland where exploration, strategic combat, and environmental storytelling are central to the adventure.

Legends of Amberland II: The Song of Trees: Review

Introduction

In an era dominated by hyper-realistic graphics and cinematic narratives, Legends of Amberland II: The Song of Trees stands as a defiant celebration of the classic computer RPGs that defined the 1990s. Developed by Polish studio Silver Lemur Games and published by Pineapple Works, this sequel to 2019’s Legends of Amberland: The Forgotten Crown is a meticulously crafted love letter to the golden age of CRPGs. It channels the spirit of Might & Magic, Wizardry, and Ultima while deftly modernizing their archaic mechanics. This review posits that Legends of Amberland II succeeds not by reinventing the wheel, but by perfecting the nostalgic experience: it distills the addictive dungeon-crawling, strategic depth, and emergent storytelling of yesteryear into a polished, accessible, and utterly charming package that honors its roots without feeling dated.

Development History & Context

Legends of Amberland II emerges from the singular vision of Chris Koźmik, the founder and sole driving force behind Silver Lemur Games. A veteran developer with a passion for retro gaming, Koźmik previously created the Stellar Monarch series and the original Legends of Amberland. His ambition for this sequel was explicit: to recreate the authentic feel of 90s CRPGs – first-person perspectives, grid-based movement, turn-based exploration, and party-based combat – while eliminating their notorious quality-of-life pitfalls. Technologically, this was achieved through a custom engine designed to run flawlessly on modern hardware, even at high resolutions, despite the game’s retro aesthetic. The development was supported by a small core team (Krzysztof Matys handled graphics, Maciej Mrowicki, Nicolas Pava, and Piotr Antoniak contributed additional art, while Christopher Loza composed the score), with Koźmik openly acknowledging the critical role of community testers and volunteers in refining the experience.

Released on PC in December 2023, the game arrived during a resurgence of interest in “retro-inspired” RPGs, yet it distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to authentic 90s design sensibilities over trendy aesthetics. Its subsequent port to Nintendo Switch in August 2025 (handled by Pineapple Works) further cemented its accessibility, bringing this classic dungeon-crawling experience to a broader console audience. This context reveals a developer deeply in dialogue with gaming history, crafting a title that is both a product of its time and a timeless artifact.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative of Legends of Amberland II is a quintessential high-fantasy epic, delivered with a light, fairy-tale touch and a hint of self-aware humor. Players are thrust into the role of a leader of a seven-strong party tasked with confronting a nameless evil threatening the land of Amberland. While the core premise is straightforward—heroes venture forth to vanquish darkness and restore order—the game excels in weaving a tapestry of interconnected lore. Its world-building is expansive, drawing from a shared history across the Amberland series, yet ingeniously structured to ensure newcomers can jump in without confusion. Mild references to events in The Forgotten Crown act as flavorful seasoning rather than mandatory prequel knowledge.

Characters are archetypal yet charming: the stalwart knight, the mischievous rogue, the wise mage—each fitting neatly into the heroic fantasy mold. Dialogue is functional and occasionally whimsical, prioritizing quest clarity over deep character development. This aligns with the game’s broader thematic focus: the joy of discovery and camaraderie in adventuring rather than intricate storytelling. Central to its ethos is the theme of reclaimed childhood wonder, evoking the thrill of exploring vast, unknown lands through the lens of a storybook adventure. The “Song of Trees” in the title subtly underscores an environmental undercurrent, framing nature as a silent guardian against encroaching darkness—a theme echoed in the peaceful ambiance of Amberland’s forests versus the looming threat of its dungeons. It’s a narrative designed to facilitate gameplay, not overshadow it, capturing the pure, unadulterated spirit of heroic quests.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Legends of Amberland II is a masterclass in distilled CRPG mechanics, built on a foundation of turn-based exploration and combat. Its core innovation lies in modernizing retro design without sacrificing authenticity.

• Movement & Exploration: The game adopts a first-person perspective with 90-degree rotation and grid-based movement, meticulously recreating the tactile feel of navigating dungeons and overworlds in Might & Magic or Ultima Underworld. However, it replaces the tedious mapping and manual direction-turning of old games with responsive controls and a fast-travel system that drastically reduces backtracking. This careful balance preserves the deliberate, tactical exploration while respecting modern players’ time.

