POR2 - just how bad is it?

[PoD]

It's had a right bashing, but is it really that bad? Here's my view:

Bugs: Ok it's had a few, but so did the original Baldur's Gate, and mostly you can get around them. Plus they've been quick on the patches. I wouldn't give them too much stick on this alone.

Engine: Disappointing. Given that it's much newer than the BG series and they could build upon its features then I have to say it could have been much better. About time we had an isometric RPG that we could rotate for a start. Spell effects are pretty when cast (but so was FF7) but that little umbrella over the head? Purrrr-lease. Music is OK, but I usually play with that off. SFX are disappointing.

Combat: I have to say I like this type of system (sort of action point which goes way back to Laser Squad). However the AI for the creatures sucks, the Lich's in this are wussies compared to the ones in BG2. One other problem is the stuck in the door syndrome. Do you really want to spend ages re-arranging your party before opening a door?

Role Playing: Practically non-existent. No party interaction. Precious little NPC. Too much key hunting. There is a quest, but does anybody care?

Gameplay: This is a big let down. Did they test it? Was it rushed for a Xmas release? Apart from the things mentioned above, look at character development. Firstly they are very miserly about what sort of character you can "roll", almost forcing you either to choose their characters or use an editor. Then to make up for this there is an absolute plethora of stat-enhancing methods used throughout the game, especially the early levels. Secondly they are equally miserly with XP handed out for combat, so to make up for that you have a never-ending stream of skeletons and zombies which your Cleric can dispose of single-handedly. Plus you can sleep almost anywhere. It feels like kludge on top of kludge on top of kludge.

In many ways POR2 is closer to Diablo in spirit than BG. Perhaps that's what they were hoping for seeing how well Diablo 2 has sold - Dungeon Hacking has been popular for a looong time - but this misses Diablo's simplicity leaving it in RPG limbo.

If I were back in my P&P days I'd say, "change the DM" - where POR2 misses out is in all the bits that go to make the Game "Role Playing". It's not that it's a bad game, it just feels like they didn't bother to finish the game off - it needed another 6 months adding gameplay values.

[ 01-07-2002: Message edited by: PoD ]

[ 01-07-2002: Message edited by: PoD ]

[Skuld]

I agree with you on every point... I never really thought about it and with all the issues people have with this game, it seems like the did rush it, bit i bought it for $20 used so i'm not complaining. I hate the stuck in door nonsense, the slow movement of every enemy, and the lack of RPG style. It's just seems like a dungeon bashing game, because out of the dungeons it's ok, but once inside there's hardly any interactions at all. But given a little more time and options the fighting style would have been awesome. So much better than BG where if you wanna cast any spells or use any items you need to pause the game to set up the spells. I'm gonna be done bashing now. What keeps me in the game is the plethora of weapons items and armor available.