Risen Reviews

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Written by BuckGB on October 9th, 2009

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In the end, only the hardcore need apply. Risen is Gothic 1 all over again, and if playing a game this unabashedly oldschool is your idea of a good time, then you've found your next purchase. Otherwise, you'd be doing yourself a favor by avoiding it entirely.

With that being said, it's good to have you back PB. Your fans have missed you.

As an average RPG fan, fun moments in Risen came in doses and to get to them, it required some patience which includes saving lots, various boring missions and taking plenty of damage. The visuals don't seem like a big problem, regardless of the low textures in places as the game looks pretty enough for a fantasy tropical island. The story is solid even if it is nothing special, and there's plenty to explore to your hearts content. The combat though just makes things too frustrating, especially at the start before the player gets to specialise and start more advanced training. It's hard to recommend this to anyone but hardcore RPG fans, perhaps that's who the developers were targeting, but surely even they will be scratching their heads at what seem to be elementary flaws in a game which could have been much better.

While Risen has it's moments of deflation with combat, sometimes clunky environments and voice acting has more wood than the title, it certainly offers more than it takes away. I've enjoyed my rise to the challenge; I've set my mast full sail and sort my fortune you too can grab your lofty ambitions and bask in a shaft of shining glory. You can...

OK enough with the phallical references. Good game.

Risen isn't a great game due to a few nagging issues, but it is a fun and deep roleplaying experience that is sure to surprise a few folks. With an expansive world, lush, detailed environments and an engaging story, Risen could be the sleeper of the holiday season.

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