Generations before us grew up with six-sided dice, and then suddenly there they were: the twenty-sided ones. They brought fantasy and magic into our lives, along with creatures and heroes as gifts. Initially, we humans were armed only with paper and pen to construct a tangible world with our imaginations and explore it in small groups. But here, too, evolution struck over the years, transferring the action to PCs and consoles. A game master was no longer needed, and the player suddenly had to tend to a group of 1-6 computer characters of different races and magical professions. And in these new RPGs called “Divinity: Original Sin 2“We are looking after a lively bunch of four. Let’s hope they don’t get up to any mischief while we’re supervising them.”
I wet myself
Initially alone in this universe, we find ourselves as a captured Source Mage on a ship. We're wearing only the bare necessities, but we're saddled with an unnecessary, glowing necklace. Normally, amulets and other helpful accessories would be welcome, but this non-removable and indestructible piece diminishes our otherwise abundant magical aura and our ability to turn the world upside down with powerful spells. Therefore, a modest demeanor is advisable at the start, and we begin by exploring the floating vessel.
Many fellow travelers, also affected, offer valuable information and provide helpful insights. Everything that can be opened and is not within the guards' line of sight is inspected, and some barrels even contain useful items and gold. But where are the weapons and protective gear for an emergency?
Well, and this happens very quickly: suddenly the vessel threatens to sink, there are the first deaths and unconsciousness, and chaos erupts. In the commotion, it's advisable to go up on deck to save one's own soul and everything else. However, a game warning advises us to arm ourselves first. Despite the flooding water, we head back down to the lower decks and search room by room again. What have we overlooked? And lo and behold: a helpful tool for a well-executed attack. So, back upstairs into the fresh air, and the first disgusting creatures are destroyed.
However, as wet as it was in the deeper areas, it was all the more fiery out on the surface. Taking tentative steps past the flames, ignoring the enormous tentacles nearby, we marched towards the rescue boat and made sure we were safe. And so we found ourselves back on a large island. Unfortunately, this island was our original, unintentional destination anyway, and we're still sporting that stupid collar. It's to be feared: the trouble continues, and where the hell are our three other heroes who were supposed to be helping us...?
You must be four friends/enemies
So that the right feeling, as is usual in this genre, is also present in “Divinity: Original Sin 2When the game starts, the player is first occupied with selecting and customizing their own hero. Many races are available, and each character has their own backstory, influenced by their origins. Once you've customized their hair to your liking, found a voice that sounds pleasing to your ears, and are impressed by their innate special abilities, the story can begin.
To learn the game (those familiar with the first installment will likely find their way around quickly), the starting situation with only one character is a good solution for newcomers. Once targeting objects and conversation partners becomes second nature and you've mastered using your search radius, you can jump into your first battle. These are turn-based and offer ample time to choose the right strategy, or, in the worst-case scenario, the wrong one. You can't extinguish fire with fire, but setting an oil slick ablaze isn't exactly going to warm your heart. Therefore, the key to success in Divinity is understanding the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of the villains.
Despite the limitations imposed by the collar, we still have enough mana to strike fear into our enemies. Some spells are available from the start, while others are unlocked or specifically enhanced through a well-planned allocation of a few talent points per level up – entirely up to you. Thus, each new level becomes a small celebration. Bring on the champagne, a toast, and let's boost our attributes!
On the island location, you can choose from five available companions for necessary support: three (with predefined starting stats) allies, each with their own story, side quests, and talents. Three slots can be filled. Conveniently, the player selects their profession. If you need a rogue to deal with stubborn doors and chests, and your own created battlemage is too inept to disarm a trap, this freedom proves to be a true blessing.
The status of these forced friendships depends on your avatar's choices. Some NPCs react positively, negatively, or not at all to your companions, depending on who is in your party and which of the four is currently leading the group. It's helpful to remember the locations of the other two companions (the map has markers) and swap them out if necessary, especially if the environment reacts strangely.
Otherwise, it's helpful to regularly check new entries in your journal so you don't lose sight of the next main quest. After all, this isn't a sightseeing tour, is it?
Strolling as if in a painting
Those tired of fighting should take the time to admire the meticulous detail, using the built-in zoom for both long-distance and close-up views. Buildings, landscapes, and animations are a true feast for the eyes. Except, of course, for those who prefer wielding a sword. The developers have significantly raised the bar for quality compared to the first installment.
Tralali and Tralala
The English voice acting (all text is in German) is no better or worse than in other games, but the background music and ambient sounds are brilliantly placed and perfectly complement the atmosphere of “Divinity: Original Sin 2”. If you find it bothersome and want to listen to your own music, you can reduce everything in the options menu.
I never really warmed to Divinity Original Sin 2. It might just be a matter of taste. The story, which for me is the heart of an RPG, was very subtle and not particularly exciting, even though the basic idea was good. Other RPGs, like many Final Fantasy games, Blood Angels 3, and Witcher 3, were more engaging. DOS2 isn't bad, though, but it's not for every RPG player.
I would recommend DOS2 for the following target groups:
1. Players who love RPGs with strategic elements
2. Players who enjoy long, challenging battles with many tactical elements, even in the easiest mode, and who are happy to take their time with them.
3. Players who need a lot of freedom and don't like a linear story.
I would be less inclined to recommend DOS2 for the following target groups:
1. Players for whom a consistently exciting and captivating main story is most important
2. Players who want to complete the game as quickly as possible
3. Players who become impatient with long loading times.