Divinity Original Sin 2 Already Moves the Franchise Forward in Early Access
Sep. 30, 2016Divinity Original Sin 2 Already Moves the Franchise Forward in Early Access
Now inearly accessfor nearly 2 weeks, we have already been able to see glimpses of how Larian Studios’Divinity Original Sin 2has evolved from the successes of the first game. Simply put, Divinity Original Sin 2 is a satisfying continuation of a great RPG series, and an homage to its genre.
Almost every feature we loved the first game for has been inherited and expanded. There are more interactions with elements in the environment, allowing you to design your owncombatstrategies and make the impossible battles just a little less overwhelming. In many cases, the only limitation is your own imagination when it comes to using the resources available to you.
The writing and stories have kept up the high standard of the series, while the tone of the game has become darker, more mature and more meaningful. Like all good RPGs, you are allowed to make your own choices in almost everyquest, and they do have different consequences. In order to fully experience this game, you may need to replay it a few times, testing outcomes and seeing where the branching paths take you. In early access, we don’t have an view of the entire plot, but judging by the stage set, it’s going to be grand and epic.
In addition to expanding upon the good ideas from the previous game, Divinity Original Sin 2 now brings us some interesting new elements. Players now have greater freedom incharacter creation. The new tag features allow you to add more personal touch to your customized character, and it will affect quests and dialogues as you progress through the story. As for the “origin story” characters, they have their own unique mission and lore. Even if you don’t choose them at start, they can be found and recruited later in the game.
Thecombat systemhas also seen some modifications from the first game, and they are in the right direction. Combat is simpler to understand but allows for a level of complexity never before seen in the Divinity series. Theskillsare more innovative and creative, and theirenvironmental effectsrequire you to control battlefields, not just focus on your opponents. Even the “surface system” from the previous game now has more variations, and can completely change the tides of battle. For example, poisons usually hurt your team members but if you use theBlessskill upon it, it will turn into blessed poison and heal your characters instead. This extra layer of choice gives the game that much more complexity and demonstrates the care put into its development.
Graphics have also improved. Though not at a AAA level, they are more than enjoyable and succeed at immersing you into this fantasy world. The music of the game also really shines, and its style perfectly fits the vibe of this game. You may just find yourself staying at the main menu so you can finish listening to the beautiful melody of the main theme.
Divinity Original Sin 2 does have some problems as expected for a game in early access. The game’s balance in its present state can use some improvements, lest someclassesor combat combo overpower the multiplayer experience. Some skills are easy to ignore while others are absolutely necessary. Eventually the hope is that every class and build has its own strengths and weaknesses, spreading out the choices that players make rather than gravitating towards similar builds across the board.
Overall, I can safely say that this game is already shaping up to be a game for every RPG player. It’s ambitious and satisfying, with a great combat system and high replayablity. The multiplayer mode allows you and your friends to explore this fantasy world together or duel each other inArena, giving it a variety that keeps you coming back often, and thinking about it when not playing. Those new to the franchise may find a bit of a learning curve but stick with it and you’ll discover a rewarding gameplay experience that is quickly becoming a standard for the CRPG genre. With all of this just from Act I, we’re in for a special experience when the full game releases next year.
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Emergence
Editor at Fextralife. I look for the substantial in gaming and I try to connect video games to the emotions and stories they elicit. I love all things culture and history and have an odd fondness for the planet Jupiter. I think my dogs are pretty awesome too.
Finally had some time to read this. Great review! I’m really hoping they bring this to console because the couch co-op was awesome.
Is anyone else playing? We should team up!
