Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate This Thread
Hop To
Page 1 of 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
#4377390 - 09/01/17 07:02 PM Divinity: Original Sin II  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Hi all,

I seem to remember the previous title had quite a few fans here... the sequel will release on 14th September.



I really liked the Enhanced Edition of DOS1. Was a bit sad that DOS2 was initially planned not have fully voiced audio but that decision has been reverted and the game will ship with voiceovers for every single in-game character, NPC etc. And they did an orchestral recorded soundtrack too.

So basically this time round we get five races, six "Origin" heroes, vastly updated GFX with new camera angles, a new dynamic audio implementation, a huge amount more landscape to explore, and a darker, more grittier setting which suits me well. The game retains the environmental "elemental" combat mechanics, is obviously still party based, and according to Larian basically "total Pen & Paper RPG freedom".

So yeah... Even as I never played the isometric classics back in the day I'm really excited for this title. This one looks like a true AAA production attempt, not unlike CDPR going all out on W3. And we know how well that ended wink

Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#4377399 - 09/01/17 07:46 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
*raises hand*

The only reason I didn't make this the first early access game I ever purchased is that it was only the first act. Getting this one for sure.

Best CRPG combat eva (in my humble opinion)


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4377401 - 09/01/17 07:59 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Yeah, I actually wanted to purchase the EA for this rainy weekend. But they confirmed the savegames would not carry over... :/

Bought it anyway already as a gesture of support, going to wait for the full release to get the maximum wow effect.

Also worth noting that Larian really upped their PR-Game. Their Kickstarter update videos are really fun and informative.


#4377405 - 09/01/17 08:07 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Definitely a developer worth supporting. For anyone who has played it, have they made any significant changes to the inventory system and management? That was the only thing I would list as a negative with the first game. But that could also be said about Pillars and many others. I hope there is a completely overhauled (and improved) inventory system.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4381710 - 09/27/17 04:44 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I'm surprised there doesn't seem to be more interest in this game. I picked it up and have only played through the prologue.

Since I've barely begun I have little to say about impressions. But Larian did address what I felt was the biggest shortcoming of the original Orignal Sin. Inventory. It still looks like it will become unwieldy. But they added an auto-sort and a 'put to wares' option, which presumably will group unwanted items to be sold. One of the things that frustrated me with the first game was when I wanted to sell things. You likely have just one character leveled up as your barterer, but if the items you want to sell are distributed among your party you wouldn't get the best price unless you transferred said items to your barter character. I hope this has been addressed. If I initiate the convo with my barterer I'd like to be able to toggle through each party member and sell stuff at the best rate. I'll know more when I've found a merchant.

Another nice addition is the bedroll. If you played the first game, no doubt you stood around after every combat casting Regeneration on everyone. The bedroll allows you to insta-heal everyone if there are no enemies around.

The artwork is beyond fabulous. The cutscenes are beautifully drawn, very talented artists indeed. Combat looks to be even better, with a few new twists, and I already felt this game had the best CRPG combat going. If the writing and story only match the first game, then it looks like this is another classic. It's far too early to tell yet, but I'm not expecting to be let down.

I rolled a custom human Ranger. If it was part of the original game I didn't notice, but in DOS 2 the Huntsman trait grants additional damage for high ground. So positioning for a bowman is critical. I'm hoping I can grab a self-teleportation ability to quickly set the character in the best places. Perhaps it will have to be done by another party member. But it adds an additional tactical element to the already great combat. I've tended to play a Ranger since as long as I can remember as my first character in a new RPG, since playing a Scout in Morrowind, or maybe even before that. In DOS they are quite powerful with some great skills and crowd control abilities. The dual main character thing is gone and you create only one this time around. One more thing... in DOS 1 your portrait did not match the character you created, which was a bit jarring at first. Eventually you stop noticing., But that has been rectified in DOS2.





No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4381713 - 09/27/17 04:56 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
I kinda sneaked a word for DOSII into the current W3 thread wink

Own it, installed it, patched it, and then had to quit after making a save immediatly when the very first scene loads.

High Ground advantage is new to part two, I'm happy to hear they made the inventory a bit easier to work with. The writing has been compared to W3 already so the story should more than match the first game (which to me also was a bit too funny, whereas part two seems a lot darker).

Maybe I can find some time tonight...

#4381720 - 09/27/17 05:09 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
I've almost finished Divinity Original Sin (1) - only got the last fight left.

But I've already bought Divnity 2. Debating which character to play if I want to include the origin story - torn between Skeletor and Lizardbreath biggrin

#4381747 - 09/27/17 07:49 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,242
Coot Offline
Pilgrim
Coot  Offline
Pilgrim
Veteran

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,242
These United States of America
I have these on my wishlist but have never played them. What makes the combat so good or the best in your opinion? How is it different from other CRPG games? I love the game Titan Quest and I'm trying to start and get into Grimm Dawn by the same folks. I also, what little I've played, enjoy Pillars of Eternity although I ran into a very bad save game crippling bug that's never been fixed I believe but it has that great hand drawn environments and isometric gameplay.


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4381792 - 09/28/17 12:08 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
For me the combat is great partly because of the way the various systems and mechanics interact in concert with the environment. For example you can soak an enemy in water in a number of ways, then cast chill on said wet character to freeze them. Or create an oil puddle, to slow down an enemy and then set it ablaze, and sometimes the enemy will set it ablaze for you. Steam clouds can block LOS and act as a safe haven. You can teleport an enemy and drop him on a poison barrel, then use a fire arrow to explode the cloud. Use electricity to stun someone standing in water, or use a water balloon or water barrel to create the puddle yourself. Using the environment to your advantage isn't a new concept but it's really slick in this game.

Partly it's due to how many skills and talents and options you'll have. Of course not early on, you'll need to level up a bit. But eventually when your proverbial quiver is more full, there are so many options to choose from. It's all quite tactical. You need to know the strengths and weaknesses of the enemies and act accordingly. Poison on a spider will heal, not hurt. I'm playing on Tactician mode, which isn't the hardest mode, but gives a stiff fight. Even the Classic mode (essentially normal) gives a good fight. Enemies use their skills well, even if they perhaps are less averse to friendly fire than the player. Most fights will have the player outnumbered to a certain degree, so the player needs to use all of the tools at his disposal. Crowd control is very important. A well placed Charm arrow can turn a fight. One big change I've noticed is that Larian has added a new armor rating, and most characters now have a magic armor rating and a regular armor rating. Certain attacks will do nothing to one or the other. Another small, but more tactical mechanic.

I have Pillars too and really liked it. It's probably even better written than DOS, and much darker. But I like DOS combat better.

Here's a video I found that more or less shows some of the tactical freedom the player has. Of course without playing the game you can't realize all of the other options there were. But it's fairly revealing nonetheless.

https://youtu.be/ga6uJaGyrEk

What I think I like the most about it though is the fact that most every battle feels challenging. Rarely are you just waltzing through with nary a scratch. Emerging the victor after most fights is quite satisfying indeed. Or reloading *ahem* and then emerging the victor smile

More about inventory.... now that I've recruited a party I found they have made it possible to have the inventories of all party members displayed together. A great feature that makes party management much, much easier.

DOS is essentially classless. You pick a starting template of course, custom or preset, but there is nothing class-locked. There are prerequisites of course, you can't have low memory but know a ton of spells for example. You can continue to build a traditional fighter, or mage or rogue if you like. But the system encourages the player to mix it up. High-level stuff is very powerful, and I usually have a wizard that can cast the top spells. But for many of my other character I go with more of an all-rounder sort of build. I see my party as an A-10, with plenty of redundancy. For example I'd rather have three characters that can summon something at level one, than a single guy with the highest level summon.

I think this approach might make each individual character less powerful than they could have been, but the party is stronger, because a dead or otherwise incapacitated character doesn't take the only copy of a certain ability with him. And due to the cost of leveling, the game sort of encourages me to go this route. It allows for a lot of experimentation, as you can respec, and very versatile party members.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4381807 - 09/28/17 03:30 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,242
Coot Offline
Pilgrim
Coot  Offline
Pilgrim
Veteran

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,242
These United States of America
Thanks for that description DBond. I watched the part of the original thread video on crafting and it that by itself looks really well done. Is the first DOS just as good? Any major differences?


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4381809 - 09/28/17 03:43 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
Another nifty thing in DOS2 is that when you now recruit a character (you have up to 3 companions in your party) - it asks you what role you want that character to have. Their original role, or you can have them change it to whaetver role you need.

This means you get the character with their well, character in the role you need. So you don't have to pick a character you dislike just to cover a needed role (like healer). Just tell Minsc he is a wizard this time biggrin

#4381820 - 09/28/17 09:10 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
I played the first hour or so, just got to the island...

Neat. Visually a lot improved, audio is top, personality of the origin character quite different (I already dislike the Red Prince).

The story definitely starts off more interesting than part 1.

#4381839 - 09/28/17 11:39 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Coot]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Coot
Thanks for that description DBond. I watched the part of the original thread video on crafting and it that by itself looks really well done. Is the first DOS just as good? Any major differences?


No problem Coot. I'm still on the first island, so I've yet to see most of the game. From what I've seen though the biggest changes involve the character creation and levelling options (combat/civil skill trees, tags, races). Combat is more or less the same, with a few additional things like the high ground we talked about, or the ability to bless or curse surfaces, as seen in that video I posted.

It feels like there is a bit more hand holding in 2. For example location flags on the map. Every player is different of course, but I tend to like games that challenge me intellectually, if that's the right term. Games that don't place a flashing beacon on the next important thing or place to check out. DOS 1 was notorious for this, as some complained it was too obtuse. You need to actually figure things out for yourself.

There is plenty that is hidden, and Larian crafts some quests that some players will never see. Some people complain about this sort of stuff but I like it. As an example I'll put this in spoliers. Don't read it if you want to discover it for yourself (you do smile )


In one quest I am in a cave. There are children there playing as kids do. I decide to talk to one of the kids who asks if I want to play hide and seek. I decide to play along. The kid runs off and I follow him with the camera and the party and 'find' him right away. He wasn't even hidden. He says let's do it again. It would be easy to just ignore it and go on your way. Enough's enough kid. But I say yes again. Now he goes invisible. I guess right and find him again. Impressed he says he wants you to meet his friend and he goes through a small hole in the rocks, too small for my party to fit. But nearby we find a place we can dig, revealing a hatch. Down the hatch in to a room where we find his friend, a huge undead knight that has been impaled on a spear for the past thousand years. My fighter is strong enough to pull the spear out and the knight is grateful and offers a whole new quest chain, that I would have completely missed if I hadn't decided to keep playing hide and seek. This stuff is hidden completely. No flashing rocks saying lookee here!


From what I've seen so far the game is really more of the same, with some refinement and more robust character creation.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4381984 - 09/29/17 12:59 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,242
Coot Offline
Pilgrim
Coot  Offline
Pilgrim
Veteran

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,242
These United States of America
Yeah that sounds cool. I like dynamic discovery of new quests. Makes a game and the world more immersive and have a realistic and and natural flow.


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4382046 - 09/29/17 11:34 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
One major change that I failed to notice at first, and that sort of negates my point about the cost of levelling encouraging a more diverse build, is that raising skills no longer costs an increasing number of points. It used to be that if you wanted to increase a skill to level 1 cost one point, level two cost two points and level 3 cost three points. So at level 3 you would have spent a total of 6. To me, that encouraged branching off in to other stuff. Instead of saving four points to go to level 4 one-handed or whatever, I could have 4 additional level 1 skills. Now it's just one point for one level. This is a big change. Now it's easy and cheap to max some out.

Respec is available for free at the beginning of act 2, so don't worry too much about poor choices while on Reaper's Eye. However, the characters keep learned spells and skills, so keep that in mind.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4382255 - 09/30/17 03:26 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
A few more thoughts....

I've reached level 7, still on the starting island. The game is epic, it really is. It may not feel that way when you're still in the prison, but once you escape it, things really start to pick. Writing is fantastic, the story is gathering momentum. I've laughed out loud, been crushed in battles, saved a cat, teleported a dwarf repeatedly and he doesn't seem to mind the hard landing. I've had an origin party character killed permanently, talked to flaming pigs, rescued those less fortunate, met my god and murdered a blind man.

I've played most of the best isometric RPGs over the years. Baldur's Gate, NWN, Planescape, Icewind Daleand on and on. I think when this is done I'll view this as one of the best of them all. Nostalgia weighs heavily on those older titles, but this game is that, but modern, and so much more. It's like when you think of Half-Life. In 1998 I thought that was the finest video game that had been made. It's a classic and deserving of all the praise. But if you compare it to Witcher 3 for example how does it hold up?

There is still plenty of time for me to change my mind. The cannibalism thing doesn't sit right and I ignore it. And earlier I mentioned the change in armor mechanics, and now I can say I think that was a poor decision. I hope they change it. The way it is now, you'd be better off having a party that does all physical damage, or all magic damage. It discourages a balanced party. There needs to be some sort of middle ground. I don't like the way that no spells work until magic armor is gone, then they work all the time. It doesn't act as a resistance, but as a hard block. If the enemy has a sliver of magic armor you can't CC them. As soon as it's gone the CC works 100%. Games like this should roll an attack versus a defense and resolve. This is too binary. I love the combat in this game, but the armor mechanic is a step backwards in my opinion. Shields are too powerful, the Shields Up skill too necessary. When your mages are rocking shields something's not right.

Edit: OK, been thinking more about this. I entered in to this game thinking the combat was 'more or less the same'. Well, it's not. Aside from the armor issue above, they've also removed the Speed stat, which would allow you to, among other things, increase starting AP and recovery. That's gone now, so everyone always starts with 4. This tends to pigeon-hole the combat strategy. Makes it less tactical/strategic. You are almost always going to start with two 2-AP attacks or buffs. They've also removed the defense stats like fortitude. Not sure what they are trying to achieve. Does it make it more challenging late game? Are they trying to prevent first-turn CC mastery? Is it 'balancing' for MP? It feels like they decided to make RNG not matter. I think the random lucky or unlucky roll adds a lot to the experience. It's a necessary ingredient in an RPG like this. It adds tension, which is good. These things weren't immediately obvious to me at low level, but as I gain levels it's starting to show. I liked how in DOS 1 I could invest in speed to increase max AP, it made me feel like my characters were mastering their skills. Perhaps the benefits of the changes will come to me down the line.

