Divinity 2 - First German Review

The Divinity II site is pointing out the first German web review - the score from GameStar's critique is 83% and my Google-fu says the quests are very good with multiple solutions but there were some bugs and crashes. Apparently a patch is planned.
More information.

While 83% isn't bad, it's lower than I would have imagined from a publication from the game's home country.

Probably the U.S. reviews will eat the game alive as most U.S. based publications are harsh on European based CRPGs (NOT rightfully so IMHO).

Last time I looked GameStar was not from Belgium.

Some european games get over rated and problems overlooked by their home countries as well….but hopefully this one is good really enjoyed the first.

Originally Posted by Gorath
Last time I looked GameStar was not from Belgium.

My apolgies there. I guess what I should have said, in order to help people keep from tripping over undotted i's and uncrossed t's, is that the score is a bit low coming from a European based publication.

Originally Posted by Dhruin
The Divinity II site is pointing out the first German web review - the score from GameStar's critique is 83% and my Google-fu says the quests are very good with multiple solutions but there were some bugs and crashes. Apparently a patch is planned.
More information.

Well … here's hoping they get all of that stuff sorted!

Originally Posted by TheMadGamer
is that the score is a bit low coming from a European based publication.

Is it? Last time I checked, a lot of European publications have a general lower scale than the American one, as in 80%+ is good, compared to America's 90%+ is good.

And if you think a German publication would give a free ride to a Belgian game…uh…that makes no sense. Do American magazines give more positive ratings to Mexican videogames?

Originally Posted by Brother None
And if you think a German publication would give a free ride to a Belgian game…uh…that makes no sense. Do American magazines give more positive ratings to Mexican videogames?

I didn't mean to imply that any European publication would give a 'free ride' for any game.

In fact, I think American publishers have been way too harsh reviewing European developed games… always praising graphics and polish over gameplay and substance. All of these are important but a lot of U.S. based games are all-show-no-go wheras European CRPGs for at least the last 5 years have offered some of the most interesting gameplay… yes they tend to be a bit buggy and unpolished, but still, the games are very good and fun.

PC Games says 80%.

Originally Posted by TheMadGamer
I didn't mean to imply that any European publication would give a 'free ride' for any game.

There is no such thing as a "European Publication".

And yes, the ratings in Germany are usually lower. 80+% is "good".

The most dissapointing thing in these reviews is that the story gets a thumbs down. Thats really too bad, the premise seemed interesting enough.

Originally Posted by GhanBuriGhan
The most dissapointing thing in these reviews is that the story gets a thumbs down. Thats really too bad, the premise seemed interesting enough.

That is definitely unfortunate, but I'm glad the overall impression is good.

Anyone want to expand in more detail? Please?

I'd certainly like to hear more details regarding ups and downs, as this game has been on my list for some time.

Originally Posted by Dhruin
Anyone want to expand in more detail? Please?

Someone had translated the pros and cons … I can't find it now …

This was posted at the Larian forums:
Graphics 7/10
+ lots of details
+ lots of variety
- "strange" animations
- muddy textures
- game and cutscene transitions could have been handled better

Sound 9/10
+ very good to fantastic voice actors (german version here of course)
+ lots of variety and fitting music
- environmental stereosounds are weak

Balance 7/10
+ game can be beat with every skillset
+ well done and logical puzzle sections
- only 1 relatively easy difficulty setting
- boss fights too easy (except for final boss)

Atmosphere (8/10)
+ nice mix of traditional fantasy setting and humour/irony
+ fun to explore the world
+ spot on humor
- change of character too quick (not even sure what they mean in german)
- some weak plotlines

Controls/Handling (8/10)
+ good mouse/keyboard handling
+ assignable hotkeys
+ able to teleport
- unclear/confusing inventory
- weak map

Game length (10/10)
+ huge amount of quests, most of which are optional
+ huge and varied world
+ upgradeable player fortress

Quests (10/10)
+ nice story
+ good/evil paths
+ interesting characters
+ surprise twists

Character/Skill system (9/10)
+ you're free to choose what skills you want
+ opportunities to experiment
+ lots of useful skills
+ dragon has own skills

Combat system (6/10)
+ exciting
- no active blocking
- close combat hard to avoid
- dragon flight is limited

Items (10/10)
+ huge amount of items, weapons, and potions
+ powerful set-items
+ you feel your character improving

Originally Posted by Dhruin
Anyone want to expand in more detail? Please?

From the storytelling, your opponents have twice the oppurtunity to kill you easily. But they only talk to you and then let you go.

Originally Posted by Brother None
Do American magazines give more positive ratings to Mexican videogames?

I don't know. How many Mexican video games can you name?

Originally Posted by txa1265
Well … here's hoping they get all of that stuff sorted!

Something like a release-day patch?

Is the game even Gold yet?

Originally Posted by Gorath
And yes, the ratings in Germany are usually lower. 80+% is "good".

80+% *is* good imho, and I completely agree that too many major gaming publications/websites are much too generous with their scoring systems in general.