The Risen 2 Thread

[Captain Shrek]

Exploration pays off: apart from equipment and cash, if you look around the first region you may get a stat-increasing plant and a nice pistol. (This nice pistol seems really to be the only way to complete an optional fight at that point.) The option of getting the pistol is quickly closed; and is available only if you buy a skill which is a significant cash investment. This, in turn, is made easier if you talk to a clerk properly and convince him to pay you after you're giving the main mission. Early on the first island, you might get a map for free if you use a dialogue option available only if you accepted a certain mission; also, you can coerce Patty into a kitchen job if you invest in Persuasion, then she will steal some supplies for you. So: the game seems to have these small details I had come to like about PB games... I found only one quest which could be completed in more than one way, depending on whether you preferred stealing or dueling. (But I've really only begun playing...)

Where did you find that first plant?

Crystal cave on the beach.

 

[Elwro]

Exactly.

I don't remember this ilicium thing with Benito, is it part of a quest, Elwro?

Nope, it was just my idea that I should use a scepter to distract him. (Or use the voodoo option we discussed in the spoiler tags above.)

Unfortunately all three of my crewmates are aready standing near the ship and there's no one wih me, so the guy p. much rapes me with his musket. Maybe I'll try to lure him down but I'm fearing the whole town will start fighting.

I will also pump up my voodoo skills and try to use a doll on him from behind the shed before the fight.

It was quite amusing to (Blade Coast spoiler)

Spoiler

talk to Patty as Sebastiano

 

[Marsal]

Just finished it!

Some thoughts:

Combat is pretty bad in all forms and aspects. I would say it's bearable, was this not the 5th game by Piranha Bytes. I just don't get how they can still have shitty combat after 15(?) years of remaking the same type of game. The game really needs more mobility in combat and more sword fights, god dammit!

Atmosphere is very good. The game has a certain "Monkey Island" vibe. Dialogues can be disjointed and nonsensical at times, but I like the way the protagonist was written and voice acting is good for the most part. There are some genuinely funny moments in the game (the little bugger is adorable, FUCK YES!). There doesn't seem to be many "RPG dialogues" with C&C, apart from modifying amount of gold that changes hands.

Graphics range from weird to stunning. Models are mediocre, faces of characters repeat often (like in first Witcher). The engine has a lot of potential, IMO. The world is continuous (no loading screens like in Skyrim). Streaming is handeled very well, with no stuttering. The price is weird "morphing" effect for geometry and limited viewing distance. I think most of the problems with graphic presentation can be fixed by throwing more power at it. Tweaked settings should make the game shine on powerful hardware. On my very old gaming system it ran fine, no major problems (Athlon II X3 and HD 3870).

There is not much exploration. The world is a hybrid between "go anywhere" and "curvy path" type. It's certainly a step back from other PB games.

No strategic layer. No ship (to ship) combat, even as a "boss encounter"?! No swinging from ropes?! No hooks?!

Character system is solid. There are some useless perks and some attributes lose the appeal of investing in them at higher levels (toughness, cunning). Items giving attribute increases that count for obtaining the perks, leaves too many Glory in circulation, making character builds only relevant in the first half of the game.

Item system is okayish, but could be much better. Crafting should be more nuanced, items should have more unique properties, there should be more expensive items...

Economy is handled well, with money in short supply (especially early). In the last third of the game, money becomes plentiful and you can afford anything.

Final verdict:

It's an enjoyable game, comes well together and is certainly more than sum of its parts. It is, however, not a great RPG by any means, with lots of wasted potential and missed opportunities. It would be a great first effort by a new developer, but as a 5th game, it's disappointing by comparison to its predecessors and a worrying sign of thing to come. Design wise, things seem to be moving in the wrong direction. Maybe Risen series is to be more "action adventure" type of RPG and Gothic series will continue to be "open world" RPG? One can only hope.