Last edited by DBond; 09/30/17 06:27 PM.

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4382609 - 10/02/17 07:34 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
In the interest of public service I feel obligated to retract my comment about this game having the best CRPG combat eva! I still feel that way about DOS 1, but having reached level 10 or 11 and sinking quite a bit of time in to it, I feel Larian broke far more than they improved in regards to the combat. There isn't much discussion in this thread so I won't go in to a long post about it, but armor, initiative, wits, attributes, talents and defense are all either broken or poorly implemented in my opinion. I based my comments on DOS 1 and the fact that things surely would improve, right? Nope.

I am still having a blast with the game, there is far more to it than combat of course. But combat was the thing about DOS 1 that I felt really stood out and was the best of it's ilk. I have no idea why they made the changes they did. Usually you can see a logical reason, even if you don't agree. Here, I just dunno.

If I had typed it all out I would have come up with something like this. Long read, but spells it out quite well

http://larian.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=621419#Post621419


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4382752 - 10/03/17 08:09 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Thanks for keeping us updated, I still haven't managed to put a few more hours in.

I don't like the sound of this:

Quote
Furthermore, you may not even WANT to put down water (just as an example) because the next turn, there's a guarantee that no-one in your party will be the one taking action, so you might actually be shooting yourself in the foot - but there's no way for you to know if you are.


So yeah, I get the problem with the round-robin combat system, but I hadn't considered yet that this leads to an inability to chain party effects together before the enemy can do stuff.

#4382773 - 10/03/17 11:51 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
No problem Colonel. It's hard to reconcile why they went this route. Their combat system was universally praised, so it boggles the mind why it was so drastically altered. The round robin thing sucks, because now initiative really doesn't make much difference. I had been sinking points, until I caught on to what was happening. There were a few times that an enemy went twice in a row, seemingly skipping my turns, and I was like what the hell? Why did he go twice? Leadership is another big issue. It has a 5m radius. Wow, right? And it only helps dodging and resistances now. So once I saw how this was working and I reached the respec point, I redid everything, essentially removing all points from things like leadership and retribution, and giving my characters just enough Wits that they would fight in the order I wanted. You still want one character (my ranger in my case) with high Wits to discover hidden stuff, but otherwise the actual value doesn't matter much. Just who has more than who to set the order.

Despite these combat changes, the game is still fantastic and I highly recommend it. But it's a shame that the combat didn't improve, and took a step backwards. I still like the combat, it's not like it terrible. But after DOS 1 you wonder why they changed it.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4382843 - 10/03/17 03:19 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
Most definately not a fan of the combat system in D2 frown

I dislike thwe dual armor types - you need to break through both to bother using abilities or spell for crowd control.

#4382900 - 10/03/17 07:10 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Well, in order to use spells or CC, you need to break through the armor that resists them, almost always magical armor. Your spells will work if magic armor is gone, even if physical armor remains. That probably wouldn't be so bad if you went around with a party of mages, but who does that?

I have a mixed party (ranger, fighter, fire/earth mage and hydro/air mage) and I've made good progress despite the way armor works. Most of those dabble a bit in other schools as well, since this game has some cool skills that combine disciplines, and the classless system encourages it. Try combining unused skillbooks for some new ones.

I couldn't win the Griff fight on Tactician, so switched to Classic and glad I did. Some fights, especially in Act 2, are very hard.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4382903 - 10/03/17 07:14 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
I play in Explorer mode and have had several fights frustate me, the lastest being new second "Voidspammer" fight - where you get wave and wave of Voidwaken thingiebobs. Not sure I'll bother loading up trying to finish that fight.

The whole round robin #%&*$# pisses me off as well - when you seemingly get enemies going 3 times before you and wipe out parts of your party due to it.

#4382927 - 10/03/17 08:40 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
For me this game, and the first for that matter, is basically a probing action. I have to search around looking for fights I can handle. So I go here and get beat, so go there and whoa! 3 levels over mine. Back over here and OK there are some enemies I can handle. On Classic at least, a group of enemies 2 levels above you is almost impossible to beat. So I spend a lot of time probing like I said looking for places I belong to be. After a while I've levelled and can go back and take those fights I put on hold. Levels seem to go fairly quickly though. But of course that's a double-edged sword since it quickly makes your gear obsolete, It feels to me that DOS 2 is more gear driven.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4383034 - 10/04/17 08:55 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
^ This was what soured a little my enjoyment of the first game. Open World in theory, in practice it seemed quite linear which mobs you needed to handle in which order so that your levels would match. Since there are no random enemies you basically level as you follow the red thread trough the game...

#4383057 - 10/04/17 01:15 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
It's either a blessing or a curse depending on perspective, but there is no farming in this game. No respawning wolves or whatever to use to gain experience.

Without spoiling too much, when you get to act 2 there is a very noticeable spike not only in enemy level but in health and armor. I was level 8 when I arrived in Driftwood and I've felt underlevelled most of the time. I'm sure there is easy XP I'm missing with quests I haven't found. But combined with the fact that my gear isn't keeping up -- due to fewer useful drops and lack of funds -- I find most fights I get in to difficult. But honestly I prefer this over just wading right through anything I encounter. In a way it forces me to seek out everything, leave no stone unturned. There are many things I've come across where I just don't know what to do. I don't read guides or that sort of stuff as I want to figure it out on my own. So I leave and move on, hoping the answer or missing piece or whatever will be found later on.

As an example *minor spoilers* in a graveyard there is a crypt with two revolving statues at the entrance. One turns freely, the other does not and needs to be repaired. But I have zero idea how to repair it. Every time I pass near the graveyard I return to try out any new crafting things I've found. Maybe these armor scales? Nope. That sharp rock? Nope. How about these metal rods? It could just require a spell to be cast on it or something. I dunno.

I could have the solution in seconds just by googling it. But I would rather find it on my own. Another example is the Mother's Nightmare quest from Act I. I really wanted to help that poor lady, but I never did figure it out and that quest remains unresolved since it closed on leaving the island. Perhaps in another run.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4383066 - 10/04/17 02:24 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
I found the solution to your graveyard thing before I found the statues. smile

#4383068 - 10/04/17 02:33 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Dammit! biggrin

Who knows, I might have sold it, crafted it, tossed it aside or have it in my inventory lol.

Last edited by DBond; 10/04/17 03:41 PM.

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4383546 - 10/06/17 03:57 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
New patch dropped today

http://store.steampowered.com/news/?appids=435150

Lots of fixes listed. Quite a few I've noticed, but the one I think I like the best (if it's actually fixed) is Reactive Shot. My main is a Ranger and that skill has never worked right, so would be happy if it does now.

I've hit level 14 and a few random thoughts....

The 'gear gap' I talked about has faded. I'm getting some really great drops in Act 2 fights. In addition, I dumped a couple of points in to Lucky and have gotten some fantastic kit. Random barrels with levelled Epic gear for example. Definitely worth a few points, especially as the other civil abilities are lackluster IMO. Levelled gear is more important than in DOS 1 I think. The stats increase from level to level is significant.

On top of that the skills/spells for my party are much more complete now. Especially with buffs (armor and vitality) and CC like Charm. My characters are in the fight a lot longer now and we can control things. I've mostly ignored (or just dabbled in) Necro, Poly, Scoundrel and Summoning. Just not enough points to go around without diluting. Gives me a good reason to play a second time to mess around with that stuff.

I've grown accustomed to the combat changes. The round robin initiative thing... what it really does is make combat harder. Frankly, when all of your party members get to go before any enemy does it makes it far easier. Not worse, but easier. That's the way it was in many fights in DOS 1. So while I am not ready to say I like it better, it does make it more challenging. If only the order wouldn't be reset every turn so that enemies get to go twice when one dies I'd be at least comfortable with the new system.

The art in this game is really beautiful. The landscapes, spell effects and so on are beautifully rendered. I'd like a different fire animation though.

It has it's flaws but overall I think DOS 2 is one of the best CRPGs ever made. If anyone likes classics like Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate and Planescape Torment they should play this game.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4383547 - 10/06/17 03:58 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Oh, and I still haven't fixed that statue biggrin


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4383596 - 10/06/17 08:43 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Thanks for the headsup. I think I'll give it a few days (to be sure) and then redownload the whole installer, as it's quite a sizeable patch...

#4387240 - 10/29/17 07:46 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Bringing up this topic again... this is what I just posted on the GOG Forums. Basically I'm having trouble enjoying the game because it seems to me there is no logic or red thread to follow.

*****************************************************************
I'm really trying to like this game after the few hours I've put in, but right now I feel like shelfing it.

Case in point: "The imprisoned Elf". I finally ended up searching a walktrough, and while it mentions a specific NPC that might have helped me find Griff's stuff, that NPC is not there in the Camp Kitchen in my playtrough.

Other than this one, how would I solve this quest without talking to flat out anyone on the whole place?

There's other stuff, like the (what seems interesting enough) confused cat following me. And no idea/suggestion at all how to progress there or how to find out what's going on. I dug up the grave near where I found her, and it offered no solution at all (which is what I might have expected).

So basically: I like games with little hand-holding and don't need babysitting. But so far DOS2 seems to me to rely on chance and luck and just clicking everything everywhere to find story clues. I can't see how logic is playing any part, there's a lot of things behing hinted at but zero way to get rolling.

Is my impression so wrong, or what am I doing wrong? Or is this really a game for people who like dialoging with every NPC and collecting every item? Is there a trick to get enjoying the game without what feels like tedious hours spent on random chance?
*****************************************************************

#4387252 - 10/29/17 08:59 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
I loved the game once I got past the new comabt system.

But it really is a game for talking to all NPCs - as for animals, well there is a talent for that.

I like the interactions between your own NPCs and such, the right pairing will cut off some quest paths for you but open other ones.

#4387331 - 10/30/17 12:53 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Colonel, I completely understand. There is a lot of that, things you won't discover unless you talk to a certain character. personally, I like it, but I see where you're coming from.

I've sunk 150 hours in to this game, and am level 20 and very near the end. I've really enjoyed it.

For the Griff/Elf thing

The character you need to talk to is sleeping just south? of Griff's location, near the beach. He is a dreamer and the Red Prince will want to talk to him if he is in your party. You can pass a persuasion check and get Griff's stuff, or just kill him. In addition, there was a crate nearby that if you check it, the characters say something like 'smells like oranges' as another clue that you're on the right track. In my playthrough it all just ended in a fight with Grif's crew, though it you butter up Butter, she will fight on your side


For the Black Cat

All you need to do is get him out of Fort Joy. If he is still alive when you escape for the first time, you will be granted a special talent and an achievement. But it's not terribly useful, so don't worry too much about it. Still, a nice thing to have additional options in combat. But to your point, there is really nothing to indicate what you should do, or what you might gain with this cat. IIRC, this cat has no dialog, even with Pet Pal, so that won't help even if you have it


I cannot know what I have missed in this game, I'm sure some pretty cool stuff. But I do tend to check everywhere and talk to most everyone, especially any named NPC. Pet Pal is obligatory, as Maddog alluded to.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4387345 - 10/30/17 01:48 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
There have been a number of quests that I never did find any solution to, and I'm completely fine with that, I kinda like it. Those statues I mentioned earlier for example. I don't feel compelled to solve everything, just play and see where it goes from there.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4387358 - 10/30/17 02:43 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Thanks for the details DBond. I think what kills me is...


Basically, if you offer me a quest / task / story arc, I want it to be logical. For sure I could have spoken to every person around to find the Lizard, but by speaking to Griff, Butter, or any of the people present in the kitchen I *should* have gotten at least some idea. Supposedly there's a rat around which mentions a Lizard, but that rat is not in my game. So my problem is with being given a quest which just does not have any logical step stones to solve and instead relies on random chance/exploration.

#4387363 - 10/30/17 03:02 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I agree Colonel. It can be frustrating, oftentimes there is little to point the way. And there will be more of this if you choose to continue. I can't tell you whether you should stick with it, but for me it's been worth it. Personally I like it as I mentioned. I'm not one for reading guides or googling solutions. Most times if I cannot figure it out I move on, and sometimes I later stumble on to, or discover the next clue or solution. Sometimes I never do.

I viewed the Elf quest as something akin to "OK, so you want him released? Go find my stuff. Now git!" So it's up to me to figure it out. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Most games would say something like "And there was that sleepy lizard slinking 'round here a few days ago" to give you direction. DOS2 isn't like that, for better or worse.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4387374 - 10/30/17 03:52 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: DBond]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Originally Posted by DBond
Most times if I cannot figure it out I move on, and sometimes I later stumble on to, or discover the next clue or solution. Sometimes I never do.


Now that you mention it it's interesting - I'm really bad (in my private life) leaving business unfinished. "Moving on" from an unsolved item is hard for me. Maybe that's what bothers me about the game, the GOG replies to this post also all mentioned how it's totally okay to go about it in a non-linear fashion.

#4387377 - 10/30/17 04:15 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
It's perfectly fine to move on to the next thing and come back to that thing later. Except... when you transition from one chapter to the next, for example going from Fort Joy to Driftwood, or from Driftwood to Nameless Isle, any unresolved quests will remain so, you can't come back. The game will warn you at this point and give you the option to stay so don't sweat it.

I used to be the way you describe. I felt absolutely compelled to finish everything and solve everything, discover everything. But now I just play. The completionist thing results in reading guides and googling solutions that reveal too many spoilers and partly ruins the experience for me anymore. Seems counter-intuitive to some I would imagine. The sense of satisfaction of discovery and problem solving is the reward, not the fact that I did everything possible. It's funny and I will sound like a jerk to some, but there's part of me that disdains folks that proudly proclaim how they 'beat' a game having simply followed internet guides, it's like paining by numbers. But since it's a single player game it has no effect on me so whatever, right?