• Combat: Turn-based combat is strategic and fast-paced, especially against weaker foes, whom players can dispatch with satisfying efficiency. Players command a party of seven heroes, whose roles (tank, damage dealer, healer, etc.) require careful positioning and tactical use of skills and equipment. The “infinite magic bag” for inventory management is a quality-of-life godsend, separating equipped items from storage and eliminating the grid-based bag tetris of classic RPGs.

• Character Progression: Leveling is straightforward and rewarding, with clear stat progression and equipment-driven advancement. The party can be pre-built or manually assembled at the start, offering customization within archetypal bounds. Quests—both mainline narrative and numerous engaging side-quests—drive progression organically, avoiding the grinding that plagued many 90s titles. The game’s pacing is deliberate yet efficient, with an estimated 10-20 hours for completion.

• UI & Innovation: The interface is clean, intuitive, and keyboard/controller-friendly. While the grid-based, non-strafing movement (“tank controls”) may feel archaic to some, it’s a deliberate design choice that reinforces the retro feel. The use of Lua for scripting underscores the developer’s technical commitment to flexibility and moddability.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Legends of Amberland II is a triumph of atmospheric design. Amberland is a vibrant, high-fantasy realm where dense forests, imposing castles, and foreboding dungeons coexist. The open-world overworld is vast yet traversable, with secrets and challenges revealing themselves as players acquire new gear or abilities. This encourages organic exploration and rewards curiosity.

Artistically, the game leans wholeheartedly into its retro roots. Its pixel art style is reminiscent of hand-drawn Western cartoons from the late 80s and early 90s, with charmingly simple character sprites and detailed environmental sprites that evoke nostalgia without feeling crude. Dungeons are claustrophobic and labyrinthine, teeming with distinct enemy designs, while settlements offer respite with their warm, inviting sprites. This aesthetic consistency creates a cohesive, timeless atmosphere.

Sound design complements the visuals perfectly. Christopher Loza’s soundtrack marries chiptune melodies with modern orchestral flourishes, creating a soundscape that is both retro and epic. Battle sound effects are punchy and satisfying, while environmental cues add depth to exploration. The overall audio-visual package works in harmony to evoke the sense of stepping into a beloved, dog-eared fantasy adventure book.

Reception & Legacy

At launch, Legends of Amberland II garnered critical and commercial success. On Steam, it boasts a “Very Positive” rating (97% of 136 reviews), with players praising its authentic feel, polished systems, and nostalgic charm. The single critical review from Christ Centered Gamer awarded it 78%, lauding it as a “technically sound” and “modernized retro throwback” suitable for all ages, though noting it didn’t break new ground. Commercially, the game’s sustained popularity led to a successful Nintendo Switch port in August 2025 (published by Pineapple Works), further broadening its audience.

Its legacy is twofold. Firstly, it revived the pure, party-based dungeon-crawler for a modern audience, demonstrating that there’s still immense appetite for CRPGs that prioritize tactical combat and exploration over cinematic narratives. Secondly, it influenced indie developers by proving that authentic retro design, when paired with thoughtful modernization (like fast travel and inventory management), can create highly successful, commercially viable titles. The game’s role in Silver Lemur Games’ trajectory is also significant; its success funded the already-announced Legends of Amberland III: The Crimson Tower, solidifying the series as a noteworthy contender in the RPG space.

Conclusion

Legends of Amberland II: The Song of Trees is more than a game; it’s a meticulously crafted artifact of gaming history. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic CRPG design, proving that the joy of strategic dungeon-crawling, party synergy, and exploration is timeless. By faithfully recreating the mechanics of Might & Magic and its ilk while thoughtfully excising their frustrations, Silver Lemur Games has delivered a masterpiece of retro-modern fusion. Its charming narrative, polished gameplay, and atmospheric world-building create an experience that feels both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly contemporary.

While it may not push the boundaries of the RPG genre, its place in video game history is secure: it’s a vital, lovingly executed bridge between the past and present. For veterans of 90s CRPGs, it’s a triumphant return to form; for newcomers, it’s the perfect entry point into a rich, rewarding subgenre. In an industry often obsessed with novelty, Legends of Amberland II dares to declare that some classics are worth revisiting—especially when they’re this beautifully reimagined. Verdict: An essential, timeless adventure that celebrates the soul of CRPGs past.