no img no img

Write what you are looking for and press enter to begin your search!

live-news-icon

Live News

STALKER 2’s Massive Patch Fixes 1,700 Things You Probably Didn’t Even Notice: In an intense match, the Lone Wolves came out victorious. Read all about the big night here // Marvel Rivals Devs Tease Switch 2 Port—If It’s Powerful Enough: In an intense match, the Lone Wolves came out victorious. Read all about the big night here // Elden Ring: Nightreign Might Get Even More Brutal With Extra Bosses & Playable Characters: In an intense match, the Lone Wolves came out victorious. Read all about the big night here

Kingdom: Ashin of the North Is A Perfect Entry into the Kingdom Franchise

For a standalone episode that comes at the back of two highly successful seasons, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is surprisingly a perfect entry point for anyone who is yet to be acquainted with this one-of-a-kind, period zombie franchise set in medieval Korea.

A special episode highlighting an ominous figure seen at the tail-end of Season 2, Ashin of the North focuses on its titular character’s history as well as how the initial zombie plague came to be. While those who’ve watched both seasons are well versed with the plague’s origins, Ashin of the North sheds more light on the geo-political situation of that era and the underlying machinations which led to this bloodbath of a franchise.

Set in the north (hence the title) where modern North Korea borders to China, Ashin (Jun Ji-hyun) comes from a tribe – the Pajeowi Jurchens – which were victims of the ongoing stalemate and left to fend for themselves. Add in some political intrigue, greed and espionage into the mix and we have a powder keg just waiting to blow over. And while we are at it, let’s place all this next to an area where plants that are able to reanimate the dead are freely available, shall we? It’s so befitting that the show starts with a scene of Ashin carrying a torch as if waiting for the perfect moment to blow shit up.

Ill Tidings

As the episode progresses – which to my surprise, at a very steady pace – we learn that there are no clear ‘good guys’ in war; just casualties. And from that countless and faceless collaterals of war, a vengeful spirit – rightfully-so at that- rises, bringing payback in the cruellest manner imaginable. If you thought the show threw everything at you in the first two seasons, boy are you in for a ride.

I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you but their use of a specific exotic animal into the mix performed way better than what Zack Snyder managed to conjure in his own zombie flick. The origins of the mysterious plant which is able to bring back the dead are explored rather loosely and instead, the show focused more on what would cause someone to set it loose onto others.

If you were left thinking “How could someone come up with this?” you’d be full-on in Ashin’s camp by the end of Ashin of the North… at least until the final revelation at about 30 seconds before the credits roll.

The makers of this special episode decided to show rather than tell the atrocities committed and for that, I thank them. Action scenes are as solid, if not crazier than what I’ve seen before in this franchise and the acting – especially by the child actor playing Ashin – is next level. Cue in some training montages and a time-skip midway through the show and we have a fully leveled-up Ashin just biding her time to slit some throats.

The undead are still as terrifying as before and even though I consider myself to be fully acquainted with them after devouring two full seasons filled with contortionist zombies out-sprinting Usain Bolt, witnessing the living being deliberately turned into zombies is something else altogether.

Dead Reckoning

So would I recommend Ashin of the North to anyone who’s watched the first two seasons of Kingdom? Hell yes.

But what about those totally oblivious of what’s in store? Should they watch the first two seasons and then come back to this? Heck no.

Surprisingly, Ashin of the North expertly balances its role as a sequel as well as prequel to this franchise. If you missed the hype train prior, you won’t miss a beat with this special episode and in fact, would entice you to binge-watch the rest of them which is, of course, a good thing.

Final Score: 90/100

We received an early access screener of Kingdom: Ashin of the North courtesy of Netflix Malaysia. It is now streaming on exclusively on Netflix.

Related News

Is HBO Go A Viable Netflix Substitute In Malaysia?

The HBO Go streaming service has actually been available in Malaysia for a year or so, but it's only been exclusively available for Astro customers du...

Arcane: League of Legends Is A Decently-Crafted Origin Story Of The Game's Popular Cast

Update[13/11/2021]: the show's six episodes are out now. The review will be updated to reflect this. Ten years plus later, the League of Legends MO...

Far Cry 5 Takes You Home To Country Road, Guns Ablazing

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One Genre: Action, FPS, Cult-Bashing Simulator I'm sure many have been asking: Is Far Cry 5 as good as Far Cry 3? Some re...

Write a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tournament Tool Kit

Latest Video

Follow Us

Recent Posts

Is Gaming Really A Tool For Terrorist Radicalisation? We Ask An Expert
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – What You Need To Know About The Upcoming 2025 Fighting Game From SNK
Captain America Brave New World: Five Things To Know If You’re Not Keeping Up With The MCU
Street Fighter 6 World Tour Guide: How To Find Mai Shiranui
SNK Did Mai Shiranui’s Definitive Theme Justice In Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Daredevil Born Again Trailer Breakdown: Kingpin, Muse, White Tiger & More
Honkai Star Rail 3.0 The Herta Guide
Our Most Anticipated Games Of 2025
Kakuchopurei’s Southeast Asia Game Awards & Appreciation 2024
The Best 40 Games Of 2024
Must-Watch Animes This Winter: 2025 Season
Heroes We Need To Come To Marvel Rivals
[Updated] Comic Fiesta 2024: What You Need To Know
Marvel Rivals: The Best Heroes To Counter Iron Fist
Marvel Rivals: The Best Heroes To Counter Jeff The Land Shark
Path Of Exile 2 Early Access: All Uniques In The Game So Far
Infinity Nikki: All Dungeons & Boss Guides & Walkthroughs
Path of Exile 2 Early Access: All Ascendancy Nodes Revealed
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: PC Specs & Southeast Asia Launch Times Revealed
Infinity Nikki Gacha & Monetization Explained
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – How To Increase Carry Weight?
These Are The Finalist Games For Apple’s App Store Awards
The Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals To Get: Gaming & Hardware Edition
STALKER 2’s Massive Patch Fixes 1,700 Things You Probably Didn’t Even Notice
Marvel Rivals Devs Tease Switch 2 Port—If It’s Powerful Enough
Elden Ring: Nightreign Might Get Even More Brutal With Extra Bosses & Playable Characters
Every 2025 Steam Sale That Will Make Your Wallet Weep
Fatal Fury: City Of Wolves Adds Kain, Officially Announces Season 1 Pass
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising Season 2 Pass’ Other Characters Announced
Asia Gaming Beat: February 15, 2025
Elden Ring Nightreign’s Network Test Went So Bad, FromSoft Had to Give It Another Go
Logo