Anyway, there is a lot to like about this game and I hope you continue to play. A few quests here and there undiscovered or unresolved isn't a big deal. And besides, it means that any subsequent playthroughs will offer stuff you've not seen before, which is very cool. And for what'sit's worth I've had no trouble advancing with a very powerful party despite any and all XP I've left on the table.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4387381 - 10/30/17 04:50 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
The interesting thing is that I'm totally not a completionist. Even for Witcher 3 I left about half the sidequests untouched, I'm very good at NOT pursuing a quest.

Yet if the game keeps dropping quests into my lap that I somehow can't find the red thread to follow with, it's unnerving. I will try to go more with the flow... I like what I saw so far, character-wise, visually, lore...

#4387391 - 10/30/17 05:33 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by RSColonel_131st


I will try to go more with the flow... I like what I saw so far, character-wise, visually, lore...


Cool, I hope you will. DOS 2 has me torn, there are things about it that I think are simply fantastic, and other areas where I feel let down, or wish the devs had taken a different approach. But overall it's a great game, if you're in to this sort of thing. I've been so in to it that I wish there was more discussion about it. But I know that's too much to expect at SimHQ. I don't mean that negatively, it's just not the sort of thing that gets much attention around here, and understandably so.

But I enjoy this stuff, having played Pillars and DOS 1 in the past few years as well. I have Tyrrany on my Steam wishlist, but I'm on the fence with that one so never pulled the trigger. I get a 'great setting and concept, but rushed and incomplete' vibe from what I read. I've seen no mention of that game at SimHQ but wonder if anyone here has played it?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4387418 - 10/30/17 07:02 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
I've played through Tyranny and thoroughly enjoyed it.

#4387421 - 10/30/17 07:31 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Thanks MadDog, that's good to know. Can you tell me what you liked about it or didn't like about it? What game(s) would you compare it most closely with?

Is it text-based or fully voice-acted?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4387422 - 10/30/17 07:37 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Tyranny is supposedly mostly text, with very little voice only for the important scenes.

That's the main reason I haven't tried Pillars or Wasteland 2 - Divinity really spoiled me.

#4387445 - 10/30/17 09:41 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
EAF331 MadDog Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
EAF331 MadDog  Offline
XBL: LanceHawkins
Hotshot

Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,779
Oslo, Norway
I liked it because it was morally gray - and also gave you play on a large scale than most normal RPGs.

You do play a tyrant-wannabe biggrin

#4387530 - 10/31/17 11:41 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Thanks MadDog. I bought it last night, $18 in the Steam sale. Now to get around to actually playing it smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4529564 - 07/11/20 07:37 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I like to necro old threads, I guess smile

I happened to run a search today for top PC games. I checked out PCGamer's list (from last August), which I've seen many times through the years, and I was astounded, I say, to see that DOS2 is their top-ranked game of all time. I'm a big fan, but this took me by surprise, that this sort of game would occupy such a lofty perch.

https://www.pcgamer.com/the-pc-gamer-top-100-now/12/

As far as iso-RPGs go I rate this one the best I've played. It is an instant classic in my view, but still surprising to see it gain the top spot in a mainstream publication like PCGamer.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4529593 - 07/12/20 01:59 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Play through Ultima 6 and Ultima 7, as well as both Ultima Underworld games before you pass that judgement. smile

Last edited by Mr_Blastman; 07/12/20 01:59 AM.
#4530096 - 07/15/20 03:53 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
You mean the ones from the 90s? Yeah, I know they had a good rep, and were groundbreaking in a number of ways. But there's little chance I would go so retro smile

I just wasn't in to that sort of game then. Not sure what my first RPG was, maybe Neverwinter Nights or Baldurs Gate. But those were a few years later.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4530963 - 07/22/20 03:03 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
50% off all week on Steam. Just a heads up.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/435150/Divinity_Original_Sin_2__Definitive_Edition/

Since making the necro post I've picked up my suspended save from last summer and am once again reminded that Larian really hit the right notes with this game. I've talked about what I don't like, specifically the new armor mechanics and the way initiative was reworked. But even with those changes it's still my favorite iso-RPG combat system. I never tire of the battles and look forward to the next one.

Aside from those complaints I give DOS 2 high marks for just about everything else. Story, voice acting, dialog (it's very well-written and voiced. Completely voiced too), build options, sound, artwork, quests and on and so forth. I'm sure I've said all of this on this board a time or two.

Like DOS 1, I played through on normal, and now another run on Tactician (using no gift bag bonuses). This is the way this game should be played. Just the right amount of challenge. No need to prattle on, I've said it all before. But if you like this sort of game and have not played either of the Original Sin games you really should give them a try. And at this price it is a really nice deal.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4530967 - 07/22/20 04:00 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Interesting to see this thread update today. Recently, I have over 150 hours in Divinity Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition. But, I take a lot of time grinding and modding -- half the fun. I also did a restart that adds to Steam's calculated hours.

I'm on hold for a month while I binge play Risen, Risen 2, Risen 3 for the first times (nearly done with Risen 3) -- in total those will take nearly 200 hours (grinding and modding). I obviously have time to kill the last couple months smile

I too like Divinity OS2DE. Very classic and very good. But, I would have a hard time picking my favorite RPG of all time -- possibly Assassin's Creed Odyssey - Ultimate Edition (finished original main story when it first came out). I'll probably jump back and finish Divinity OS2DE after Risen 3.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4530969 - 07/22/20 04:13 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Risen was fun until I made it about 70% through and grew frustrated with how rigidly combat worked compared with say Dark Souls. Are the sequels worth playing through?

Last edited by Mr_Blastman; 07/22/20 04:13 PM.
#4530973 - 07/22/20 04:24 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
But, I would have a hard time picking my favorite RPG of all time



Well I am just talking isometric ones, not first or third person, in which case I'd give the nod to Witcher 3.

I've long considered the Risen games. The Gothic series was one I cut my teeth on, especially Gothic 2, and I know they share a lineage.

Do you play DOS on Tactician or Honor? Just curious.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4530977 - 07/22/20 04:39 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
Interesting to see this thread update today. Recently, I have over 150 hours in Divinity Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition. But, I take a lot of time grinding and modding -- half the fun. I also did a restart that adds to Steam's calculated hours.



Haha, I hit 350 last night, and that's just the DE. For both DOS 1 and DOS 2 I've played both editions of each game about the same amount of time (a normal run followed by a Tactician run). So it's probably around 300 x 4 (spread out over six years) smile

So much replayability in it for me, and that has a lot to do with Divinity's classless build system. So much freedom.

Here's a solid review of DOS 2 from Eurogamer. This is before Definitive Edition, which only made the game better (in my opinion)

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-21-divinity-original-sin-2-review


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4530995 - 07/22/20 06:21 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Mr_Blastman]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by Mr_Blastman
Risen was fun until I made it about 70% through and grew frustrated with how rigidly combat worked compared with say Dark Souls. Are the sequels worth playing through?

I'm not an expert game analyst. The following are things that caught my attention.

I found Risen 1 to be mediocre -- but, I pushed through and am not unhappy I did. It had some "odd" characteristics and showed its age. The Final Boss (before the credits started rolling) was a weird battle that took twitch skills and used little of what my character had to offer -- I had been a mage -- I died and reloaded a few times in that last battle. Most RPG I try not to die at all and am displeased if I die more than two or three times in the entire game -- sometimes after a couple deaths, I start over (okay if I die accidentally). I died several times in a single battle more than once.

In Risen 2 to have mage skills (I am nearly always a mage, if available) meant taking a story path I did not want to take. So, I had to develop twitch skills and build my "swordsmanship" to the most active and twitchy ever -- I died a lot (a true twitch player would not be impressed smile ). After Risen 1, I expected a tough/unique final battle. But, I crushed the Big Boss with my sword on the first try -- no contest (huh?). Still, the graphics and story had improved significantly. I found it enjoyable. Its unique in that you become a Pirate on the high seas for part of it -- main battles are still on land.

In Risen 3, I use both Sword and Magic (there are other choices). I modded the game to allow both to be strong -- and I have fun picking one mode or the other for individual battles. My modding is to allow more choice during a single game -- I don't want to play it a few times to try all the paths that interest me. In Risen 3 the graphics have improved but are similar to Risen 2 (many of the same places and models). There are multiple ways to create a character in different schools of magic combined with swordsmanship and or musket use. However, all the schools seem to give very similar spells and the same swords (I know because I modded to get them all). In that respect, choosing a different path is largely an illusion (I think). Thus, modding to have all the spells in the game gave no significant advantage and made no real difference (pick a half dozen of the 20+ and use them). Its a good game and I'm enjoying it. But I'm not finished yet.

In summary, Risen series is not for everyone. It might pay to go straight to Risen 3 -- it continues the Risen 1/Risen 2 story but does it in a "stand alone" mode. I like the ways Risen 2 and 3 made you look everywhere and talk to everyone and try every conversation path to "uncover solutions" (I call it grinding) -- moving the story wasn't all about combat. Moreover, the peculiar aspects of Risen and Risen 2 seem to have been addressed. I'm not selling it. But, if one is an RPG aficionado, I could recommend the Risen games (others have). This is my opinion -- other opinions will definitely vary.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4530996 - 07/22/20 06:45 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: DBond]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by DBond
Originally Posted by Allen
But, I would have a hard time picking my favorite RPG of all time


Do you play DOS on Tactician or Honor? Just curious.


I play DOD "Definitive" in "Classic" mode. Hopefully, those combine story and combat in a balanced/traditional RPG way.

I don't want "easy" combat or "hard" -- just "normal". I want maximum story when such a choice is possible. To me "Story" mode (one of the choices) itself cuts combat.

I go the "normal" route and then mod as needed to enjoy a larger experience on one play through. I spent over 1000 hours in Skyrim and over 1000 hours in Fallout 4 due to the deep modding possible making it more fun (played both twice plus some restarts). In that type of game I mod textures, 3D models, weapon specs, and invent new weapons, armor, etc.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4530999 - 07/22/20 07:17 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
OK cool, thanks Allen. I always play once on Classic then again on Tactician once I have the systems down. Just curious how you were playing.

Tactician does indeed ramp up the combat difficulty, especially in the early going. But by the time you've left Fort Joy you have a solid party and leveled characters and I find that Tactician keeps the challenge up, when in Classic I feel like my growing power begins to outstrip the AI. I don't necessarily recommend it for a first playthrough, but it's perfect for a second, having learned the game inside and out during the first run.

Enemies in tactician get some bonuses, which makes it harder of course -- more armor, hit harder, etc. But the real attraction to it is how they play. In Classic the AI is 'restricted', they don't use all of the spells or abilities they could. Like I don't know that I've ever seen the AI use teleportation in combat on Classic. So I see it not just as a buff, but as better AI, and that's always a good thing.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531019 - 07/22/20 09:30 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,543
Timothy Offline
Hotshot
Timothy  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,543
Phoenix - Ft. Carson
Originally Posted by Allen
So, I had to develop twitch skills and build my "swordsmanship" to the most active and twitchy ever -- I died a lot (a true twitch player would not be impressed smile ).


I bet you died less than I did on Fallen Order.


Keep Calm and Check Canopy

There are no ex-paratroopers, only ones off jump status

Learn Economics at:
http://www.mises.org
Carthago delenda est
#4531022 - 07/22/20 09:52 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: DBond]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by DBond

Enemies in tactician get some bonuses, which makes it harder of course -- more armor, hit harder, etc. But the real attraction to it is how they play. In Classic the AI is 'restricted', they don't use all of the spells or abilities they could. Like I don't know that I've ever seen the AI use teleportation in combat on Classic. So I see it not just as a buff, but as better AI, and that's always a good thing.


Quote: "the real attraction to it is how they play" "So I see it not just as a buff, but as better AI".

That's good information -- that's what I want in the game. Had I known that, I may have tried it. I may be remembering the "old days" where hard mode just upped the enemy specifications or added more enemies to grind through.

FWIW, some enemies do seem to jump/teleport (whatever they're using) to new locations with my settings.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531023 - 07/22/20 10:00 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
There's a thread I didn't expect to resurface.

I didn't get deeply into DOSII initially, but this spring a started a new game on the Definitive Edition, and after some mucking around am now at a point where it really is becoming fun. I notice that I fuffed around way too long on the previous playtrough with no plan what to do, whereas getting out of Fort Joy early with a little help from the internet makes all the difference for me, as there's better gear and spells which add a lot of the gameplay.

Wouldn't have thought I'd ever say that, but it's giving Witcher 3 a run for the money for my current fantasy RPG fix (of course, vastly different mechanics, but setting-wise they scratch the same need...)

#4531070 - 07/23/20 11:25 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Quality threads about quality games are hard to keep down Colonel smile

Originally Posted by Allen


That's good information -- that's what I want in the game. Had I known that, I may have tried it. I may be remembering the "old days" where hard mode just upped the enemy specifications or added more enemies to grind through.

FWIW, some enemies do seem to jump/teleport (whatever they're using) to new locations with my settings.


I think playing Classic first is a good idea, because when you're new to the game Tactician would feel a bit much I think. But after you've run through it, Tactician gives a good reason to play again (and Lone Wolf too for that matter), and to apply all you've learned to a more challenging game while making the best use of your understanding of character development. I expect that most players making Tactician their entry point would feel frustrated, especially in Fort Joy. I know that I had to squeeze every last bit of XP out of it just to level enough get past the crocodiles where you get the teleportation gloves.

And yes, the AI uses teleportation-like abilities on Classic, things like Tactical Retreat to reposition themselves. But what I meant was using teleportation offensively, by teleporting you.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531074 - 07/23/20 12:10 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
BTW, not sure if it's been discussed: You guys saw that Larian is doing Baldur's Gate 3?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS7PsSuwY3I

#4531076 - 07/23/20 12:13 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Yes, and that means the IP is in good hands I reckon.

https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/4508891/

As I mentioned in that thread I think this will turn out great.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531080 - 07/23/20 01:05 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,984
Master Offline
meh
Master  Offline
meh
Veteran

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,984
The problem I have with this game is that I am never high enough level and there just doesnt seem to be anything to really grind with. There are no random battles etc.You can go through and kill everything in an area and do all the quests and by the time you get to the next area you are still 3-4 levels to low. I guess I could start slaughtering all the villagers.

