Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition is the sequel to the award-winning fantasy RPG Divinity: Original Sin by Larian Studios. Divinity: Original Sin 2 was originally released in September 2017, but has more recently been released on the Nintendo Switch. This game is said to be the future of RPGs and I think critiques just might be right.
I personally love RPGs, whether their video games or tabletop, but recently I have been feeling a little bored with them. I have noticed that a lot of RPGs fall back on the same tropes and cliches. So when I found out I would be reviewing another RPG I got a little wary. However, after talking to some of my friends and doing research, I found only praise for the Divinity series. I went into this game with high hopes and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition is by far one of the best RPGs I have ever played.
From the moment the game loads the character menu, you are invested and captivated by the narrative. As you are choosing your character and their class you are able to have them tell you their backstory. I have seen it done before where you can read your characters back story but having the characters actually tell you their story adds depth and connection. Voice acting can really take a game to the next level. Beyond this small but impactful detail, the plot and narrative of this game are so intriguing. You are someone with what is called the Source which gives you, and everyone else wielding it, power. However, this power is seen as bad and everyone who wields the Source is being captured and taken to a sort of prison. I was immediately pulled into this game. I wanted to know the lore and what was going to happen to the characters.
Beyond the story, I fell in love with the gameplay. In Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition, you are able to play in several modes and difficulties as well as in single or up to three players. I have not had the chance to play with multiple people so I can not comment on how enjoyable the multiplayer is. When it comes to layout, while in some RPGs it is very easy to get confused with toolbars and menus, this game was relatively easy to navigate. You are able to collect a vast inventory, craft, navigate between party members, and much more. This can be very difficult to organize but Larian Studios have seemed to have it figured out. Critiques have also praised the reinvention of turn-based combat in this game and I can say I really enjoy what they have done with it. It seems to be a combination of games like Street Fighter or Mortal Combat but has a more modern battle royal kind of feel. That may be a little confusing to understand but I can tell you it is refreshing and fun. When it comes to the gameplay on the Switch, I prefer playing it in console mode, but this is only because it is easier to see and navigate on a bigger screen. The controls work just as well in handheld mode, it is just a little hard to see your menus and toolbars, as well as your map.
The first thing I noticed when loading up this game was that the graphics and art style are absolutely fantastic. This is honestly a beautiful game, especially when playing on a good TV. I really admire the character design as well as the world. Both are really well done and immersive. The sound in this game is great as well. The music is awesome and the voice acting is amazing. Often, games like this won’t add voice acting over the visual dialogue because there are so many different dialogue options, which is understandable. However, it really brings Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition to the next level.
With all of that being said, I think I am going to give this game a perfect score and I do not do that often. I think Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition and the rest of the Divinity games are changing the RPG world in great ways. It is beautiful, well organized, and innovative. I really suggestive checking out this game and anything else done by Larian Studios.
10/10
Check Out the Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch Trailer:
For more information, please visit: https://larian.com/
Nintendo Switch Review
I'm a postgraduate Information and Library Studies student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. I'm originally from Texas and have a BFA in Creative Writing from SFASU. I grew up playing video games and now enjoy watching other people play as well. I love anything with a good story!
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