I'd compare it to Witcher 2, only worse in just about every element (not by much, though). Once again a game that's good for what it is. I can't even remember last time I played a game that was just good (without "for what it is" part)

 

[Captain Shrek]

Actually I am not worried about the RPG aspect of Risen 2 as much as its combat mechanics. Its TOO SHALLOW. Not to mention, its Pirates of Risen 2: Curse of the Black Monkey island.

 

[Aeschylus]

I finally broke down and got the game, just couldn't resist any more. This was a bad decision... for my productivity.

So far, it seems to be a fairly typical PB game, but obviously with a bunch of smaller maps to explore rather than one huge one. The combat is a step down from games like G2, or even Risen 1, though I like the added gun/dirty trick mechanic. Melee combat is kind of crap, as being unable to block any attacks from non-humans makes it just a click-fest. At least having companions ameliorates that somewhat.

Ultimately though, it's an awesome game, as in spite of some dumbing down it maintains the core of a good PB game: fun atmosphere and exploration, lots of freedom, and tons of things to find and do. Some of the writing is actually pretty good as well, particularly the gnome crewmate. I haven't really tried muskets apart from the starting shotgun, but voodoo is quite fun from a gameplay point of view. Added quests and options and such. Looking forward to getting some time to play more.

 

[TheEntitledOne]

Just beat the game. Loved it.

I finally broke down and got the game, just couldn't resist any more. This was a bad decision... for my productivity.

So far, it seems to be a fairly typical PB game, but obviously with a bunch of smaller maps to explore rather than one huge one. The combat is a step down from games like G2, or even Risen 1, though I like the added gun/dirty trick mechanic. Melee combat is kind of crap, as being unable to block any attacks from non-humans makes it just a click-fest. At least having companions ameliorates that somewhat.

Ultimately though, it's an awesome game, as in spite of some dumbing down it maintains the core of a good PB game: fun atmosphere and exploration, lots of freedom, and tons of things to find and do. Some of the writing is actually pretty good as well, particularly the gnome crewmate. I haven't really tried muskets apart from the starting shotgun, but voodoo is quite fun from a gameplay point of view. Added quests and options and such. Looking forward to getting some time to play more.

This.

Using voodoo to control people was quite funny. Unfortunaly there are some parts in the quests that you can easily get stuck at. Had to kill a baddy in a native village while being attacked by the natives just because I didn't have the option to unmask him, seems like I screwed the scripted steps of the quest somehow. Like the part where you have to sabotage the cannons, but worse.

 

[Elwro]

I'd like to replay the game some time to check the 2nd 'main' option, but really, the combat is atrocious. Replaying Risen 1 is a joy when you already got the hang of the melee system. But here? I'm sorry to say this, but the popamole nature of the mechanics is not alleviated by the 'dirty tricks', which I hoped would be the case...

 

[Gord]

So, hoping for a community patch it is?

 

[Dantus12]

Well, so far combat is atrocious.
Story (yeah in a PB game), somehow disconnected , dialogue reduced to flavor that excels in false edginess, everyone's motives left in the dark, skills mildly irritating, having the feeling that they serve no purpose doesn't feel even like Gothic 3 , I could actually live with Gothic 3, when there's no 2.

For a title that tried to be 2012 mainstream , the NPC's are so shallow that it isn't even fun. PB games where always about exploration now with the reduced world interactivity, well in plain there's nothing to be found, many monsters are
unlootable (sp), there is a feeling of emptiness , level design is seriously lacking a PB distinct touch that Risen 1 had , it looks very uninspired.

Wish they stayed away from the pirate setting, the shooting was completely unnecessary for me , and yeah no bashing, they will get a positive from me for not being part of a huge corporation, but the game has nothing on the scale of Risen, and lacks atmosphere pretty much everywhere.
The person that made the quest journal , well I could drop a few profanities now .