#4531081 - 07/23/20 01:06 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
FWIW: I've said a lot about how much I mod. Each modder rationalizes why they should mod a game rather than play it as designed. One rationalization is that its fun to figure out how to mod a game. My simple game/plot centric rationalization follows.

My DOS Avatar is attached.

My Avatar in an RPG is always my wife (when she was young) -- unless there is no female option. She virtually always has gray hair because my wife had gray hair in her 30s. On flight sims, I once made a model of her as the pilot. That way, my wife is "with me" even when I'm playing and we're apart.

What's my point?

I game-centric rationalize my heavy modding this way. I am NOT the "lead character" -- the lead character is my wife.

The RPGs I play always seem to have a "supernatural" power (or powers) involved. I am not the heroine, I am the supernatural power watching over the heroine. Thus, justifying modding -- being my wife's supernatural guardian angel, I have the power and authority to go beyond what is natural in the game smile

Attached Files DOSAvatar.png

Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531082 - 07/23/20 01:29 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Master]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Master
The problem I have with this game is that I am never high enough level and there just doesnt seem to be anything to really grind with. There are no random battles etc.You can go through and kill everything in an area and do all the quests and by the time you get to the next area you are still 3-4 levels to low. I guess I could start slaughtering all the villagers.


I can see where you are coming from, but I assure you it isn't the case. I've played through to the end of Act III on Tactician in this run and never killed any ordinary citizens. There is much that is hidden. The XP is there, but not easy to find. I made this post on the first page three years ago. It's just one example.

Spoilers needed

In one quest I am in a cave. There are children there playing as kids do. I decide to talk to one of the kids who asks if I want to play hide and seek. I decide to play along. The kid runs off and I follow him with the camera and the party and 'find' him right away. He wasn't even hidden. He says let's do it again. It would be easy to just ignore it and go on your way. Enough's enough kid. But I say yes again. Now he goes invisible. I guess right and find him again. Impressed, he says he wants you to meet his friend and he goes through a small hole in the rocks, too small for my party to fit. But nearby we find a place we can dig, revealing a hatch. Down the hatch in to a room where we find his friend, a huge undead knight that has been impaled on a spear for the past thousand years. My fighter is strong enough to pull the spear out and the knight is grateful and offers a whole new quest chain, that I would have completely missed if I hadn't decided to keep playing hide and seek. This stuff is hidden completely. No flashing rocks saying lookee here!


That said, I DO feel slightly underleveled when getting to Driftwood. This fight

scarecrow fight


is very hard if you're not prepared for it. I just probe around to level up, and save that fight for a little later. Gear is important as well, as it is quickly made obsolete as you level. IIRC I was level 9 when leaving the first map (Reaper's Eye) and sailing on to Driftwood.

Make sure one of your party has the Pet Pal perk, this will open up quests as well. It's impossible for me to know what XP opportunities another player is missing. But I had a friend who played this game and one day we were talking and I mentioned I had just become the Champion of the Fort Joy arena, and he was like what's the Fort Joy arena? If you haven't, cycle all companions through your party and explore their individual quest chains.

Be sure to pursue companion quests early, because...

There comes a point of no return, when you are left with only your current party members, and all others are gone, and their quests go with it


I mix it up for each run, but my current party is my custom Human Ranger main, Fane, Red Prince and Lohse.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531091 - 07/23/20 03:18 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,179
bisher Offline
I'll be your Huckleberry
bisher  Offline
I'll be your Huckleberry
Veteran

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,179
Manitoba, Canada
Yes that's my experience with this game as well Master.

Nice tips DBond, those will be helpful

#4531096 - 07/23/20 03:54 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Any time. I've run through DOS 2 a few times so I have lots more tips if needed.

I think I am usually level 5 or 6 when escaping Fort Joy and level 9 when leaving Reaper's Eye. The XP is there. The Griff fight is a good one for XP, but not easy.

You can re-enter Fort Joy after escaping, and that's what I do. Level and gear up a bit out on the island and come back to give the magisters the good news.

Another tip that can help gain access to locked rooms and buildings, and which may not be obvious at first

Fane, being a skeleton, can use his bony fingers to pick locks


Drop a point or two in to Lucky Charm on the character you use to open containers. Finding leveled Purple gear in a trash heap is a nice boost. With a high enough Lucky Charm stat you can even get legendary and divine gear (6 points?)

Don't fret too much over regrettable or sub-optimal build path choices you may have made in the first act. There's free respec in Act 2.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531124 - 07/23/20 09:28 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Originally Posted by Allen
I game-centric rationalize my heavy modding this way. I am NOT the "lead character" -- the lead character is my wife.


As long as this isn't a reference to all other parts of life wink

Found this really cute, in a loving way. Thanks for sharing.

#4531184 - 07/24/20 01:41 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Agreed Colonel, good post Allen.

I am tempted to ask about your wife's build but I feel that' might be a bit too personal biggrin


I finally made it to Act IV last night in my Tactician run. The early bits of the run were hard, through level 5 or so. But then I got my feet under me, and have made good progress. I can handle the fights on this setting. But then I got to Arx and man did I get my ass kicked in my first fight there. This is going to be a tough one to crack. If I can just find enough source for Lohse the whole thing will shift, as the Thunderstorm spell is a game changer, but requires three source points. And she is out after the battles at the end of Act III. Hopefully I can find a way to get past it.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531233 - 07/24/20 06:48 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: DBond]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by DBond
Agreed Colonel, good post Allen.

I am tempted to ask about your wife's build but I feel that' might be a bit too personal biggrin


Currently, 4'11" and 97 athletic lbs. Her build is what sold and continues to sell me biggrin

We're older now smile In her youth, she would have made a fine little mage -- thus, that's how I portray her (in games that allow). She would not have been much of a swordswoman -- one of the swords hanging on my wall is only about 3 inches shorter than she is smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531235 - 07/24/20 06:53 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Haha I meant how you spent her attribute and skill points! smile

Ah, wordplay.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531254 - 07/24/20 09:12 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
I thought maybe I was divulging too much or maybe missed a clever point. Not the first time or the last smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531309 - 07/25/20 11:42 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
I'm tempted to say something funny that could be interpreted as mean, so I won't biggrin

#4531310 - 07/25/20 11:45 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I was just having some fun with the various meanings of the word build smile

After making the post about Lucky Charm I actually did what I said, investing a couple more points (five total on main, two on Red Prince) and began finding Divine gear. In just a couple hours I found five Divine items in barrels and such.

Not sure how it works precisely. In Pillars of Eternity 2 Deadfire (another game I think is fantastic) the entire party contributes to these party skills, with the character performing the action's stats more heavily weighted, but with any other points in that stat on other party members also contributing to the roll. In DOS 2 it might just be an absolute total and having it on the character opening the container might not matter? Regardless, once I put the points on Red Prince the Divine gear began dropping. A massive boost. Here's the first one I found in a random barrel while out looking to replenish my source to tackle the battle that kicked my arse shortly before. Everything I read suggests it is not party cumulative, but my experience suggests otherwise.


[Linked Image]

As it turned out there were a number of pre-placed bodies lying about and topping off source on all characters was simple and I tried that battle again and got through it with nary a scratch. A little better plan and it was no problem. Amazing what a different approach combined with high ground (and Thunderstorm!) can do to change the fortunes in battle.

I've talked a lot about Tactician mode, which I think is this game's sweetspot. Here's what it changes


-- No player alterations.
-- NPCs get +50% Vitality, +50% Damage, +2% Damage boost per/lvl, +50% Armor, +1.5% Armor Growth per/lvl, +35% Magic Armor, +1.5% Magic Armor Growth per/lvl, 10% boost to Chances to Hit.
-- Enemies have more AP, skills and abilities
-- Different merchant prices
-- Smart A.I.

Needless to say that raises the challenge level considerably. They hit harder, are better protected, have more AP to perform more actions as well as use/have more skills and abilities. When you've run through the game once and learn the mechanics and have better understanding of build synergies, a second run on Tactician is a great way to put it all to the test.


.

Attached Files divineshield.jpg

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531336 - 07/25/20 03:38 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Risen 3 update to 3 day old post:

I've finished. Very good RPG in most respects. I recommend. But keep in mind the following:

The Good: The Final Boss fight was in keeping with the story and allowed my character to use his strengths. It was not a "mini game" requiring unique twitch skills (as Risen 1 final Boss required). I used my normal Boss Techniques and they worked the first time -- though I had serious doubts at the beginning of that Final fight.

Major Problem: Towards the end of my game path (end Chapter 3 and begin Chapter 4), I had to face Major Battles with several "special" enemies to bring the game to a conclusion. Okay. However, 3 were difficult mini-games I could not have prepared for. Moreover, those battles that were absolutely required to progress had significant design/execution flaws by the game developer. One would freeze the PC every time I won the fight and make me fight the long fight again -- with no way out. Went online to see others have had the same issues since Risen 3 was released. It was ruining the experience for me. So, I played those three battles on "easy" mode -- and tried some on-line suggestions/gimics to obviate the "game freeze on winning" -- that path worked.

Still, Risen has much to recommend as a set -- just be ready to get creative a few times with unusual twitch mini-games smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531398 - 07/25/20 10:32 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Sounds like Pirahna Bytes has kept their traditions, in more ways than one!

As I said I played the Gothic games and especially liked Gothic 2. That was the first game I ever played where the NPCs had life cycles, where they went to work, then to the pub after, and then back home to sleep at night. I remember how many times I waited impatiently for the shopkeepers to open their doors in the morning. But those games also had their quirks and technical issues as the Risen games appear to carry on smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531404 - 07/26/20 12:26 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Back to Divinity Original Sin II Definitive Edition. I'm finishing Map 2 at this point.

FWIW: A picture of my party. I'm sure some of you have a very similar looking party.

Attached Files Party.png
Last edited by Allen; 07/27/20 10:39 AM.

Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531574 - 07/27/20 12:22 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
My party can be seen in the shot above. I made Lohse blonde smile

Composition:

Main: Custom Human Ranger. A pure build with enough Aerotheurge for teleportation. High Lucky Charm and Bartering

Red Prince: Battlemage. High Strength/Constitution sword and board fighter with some Pyro and Geo. High Persuasion

Fane: Battlemage. Medium strength sword and board fighter with high Necromancy and Summoning. High thievery and sneaking. Bony fingers mean lockpicks don't matter

Lohse: Aerotheurge and Hydrosophist mage. Excels as damage dealer/crowd control and healer. High Loremaster

By the midpoint of the game the characters have acquired enough skills that it becomes very rare that they ever use their weapons, aside from the ranger.

None are specced in to Polymorph or Scoundrel.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531588 - 07/27/20 01:37 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
My main character was custom Human Female Sylvia. She's mainly a mage who carries a bow.

For the others, I made the Default pick when the time came to make them party members. Lohose uses magic and a crossbow currently, Ifan uses a crossbow almost exclusively, The Red Prince gets the best armor and hand weapon for face-to-face combat. These characters do make use of special arrows, etc. -- so are magic in that way.

DOS 2 came with very good modding software. Yet, even though a modder, I've not used it. Two reasons: 1. I did not know about it (duh), I just started playing. 2. By the time I knew about it, I was satisfied with my build, weapons, etc available in-game and did not want to spend the time learning the software just to make more minor changes. I have made some easy changes using other techniques. As usual with my changes, this allows me to experience more of the game in one playing -- e.g. more conversation choices, wider selection of useful items to play with.

FWIW: Baldur's Gate 3 (same studio) I imagine will have similar modding software. I'll start working with it from day 1 (if its there day one). The original Baldur's gate got me started on RPG. I was all Flight Sims before that. So, I plan to give BG3 "all my attention" -- at least at the start (that and MSFS 2020 which also will have an SDK included).


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531727 - 07/28/20 12:15 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
DOS2: Very end of map 2. We're Level 16. We did NOT perform a quest given us by a level 20 character (huge armor and health). We avoided telling him that. We were on the boat to leave for the 3d map but were told to go back and see him. It was optional, but seemed okay to do considering the situation. Depending on one's path through the game, this situation may not come up.

Went to his location. Started the conversation saying we had not done what he asked. He immediately got angry and started killing -- we expected a way to "talk it out" -- nope.

Part that bugged me: He attacked without giving us a "way out". Moreover, he seemed to get way more than 2 attacks in for his first turn. Two of us were virtually dead before doing anything and dead after our first turn -- other 2 were injured. I had walked in there unprepared. So, I "cheated". I reloaded and we started the fight before that conversation took place just to see if it was winnable. It took quite a while to grind him down -- fortunately, it was 4 against 1. I had not expected to be "forced into an unwinnable battle" during a "friendly" conversation. I did have the choice of avoiding talking to him. On to the 3d map now.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531746 - 07/28/20 01:44 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Which character are you talking about? Put it in spoilers if you'd rather not spoil it.

Third map means Nameless Isle?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531769 - 07/28/20 04:09 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Correct, third map is Nameless Isle. Just starting out. Covered modest territory. Lots of dead around. No fights for us yet. But, an interesting event took place.

Jahan was the name. Just now (for you so as not to misinform), I went back to the old pre-fight save. Instead of approaching as a group, we spread out. I started the conversation, he started the fight but could not harm us as much on the first attack. I was able to use a normal/thoughtful battle plan to win without risk. Moral: Always be prepared to fight. And, be smarter than I was on that first play.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531789 - 07/28/20 06:03 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
As noted elsewhere, I binge played Risen, Risen 2, Risen 3 in order and let partly played DOS2 sit.

With the couple month layoff, I had forgotten what faction was what in some respects and I did not know who the "good guys" and "bad guys" really were. I wondered about the Level 20 character confrontation in a level 15/16 area noted in the above post. It didn't seem like that should have happened like it did -- maybe I did the wrong thing.

I normally side with the ones "saving humanity". But, there seemed to be "problems with each faction". Near the beginning of the 3d Map, I had just killed some folks and wondered if I should have. I was tending towards a certain "direction". I was in doubt. I figured my cluelessness was going to ruin the game.

Thus, I went online to see a summary of the DOS2 factions and what they stood for -- so I would know how to play my way and not accidentally kill those I was supposed to help (when playing my way) and who were intentionally there to help me.

