Divinity: Original Sin II (2017)

Playing through this again with a group of friends. This game hits different after playing BG3, in many ways, I think Divinity Original Sin 2 is the better game in terms of gameplay.

Character building is more nuanced and flexible, combat more dynamic, and the skill system is really cool. I think this is because it isn't restricted by the D&D system. This of course also means the game is more complex, and less beginner friendly.

I do think BG3 has the superior story, but Divinity plays with concepts and themes in extremely satisfying and unique ways.

I am excited to be in Act 2 with my group and can't wait to see what differences we get based on the pretty drastic changes in choices we are making.

Looking forward to picking this back up after a long break. I'm on the second act (boarded the ship and now it's dead in the water and have to find a way to get it started up).

But it'll have to wait until after Thanksgiving week because family is visiting, so Divinity Original Sin 2 will be my final game of 2024, and that will make it only my 9th beaten game of the year.

I wanted to reach my goal of 12 games but a couple online games took a lot of my time.

Last night, after only playing once a week for 2 hours, a friend and I completed Divinity: OS2.

Its tenure and tactical grip on my cerebral hemisphere will stay imprinted for decades to come. I count myself extremely lucky to have been able to see a co-op experience through, in a time where distraction and hype for new releases is insurmountable at times. Speaking of which, completing D:OS2 just in time to dive into Baulders Gate 3 feels like planetary alignment.

My only regret is that with most co-op games, there was an undertow of hurry that pushed my attention away from the story. A sin of itself when playing rpgs.

My standout feature is the skill system and the spectacular effects throughout. I'll have a difficult time deciding where to place D:OS2 on my top 10 shelves. That means I'll have to choose what I love less, because something now is.

Thank you for the gem, Larian Studios

The story is not that appealing but the combat system is. Just like with every CRPG, one needs to master the system because sufficient knowledge about how the game works rewards players and opens up possibilities not possible with ordinary gameplay.

The most common combo mastery in this game in my case is the ability to cycle skills that ultimately ends with a successful: Mass Corpse Explosion, Deploy Mass Traps or Master of Sparks. My experience dictates that as a player, I have to set-up the playing field to gain advantage over the enemies.

The only thing I do not like about this game are the initiative mechanics and armor. No matter how high my character's initiatives are, the game forces a sequence of black(my chars) then white(enemies) then black again. Armor is divided into two. This complicates the builds but thankfully respec is available at no cost.

After several start and failed campaigns, I have a group that has managed to maintain momentum and I feel like we are drawing near the end of the game (We are nearly finished with the second to last island/map).

This has been such a fun gaming experience, the multiplayer aspect elevates it significantly, allowing really fun exploring and interactions, as well as some of the amazing mess ups that make pen and paper D&D sessions memorable (town guards challenging my character, me not backing down, drawing the whole party into a fight with the bulk of the town).

The character classes are fun and varied, though a few seem a tad weak. I like the tactical nature of the game play and choices. Freely being able to change abilities and class stuff after Fort Joy is also amazing.

I like the story, I feel like my friends are getting slightly better stories then me, I picked Ifan, they have Sebille and Red Prince. But overall really enjoying this play experience.

After 40 hours: this game is meticulous. The system is complex, yet intelligible and satisfying to master. The art work and setting are superb, and the story plays a measured role in serving up the environments and encounters without intruding.

I found the start very challenging. I replayed the first 5 hours. There were many parts to learn the use of, and the AI has a mechanical efficiency that feels inhuman. It relentlessly targets the weak, and clearly calculates visibility to place its pieces to advantage. However, it has never wasted my time, and the first 40 hours have been a steady difficulty progression