Riddled with a equal mistakes that DA2 had among others , aside from corporate greed that graced DA2 the game is painfully ugly, a typical setting error. Since I mean them no harm the above is because this will not sit well with the console players , it's usually the great PC version that convinces them that their "port" will look good.
Looks like the port for us PC types somehow got lost in the process. Eye strain due to their inability to deduce that brown has various red channels, and reviewers are tearing them a new.

http://imgur.com/LLTjg

If they don't hit a 80 they will have to wait for their Gothic license to get back. Meh, needed to went, back to playing they got my coins now, so now back to walking around .

 

[Elwro]

Some monsters become lootable when you have proper huntsman equipment.

 

[Dantus12]

Some monsters become lootable when you have proper huntsman equipment.

Yes Sir, and until then I should just sit there and do nothing. (joking Sir).

I know what You mean but still not far in the game, guess the shock was a bit strong, maybe as I progress it will get better. But what's with the recipe prices I cant comprehend when money is so necessary this time even for quests. I don't remember being so financially screwed in the first game or I'm just wearing nostalgia goggles?

 

[Yaar Podshipnik]

Dantus12, that screenshot of yours has depth of field turn on. Do yourself a favor and turn it off ((http://foobarrant.fo.funpic.de/index.php/Main/WhyDepthOfFieldIsWrong). The game looks better without, especially with some config tweaks.

 

[Konjad]

Dantus12, that screenshot of yours has depth of field turn on. Do yourself a favor and turn it off ((http://foobarrant.fo.funpic.de/index.php/Main/WhyDepthOfFieldIsWrong). The game looks better without, especially with some config tweaks.

It might be not realistic, but it looks awesome and cool and shows modern technology. Just like HDR:

 

[Captain Shrek]

some config tweaks.

Post them bro.

 

[Aeschylus]

I'd like to replay the game some time to check the 2nd 'main' option, but really, the combat is atrocious. Replaying Risen 1 is a joy when you already got the hang of the melee system. But here? I'm sorry to say this, but the popamole nature of the mechanics is not alleviated by the 'dirty tricks', which I hoped would be the case...

It feels like they took combat to the opposite end of the spectrum from Risen 1. In that game, melee combat was basically turtling behind your shield and waiting for a break to throw out a combo that would hopefully get the random timing to pass the enemies' blocks. In Risen 2 actually attacking is more effective, since you can't block animals and humans can randomly bypass your weapon block. Combat has been more something to be tolerated rather than enjoyed. It would be a lot nicer if there was an actual option to dodge or strafe quickly enough to actually avoid hits.

I know what You mean but still not far in the game, guess the shock was a bit strong, maybe as I progress it will get better. But what's with the recipe prices I cant comprehend when money is so necessary this time even for quests. I don't remember being so financially screwed in the first game or I'm just wearing nostalgia goggles?

You can get plenty of money as the game progresses, and really you don't need to spend all that much on anything but skill training. You can get/repair some very good weapons pretty shortly after leaving the 2nd island, and most quests that seemingly require you to spend a lot of money have alternate solutions with persuasion/intimidate, the monkey, or voodoo. It's true cash is tight early, but once you start exploring the graves/temples, you'll have plenty of money.

 

[Dantus12]

Dantus12, that screenshot of yours has depth of field turn on. Do yourself a favor and turn it off ((http://foobarrant.fo.funpic.de/index.php/Main/WhyDepthOfFieldIsWrong). The game looks better without, especially with some config tweaks.

Here one without DOF :
http://i.imgur.com/z06NH.jpg
still eye straining, it's the color palette , nothing else and without DOF the flickering starts. Doesn't really mater I'm not the technical graphics type,
just surprised that they made such mistakes after Risen 1.

They know that thing's change based on monitors particular above 1400:900.
Game is confused at 1080p, either a console thing or I need glasses .

 

[Yaar Podshipnik]

Run this through google translate if sprechen sie Deutch nichts: http://forum.deepsilver.com/forum/s...2-Ini-Tweaking-Sichtweiten-Pimp-your-graphics. There are some good suggestions there, but make sure you experiment a bit and see what looks best without performance hit on your box.