Surprise!!!


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531806 - 07/28/20 07:26 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
Moral: Always be prepared to fight.


Good advice, but there are times when you just stumble in to it and a tactical reload lets you prepare and approach differently.

I didn't kill him as he gives up a valuable skill book I wanted for Fane.

In my Tactician run I am nearing the end, almost level 20. I found two things that completely escaped me the first time through. It's one of the reasons I try to avoid spoilers or searching the net for answers, so that when I play again I can discover new stuff I didn't know existed.

One is a "thing" that makes combat much, much easier in the final act. It makes me feel like I am playing with high-level characters from DOS 1. The second was a way to make a ton of money. It's a lot, so I can afford any of the many unique and top-level kit available in Arx. These two things have actually made the end of Tactician easier than the end of my Classic run.

I wonder what else I have missed? smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531865 - 07/29/20 02:04 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Propelled by those discoveries I've hit level 20. That will be the max for me, as there are 3 million XP to hit 21, and I doubt there is that much left to get. There is no level cap in DOS 2 per se, but since nothing respawns, XP is finite. Max NPC level is 20 as well, so it has scaled just right for me. You need to be thorough though, or you can reach Arx (the final act) underleveled with no means to catch up. So be sure to do as much as you can along the way.

If I recall, I was level 9 reaching Driftwood, level 16 reaching Nameless Isle and level 18 reaching Arx. You want to be as close to those as possible.

I have just two fights left to finish the game and get the Divine achievement for completing the game in tactician mode. These are two of the most difficult fights in the game as you'd expect, but at this stage my party is pretty powerful and geared up.

I've enjoyed my recent return to the game so much I am thinking of firing up DOS 1 EE again and playing through on Lone Wolf when this run is done, which is a talent I have never taken.

A few tips for anyone struggling or new to this game

-- Take Pet Pal on one character. You can talk to all of the creatures, many of which have quests. Not taking this (or using it) will miss a lot of XP. And besides that, these are often funny or cute.
-- Likewise put points in to Persuasion on one character. Very useful, and can net XP otherwise missed
-- Ditto for Lucky Charm. As mentioned above this is a great way to keep your party geared up with good kit. Finding a Legendary or Divine item in a barrel of fish is a big boost.
-- I'd say the same for Loremaster, but at least here you can pay a vendor to identify an item you do not have the points to spare.
-- Aside from identifying items though, Loremaster is also used to 'examine' enemies, to learn of their resistances and abilities. On the higher difficulty levels this is vital to have success, knowing what your enemy is vulnerable to and what it is not so you don't waste an attack, or worse, heal them accidentally.
-- Learn how to navigate the world using all of your tricks. Try to have a mobility skill on each party member, like Tactical Retreat or Phoenix Dive. Teleportation is invaluable (I have it on all characters. Aerotheurge 2). Unreachable treasure chest? Just teleport it to your feet. Using teleportation offensively in combat is incredibly useful and powerful. The teleport pyramids are also very powerful. Give one to each party member. The pyramids can be thrown through gaps in walls for example, and then you can teleport the party to it. Think outside the box to get around and reach places seemingly impossible.
-- Fane makes a great thief with his ability to pick locks without lockpicks. He is also immune to Deathfog
-- Spirit Vision is essential (you get it in Act 2). I am guilty of forgetting about it at times. But whenever you seem stuck, cast this. It is often the key to progress.
-- Leadership is optional in my view. In DOS 1 it was awesome, but in DOS 2 it is pretty weak. I have one character leveled in it just because. But I could have played through all the same having spent no points here and probably not missed it. A disappointing change from the first game.
-- Have CC skills on all characters and mix them between physical and magical. Because of the way armor works in this game, you need both. For physical it will be things like Battering Ram or Battle Stomp. For magical it will be things like Charm or elementals like shock or freeze.
-- Give all characters a summons if you can. Very useful and can make the difference in the hardest fights
-- Shields are very strong in DOS 2. Three of my party use one, even my mage (Ranger does not due to two-handed bow). Not only is it a big boost to physical and magical armor, the Bouncing Shield skill is great, a ranged attack doing damage equal to the shield's physical resistance stat and that will then strike a second enemy near by. Well worth one point in Warfare. Lots of awesome shields to be found.
-- Try to save the black cat in Fort Joy. All you have to do is keep him alive until you escape the prison. You'll get an achievement and a summons/mobility skill out of it. But don't fret if you fail. It's not terribly useful, especially if you've equipped all characters with mobility skills.
-- Learn about Runes and frames and equip them whenever the item has a slot to give nice boosts (don't forget to remove them before selling the item! Derp Derp)

And a thousand more things too smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531872 - 07/29/20 03:19 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
You've noted a few things I've not noted. You are more thorough than I am. I'm impressed by your thoroughness smile

I don't read instructions, I don't "practice". I just "play" and try to figure it out as I go along (the first RPG I played came with a thick instruction book I was happy to read). If something is obscure (vs how other RPG handle things), I may never notice. I do look under every bush (figuratively) and grind through every kill on the map. But, I don't read every book or try every conversation choice -- too many that have no effect -- occasionally, I miss something doing it that way.

If I knew the game was "perfectly designed and programmed", I would not check on line. But, I think its reasonable to assume all RPG have defects -- because so many actually do. I don't want to waste time on an issue that might be due to "game design" and is not logical (Risen series comes to mind). On line, I found my general "feeling/direction" regarding how I deal with game situations was not as stupid as I thought (as noted above -- "Surprise!!!"). We'll see if its a good direction or bad direction. I still have two maps to cover. As you note, its hard to advance the character without "killing everything" smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531874 - 07/29/20 03:47 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
You've noted a few things I've not noted. You are more thorough than I am. I'm impressed by your thoroughness



Thanks. I appreciate your comment, but I didn't even touch on the 'advanced' stuff like build and party synergies. I jokingly said "a thousand other things" but it's probably not too far off the mark

I think Tactician forces you to be meticulous, to ensure you're not mis-spending points or memory slots for example. It's why I do not recommend it for a first run, but it's ideal for a second once you've mastered the mechanics.

It's a fantastic iso RPG, top of my list actually. I will never say it's the best, but I will say it's my favorite. There are a few wrinkles, some of the changes from the first game aren't to my taste. But taken as a whole it's hard to beat in this genre in my view, And the list of contenders is long and distinguished .


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531950 - 07/30/20 01:26 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I wound my way through the final reaches of this game last night, and to the final encounter. I won't spoil the details, even though the game is years old now and only 24% of players even make it to Act 3, let alone to the end. I was defeated in the final battle, though I chose the hardest path for the greatest reward. It was a close run thing, and now I have a better plan to tackle it again and I feel victory is within my grasp. Divinity shall be mine! smile

But man oh man is that a hell of a battle. Be prepared if you do play this to the end. That's hard to do when you do not know exactly what you are preparing for, but just bring it all haha. The massive boosts the enemy get playing on Tactician make it all the more challenging, but I feel it's winnable for me, with better tactics and maybe a kind RNG. Completing this game on this setting will be reward enough.

The ending is epic, befitting. Larian have crafted an amazing RPG and with a few turns I did not see coming. The final Act in Arx will put what you've learned to the test, there are some difficult fights, but if you've prepared well with skills, abilities and gear it's all manageable. My advice is to take your time getting here, search every corner, talk to everyone, complete all quests, explore all disciplines, even respeccing your characters in to ones more well-suited to the late-game. I did exactly this, as my battlemage type characters gradually became less battle and more mage as the game went on, using their skills and abilities instead of their swords. I can't recall the last battle I fought where they actually whacked someone over the head. That's odd for a RPG, but the classless system and freedom to build them as you see fit allows a massive variety of abilities, leaving mere swords feeling woefully inadequate compared to the power of the skills.

So I will give the final fight another go, with a better plan hopefully and using some things I failed to use in the first try. I wasn't far away and with a slightly different tack I think I can pull it off. I started this run last September, then put it off for almost a year before necro-ing this thread and deciding to pick it back up already in Act 3. I'm glad I did, and the Divine achievement is within reach. I've used no mods and none of the powerful"gift bags" that Larian includes that make the game too easy I would think. Just look at their bonuses. I believe the gift bags disable achievements? Anyway, I haven't used them, just a straight-up run as Larian intended when they made the game. And what a game it is.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531964 - 07/30/20 04:17 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: DBond]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by DBond
I've used no mods and none of the powerful"gift bags" that Larian includes that make the game too easy I would think. Just look at their bonuses. I believe the gift bags disable achievements? Anyway, I haven't used them, just a straight-up run as Larian intended when they made the game. And what a game it is.


Congratulations on avoiding mods and figuring things out as the game intends smile

As you note, using the provided "gift bag" mods disables achievements. So, I haven't used any -- even though a couple make sense to me. But, I have modded (the game just does not know about it). If asked, I'll mention I "cheat" and my achievements should be considered invalid -- but, it is interesting to see what I've "achieved" relative to other players. Like you say, a small proportion get to the last map.

Here's hoping you win that last battle on the very next try! I'd say "good luck", but you're doing it with "skill" -- not "luck" or "cheating". And on the Tactician setting! smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531970 - 07/30/20 05:06 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Thanks Allen. I would be dishonest if I said I never used the internet to help me when I was stuck. But these times were few, and I don't mind spending an hour to figure out a puzzle, as the reward is overcoming it on my own. Elitist, perhaps, but I would not get the same enjoyment out of this hobby by reading guides and doing what it says. I'd rather miss things than doing that frankly. And I have indeed smile I told the story earlier in this thread about a broken statue outside a crypt in Driftwood that went un-repaired through several runs as I never figured it out. Many players approach it differently and want to do everything, complete it all, regardless of what that requires, guides included. I like to use the analogy of artistry versus painting by numbers. Both result in a beautiful image, but only one is really rewarding in my view. Games like these are intellectual pursuits in a way, which is a big part of their appeal to me. To approach it differently would lessen the satisfaction. Few would agree I'd wager, but that's how I like to go about it. It rings hollow when someone proclaims they 'beat' a game when all they really did was follow a guide. Good for them I suppose, but not for me. I feel in a sense they have missed the best part.

And I could use some luck, I am counting on it actually. If one massive incoming attack misses instead of hits due to RNG then it will have a huge effect on the outcome. And maybe this time I will drink some fire resistance potions haha smile



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531972 - 07/30/20 05:17 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
A question I could look up online. But, I'll ask you. The answer will not change how I play. Just interested. You can use the "spoiler" function to hide the answer.

In the final battle of an RPG, I always expect it to be my Avatar all alone versus the Big Boss and several Minions (I seem to remember once or twice in 20+ years it was not that way). I'm expecting that here -- my gal against the world.

Is that correct? Or does my party (or some members) assist? Not looking for great detail -- just the simple "Avatar alone" vs "Avatar and some help". Thanks.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531973 - 07/30/20 05:18 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
All this talk about the second games makes it seem as it if it is the only one worthwhile. Is the first worth enduring?

#4531976 - 07/30/20 05:27 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
By the way, since I mention "cheating" (no other word for it). I only "cheat" by modding my "single player" experience for the fun of having more choice/more fun in a single play through.

I'm one of those many folks who would never cheat in a game against others. Heck, I golf and one calls penalties on one's self in that sport smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531978 - 07/30/20 05:40 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I loved the first game, and as mentioned above I've enjoyed finishing up DOS 2 so much that I plan to give DOS 1 another go as soon as I am done, this time in Lone Wolf mode. I have already run through the standard and enhanced editions in both Classic and Tactician, which just leaves Lone Wolf. Honestly I prefer the combat from the first game. DOS 2 is better in most ways but it's sort of like saying it's wetter water. There are many QoL improvements in the second game, things have been streamlined, inventory is better, there are far fewer times when you have to unchain the party to complete puzzles and that sort of thing. For me though, DOS 1 EE is certainly worth your time if you like this sort of game. If pressed to recommend one over the other, I'd give the nod to DOS 2.


Originally Posted by Allen
A question I could look up online. But, I'll ask you. The answer will not change how I play. Just interested. You can use the "spoiler" function to hide the answer.

In the final battle of an RPG, I always expect it to be my Avatar all alone versus the Big Boss and several Minions (I seem to remember once or twice in 20+ years it was not that way). I'm expecting that here -- my gal against the world.

Is that correct? Or does my party (or some members) assist? Not looking for great detail -- just the simple "Avatar alone" vs "Avatar and some help". Thanks.


That's complicated, and I will put it in spoilers, as it's important to me that I don't ruin the experience for anyone reading this thread and who also wants to approach the game in the same way I do. Discovery is a vital component of a game like this and the less you know going in, the better the experience in my view.

This is in spoiler tags because it is a massive spoiler. Short answer is both are possible. Stop reading now if that's enough




The answer to the question without revealing much detail is that it can be either. There will come a point where you are ready to ascend to divinity. But as is made clear, all of your companions also have the same goal. All are godwoken. When you reach this point these companions can leave permanently, or they can support you and remain. There are a number of determining factors, and it's not hard to ensure they remain if you know the requirements. On a first, spoiler-free run you will not know this and honestly, losing these companions you've fought alongside for the last 100 hours is a kick in the nuts. I can give detail of how to prevent this should anyone care to know.

So that means you can press on to the final Act alone, or with one, two or three companions. If they do leave, you can always use hirelings, or just continue alone or with whoever remains. The final Act would be very difficult alone, except perhaps on Classic or lower AND specced in to Lone Wolf. Then, maybe. I hope this answers the question and I did not ruin it, but the answer to the question is nuanced and I wanted to explain why.



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4531990 - 07/30/20 06:58 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
I "stopped reading now". The short answer was enough smile

Because you play without "cheating", and got me interested, I was considering playing "by the rules" on another play -- this game is good enough to play twice (something I very rarely do).

Now that DOS 1 has been raised, maybe that's the way to go -- don't own and never started that one -- so a better "test".

Baldur's Gate 3 might also be one to try "playing straight". As noted earlier, BG1 got me started on RPG; so, BG3 is nominally special to me.

Just went to the DOS 1 page. Very good reviews. Put it on the wishlist (don't need it until I'm done with this one).


