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Divinity: Original Sin 2, developed and published by Larian Studios, revitalized the CRPG genre in 2017. Building on the success of its predecessor, it presents a rich, reactive world where player choices truly matter. This review explores the game’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its innovative dialogue system, complex combat, and compelling narrative, while also addressing some of its design shortcomings.

A World Rife with Moral Ambiguity

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – ScreenshotIn Divinity: Original Sin 2, the power of Source magic lies at the heart of the conflict. Upon removing a Source collar, players gain “Spirit Vision,” allowing them to converse with the dead. Unlike typical RPG tropes, these spirits aren’t always benevolent; they have their own agendas and can offer unique perspectives on the world and its inhabitants. This ability, combined with the returning “Pet Pal” skill, allows players to gather information from unexpected sources, adding depth and humor to the narrative. The game’s story revolves around the Voidwoken, creatures unleashed by the use of Source magic, and the persecution of Sourcerers by the Magister. The player, imprisoned in Fort Joy, becomes a key figure in the fight against the Voidwoken, tasked with ascending to godhood and claiming the power of Source. However, the path to divinity is fraught with moral dilemmas. The player isn’t the only Sourcerer seeking ascension, creating a compelling dynamic between companions, each with their own motivations and loyalties.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – ScreenshotThe conflict extends beyond the player’s party, encompassing various factions like the Black Ring, who worship the Lord of Chaos, and the Magister, led by Bishop Alexander, Lucian’s son. The game expertly portrays the nuanced motivations of each faction, blurring the lines between good and evil. Choices, such as whether to poison the Elven Mother Tree or execute the Shadow Prince, carry significant weight and impact the world in meaningful ways. The game encourages players to explore the “fifty shades of Rivellon,” delving into complex relationships and moral ambiguities. While the overarching narrative of becoming a god can feel somewhat rushed towards the end, the strength of the game lies in the individual stories of its characters and the player’s interactions with them.

Compelling Characters and a Reactive World

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – ScreenshotThough companion interactions lack the depth of BioWare titles, each companion has a compelling backstory that unfolds throughout the game. Fane, an undead scholar, carries a crucial piece of the game’s central mystery. The Red Prince, a lizard prince, pursues a noble goal for his clan, driven by a sometimes comical blind faith in prophecy. The world of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is equally compelling. From the idyllic Driftwood to the blood-soaked Bloodmoon Island and the chaotic Nameless Isle, the game’s environments are visually striking and reflect the underlying narrative themes. One of the most innovative features of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is its indirect dialogue system. Instead of choosing specific lines, players select how their character reacts to situations. This subtle change enhances role-playing, allowing players to express their character’s personality through actions and tone of voice.

Innovative Gameplay with Some Frustrations

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – ScreenshotDivinity: Original Sin 2 introduces several welcome additions to its gameplay. The Polymorph skill tree offers a diverse range of offensive, defensive, and utility skills, making it a valuable asset for any character build. The game also encourages multi-classing, allowing for flexible and creative character customization. However, the game also suffers from some frustrating design choices. The journal system, while informative, can be vague about quest objectives, leading to accidental failures. The armor system, while intended to prevent cheesy tactics, can make combat feel overly simplistic. The Initiative system, using a Round Robin format, can also disadvantage players, especially in larger battles.

Thinking Outside the Box

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – ScreenshotDespite its combat quirks, Divinity: Original Sin 2 provides ample opportunities for creative problem-solving. From using “Pet Pal” and “Spirit Vision” to uncover hidden solutions to manipulating the environment to your advantage, the game rewards players who think outside the box. The game also retains the playful interactivity of its predecessor. Pickpocketing NPCs, sneaking around restricted areas, and using teleportation pyramids to bypass obstacles are all viable strategies.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Screenshot

A Looter’s Paradise Lost?

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – ScreenshotOne of the most significant downsides of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is its MMO-style itemization. The sheer volume of loot, coupled with the power disparity between different item tiers, makes gearing up feel like a constant chore. “Unique” items are often outclassed by higher-level “Uncommon” gear, and even “Divine” items, supposedly the most powerful in the game, can be purchased from regular vendors. This undermines the sense of reward and makes the loot system feel less impactful.

Challenging Combat Encounters

The combat in Divinity: Original Sin 2 can be highly challenging, thanks to the interplay of various environmental factors and enemy abilities. The Blackpits, filled with Necrofire, presents a particularly memorable encounter. “Shadow over Driftwood” stands out as another well-designed quest, culminating in a battle that demands strategic focus.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Screenshot

Conclusion

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a remarkable CRPG that offers a deep, reactive world, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. While its itemization and some of its system designs can be frustrating, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The game’s emphasis on player choice, moral ambiguity, and creative problem-solving makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Screenshot

Technical Specifications

Minimum Requirements

• OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit / Windows 8.1 64-bit / Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i7
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 / AMD R9 280
• Storage: 35 GB

Tested Configuration

• CPU: Intel Core i3 4170 3.7Ghz
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: Sapphire AMD Radeon R7 260X 2GB OC Edition
• Storage: 1TB