Dungeon Siege II (DS2) is a lot of things. It's fun, it's compelling, and it's a great way to get a few hours of relaxation in. It is not, however, groundbreaking. It takes a lot of tried and true "action-RPG" (the hack n' slash genre) stand-bys and improves upon them. In other areas, it tries hard but doesn't quite make the grade. Gameplay shines. The interface is intuitive, thus lessening the learning curve. Additionally, there's an in-game "handbook" that is a wonderful in-game reference. This "handbook" is full color, complete with screen-shots, and is also broken down into well-defined subjects. This makes it very easy to find what you're looking for. The tutorial is also well-constructed. It's built into the game and is very straightforward so that it doesn't take much time to blow past it if you want to start over with a new character. Between the handbook and tutorial, it's possible to start the game immediately without even looking at the manual. The manual itself is good, with the main attractions being the bestiary, background information on the land, the NPC's, and playable races. The developers have incorporated skill trees for each of the classes, along with "powers" which can be activated. After activation, powers need to recharge, but they're worth it. Selective use of powers can definitely turn the tide of battle. Another innovation is the concept of pets. For those who played DS1, you'll remember the friendly pack mule. DS2 has taken it a step further and given us a whole line of pets to choose from - pack mules, dire wolves, scorpions, elementals, lap dragons and other fanciful creatures. A pet takes the place of a humanoid party member, but they're fun. They start out as babies and grow into maturity as you feed them items. Their "growth attributes" are determined by their primary diets (melee weapons for strength, ranged weapons for dexterity, etc.). Additionally, pets will earn spells, special powers and auras as they get bigger. Another nice gameplay aspect is the way the Journal is laid out. There are separate tabs for quests (sub-divided into primary and secondary), lore, and the handbook. Lore is also further split into categories such as chants (temporary enchantments activated at incantation shrines), quest items, books, etc. Each category already has a box set up to show the relevant item once you discover it. This makes it fairly easy (and fun) to make sure you haven't missed anything, since the boxes are set up in order. If you have an empty box in the midst of full ones you know you've got a missing item or tidbit. The graphics of the game are pretty. They aren't cutting edge by any stretch, but they're serviceable. The cut-scenes are nicely done, and the amount of detail on armor and weapons as you zoom in is remarkable. The interface and handbook graphics are nice and crisp. The place where the graphics fall is in the world environments. Some are nicely done, others are muddy. Sound is a mixed bag. Some of the voice acting is very well done, and other bits are awful. Most of it falls somewhere in the middle. Some of the music they carried over from the first game, but it's still beautiful. The story, so far, isn't anything wholly original. I dare say that there are very few original stories out there, though, in any genre. It is, however, an interesting story, and it does the job of holding the game together and giving you a reason to complete the game aside from item collection and leveling. The cut scenes have been well implemented. They're a mix between cinematics and in-game cut-scenes and really draw you into the game. There was one quest near the beginning that when you return to the quest giver, he tells you that these creatures jumped out of the wall and stole something from him. Well, as soon as you click on him, the cut-scene of the creatures breaking through the wall starts. I literally jumped. Not too shabby for immersion. Overall, Dungeon Siege II is a great game. Sure, the graphics could be better. The same goes for sound. It's got way more bright spots than shortcomings, though. It's really an enjoyable game. If you're a fan of the action RPG genre, DS2 is a worthy addition to your game library.
Dungeon Siege II Since the first instalment of Dungeon Siege there has been little in high quality point and click RPG’s, Dungeon Siege II looks to rectify that. From the very beginning you are thrown into battle a... Read Full Review
This is a great highly addictive game. If you liked DS1 you will love this game. If you didn't like DS1 then stay away because this is a lot more of the same except with better graphics and more in depth game play. ... Read Full Review