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4531995 - 07/30/20 07:14 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
BG 1 was your first RPG?

Mine was on an Apple II, somewhere around the mid 80s, along with The Bard's Tale 1 on PC.

As a result I'm quite finnicky about what RPGs I play now, same as movies I watch.

Last edited by Mr_Blastman; 07/30/20 07:15 PM.
#4532000 - 07/30/20 07:28 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
You cannot go wrong with these Blastman. I suppose there's a chance they will not be to your liking, but a slim chance at that I reckon. There's no accounting for taste though, so I must be held blameless if you do not lol.

Not sure what my first game like this was. I mean I could go back to the game Adventure on Atari biggrin Or Legend of Zelda on Nintendo or Sega, So long now I forget. For PC it was probably Neverwinter Nights, which then led to other games like Planescape, BG, NWN2, Icewind Dale and so on. After twenty plus years that order may be shuffled a bit haha.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532010 - 07/30/20 08:19 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
I don't think Adventure was an RPG. Maybe the first graphical adventure game? I know Mystery House is often credited as such, but I think Adventure was technically released a couple of years earlier. I still get the heebie jeebies when I recall being swallowed by a dragon and watching my little square self jiggling in the lizard's belly.

Last edited by Mr_Blastman; 07/30/20 08:19 PM.
#4532012 - 07/30/20 08:34 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I accept your ruling biggrin

'Twas a stretch I admit. And with a name like Adventure I should assume it is an adventure game lol. We have come a long way to games like Divinity Original Sin. I expect BG3 will exceed them all if Larian are allowed a free hand.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532032 - 07/30/20 11:14 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Having failed on the first attempt at the final battle, a second run at it was always going to stand a better shot. It's valuable knowledge gained to apply the second go-round and I finished the game on Tactician. It has been done by 2.9% of players. After finishing I started to install the first game and saw that it's 2.7% for that game. So on the rare side for folks to run all the way through on this setting.

The end of DOS 2 is cool, you have some choices to make, but I'll leave that to be discovered.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532034 - 07/30/20 11:16 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Mr_Blastman]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by Mr_Blastman
BG 1 was your first RPG?


My gaming history:

In the early/mid 1970s I was not aware of a practical desktop computer. So, I invented a desktop for work around 1975 but it wasn't good enough -- took 1.5 years of "free time" before I had something to turn on (well worth it for what I learned -- I applied the knowledge at work). By the time, my crude design started improving, the first desktops using Basic language came out. That ended my experiment. Along the way, gaming wise, I was teaching my desktop to play checkers -- didn't get too far.

Henceforth, I used commercial desktop computers only for work -- initially, one of the only guys on site with a desktop. Most used the room-filling beast. But, my desktop was only for work. I also bought one for work at home -- never bought a game for it. I wrote a game to practice programming -- a crude dungeon crawl with monsters and very crude graphics -- a workplace friend liked to play it smile

Then, in the early 90s, I ordered some business software and they included a free Combat Flight Simulator. That got me started on gaming (hooked, actually). I only played flight simulators. SimHQ became my favorite site along the way. SimHQ had a reboot circa 1999 and I was one of the first 60 or so to sign up during the reboot. I liked to try to make my own aircraft (in a small way).

Baldur's Gate was published in 1998 and got me started on fantasy RPG. Since then Flight Sims and Fantasy RPG. I modded BG1 with a hex editor.

Modding in my DNA -- e.g. teaching the first desktop checkers, the next one a game written in Basic, etc. Problem is, Modding has become too easy with tools like Cheat Engine -- I give all the credit to the Cheat Engine team -- I can't take any. If I had invented Cheat Engine (for example), I would not mind using it.

As noted above, now that modding is too easy, I might try playing by the rules biggrin


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532038 - 07/30/20 11:42 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I snapped a shot of my main after having fought the final battle and returned to the Lady Vengeance. The glow is divinity itself smile

This is his card as equipped for that battle, minus leadership bonus to resistances and dodging. For as long as I have played this sort of game I have leaned toward ranger class. My main was my best damage dealer. 50% crit chance is strong. By necessity he was far less well-protected than the others, but his range, high damage and crit plus the ability to deal every type of physical, magical and elemental damage made him the most decisive and versatile part of the party. Notice how few skills he has. But what he does have are all hella useful and strong. That was a lot of fun, I'm glad to have picked the run up again. I saw when reinstalling DOS 1 I had finished my Tactician run on October 11, 2016, so it's been a while. Should be fun to revisit it and compare it with the second game so fresh in my mind.


Attached Files Alexander.jpg

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532048 - 07/31/20 01:13 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Very interesting build. Tomorrow, I'll compare it to my build to see what I can learn from someone who doesn't mod aka "cheat".


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532086 - 07/31/20 11:35 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I wouldn't call it cheating, in single player you should play the way that you find most compelling. If the mods affect things like damage, action points, skills, protection and the like (not just cosmetic) it could be said that's an advantage over a player not using them, but I wouldn't call it cheating. No different than a player using the gift bags which Larian provides.

In that build above, about 30 of the Finesse comes from gear bonuses and runes.

I played the first game for a couple hours and it all came back to me. I'll post some thoughts about the two games a little later when I have the time. I've said in this thread that I didn't like the way armor and initiative was changed for DOS 2 but it goes beyond that.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532089 - 07/31/20 12:04 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Here's a quick visual comparison between your winning build and my current build status.

I think we both "fight" similarly -- bow and magic. Your damage level is very high at level 20. It was interesting to see how "all in" your build went and how well it succeeded.

Regarding my level 16 character: All her equipment, potions, and spells are "stock". They are not improved by mods. I do mod the money supply so I can buy and try without penalty -- in the end she's only wearing one set of armor, only using a few spells, etc. So it does not matter much to winning and losing.

In my case, I modded her characteristics to give more options during the game. So, I raised all her characteristics to be very good -- but, not all maximum. I just wanted one character with all-around good characteristics so I could have more fun trying things -- but not be locked into a path for her "build".

Thus, strength was maximized to allow carrying maximum weight (not for fighting) -- some games don't limit carry weight in the first place. I get more conversation choices. I get more spell slots (but only actually use a few of them). Etc.

I can still lose a battle. But, I've come up with a battle plan that seems to work better than it should -- if I stick to it. Like I noted before, an accidental battle loss is okay. However, after a few deaths due to my bad play, I would consider a game "restart".

I'll be interested to read the further thoughts you mentioned.

Attached Files Comparison.png

Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532094 - 07/31/20 12:18 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
By the way, I don't mod my character all the way up at the game's beginning. Rather, I made her comparable/competitive to the levels I was facing regarding the individual characteristics (Strength, etc) -- and added points along the way.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532109 - 07/31/20 01:41 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Yes, the ranger build was a pure build, and Lohse as a Aero/Hydro mage was too. But Fane and Red Prince were both hybrid builds, battlemage archetype but which became more mage than battle as the game wore on as mentioned. Skills are more versatile and powerful than weapons (aside from a bow backed by massive Finesse + High Ground). Swords and wands were carried strictly for their inherent skills and attribute bonuses through the second half of the game for me.

Thanks for the side-by-side comparison. That's interesting. My ranger does a hell of a lot more damage, but with you so heavily invested in INT and Memory she must have a lot of skills and spells to use as well. My ranger gets it all from the Huntsman skills and magic arrows (most of which I saved for the end battles, aside from Knockdown arrows which I used a lot for CC). High ground was insane, with another +70% damage from that. Your character is heavy in to all attributes, even strength, with numbers beyond what could be achieved without mods.

I fired up DOS 1 EE last night. I had a good idea of what I wanted to do, but I needed to re-acquaint myself with the rules and build options. The idea was to do a dual Lone Wolf run. Lone Wolf means no companion slot, and dual means no companions at all, just the two mains. Instead the characters get +70% vitality and additional attribute and skill points on level up. The key to success is denying the enemy the ability to CC your characters. With just two, a stunlock or knockdown takes half of your firepower and that won't do. And that brings me to DOS 1 and some thoughts about how the two games differ.

I've talked about armor, and how it was split in to both magical and physical for the second game. Beyond that, status effects can't apply until the armor type that resists it is completely gone. Skill descriptions use the term "resisted by", but it really should say "blocked by". Charm or shock for example cannot work until magic armor is removed. And then it works 100%. It's an odd change and I don't like it. I'd rather it worked traditionally, that is with saving throws. DOS 1 works this way, and in that game you have Defenses (Body Building and Willpower) that are rolled against the attack, so statuses can be applied at any time if you win the roll. Conversely you need to invest in these if you want to prevent being CC'd, set on fire and the like. I much prefer this as it is dependent on your build and makes combat less binary in a sense. It also means that mixed parties (both physical and magical damage) are less effective in the second game. You'd have an advantage going all-in on one or the other. But that's less interesting and I didn't do it for my Tactician DOS 2 run.

So that small difference means that in DOS 1 the build is more important (since defenses do not even exist in DOS 2). Failing to invest in Body Building or Willpower means that your character can be CC'd by even the most modest enemy. In DOS 2 it just comes down to how much armor you have (and what type). And for me, any mechanical/combat interlacing between build and effectiveness makes that aspect of the game more interesting.

Another thing that was changed is how initiative works. In DOS 1 you have a Speed attribute, that affects Action Points, movement and initiative. In the first game this is important since initiative affects the combat order of all combatants. In DOS 2 this was changed to a round-robin type system, where initiative of your party only affects the order they fight in, and regardless of stats, the enemy will always go next. It alternates, meaning initiative is far less important. You just want to make it so your characters fight in the order you want, and forget about improving the stat beyond that. In DOS 1 if all of your party have higher initiative than all enemies, all of your party gets to take their turns before the enemy fires a shot. So the change was likely made to make combat more challenging, by preventing you from ganging up at the start. Personally I don't like it as it takes another 'interlaced mechanic' away from the build synergy.

A third thing that was changed is how action points work. In DOS 1, as you level your skills you start to gain 'mastery' over them (my term). For example a Novice-level Aerotheurge spell at Aero 1 might consume 4 action points. But when you add an additional point to Aero that same spell now consumes 3 action points. So as you level and increase these stats you can use more spells in any given turn. In addition, increasing speed gives you more APs, further increasing the number of skills and spells you can perform in any given turn. Leveling also affects cooldowns, all of which means that as your character levels up it imparts the sensation that your character is mastering that school. In DOS 2 leveling these stats is more of an 'unlock', or the pre-requisite needed to learn the higher level abilities. There is a small 5% boost to damage per point, but that's all. You do not gain more APs, and AP costs do not drop. You can just cast more powerful stuff. Once again, I prefer the way it works in DOS 1.

In the end I re-rolled my dual mains about six times lol, as I kept making mistakes or forgetting to change their portrait or whatever haha. I built a sword and board battlemage (Lone Wolf / Pet Pal + Man-at -Arms + Witchcraft, Geo and later Pyro and Scoundrel) and a mage (Lone Wolf / Far Out Man + Witchcraft, Aero, Hydro, but who will eventually have points in all schools). A fourth difference between the two games is how skill points are spent. In order to level something like Aero in DOS 2 you just spend a single point. But in DOS 1 each level costs the same in skill points. So to reach Aero 5 in DOS 2 you spend 5 points. But in DOS 1 to reach level 5 you need to spend 15 (1+2+3+4+5). That's a huge difference and means that to go to the highest level you need to heavily invest. Instead, I will spread it out. Instead of taking these to level 5 I will go to 4, meaning I have 5 skills points saved and can invest them instead in another school. There is no Memory-type cap, you're simply limited by your money and ability to find skill books. In a sense it's a system that is even more classless than DOS 2 if that makes any sense, and encourages you to diversify. Plus, the Master spells are extremely powerful but have just one use per combat, further encouraging me to spread it around rather than go pure.

That's a long post smile



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532134 - 07/31/20 04:08 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Originally Posted by Allen


Modding in my DNA -- e.g. teaching the first desktop checkers, the next one a game written in Basic, etc. Problem is, Modding has become too easy with tools like Cheat Engine -- I give all the credit to the Cheat Engine team -- I can't take any. If I had invented Cheat Engine (for example), I would not mind using it.


I must admit I spent many hours inside DOS debut and Norton Hex Editor in the late 80s trying to make games do things they weren't supposed to do. smile

I only cheated a couple of times in Bard's Tale 1, but that's it.

As far as modding is concerned, I mod everything I own almost outside of computing, too. I can't help myself. I find that almost anything can be made better.

#4532136 - 07/31/20 04:11 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Thanks for the many details -- clearly written. Your approach is logical. DOS 1 mechanics do seem better in some respects. I read your post closely and imagined how to set up DOS 1 based on your explanations. I'll re-read before starting DOS 1.

If I started on my own without reading your information, I'd play by ear -- and, as usual miss some things. Normally, with a new RPG, I play 4 to 8 hours, get the idea, and do a restart.

Another thought: In some harmless respects, I am actually a "lone wolf" in real life. Normally I'm happier during the moments I can play an RPG that way -- a single "hero" against the world. For example, at the end of Risen 3, I cleared the final map by myself -- except where the game seemed to force a temporary companion.

Nevertheless, in most RPG, followers are necessary for expanding the story and adding quests. So, I normally have followers. For DOS 1, I may try "lone wolf" right off the bat -- based on how that 4 to 8 hour play test turns out.

Regarding a long post: I was noted (at work) for long answers. Seems we're similar. I always felt, "say it all". No doubt, the reader knows some (or nearly all) of it. But, being complete allows the reader to "pick and choose" and to have some information they may need but would not have gotten if the one explaining gave a concise explanation of what the one explaining valued but that "left things out" (that's a long sentence smile ).


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532142 - 07/31/20 04:20 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Mr_Blastman]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by Mr_Blastman
As far as modding is concerned, I mod everything I own almost outside of computing, too. I can't help myself. I find that almost anything can be made better.


That's two of us.

I find/feel kindred spirits at SimHQ. Many logical/thoughtful folks. Why its my favorite site, by far.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532158 - 07/31/20 04:59 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
Thanks for the many details -- clearly written. Your approach is logical. DOS 1 mechanics do seem better in some respects. I read your post closely and imagined how to set up DOS 1 based on your explanations. I'll re-read before starting DOS 1.