 

[Dantus12]

Dantus12, that screenshot of yours has depth of field turn on. Do yourself a favor and turn it off ((http://foobarrant.fo.funpic.de/index.php/Main/WhyDepthOfFieldIsWrong). The game looks better without, especially with some config tweaks.

It might be not realistic, but it looks awesome and cool and shows modern technology. Just like HDR:

You need a new PC Sir , or I really have eye problems
That's just the pinnacle of technology in that screenshot.

 

[Yaar Podshipnik]

Dantus12, that screenshot of yours has depth of field turn on. Do yourself a favor and turn it off ((http://foobarrant.fo.funpic.de/index.php/Main/WhyDepthOfFieldIsWrong). The game looks better without, especially with some config tweaks.

Spoiler

It might be not realistic, but it looks awesome and cool and shows modern technology. Just like HDR:

Good sir, please have a decency of hiding such non-prestigious feculence behind a spoiler tag.

 

[Captain Shrek]

Run this through google translate if sprechen sie Deutch nichts: http://forum.deepsilver.com/forum/s...2-Ini-Tweaking-Sichtweiten-Pimp-your-graphics. There are some good suggestions there, but make sure you experiment a bit and see what looks best without performance hit on your box.

 

[ironyuri]

Bros, I absolutely cannot crack this pistol minigame. It might be mouse lag on my end, but I need some way to by-pass it.

 

[Dantus12]

Run this through google translate if sprechen sie Deutch nichts: http://forum.deepsilver.com/forum/s...2-Ini-Tweaking-Sichtweiten-Pimp-your-graphics. There are some good suggestions there, but make sure you experiment a bit and see what looks best without performance hit on your box.

Thanks. Still the game has no performance issues on my box , changing detail Shadow map size makes it better. Wonder why the LOD works that way it works .
Practically the various LOD levels are loaded via a very weird pattern,like the Z letter , that causes the performance problems and the ugly, jumpy vegetation pop-up, a INI tweak cant repair that, it's a Engine thing.

FOV 75 my ass, still can be changed , and the view distance does nothing on my machine like for the guy in Your post.

 

[JarlFrank]

Heh, I always thought depth of field is a very realistic graphical effect that makes faraway landscapes and objects look exactly as they do in real life... but that's because I'm shortsighted and when I take off my glasses, faraway objects actually do become incredibly blurry.

Conclusion?

All game graphic designers are shortsighted!

 

[Multidirectional]

Well I'm a four-eyed fuck too, but I hate Depth Of Field (and any other kind of blur effects) with a passion. In Risen 2 I also have this problem DoF randomly turning on after loading a save so I have to go to options and turn it on and off to make it disappear again. Patch for this game can't come soon enough.
Still, loving the shit out of Risen 2, one of the coolest explorefag games in a while, and if you ask me, pirate/voodoo setting is a huge improvement over first game. Plenty of funny dialogues too.

 

[Dantus12]

Heh, I always thought depth of field is a very realistic graphical effect that makes faraway landscapes and objects look exactly as they do in real life... but that's because I'm shortsighted and when I take off my glasses, faraway objects actually do become incredibly blurry.

Conclusion?

All game graphic designers are shortsighted!

That was a hilarious comment.
But it's not Your glasses Sir, with or without glasses You wouldn't find anything in the blurred distances of Your optical power because there's nothing there , sounding like a graphics slut now. :D

Conclusion?
All game graphic designers are a little lazy.


@ Aeschylus
Indeed, it just moment's like these are the ones that make the short- attention span fag abandon ship and bash the game on every selling and review site.
I'm lacking that type of malice towards a game , but it had me wonder. The second island is large and the cunning skill line is very important here.
Will see later I guess.

 

[Yaar Podshipnik]

Bros, I absolutely cannot crack this pistol minigame. It might be mouse lag on my end, but I need some way to by-pass it.

If you are talking about stupid shoot-the-flying-crap minigame then I can't beat it on medium either and I have a very good mouse. It's just a shit minigame. Move difficulty to easy, pass the stupid game (it's much, much easier to do then), go back to your favorite difficulty.