I bought both titles, because the second part kind of adapts to the first and uses some of the characters.
This is a very IMHO kind of view:
Installed Risen2, saw the animations... left it there.
Installed Risen and loved it immediately. My leg is broken from the start (weird character model) but not everyone in the game stands and moves like chimps :P
Plus on Risen (I haven't really played Risen2 yet):
1. The character doesn't run all the time, this takes away a lot of stress I have in many other games.
2. Careful planning of routes becomes essential to avoid being killed.
3. I often also walk or enjoy the many nice spots to look at the sea or the beautiful valleys.
4. Graphics of the landscape are great.
5. Wildlife and behaviour, wolves eat nearly anything you throw at them. Try to bow-kill something near them and they will start eating the cadaver. Animals sleep at night and if you are careful, they are easier to kill.
6. The skill-system is easy enough, if you know where to find the trainer.
7. The logbook is brilliant, is lists and shows on the map every merchant, trainer or quest-giver you ever discovered. Custom markers on the map would be just perfect.
8. Monster placement, no grinding whatsoever. You get enough XP from solving quests and talking to NPC, monsters can often be avoided entirely on a trip. The most monsters at a time I had to fight yet, were about five wolves and if there are more, it is usually quest related with some assistance in form of NPC party members. You can always raise a skeleton as companion, they are tough.
9. Combat is similar to Witcher, plan your attack. Take some potion or cast a spell to boost your stats. Use a bow or magic first, move into a higher position, then attack. If you can take out one or two in a group of three with the bow, you are fine. Switch to your melee weapons as they come closer. Cleave with your Zweihander (in one hand if you have the skill left mouse and use the direction keys) through several opponents or concentrate on one to disarm or counterattack (right mouse button, you can charge up attacks by holding the left mouse). Protect yourself from blows with a shield.
10. It is not like you are fighting all the time to get experience as in many other games, eat lots of apples (spoiler), brew a potion or cook some food to permanent increase your stats for example.
11. Riddles with different solutions to them (scrolls come in handy).
12. The dialogues are tough and you can actual piss someone that much off, so he won't talk to you any more or attack you to have a brawl (no worries, you won't die but might get looted if you lose, you can charm him with a spell). If you decide to become a bandit, do not except honorable tasks, prepare for a lot of swearing and don't expect a hearty welcome from most other members. The order will AoS (arrest on sight) and deport you...
Post edited April 14, 2014 by disi
