Finally! A third-person sandbox RPG that delivers! The most fun I've had since Oblivion.
So now I'm taking a break from this game to write a wee review for the other people umming out there. Go for it! You might just be as surprised by this game as I was.
Graphics:
Visually, TW2 makes your eyes bleed, in a good way. I don't know about the console versions, but the PC with the details cranked on a system that can handle it, is a sight to behold.
Story:
Pretty much the same as TW1: "Your sister in a prisoner in the hands of Gandohar, get strong enough to kill him and get her back." Except the way the story is told in TW2 is much better. The voice acting is (two) worlds ahead of the first game, and the characters are good and memorable.
In terms of Length, I've been playing for about 20 hrs so far, and am still on chapter 1.
Combat:
Not the strongest point of the game, controls can be a little clunky at times and you will occasionally blame the camera for your untimely death. Animations however are impressive looking and hits feel solid enough, and the additions of special abilities reduce the click fest hack and slash.
Loot:
One of the most satisfying of any RPG. Items look great, are plentiful but not redundant, and you're not running back to town to sell every 10 minutes because your backpack is full. Crafting, alchemy and magic creation systems are fun and useful, but only become essential when you play at harder difficulties.
Engine:
Incredibly, for this type of game, this close after release, there are very few stability issues. I played for 13 hours straight the other day with no crashes and only one visual glitch. As with most games using physics, dead body occasional dance, but overall a solid and polished game.
Faults:
Pickpocketing system is nigh broken. Not real important but could easily be fixed.
Horse riding/races frustrating to control and underused, at least from where I'm up to.
Assasination cool but underused. You can't backstab enemies who are moving, sitting, sleeping or non-humanoid.
Overall an impressive sequel, keeping me entertained (and away from more important duties) for weeks to come. I wish I could have been more of an assassin character but next play through I'm definitely trying magic.