KKnD2: Krossfire

About KKnD2: Krossfire

KKnD2: Krossfire is a real-time strategy game set in 2179, a century after nuclear war ravaged Earth. Players command one of three factions: the New Survivors, the Further Evolved (mutants), or the Series 9 (rebellious farming robots). Developed by Beam Software and published by Infogrames, it released October 31, 1998 for PC and PlayStation. The game blends base-building, resource management, and fast-paced combat. Its split-screen multiplayer and asymmetric unit designs let you clash with friends or AI. The story follows a chaotic war where each side fights to dominate a poisoned world, with the robotic Series 9 adding a relentless, unpredictable threat. It’s a gritty, high-stakes RTS with a focus on tactical depth and aggressive gameplay.

Gameplay

KKnD2: Krossfire centers on resource gathering, base expansion, and unit micromanagement. You collect oil, scrap, and energy to build turrets, vehicles, and soldiers, adapting to enemy tactics in real time. The core loop involves defending your base while launching assaults, with each faction offering unique abilities. For example, Survivors rely on speed and numbers, Evolved use terrain and camouflage, and Series 9 units are slow but heavily armored. Split-screen multiplayer lets two players clash locally, forcing quick decisions under pressure. Combat is chaotic but precise, with units requiring careful positioning to avoid friendly fire. The game rewards players who balance economy and aggression, but its steep learning curve and fast-paced action can overwhelm newcomers.

What Players Think

The PlayPile community rates KKnD2: Krossfire at 73/100 (18 ratings), with a 57% completion rate and an average playtime of 12 hours. Players praise its strategic depth and the challenge of managing three distinct factions, though some note the difficulty spike in later missions. The mood is split: 42% of sessions end in frustration, while 31% label them “thrilling.” Critics highlight the split-screen mode as a standout feature, but the lack of modern accessibility options draws complaints. Community reviews often reference the game’s “breakneck pace” and “clunky UI,” but veteran RTS fans appreciate its complexity. Despite a 25% drop-off rate in the first hour, 68% of players return after beating the first campaign, citing its rewarding endgame.

PlayPile's Take

KKnD2: Krossfire is a niche pick for RTS fans who thrive on chaos and strategy. Its three factions offer distinct playstyles, but the game’s age shows in its dated interface and lack of online support. At its best, it’s a high-intensity battle arena with rewarding multi-layered tactics. If you’ve mastered titles like StarCraft or Age of Empires and want a challenge, this is worth a try. However, newcomers might find it frustrating, completion requires patience and practice. With no price listed, it’s a gamble, but the 37 achievements and 12-hour average playtime suggest it can justify the investment for dedicated players.

Storyline

It is set 2179, 100 years after the World Nuclear War. After spending another 4 decades underground, hiding from the first loss against the Evolved, the Survivors rose up to a new enemy: the Series 9. The Series 9 robots are machines that have advanced from their farming origins (having the original programming damaged by the nuclear radiation) and taken up arms against the humans, Evolved and Survivor, who destroyed their precious crops, their one and only reason for functioning.