Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King on PS2

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Feb 2004
Cover image of Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King on PS2
Gamefings Score: 6.7
Platform: PS2 PS2 logo
Released: 10 Feb 2004
Genre: Action, Stealth
Developer: Banpresto
Publisher: Bandai, 505 Games

Introduction

Picture this: you're a suave, debonair master thief known as Lupin III and you're about to dive headfirst into a world of ancient treasures, ladies in distress, and the perpetual annoyance of your nemesis, Inspector Zenigata. Welcome to *Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King*, where stealth and action meet in a bizarre blend of comedy, drama, and, let's face it, more disguise changes than a social media influencer's wardrobe!

Gameplay

In this thrilling PS2 experience, players take on the role of Lupin, the charming rogue and grandson of Arsène Lupin. The plot unfolds with our 'hero' embarking on a mission to find priceless antique pitchers-who knew they could fetch such a high price, right? But beware, it's not just about leaping into action; stealth is key. Missions often require you to sneak around, pretending to be less of a thief and more of a local, which means practicing your best 'don't mind me, just an average Joe' pose. Gameplay primarily revolves around puzzle-solving and stealth tactics, along with some action sequences to keep things spicy. Imagine Lara Croft, but instead of ancient ruins, you're rummaging through castles filled with guards who are about as bright as a well-done lightbulb, and the only way you're getting through is by donning disguises to waltz past them while looking inconspicuous-like a flamboyant chameleon! Lupin isn't working alone, oh no! He's got pals, namely Daisuke Jigen, the sharpshooting aficionado, and Goemon Ishikawa, the sword-wielding badasser. Each character offers unique abilities that you'll use across different levels, and it becomes a strategic juggling act, switching between characters to tackle challenges. Expect to engage in shoot 'em up mini-games, which can turn into a nail-biting endeavor, mainly when your reflexes feel like they're stuck in molasses. The plot thickens as you help Lupin unravel the mystery of the fakes and find the real pitchers-a task that involves intricate heists and the occasional 'whoops, I accidentally alerted everyone' moment. To add spice, a creepy wizard and a colossal stone soldier named Talos threaten to ruin your day; because, you know, what's an ancient treasure quest without a dramatic showdown against a giant golem that looks like it rolled straight out of a mythology textbook?

Graphics

Taking a trip down memory lane, the graphics in *Treasure of the Sorcerer King* aren't going to make you forget the 2004 CGI masterpieces. Think of them as the charming middle child-a tad clunky but still lovable. Character designs stick to the cartoonish charm of the Lupin franchise, offering colorful animations that reflect the whimsical nature of its story. While the environments have their moments, they also showcase some awkward geometry that could easily make you believe the developers were trying to create a 3D jigsaw puzzle out of cardboard. Still, if you squint a little and turn off your critical eye, you can appreciate the nostalgia and some creative level designs that capture the unique stylings of Lupin's world.

Conclusion

*Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King* is not without its flaws. Expect some clunky controls, problematic AI, and moments where you might find yourself wishing you had more bunny hops than a Mario Party game. Despite these hiccups, the engaging humor, unique storylines, and the thrilling heist dynamics keep you entertained, especially if you're a fan of the series. So grab your disguises and your best thief's grin, and dive into an adventure that promises laughter, mystery, and enough suspense to make even Inspector Zenigata question his life choices. It's a solid addition to your PS2 library, especially if you like a side of chaos with your treasure hunting-just try not to steal too many hearts along the way!

See Prices for Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King on PS2 on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King on PS2 on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...
image for news article 'Switch 2 Shatters Records While Sony Asks ‘Remember Us?’'
Gemma Looksby - 13 Jun 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking records while Sony desperately waves a flag saying, 'Hey, remember us?' Let's dive into the batt...
image for news article 'Unleash Your Inner Jedi: The Challenge of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event'
Hemal Harris - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the challenges of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event! Discover the skills you need to overcome the chaos and eme...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June 2025: The Games Are Coming, But So Are the Gigabytes'
Chucky - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the quirky lineup of PlayStation Plus games for June 2025, featuring everything from chaotic shooters to creepy animatro...
image for news article 'GTA 6: A Magnificent Meltdown of Mayhem, Mischief, and Mild Mannered Mechanics!'
Gemma Looksby - 12 Jun 2025
GTA 6 is set to blow our minds with new gameplay features, including home design, 700 shops to loot, and an expansive map-prepare ...
image for news article 'Unleashing the Future: The Next PlayStation Handheld Will Demand Your Skills!'
Hemal Harris - 12 Jun 2025
Sony is rumored to release a new handheld console that combines impressive features with gameplay challenges aimed at hardcore gam...
image for news article 'The ROG Ally: Unpacking Characters and Story Arcs in Gaming Hardware'
Tanya Krane - 12 Jun 2025
Dive into the character analysis of the ROG Ally handheld console, exploring its compelling features, rivalries, and future potent...