Two Worlds

"An epic RPG that will be truly realized in time."

I do not understand some of these other reviews. Everyone seems to be on the same page on the graphics, sound, and controls. However they all frown on the story. They have taken points off, in my opinion, for some silly things. Keep in mind that not everything should always be laid out in front of you. You should have to use your imagination… remember what that is? Where are the games that force us to use our imaginations? Two Worlds does that, and that is a good thing. If you follow the story in the least bit you will realize many things about the character's past, his personality, and the lore of Antaloor. I think this game is better than Oblivion and Gothic 3. I think it beats Oblivion due to the level scaling bull*&^% and although Gothic 3 was an excellent game, I think Two Worlds beats it out on the customization end.

Story 8/10
I want to start with the story because this game has taken a lot of heat on that topic. Like Gothic 3, there is a storyline that the game is following, but you add the depth to the story with your own gameplay. I mean, nobody should get an open-ended RPG to go straight through the story - that makes no sense. There are side quests, a world to explore, reputations to be won and lost. And the motivation behind the story gave me enough to push the story forward when I wanted. I'll admit that sometimes I was worried that I may be going too fast through the story, but that wasn't an issue – there was plenty of time to explore and do quests. Look, if you want a linear story than play NWN, if you want no story then play an MMO, if you want a story but the freedom of a gigantic world to play it in, then play Two Worlds, or one of the afore mentioned games. My favorite sub-genre is the open-ended RPGs, because you get the story and the freedom. Sometimes you may just feel like exploring and looking at beautiful scenery for an hour, sometimes you may feel like pushing the plot forward, and sometimes you may feel like advancing your own part of the story, through the customization of your character and your interactions with NPCs, guilds, and factions. To sum up: there was nothing I thought was lacking from the story and I think the main character rocks.

Graphics 10/10
I wouldn't lie to you, the graphics are beautiful. More than that though, is the world design, like the terrain for example, and where towns and POI are located in relation to each other. The time of day and weather effects also help create a very immersive environment. Not only are the graphics great but they run smooth. To say that the armors and weapons are very well done is a gross understatement as well. Two Worlds also has some of the best feeling physics I've seen in a while; especially the mounts. I have to give this category a perfect 10 because there isn't really anything more you can ask of it.

Sound 7/10
I have to disagree with the majority of reviews and say that I don't think the sound is top notch. I'm going to get picky here, but I think there could have been more they could have done with the surround sound (I'm not sure if the other reviewers were playing in 5.1). The EAX effects are nice, and the ambient sounds, as well as the combat sound effects, are all really well done but it is very hard to balance the levels so that one doesn't overpower the other or get really distracting. The music is very well done and I enjoyed it immensely, however at times I did shut it off, but it was by no means because of a dissatisfaction, but rather at times I think it can be more immersive without the music (but that is a personal preference). The soundtrack is one of the best there is. The voiceovers aren't bad, but they aren't great. Sometimes I get the feeling that the voice actors are reading the lines for the first time as they are recording. I also think they can be a little bland at times, not quite conveying the emotion or passion you would see in cinema. This is really an industry wide issue, and I wish they would address this. You would think that it would be especially critical in this type of media entertainment, where facial expressions and hand gestures are limited to preprogramming, that the voice acting would be used to accentuate the scene. GTA is one of the few that does it right.

Gameplay 10/10
Pure fun. The gameplay deserves a perfect score; it is not so simple that you can master it after only a few hours, but not so complex that it is intimidating for those first few hours either. I think it takes a little practice but once you get it, it works quite well. As the game progresses, you get to do more and more things, i.e. abilities and skills. I think it really does a lot to keep it interesting and fresh. Again, I have to emphasize the fact that it feels good. The gamplay feels right, whether it is the controls or physics exactly, it is one more thing in this game (in some games it is a make or break thing) that keeps you immersed in the action; whether it's combat or exploring the land, and what a land it is to adventure through.

Overall I think this is an epic RPG that goes the distance. I tip my hat to Reality Pump and South Peak Games. I give this game a 9/10, however if you are not a huge fan of the open ended RPGs then take -1 off the score. I still think you will enjoy it even if you aren't a huge fan of the genre, but Two Worlds excelled at what it tried to do best, and that was create an immersive role-playing experience.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/08

Game Release: Two Worlds (US, 08/23/07)