My pleasure, thanks for reading. Your comments are appreciated.

Quote
Normally, with a new RPG, I play 4 to 8 hours, get the idea, and do a restart.


That's SOP for me too.

Quote
Another thought: In some harmless respects, I am actually a "lone wolf" in real life. Normally I'm happier during the moments I can play an RPG that way -- a single "hero" against the world.


Same here. I am also drawn to games like that. Sub sims for example, black ops, solo RPGs (Witcher for example), Thief games and on and on. It's part of why I took so long to get in to party RPGs, waiting through many classic titles until the early 2000s. Once I started though I found I like these games too.

Quote
For DOS 1, I may try "lone wolf" right off the bat


That would be great if this thread got you to give the first game a go. Maybe we can keep it going and you'll share your thoughts on that one too. For what it's worth DOS 1 has two mains, and and that cannot be changed.

Quote
Regarding a long post: I was noted (at work) for long answers. Seems we're similar.


Well, you engineer types are like that biggrin And yes, it appears you are correct.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532245 - 08/01/20 04:12 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Having sunk a few hours in to DOS 1 EE after four years away, a few random thoughts....

-- I had forgotten about the Rock-Paper-Scissors mini-game. Seems to do the trick and adds some variability to the outcomes of conversations.
-- The start of this game is slower than DOS 2. The second game would be a much better introduction to the series for a new player I think in order to keep his attention until the game hooks him.
-- DOS 1 is more light-hearted, funny and whimsical. The second game takes itself more seriously.
-- It is striking to me how much of an effort Larian made to remove RNG from the systems in the second game. I love DOS 2, but playing DOS 1 again confirms how much more I prefer the unpredictability and variability that comes from traditional percentages, RNG and dice rolls. I would bet that I have already seen as many 'misses' in a few hours as I did in an entire DOS 2 run.
-- Apparently in my previous runs I had failed to find a talking clam right on the starting beach. Blows my mind. But there he was and I got an achievement out of it (and some good loot ) which I did not expect to earn so soon, as I have virtually all of them. I am missing about twelve, eight of which are hidden (OK, seven, now). Of the four shown on the Steam library page, one is for Lone Wolf, and this is my first try at that. I hope to get more of the hidden ones as I am curious what they might be!
-- I miss the improved inventory of the second game, especially the shared inventory concept.
-- I like crafting and blacksmithing mechanics. While crafting is fine in DOS 2, every character can do it all, and blacksmithing is not a thing. In DOS 1, you need to invest points, adding another layer to the opportunity cost of build choices. For me, this is ALWAYS a good thing. The more decisions I need to agonize over, the better the experience.
-- I really like the whole 'mastery' concept I described above in another post. I wish the second game worked the same way honestly.
-- It is also striking how many things were changed or removed, like the trait system. Traits exist in DOS 2, but in the first game they are the result of dialog choices you make. Traits like Bold, Righteous, Altruistic and Egotistical for example, all of which give bonuses such as +1 Willpower or Immunity to Charm. A cool system. It is a double-ended sliding scale that can flip-flop over the run. More consequence of choice, which I approve of.
-- I miss the wide "hot-bar" of the second game.
-- DOS 1 has a great soundtrack/score


Anyway, just a few observations, with both games so fresh in my mind.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532278 - 08/01/20 08:56 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Thanks for the info.

I'm still "cleaning" the second to last map in DOS2 (and watching the Golf Channel). The early game seemed to make the point that the Heroine is ultimately "on her own".

Now in the late game, the Heroine remembers that point. She talks softly but mercilessly kills those who threaten her. Seems like everyone on this map is threatening smile

Just a fill in. Don't correct me if I'm wrong. She has to learn the hard way and live or die with the consequences of her "path" smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532326 - 08/02/20 02:26 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
In my last run I cleared the Black Ring, even the group of traders, which I did just before moving on to Arx. The folks on the tree I had no quarrel with so they lived. Red Prince had max persuasion along with high strength and constitution so could easily pass the skill checks, which maybe avoided some combat that otherwise would occur? But the Black Ring could not be allowed to go on smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532407 - 08/03/20 11:29 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Ordered Divinity Original Sin Enhanced (DOS1) -- and pre-ordered MSFS2020. I may not play DOS1 soon. But, DOS2 is good enough that I wanted to support the studio with cash. Meantime, I continue to get my in-game "ducks lined up" to finish DOS2.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532409 - 08/03/20 11:48 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Biggest thing I liked about DOS1 more than DOS2 is the "party fights their turn, then enemy party fights their turn" mechanic, and the absence of the magical/physical armor distinction. I can get my head around the later by now, but the former really makes it much harder to chain abilities of different characters together, which to me was a great use of the environmental mecahnics.

#4532424 - 08/03/20 01:12 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Yeah Colonel, and I gave some of my thoughts on both of those things in the longer post above. In DOS 1 you can CC or apply status in the first attack, where in DOS 2 you need to chop off the armor first. Big change that makes quite a difference in how it plays out. I used the word binary, and for better or worse that's how DOS 2 combat feels. It's still good, I always look forward to the next battle. But playing DOS 1 again now, the difference is so clear. I'm playing with dual lone wolf characters, which really puts a premium on crowd control. It would be a lot more difficult if I had to remove one armor or the other in order to apply a status like in the second game. If I can get a knockdown and a stunlock on the first turn against a mob it makes the whole thing more manageable with just two characters. And of course avoiding the same on my characters is important too. There's no armor to hide behind and protection against these has to come through the defense stats or pre-emptive strikes to CC them first.

Some big changes were made in how Lone Wolf works in the EE. When the game was released, LW was pretty OP. But now it's not, and I'd reckon harder in certain circumstances. But it is much more manageable in terms of inventory and gear as I only need to outfit two.

Pretty quickly I swapped my sword and board battlemage to two-handers. Shields in DOS 1 give no additional armor, unlike the second game, where they are very strong. I've hit level 6 and having a good time with it once again.

One correction: I said earlier that there is no Memory type cap to spells and skills. But that's wrong. The way it works is the spells/skills you can have is tied to the level of that school/discipline. These are divided in to three types, Novice, Adept and Master. As you level the skill, you gain more slots and it works like this

Level 1 -- 3 Novice skills
Level 2 -- 5 Novice, 2 Adept
Level 3 -- 6 Novice, 3 Adept
Level 4 -- 6 Novice, 4 Adept, 1 Master
Level 5 -- 6 Novice, 4 Adept, 2 Master

The thing that might jump out at you is that going from level 4 to 5 grants just a single spell slot. Master spells are very strong, but that's another five skill points invested to gain that one strong spell. Not worth it for me, since those 5 points could be spent in a different school, gaining a number of lesser spells/skills that make the character more versatile and ultimately, effective, especially when you consider that master skills can only be used once per combat. There is no source-type soft cap to the strongest ones like in DOS 2.



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4532938 - 08/07/20 04:01 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
I've started the 4th and nominally final map yesterday (8/6/20).

I knew there were 4 maps, but I had not "read up" on what and how. I thought I was moments away from the 4th map a few days ago -- wrong. I've been very surprised at the surprises along the path to the 4th map -- that's a good thing. DOS2 is even better than expected due to the unexpected twists and turns (compared to other good RPG). Maybe why its rated the 2'd best RPG of all time, by some.

I also just found the "nuclear option" (of course, experienced players would know about it). "Pyroclastic Eruption" requires 3 source and 3 action points to activate and takes 3 spell slots. But, if one has high specs in the right categories, it brings a lot of big fights to an end almost immediately. I don't always use it -- but, if things seem out of hand -- I "pull the trigger". I used it in the "lair of the white worm" yesterday. At the start, I looked very outmatched. I pulled the trigger -- battle over (actually surprised me). That's another positive about DOS2 -- one does not have to grind every battle -- if one "builds" correctly.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4532943 - 08/07/20 04:20 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen


I knew there were 4 maps, but I had not "read up" on what and how. I thought I was moments away from the 4th map a few days ago -- wrong. I've been very surprised at the surprises along the path to the 4th map -- that's a good thing. DOS2 is even better than expected due to the unexpected twists and turns (compared to other good RPG). Maybe why its rated the 2'd best RPG of all time, by some.


I'd chalk that up to the fact you are doing it right and not reading about everything first. You get the best experience this way in my view. And actually, what caused me to necro this thread was the fact PC Gamer listed it as the best PC game period, not just RPG. Since then I've seen it top more lists as well. It's all subjective, but still very revealing about the quality of the game.

Quote
I also just found the "nuclear option" (of course, experienced players would know about it). "Pyroclastic Eruption"


Boom! Haha, yes indeed. I didn't spec in to Poly in my run, but this spell is a great reason to do so.

There is one more way to increase your power in Arx. It's a spoiler so I will reserve comment for now. But if you are interested I will reveal it, or at least give cryptic clues should you be interested. It is something I missed entirely my first time through, but stumbled on to it by accident in the last run. It's the thing I said made me feel like I was using high-level DOS 1 characters again.

Speaking of DOS 1, I have reached level 11 and having a good time with it again. The dual Lone Wolf thing has been fine, and maybe OP in some ways. But it's cool to just have the two characters while taking on mobs much, much larger. A different sort of challenge, with a premium put on crowd control. Plenty of game left, but I've had no trouble progressing with just the two mains.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533111 - 08/10/20 11:12 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
DOS2 keeps surprising. As noted above, it's more intricate than a normal RPG (most I play make the next step obvious).

There was a very-very small area along a very small beach (20 feet or so of beach area). Looked "useless" from 30 feet away. Nothing in the plot was sending me there. And, to get to it I had to "teleport" a 15 feet. But, I did it. There was a toy and a couple other "nothing" objects on the beach which was hidden from view until I got there -- not the first time that's happened -- big deal (yawn). But, I had learned by now I should investigate everything I come across -- so, I tried to pick up the toy. Unexpectedly, the toy spoke -- most toys in the game are inert toys -- this one had a soul (makes sense in the story-line of this game). And, it gave me a very key piece of information to get to that "final battle" (not there yet). Had I not done what I did (jump to nondescript area, pick up nondescript toy), I would never have gotten that piece of information. I assume the game has alternate paths to the same final destination -- so maybe I did not need this bit -- but, it has helped me forward and given satisfaction.

This little comment is by way of recommending the game yet again.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4533127 - 08/10/20 03:46 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I am in agreement smile

By the way I was wrong about master skill in DOS 1 EE only available once per combat. Must have been changed for the Enhanced Edition. There is a long cool down, but not a limit per combat as I said.

I've played through both editions, but it's funny how my memory seems to be much more grounded in the non-enchanced edition. Another example of me misremembering is that when I had an extra skill point to spend I spent it on Marksman, with a view to grabbing Tactical Retreat once I found the skill book. But I didn't find it and then found out it was removed from EE. Derp derp.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533128 - 08/10/20 03:55 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
I might give in and install DOS this week. Pillars of Eternity just isn't clicking with me--the characters are dry and without personality. There's lots of read, but after playing who knows how many RPGs over the years, I need more than words--I need my companions to have heart and soul.

#4533135 - 08/10/20 04:34 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Which PoE? I didn't click entirely with the first (partly or mostly because of RTwP), but I liked Deadfire a lot. Once they added turn-based I gave it a go and ended up having a great time with it. I like the class system in that game.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533137 - 08/10/20 04:41 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
The first one where you have to hit pause, otherwise combat is over in a split second. One thing I dislike is how you cast spells--you have to pick where they land, but what's confusing is if i you click on the enemy, who's running at you at light speed, you'll miss, so you have to somehow predict where they will be by the time the spellcaster is done with their incantation and that's frustrating.

#4533138 - 08/10/20 04:47 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Yeah I agree, the combat didn't click with me as I said because of the RTwP. But for Deadfire they added a turn-based mode post-release and it worked great. Worth a go at some point.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533735 - 08/15/20 03:34 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I made a mistake choosing Classic for this dual Lone Wolf Run, as even with such a small party I am having no trouble. In fact, I'm level 15 now and each character has died just once, and no party-wipes. What I should have done is give Honor mode a go. This mode combines Tactician with a single save, and if the party is wiped it's game over. But that's pretty brutal to play such a long game and have it end that way. But I could have gotten the Lone Wolf achievement by having just one, and three party members. Seems do-able like that. Not sure if I'll ever give this game another go (DOS 1 EE), and the BG3 release date is to be announced in a few days. I hope they say it's imminent. It would be just like Larian to announce a release date reveal that reveals the release date is tomorrow smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533737 - 08/15/20 03:38 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Finished DOS2.

The final battle turned out to be final battles (plural). The nominal final battle lasted moments -- the next one only a bit longer -- I had "bug fights" that lasted much longer. Surprisingly, the outcomes were never in doubt.

Very interesting how they ended the game. I saved after the final battle and I tried all the endings.

Final verdict: DOS2 is Excellent. However, its much more nuanced than any RPG I've played. I did not expect that depth of nuance.

Consequently, I was not excellent. I often "overlooked" or "forgot" things the game expected me to be aware of. That made it necessary to go on-line for answers at times.

My overall grade as a player of DOS2: Fail smile

I'll have to approach DOS1 differently -- expecting more nuance smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4533738 - 08/15/20 03:42 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Congrats, that's awesome! Not many actually finish a game like this. Well done Allen.

Which choice did you make when dealing with Lucian at the end? I chose Divinity, of course smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533745 - 08/15/20 06:13 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
I chose Divinity because I did not "trust" the other choices. I thought Lucian was BSing me -- as so many had before. I believed the other choices would not perform -- i.e. they said things would be better and fairer to "everyone" -- but, I did not believe it because so many things I had been told were lies.

After finishing Divinity, I reloaded and tried the other endings. One of them did turn out to be a lie -- I didn't pick it -- a passing grade for passing on it.

One of them turned out to be best for all (men, lizards, elves, etc). Had I known, it would have been my "pick". Since I always play using my "real life" leanings, I always work for the betterment of all. I don't even fight with those who do not attack me first -- unless I know they will attack eventually or kill an innocent if I don't "take care of them". A few beasts did not attack in the first play through -- I let them live (costs points).

