Beyond Divinity, strategy guides, and immersion

[Vault Dweller]

Tags: Beyond Divinity; Larian Studios

What do they all have in common, you ask? I have no clue, but <a href=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/press_release.php?aid=6041>apparently</a>, strategy guides have become a new tool for total immersion. Not shiny graphics, not engaging stories, but guides. Go figure.
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<blockquote>Hip GamesTM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hip Interactive Corp, today announced the release of a new strategy guide for the RPG "Beyond Divinity." Released by Beyond Divinity-fans, the guide can be downloaded at www.locusinn.com
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<u>The new strategy guide will allow gamers to totally immerse themselves into the game like never before</u> with detailed descriptions of all quests, skills, items, creatures, and even in-game mathematics.
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"'Beyond Divinity' has already received tremendous success since its release," commented Peter Thomas, director of publishing for Hip Games. "The new strategy guide will allow current players to forge an even stronger attachment to the game while also attracting new players as well." </blockquote>
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So, from now on instead of using SPOILERS! to mark some posts, use TOTAL IMMERSHUN!!!
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[dojoteef]

Well I do appreciate the fact that it has some of the behind the scenes mathematics in the guide. I've always been very frustrated with games that have skill and attribute points that you can't really figure out how it relates to success or failure in the game. If I increase my intelligence, how exactly does that help me in the game? I think that aspect of the guide at least helps people have a more enjoyable time playing the game. That's probably one of the things I like about D&D games, especially those from Bioware. The system is transparent. You can actually figure out what you want, instead of guessing wrong and being completely frustrated.

 

[Elwro]

Well I do appreciate the fact that it has some of the behind the scenes mathematics in the guide.

I agree, but I think that such things should be in the manual.

 

[Vault Dweller]

Exactly.

 

[dojoteef]

I agree that they should be in the manual as well, but since they weren't in this case I think the guide at least does something good.

 

[Vival]

Chances are that the guide is indeed more immersive than this shitty game.

 

[Otaku_Hanzo]

Chances are that the guide is indeed more immersive than this shitty game.

As Barbossa said to Will: "Agreed."

 

[Sol Invictus]

Writing a good and immersive strategy guide for Beyond Divinity is like designing an elaborate character with a background history for Dungeon Siege: fucking pointless.

 

[Slowpoke]

I had to come out of lurkerdom (if that is the correct word ) to give my opinion about this game. CRAP!!!! Was so disgusted I gave the game away.

 

[Elwro]

Welcome!

 

[PennyAnte]

GameFAQs.com must be feeling "TEH F33R."