Divinity: Original Sin Reviews
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Since the last time we checked more reviews for Larian's Divinity: Original Sin have popped up, mostly confirming the press' largely positive reception of the turn-based RPG.
Quarter to Three, 5/5.
Divinity: Original Sin has a lot of secrets to stumble over. Hidden rooms and sidequests are just part of the story. It's a joy to find new ways to interact with the world Larian has created. From getting a dog's help in tracking a killer, to crafting voodoo dolls by putting together a wooden figurine with a needle and pixie dust, you'll be doing new things all the time. The most creative turn-based combat seen in an RPG, combined with a dash of humor, has resulted in a fine stew of gaming. Plus, the game has something important to say about life: (No one has as many friends as the man with many cheeses.)
IGN, 9.0/10.
Divinity: Original Sin is one of the most rewarding RPGs to come along in years. Its quests and combat compelled me to think hard about my actions and choices, which is more than I usually get to say about contemporary RPGs. Its depth, personality, and combat challenges easily allow it to hold its own against the likes of heavyweights like Dragon Age: Origins. These systems invite constant experimentation throughout dozens of memorable hours of combat and cheeky storytelling, and its rich modding toolkit provides the framework for enjoyable player-made adventure for years to come.
GameSpot, 9/10.
Divinity: Original Sin's minor flaws include a few bugs here and there, such as one that might turn a cave into a neverending mass of explosions. Its interface is fiddly, giving each party member his or her own supply of gold and sometimes making it a chore to do things as simple as repairing equipment or bartering with townspeople. Some idiosyncrasies aren't flaws, however, but rather reminders of how often we expect games to ask of us the simplest questions and then provide us easy answers. How do you find the forest where the White Witch lives? You go out into the world and you find it. How do you locate all the door-opening switches in an immense library? You look for them, you investigate, you open your eyes wide and truly take in the space around you. Little by little, you learn the rules--and little by little, you wonder why there are so few games so willing to trust you to examine and explore. That it believes in you is Original Sin's greatest achievement, and given its many achievements, that's high praise indeed.
Dealspwn, 9/10.
An incredibly deep and engaging RPG, Larian have delivered one of the finest RPGs of the last decade in a paean to player choice and freedom, all presented with the knowing smile and cheeky wink we've come to expect from them. Divinity: Original Sin might prove a little overwhelming for some, but old-school RPG fans will absolutely adore this.
Ars Technica, scoreless.
Much of the time, when dealing with epic RPGs like Skyrim or Dragon Age, it's easy and accurate to talk about how their ambitions are somewhat thwarted by interlocking systems that don't entirely work but how the entirety of the game makes up for the weakness of certain individual parts. Divinity: Original Sin is the surprising reverse of this: it has dozens of components, all of which seem to work on their own. It's when these systems combine that the game struggles a bit, particularly in terms of quest and progression systems.
Still, that's a minor price to pay for a game that manages to combine the best of 1990s RPGs with the best of today and even take its own steps forward. Divinity: Original Sin is a worthy embodiment of the past, present, and future of video game RPGs.
Den of Geek, 4.5/5.
With that said, it is refreshing to a point to a see a game that is so unapologetically old school in 2014. Over the last 10 to 15 years, far too many RPG franchises have focused on streamlining their games in order to attract more casual gamers and the extra money that comes with them. Player choice is something that has been lost in recent years and Divinity: Original Sin does a superb job of scratching that particular itch.
We Got This Covered, 4.5/5.
Divinity: Original Sin is a modern take on the old school RPG mechanics, offering a level of freedom that many of us had long since forgotten. Fans of the genre should consider this a must-play.
Only SP, 7.5/10.
I see Divinity: Original Sin as a good first step in reintroducing games that don't hold your hand so much and leave you to figure out what it is you have to do. While it is a bit rough around the edges, most of the game is so well-made and there are enough great ideas on display here that I can overlook most of the issues. If you're looking for a lengthy hardcore RPG with engaging and deep combat that doesn't treat you like you're an idiot, don't hesitate to pick it up.
DualShockers, 9.0/10.
Divinity: Original Sin is a western RPG that dives head first into the nostalgia pool; while it doesn't exactly reinvent the contents, it manages to make its own ripples. Larian Studios put a lot of love and polish into this title and it shows in nearly every facet, from the characters to the world building to the graphics to the finely tuned combat system. While it has a few hiccups, they are nothing compared to the sheer wonder and joy players will experience exploring and influencing this vast land.
PC Advisor, 4.5/5.
Whether solo or co-op, this is a game in which you'll quickly lose yourself to sharp, funny writing, an excess of optional pursuits and an elaborate, explosive combat system that's based heavily on the elements (freezing, burning, electrocuting). While there's still competition yet to come this year (particularly Dragon Age: Inquisition and Pillars Of Eternity), Divinity: Original Sin has a great shot at being 2014's best RPG, and thoroughly deserves its surprise success.
DieHard GameFan, scoreless.
Divinity: Original Sin has lived up to its huge expectations and then some. Larion Studios has delivered a huge game with strong emphasis on exploration and interaction. There is also an element of encouragement to roleplay with your own avatar, which adds a unique and fun spin to the game. The combat is what drives this game the hardest, as it's both rewarding and exciting in how it challenges you. The game will take hours upon hours to complete for just the main quest alone, and there's a ton of side quest as well. The issues, like glitches, a poorly implemented interface and nonexistent barter system, don't detract from the excitement that Divinity: Original Sin offers you. Larion Studios has delivered one of the best RPG's in years. Divinity: Original Sin easily stands side by side with other great games, like the Fallout series, Neverwinter Nights and Baldur's Gate. Definitely not an experience you want to pass up.
New York Times, scoreless.
Divinity is full of such opportunities and perks. Another: You can have a conversation with a dog. A game full of secrets and smartly designed opportunities, Divinity is one of the year's best surprises.
