Tags: Divinity 2; Larian Studios
<p>Gamebanshee <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com/reviews/99993-divinity-ii-ego-draconis.html" target="_blank">put up a review</a> of Larian Studio's <strong>Divinity II: Ego Draconis</strong>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Unlike Larian's first two games, which used 2D graphics and an isometric view, <em>Ego Draconis</em> uses a 3D engine and an over-the-shoulder camera. As you might expect with such a set-up, you control your character using the WASD keys to move, the spacebar to jump, the mouse to direct the camera, and the mouse buttons to attack and interact with objects (or at least that's how it works on the PC, which is the version of the game I played; the Xbox no doubt uses standard Xbox controls). You can also assign up to eight objects or skills to hotkeys, and you can can configure the keys in any way you like, and so the interface is versatile and functional.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the combat mechanics aren't nearly as effective, which is a problem because the game is roughly half combat. You can't attack and move at the same time (making it more difficult than it should be to finish off retreating enemies), the visuals don't always agree with what the game thinks is happening (for example, you might see your weapon hit an enemy, but it's considered a "miss" because the game doesn't think you're close enough to connect), you're always forced to sheathe your weapon for conversations and cut scenes, giving enemies in important battles a few easy shots at you, and you're frequently teleported after killing an enemy, sometimes nearby but sometimes far away, which is just bizarre.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p><em>Divinity II: Ego Draconis</em> has more than a few flaws. It doesn't look great, it doesn't sound great, it lacks a certain amount of polish, and its combat engine is iffy -- but, with all that being said, I generally enjoyed the campaign. I seem to have a similar sense of humor as Larian, and so the campaign kept me amused, and I think the non-combat activities are fun enough to make up for the combat. So if you've enjoyed some of the "also-ran" RPGs like <em>Risen</em> and <em>Two Worlds</em> and <em>Dungeon Lords</em>, then <em>Ego Draconis</em> might be a worthwhile purchase for you, especially if you can find it at a bargainish price.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>ED doesn't sound great? I thought the score was fantastic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Spotted at: <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com/news/100018-gb-feature-divinity-ii-ego-draconis-review.html">GB</a></p>
<p>Gamebanshee <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com/reviews/99993-divinity-ii-ego-draconis.html" target="_blank">put up a review</a> of Larian Studio's <strong>Divinity II: Ego Draconis</strong>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Unlike Larian's first two games, which used 2D graphics and an isometric view, <em>Ego Draconis</em> uses a 3D engine and an over-the-shoulder camera. As you might expect with such a set-up, you control your character using the WASD keys to move, the spacebar to jump, the mouse to direct the camera, and the mouse buttons to attack and interact with objects (or at least that's how it works on the PC, which is the version of the game I played; the Xbox no doubt uses standard Xbox controls). You can also assign up to eight objects or skills to hotkeys, and you can can configure the keys in any way you like, and so the interface is versatile and functional.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the combat mechanics aren't nearly as effective, which is a problem because the game is roughly half combat. You can't attack and move at the same time (making it more difficult than it should be to finish off retreating enemies), the visuals don't always agree with what the game thinks is happening (for example, you might see your weapon hit an enemy, but it's considered a "miss" because the game doesn't think you're close enough to connect), you're always forced to sheathe your weapon for conversations and cut scenes, giving enemies in important battles a few easy shots at you, and you're frequently teleported after killing an enemy, sometimes nearby but sometimes far away, which is just bizarre.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p><em>Divinity II: Ego Draconis</em> has more than a few flaws. It doesn't look great, it doesn't sound great, it lacks a certain amount of polish, and its combat engine is iffy -- but, with all that being said, I generally enjoyed the campaign. I seem to have a similar sense of humor as Larian, and so the campaign kept me amused, and I think the non-combat activities are fun enough to make up for the combat. So if you've enjoyed some of the "also-ran" RPGs like <em>Risen</em> and <em>Two Worlds</em> and <em>Dungeon Lords</em>, then <em>Ego Draconis</em> might be a worthwhile purchase for you, especially if you can find it at a bargainish price.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>ED doesn't sound great? I thought the score was fantastic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Spotted at: <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com/news/100018-gb-feature-divinity-ii-ego-draconis-review.html">GB</a></p>
