Hand of Fate 2

 Switch
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Nintendo Insider
    Jul 26, 2018
    90
    Hand of Fate 2’s seamless blend of card-based adventuring and action RPG battles help craft a truly one of a kind experience that’s managed to surprise me in all the right ways. Exciting, unpredictable, often nail-biting, sometimes frustrating but always absorbing, Defiant Development’s distinct take on an action based RPG is a true standout on Switch and well worth checking out.
  2. Nintendo Life
    Jul 25, 2018
    90
    Almost impossible to categorise yet utterly compelling as a result, Hand of Fate 2 brings a new and unique RPG experience to Nintendo Switch. There’s just so much to enjoy here; the rewarding premise of its deck-building, the endless depth of its questing, the simple pleasure of its combat. It’s taken a little while to make the transition to Switch, but the wait has been worth it; this is a mobile port that’s practically indistinguishable from the version you can play elsewhere. Do yourself a favour and get this fantasy romp in your digital library right now.
  3. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 22, 2018
    90
    Hand of Fate 2 will be most rewarding to those who like a lot of risk with their reward. It’s also a game for those who want to stray off the beaten path when it comes to the idea of role-playing.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    Jul 24, 2018
    87
    Hand of Fate 2 is a fresh and interesting approach do the classic RPG genre that fits very well on the Nintendo Switch.
  6. Nintenderos
    Aug 1, 2018
    85
    Hand of Fate 2 is unique. It is the perfect Dungeons & Dragons where the Dungeon Master tells a perfect story. The adventures are interesting and the combat mode works just as it has to. No one should miss this game. The only negative point is its poor soundtrack.
  7. Worth Playing
    Mar 29, 2019
    84
    Despite my issues with its combat and optimization, Hand of Fate 2 provides a wonderful experience for those seeking an interesting deck-building game to add to their Switch library. There's a good bit of bang for your buck here, and with additional levels available as paid DLC, I could imagine players getting lost in Hand of Fate 2's tabletop-inspired world for countless playthroughs. Just be sure to bring an open mind and plenty of patience.
  8. Cubed3
    Aug 6, 2018
    80
    The original Hand of Fate had a Vita port planned, which sadly never came to fruition. Hand of Fate 2 on Nintendo Switch shows just how good that port could have been. It's so absurdly addictive and utterly unique. It improves on the original in every way and is a truly unique experience. It takes elements of so many different types of games and mashes them together; a process that usually results in a metaphorical goopy mess, but here it's somehow turned into gold.
  9. God is a Geek
    Jul 29, 2018
    80
    Its mix of chance games and combat is unique, while there’s enough variety and replayability to keep you coming back. Not perfect, but highly recommended.
  10. NintendoWorldReport
    Jul 19, 2018
    80
    The original Hand of Fate was a game I had heard a lot about, but never got around to. The Switch is encouraging me to go back and pick up a lot of these titles, and this is one worth grabbing a hold of. Just be sure to watch the cards and choose your battles wisely, and you’ll have a tale that will live on through the ages.
  11. 3DJuegos
    Jul 19, 2018
    80
    Hand of Fate 2 is a great Action RPG with an amazing narrative. It is replayable, funny and very addictive.
  12. GameSpace
    Jul 16, 2018
    80
    Hand of Fate 2 was an excellent spin on the ARPG when it came out in late 2017. It's even better now that it's on the Switch.
  13. GamingTrend
    Jul 25, 2018
    75
    Hand of Fate 2 has stellar writing, fun deck building, and interesting stories. What it doesn’t have, however, is good combat. While I have grown to find the combat manageable, it should be fun and exciting. It stands as an odd blemish that has been carried over from the original while everything else as been prettied up. Still, I recommend giving Hand of Fate 2 a chance, especially if you never played the original. Even with the lackluster combat there is plenty to enjoy here.
  14. Vooks
    Sep 4, 2018
    70
    It’s all a fascinating idea, with a rich world for you to explore. It’s the closest thing to a true hybrid of a book and a video game, with plenty of reliance on your own imagination mixed with excitement and control. I’d highly recommend it if you’re after a deep game to take your time with and soak in, and if you’re used to really bad dice rolls.
  15. DarkStation
    Aug 16, 2018
    60
    Hand of Fate 2 has a perfect home on the Nintendo Switch, as it is the perfect game to play between classes or just before going to sleep. The portability the Switch offers for a game like this is phenomenal and I could not see myself playing on any other system. However, I've never felt both so frustrated and so satisfied by a game before. I simultaneously want to keep playing it and also to never touch it again. As a result, I have no idea how to rate this. I guess I will rate it right down the middle, with a few bonus points for the truly amazing voice talent.
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  1. TheSixthAxis
    Jul 30, 2018
    Hand of Fate 2 is a welcome reminder that RPGs don’t have to fall into one of two categories, and its heady mix of deck building and Arkham-esque combat make for a unique experience. Arriving on Switch it’s found its perfect home, and its bite-sized story and action that are ideal for gaming on-the-go.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 5 out of 39
  1. Acemond
    Feb 28, 2022
    3
    The game is good but I'm getting real sick of these lousy Switch ports. Seriously, the game crashes approximately every hour! I'm talkingThe game is good but I'm getting real sick of these lousy Switch ports. Seriously, the game crashes approximately every hour! I'm talking about full crash, back to home screen. Unacceptable.… Full Review »
  2. drlowdon
    Aug 26, 2023
    6
    In Hand of Fate 2 players are pitted against the Dealer. Both parties create their own decks of cards, and these cards form the spaces of aIn Hand of Fate 2 players are pitted against the Dealer. Both parties create their own decks of cards, and these cards form the spaces of a board the player must move across. Along the way players will make choices as to how each cards story plays out, and those decisions will lead to games of chance or combat that often offer rewards (or punishments should you fail).

    I initially quite enjoyed this game but, in all honesty, it quickly became pretty repetitive. Completing missions does offer the chance to add new cards to your deck, but whilst they offer new stories, they pretty much all lead to either rolling a dice to meet a target or having to partake in the disappointing combat. To make matters worse, failing a mission means having to repeat it from the start, usually with essentially the same cards and options available. The core concept does have potential, but in the end Hand of Fate 2 doesn’t quite make for a worthwhile experience.    … Full Review »
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