Play Estpolis Denki II Online

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Game Info

Cover art of Estpolis Denki II

4.5 / 5

3 votes

Platform
SNES
Genres
Role-Playing
Developers
Neverland
Publishers
Taito Corporation
Release date
February 24, 1995

Summary

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals (often just called Lufia II) feels like a love letter to anyone who ever got stuck on a brain‑teasing dungeon. Unlike its predecessor, the game drops random monster encounters in favor of turn‑based movement, letting you walk past foes or plan a precise stun with Maxim’s bow, bomb or hookshot. The real charm lies in the hundreds of puzzles that range from simple switches to intricate riddles that demand the right weapon or a well‑timed IP skill—those special attacks that charge as you take damage and can be triggered from any equipped gear.

Adding another layer of strategy, you can recruit a fifth party member in the form of a Capsule Monster, each tied to an element and capable of evolving through feeding and equipment. For those craving endless replay, the Ancient Cave offers a 99‑floor roguelike challenge where you start stripped of experience and gear, hunting blue chests for permanent loot while red chests provide temporary boosts.

Travel across the world isn’t limited to foot‑slogging; a warping spell, a submarine‑boat, and even a blimp whisk you between towns, and a handful of casino minigames give a nostalgic break. Critics praised its visual style, turn‑based combat, and orchestral soundtrack, earning it a solid 80% aggregate and a spot on several “best SNES” lists.

Storyline

Estpolis Denki II (commonly known as Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals) is a prequel set 99 years before the events of Lufia & the Fortress of Doom. It shows how the god‑like Sinistrals first emerged and sparked the war that would shape humanity’s future.

The tale follows Maxim, a gifted swordsman from the town of Elcid, who is approached by a mysterious woman named Iris and urged to confront the looming threat. Along his journey he gathers a band of Heroes of Legend: his childhood friend Tia, the wandering warrior Guy, Prince Alex’s bodyguard Dekar, inventor Lexis, elven archer Artea, and Selan, commander of the Parcelyte army who later becomes his wife.

The antagonists are the four Sinistrals—Daos, the Sinistral of Terror, who seeks an ultimate weapon, and his lieutenants Gades (Destruction), Amon (Chaos) and Erim (Death). The game explains the origins of the Sinistral war and how Maxim’s ancestor set the stage for the saga that follows.

Edited by Maya Carter

Game Screenshots

  • Screenshot 1 of Estpolis Denki II

Multiplayer

Game modes
Single

Alternative Titles

  • Lufia Short