Demonicon

So GOG strikes again by releasing a game, in secret I guess because I had no idea this was out. I like to buy multiple copies of games I like but I think the developer is defunct, so just one copy this time. To sum up the game simply, imagine either Gothic, Risen or The Divinity Saga (The one that got released before Divinity: Original Sin got big), now add The Dark Eye RPG setting and you have this game. The graphics are early PS3 (it did come out originally in 2009) but that matters little to me, it is a ton of fun for the price tag and if you are an American like me, you have to take Dark Eye where you can get it, because Germany is hogging all the Dark Eye! :( Quick Side Note: If you like you RPG's with romance, don't go into this one with that as your focus. Your romancing options are A) The witch who looks like she is having a bad herpes outbreak and hasn't showered in years. or B) Your sister...... (Hot sister) but still your sister. If you are one of the ones that goes by Porntube to check out the "Sis snuck into my room naked so I gotta teach Sis a lesson" vids then.... well... ya know... Nobody judging anybody here! :D So in closing if you are looking for a simple fun 30 hour adventure in the Dark eye Universe, than this is for you! Even if you are grossed out by the sister romance, just role play that your mage sister is actually the head of an order of Female Waifu mages and she plans on setting you up with them after you save the world! Lol! Cheers!

Sounds weird, I know. But, if you do, you'll probably understand. This game has a mediocre presentation, with graphics that were already dated when it came out, numerous sound glitches, confusing loot due to visual sameness of icons, artificial and game-y "neon signs" pointing at interactive objects, a combat system that makes you think the computer is glitching out on you and a terrible autosave that will make you lose your latest save state if you happen to load an older one. Also, at first the game seems to try way too hard to be Dragon Age and Witcheresque, with lots of edginess, cynicism, blood and mature! topics. At first. Which is why one really must tough out the first chapter. Because what follows is a great story. Seriously, it's fantastic, and one of the best fantasy tales I've played in recent memory. I was already well aware of how rich and multifaceted the Dark Eye world is, but this game really showcases that with a tremendous narrative. So don't miss out on it, because this is definitely one of those books that shouldn't be judged by its cover (and, ok, the first chapter).

I beat 100% of this game's content (at least as much as can be done in one playthrough; some quests are mutually exclusive based on your choices). That took me just under 25 hours. Who Is This Game For?: RPG lovers who want to experience a world that is ultra dark, mature, gritty, grimy, dirty, bleak, depressing, grim, unsettling and creepy. Pros: - The game does an excellent job at creating an immersive atmosphere that seethes with all those traits I just mentioned. - You will make many choices that affect the world. For example, you can choose to side with the city guards who enforce the law, or the cartel who operates in the slums illegally. - Almost all of the characters are complex, with very few of them being clear-cut "good guys" or "bad guys." Instead, the "good guys" have some evil traits, and the "bad guys" have some good traits. - Because of the characters' depth, you are forced to make complex moral choices, with no clear "good" choice. Often, both possible choices will be bad, and you must choose what you judge to be the "least worse" option. - Unique ideas that I've never seen before: I was very impressed with how this game presented new concepts instead of only rehashing the same tired old tropes. A great illustration of this is how a scandal erupts in the city because the brothel features services with undead prostitutes who cater to men who are only interested in those type of "women." - All of the dialogue is voice-acted, with most of the VA's doing an amazing job. Cons: - The combat is not the best. It's not bad, but it's not great either. It's middling/average/mediocre. - Potions are too scarce, and combat on Normal is quite hard. - The final two chapters are worse than the first three. The devs probably ran out of time. - The "ending" is pathetic. It was clearly setting up a sequel or expansion pack, but due to poor sales, that never happened. Hence, the story is incomplete. Conclusion: great game; it's worth playing!

This is a rather strange game. I would say this is something between Dragon Age 2 and Gothic. An interesting and unconventional plot that can really capture. There are interesting mechanics and skill development, it is pretty compact but acceptable. Quite poor graphics, but given that the game is old, you can make a discount on it. The narrative is a little ragged, especially towards the end, but nevertheless, the authors present the story in a finished form. Despite the ugly appearance and strange plot decisions, the game pulled me in and I got a pleasant experience. The Dark Eye Universe is a pretty uniqe and interesting setting. If there would be a sequel, I would be happy to know more about this setting as a whole, so and now I dig into Drakensang series. I will recommend this game to anyone who looks for something interesting but hidden under the age dust.