
Divinity: Original Sin 2, developed by Larian Studios and released in 2017, is a testament to what role-playing games can achieve. It’s not just a game; it’s an intricate tapestry woven with compelling characters, a world brimming with lore, and a combat system that demands both tactical prowess and creative thinking. Prepare to be transported to Rivellon, a fantastical realm where your choices shape destiny.
A Plot That Threads Through Fate and Freedom
The story begins with you, the player character, captured and imprisoned for being “Sourcerers” – individuals who wield forbidden magic drawn from a divine source. Branded as dangerous threats, you are sent to Fort Joy, a prison island overseen by the oppressive Order of the Divine. But fate has other plans.
Through a series of events involving unexpected alliances and betrayals, you manage to escape Fort Joy and embark on a journey to find Lucian, the last surviving Divine – a god-like being believed to be the key to controlling Source magic. Along the way, you will encounter a diverse cast of companions, each with their own motivations, secrets, and quirks.
- Ifan ben-Mezd: A rogueish hunter burdened by a dark past, seeking redemption for his actions.
- Lohse: A charismatic musician tormented by a demonic presence trapped within her soul.
- Fane: An undead Eternal, searching for answers about his forgotten origins and the nature of life and death.
- Sebille: A sharp-tongued Elf who thirsts for vengeance against those who wronged her.
The relationships you build with these companions are dynamic and ever-evolving. You can choose to trust them implicitly, challenge their beliefs, or even romance them (yes, romantic possibilities exist!), shaping the narrative in fascinating ways.
Divinity: Original Sin 2’s plot delves into themes of free will, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle for survival in a world rife with political turmoil and supernatural threats. The decisions you make throughout your journey have tangible consequences, leading to multiple endings that reflect the choices you’ve made.
Combat: A Symphony of Strategy and Skill
The game’s combat system is its crown jewel – a turn-based tactical extravaganza that rewards meticulous planning and clever manipulation of the environment. Unlike many RPGs where combat boils down to simply bashing enemies with the highest damage output, Divinity: Original Sin 2 encourages you to think outside the box.
Elements play a crucial role in combat. Fire melts ice, water conducts electricity, and poison can spread through surfaces, creating chain reactions that can decimate your opponents or backfire spectacularly if you’re not careful. The environment itself becomes a weapon – use oil barrels to create explosions, teleport enemies into hazardous terrain, or summon elemental spirits to aid you in battle.
Beyond elemental interactions, the game boasts an incredibly deep skill system. As you level up, you can specialize in various combat disciplines like Warfare (melee combat), Pyrokinetic (fire magic), Hydrosophist (water magic), and Necromancer (death magic). Each discipline has its own unique set of skills that allow for diverse playstyles.
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A Rogue With A Flair For The Dramatic: Utilize Shadowblade to become invisible and strike from the shadows, or spread poisonous traps to ensnare your foes.
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A Master Of The Elements: Command lightning bolts to obliterate entire groups of enemies or summon torrential downpours to extinguish flames and weaken foes.
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A Necromancer Who Dances With Death: Raise fallen skeletons to fight alongside you, drain the life force of your opponents, or unleash plagues that decimate entire battlefields.
The ability to mix and match skills allows for countless unique builds. You can create a hybrid character who combines pyrokinetic power with healing magic, a stealthy archer who poisons their arrows, or even a necromancer who uses the bodies of their fallen enemies as weapons!
Features That Elevate The Experience
Divinity: Original Sin 2’s success isn’t solely due to its captivating plot and innovative combat. It’s also packed with features that enhance immersion and replayability:
Feature | Description |
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Split-Screen Co-op | Play the entire game together with a friend, locally or online. Control your own characters and make decisions independently. |
Deep Dialogue System | Engage in meaningful conversations with NPCs, making choices that shape the narrative and influence relationships with companions. |
Crafting & Itemization | Craft powerful weapons, armor, and potions using gathered ingredients. Customize your equipment to suit your character’s playstyle. |
Extensive Lore & Worldbuilding | Dive into Rivellon’s rich history, mythology, and factions through in-game books, dialogues, and environmental storytelling. |
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a game that rewards patience, exploration, and experimentation. It’s a world where you can be who you want to be, forge your own destiny, and experience the thrill of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. So, gather your companions, embrace the power of Source, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Rivellon.