Meantime, I rethought my idea of starting DOS1. I will learn more about spotting and remembering key information by replaying DOS2 -- it may better prepare me for Baldur's Gate 3 (from the same Developer).

So, I've restarted DOS2. Slightly different build. Building to play "Lone Wolf" (one companion allowed).

I'm not going "cold turkey" on mods. This play will also have some of my "convenience mods" that should not greatly affect battle outcomes. Rather, they will provide, for example, more conversation choices -- so I can experiment more with "game paths" -- and maybe cause less death. As noted, the chief reason to replay is to practice "remembering plot things I learn in-game" for use near "end-game".

Of course, MSFS2020 is coming over the horizon momentarily and will land in my Steam account. But, I won't "grind" for scores of hours as in an RPG smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4533848 - 08/17/20 12:58 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
I broke a rule and started another new game before beating any of the other ones I've started. So far, Divinity seems to have personality that many others are missing...

#4533862 - 08/17/20 10:45 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
I won't be giving a play by play -- just a note (by my verbose standards).

10 hours into DOS2 (according to the game clock). Lone Wolf build. Ifan partner. Have exited the "prison" part of the island, removed Collar while still in "prison", in countryside for only 20 game play minutes. I did not clear the main Fort with combat, I bypassed it with virtually no combat (cost points); however, I did virtually everything else possible to get points.

So far, my path through DOS2 is different. I'm practicing paying attention and planning my path -- it matters. The combat technique I developed on the recently ended first play through works "almost too well" when combined with "lone wolf" perks and my modifications. The mods give an unfair advantage if I use the normal battle plan. I'll have to develop another (read "fair") combat technique as part of my learning experience.

One of my first play-through early partners that I met ion this play-through threatened me (also happened on the first play through). Since I'm "Lone Wolf", I could not calm things down by offering a place in the party. We fought to the death. I did NOT resurrect.

Also put about 45 minutes into DOS1 -- finished the first battle. Playing un-Modded, so far. Its enough different that I'd have to play a few hours to "get the drift" and then restart with new hero buiilds. My first surprise is how fast ranged attacks lose accuracy as the distance increases.But, having only the first battle (no doubt designed to let the player win), its hard to tell how "random" this will make the "fights".


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4533878 - 08/17/20 12:49 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Mr_Blastman
So far, Divinity seems to have personality that many others are missing...



Which game? DOS 2?

Originally Posted by Allen


My first surprise is how fast ranged attacks lose accuracy as the distance increases.But, having only the first battle (no doubt designed to let the player win), its hard to tell how "random" this will make the "fights".


I used the term binary when discussing this earlier. In DOS 2 things either work or they do not, and you already know this before taking the action. In DOS 1 it's much more traditional, with more of a dice-roll feel, with saving throws and hit percentages. I like the unpredictability of the combat in DOS 1. It feels more RPG-like, but both work well and the combat is great in each game.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533888 - 08/17/20 02:58 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: DBond]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Originally Posted by DBond

Which game? DOS 2?



DOS 1.

#4533894 - 08/17/20 03:06 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Mr_Blastman]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Mr_Blastman



DOS 1


It's the Enhanced Edition?

It's a bit of a slow start. You really need to be at least level 4 before heading out of town (go west in to the rain first). So you'll spend a lot of the early game in town following the murder quest. But once you hit level 4 and can venture out of town it begins to pick up. I've just done this as I am replaying that game (now level 15 in a dual Lone Wolf run).

And by the way, the release date announcement for BG3 is tomorrow. It will go EA first it appears.




No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533896 - 08/17/20 03:15 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Yeah, the enhanced edition. I don't mind the slow start, as I'm finding many similarities or tributes to the Ultima games here. I'm not sure what you mean by "lone wolf" run.

No spoilers plz.

#4533898 - 08/17/20 03:19 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Lone Wolf is a talent you can take. It gives the character an additional 70% vitality, two additional action points per turn and an additional skill point per level, but means you cannot take a companion. If you give this talent to each of the mains, then no companions can be taken, so you play with just the two characters (or three if Lone Wolf is only on one of the mains).


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4533902 - 08/17/20 03:59 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Hmm, interesting. I'm not sure I'd take that perk because I love party dynamics and the random crap they say. In the Ultima games I would have 7 - 8 player parties. I think in Baldur's gate I had 6. So far DOS has what Pillars of Eternity was desperately missing--personality and charm. There was none of that in the 10 - 12 hours of Pillars I've played so far, but plenty in DOS. I met a talking clam, I encountered and adventurers guild pyramid scheme, and a talking polymorph cat!

The last time I encountered a talking animal in a RPG of any consequence was Sherry the Mouse in Ultima 6 in 1989...


I don't need personality in all my RPGs. Dungeon Crawlers are mostly exempt from this as they are first person combat focused, but any time a 3rd person view party is involved, it is a huge bonus.



Last edited by Mr_Blastman; 08/17/20 04:12 PM.
#4533905 - 08/17/20 04:28 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Right, agreed. I wouldn't want to do that for a first run, but it's a neat thing to do on a subsequent run. If nothing else, it sure makes gear easier to manage as you only need to worry about half as much, and makes the build more important, as each character becomes half of your firepower. But for a first run, I want the full party vibe, and get to know some of the companion characters.

I've played this game quite a few times, in both the standard and EE versions. I do it like this

First run : Classic difficulty, full party
Second Run : Tactician difficulty, full party
Later runs: Mix of Tactician/Lone Wolf and other house rule settings to keep it challenging

Tactician is the thing I like best, because honestly, after the opening stages, DOS is not a hard game. There comes a point fairly quickly where a well-built party starts to seriously outstrip the AI. Tactician helps to offset this and keep the challenge level up so that it's satisfying and not too easy. Once you've experienced the story and quests, and solved the puzzles, the thing that remains compelling is the combat, provided of course you're not just walking right over the AI. Tactician increases the number of enemies, all of their stats as well as improves their AI, giving them access to more skills and spells. I don't recommend it for a first playthrough, but it is ideal for a second, once you've mastered the systems and builds.

I like your comments about the NPCs you are meeting. if you don't have it, take the Pet Pal talent and you can get this sort of interaction throughout the game. Pet Pal is less important in DOS 1 than 2, but it can open up new quests and reveal helpful tips (rats always seem to know what's what! But they are maddening to click on as they scurry around. It's better in DOS 2)


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534039 - 08/18/20 09:48 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
A 20 GB update dropped today for Pathfinder:Kingmaker. I played this one for about 100 hours a year ago before shelving it for a while. Should be worth a revisit with such a big update. It released as RTwP, but I used a turn-based mod. With this update, it appears turn-based is now an official option. PoE 2 did the same thing, released it as real-time and later added a turn-based mode. I'm nearing the end of my DOS 1 EE run, on the final map, so maybe I will give PK another go when done.

Larian announced BG3 release date today. It goes EA on September 30. I saw interesting stats comparing how much bigger the game will be at EA launch than DOS 2 was, but my plan is to wait until full release, which is what I did with both of the DOS games. But maybe at some point I will do it anyway. I have never purchased an early-access game.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534071 - 08/19/20 10:26 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
As noted above, I had started a DOS2 replay. After about 10 game hours, I stopped. Its just too fresh in my mind to replay. I just picture it all, figuratively speaking. I used the short play time to change my approach to DOS games.

Started DOS1 in earnest. Started clean (ignored my quick look start). Less than 10hrs of game play. Two women in "Lone Wolf" (my Wife and a Grandchild -- their real life characteristics fit the role -- I see myself as their Guardian Spirit). They're at level 3. They've been to the in-game "heaven" area. Still in original city solving the crime. Seem nearly done solving (know at least one name for sure -- that one is on the run) -- but, who knows -- DOS games twist and turn in the plot.

Findings: I had to get used to the older graphics -- okay now. I've literally not looked "on line" for anything -- my goal is to do it all myself, period. DOS2 taught me the DOS games are just more nuanced/complex and the "fun" in DOS is to "find the correct path". As usual, I did make mods that have had little effect on combat actual-outcomes but increase my choices (e.g. conversations, equipment) to allow a "fuller experience" on one play through.

Have MSFS2020 -- but, its on the "back burner" today.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534083 - 08/19/20 01:14 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
DOS 2 does look quite a bit better, but it doesn't take long to adjust. I just hit level 16, also playing dual Lone Wolf. The extra skill points means you can really load each character down with abilities/spells/skills. I put an emphasis on defense and have leadership base 5 on each. Winning those saving throws is key I think, and should not be neglected with just two mains.

The male character is a two-handed damage dealer, but dabbles in all sorts of things. Witchcraft especially, for the undead summons, Rapture and Oath of Desecration and more. He also has a few points in Geo, for the spider summons (awesome in the early going), and some CC like oil. But mostly he makes use of the warfare skills and has enough points invested for things like Regeneration and level 1 Marksman skills (remove poison and that sort of thing), and Scoundrel for a few more.

The female character is a mage, with high Hydrosophist and Aerotheurge for the damage, healing, buffs and CC. But she has points in all schools so has Geo and Pyro skills as well, plus Witchcraft for Rapture, Oath of Desecration and a number of debuffs. Witchcraft is really good in DOS 1 EE, most of the skills are great.

There are a number of skills on both characters, the stuff I find most useful. Teleportation, Rapture, Regeneration, Walk in Shadows and more. And summons are key with dual Lone Wolf. Each character has at least three they can call on. It's been a lot of fun, having characters that are so incredibly versatile. Lone Wolf was nerfed hard for EE, but even so it's been no trouble. It must have been way OP before the nerf.

I recommend getting Speed to at least 9 on each character. The way it works is you only see action points increase on every odd level. At Speed 9 you get 10 AP per turn, which is enough I find. Speed 11 would be better of course, but that's a lot of investment to raise it two more levels. So I settled on 9, and any more would have to come from gear.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534098 - 08/19/20 03:40 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Interesting to read your summary. I see similarities in our builds -- though I'm a "beginner". Sulinda (wife) is a magic specialist. Charlotte (granddaughter) is a "ranged hardware" specialist (mainly crossbow). They're women; so, I don't expect them to use their axe to "face down" monsters -- just keep away and peck away until they're all dead.

Thanks for the "speed" tip -- it rings true now that I've played a while -- it fits the "heroine" approach. I went with stock speeds (and most other stock characteristics) for the stock builds I started with. Sulinda is speed 7 while Charlotte is only 5 (and that crossbow slows her down). That's unbalanced and too low. I'll have to "work" the speed aspect as you suggest.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534109 - 08/19/20 04:38 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen

Thanks for the "speed" tip


Anytime.

I've built a lot of characters in this game so have lots of build tips and thoughts on which skills/abilities are best and worst.

With Lone Wolf though you really can get just about everything. For what it's worth I've put minimal points in weapons skills and personality levels (aside from leadership) and put them all in skills and defenses (body building and willpower). I did need to put two points in to Armor Specialist to equip the armor I wanted the two-hander to wear and a couple points in to Loremaster, Crafting and Blacksmithing which is needed. Crafting 5 is especially useful to improve armor and weapons. But you can keep belts, rings and other gear on hand to boost the last few points (Crafting, lockpicking,bartering, loremaster, etc). It's cumbersome to swap gear all the time, but worth it since those points can be put in to the more important things instead.

Keep me updated on your progress if you don't mind. I find it interesting.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534243 - 08/20/20 07:19 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
DOS1 major issue with my install -- save games may have been "broken" for a long while -- and passing the flaw along.

Since I'm trying to "do this on my own", I won't explain it, yet. After trying to figure it out for a couple/few hours, I did break my rule and go online to read about what should happen in my particular case -- its not happening correctly.

Right this minute, it looks like I have to go back to a very early save-game. Or, this may mean a full game restart. Hyper frustrating. When I calm down, I'll try to solve it -- or mod it to solve it. May be my fault somehow.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534247 - 08/20/20 07:44 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
and passing the flaw along.



What's the issue?

A 'broken' save can mean many things I reckon, but in the many hundreds of hours I have played the two games I've never had a save-related issue. Matter of fact I can recall no technical issues at all. Sounds like some bad luck, although I don't know what the issue is.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534258 - 08/20/20 10:39 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Quick update: Anything less than a clean restart of the game is a risk. A restart wastes the effort expended so far. I'll take a risk to try to save the current situation.

I'm going to continue through Level 6 (just became Level 5). I'll see if the problem continues until then.

If no problem, great. If problem, I'll try to figure out a mod to cure it or, if incurable, make it a non-factor -- that path may or may not work out. But, I do like to mod games smile


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534380 - 08/22/20 12:58 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
DOS1 seems to be working -- without me doing anything to cause it to work (no mod).

I'm half way through Level 6. Probably, the "issue" was a "non issue". Apparently, I was just confused by how the game allocated hero-characteristics-points during level ups. I thought it was short changing me on leveling points -- apparently it wasn't.

Actually, it was a bit more complected than that to my mind. Not only was it giving points only every other Level (correct behavior), in one case I leveled up and I got points to be used towards Strength, etc. I saved the game without using them. Reloaded -- and the points were gone (??). As a temporary test, I forced the game all the way to Level 6 (with a mod), got points. Saved game without using points. Reloaded and the points were gone.

I wondered if the game was ever going to give me my leveling points. I went back to a pre-mod save and played normally to Level 6 (no forcing mod). It gave points at Level 6. I saved without using them. Reloaded, and they were there.

Still on the first map. But, I've been everywhere above ground. Based on the major underground map, there are probably a couple major underground areas left. Above ground, I avoided a couple fights with a large group of Level 7 characters when I was Levels 4,5. Have to go back to those areas. I want to finish the First Map at Level 7.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534400 - 08/22/20 12:26 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I imagine you've worked it out by now but the way it should work (if mods have not altered it, nor caused issues) is:

+1 Attribute Point every other (even) level for a total of 15

Ability Points with Lone Wolf work like this on every level up

Level 2-5 = +2 Ability Points
Level 6-10 = +3 Ability Points
Level 11-23 = + 4 Ability Points

+1 Talent every four levels starting at level 3 (3, 7, 11, 15, 19)

There are a couple of books that can add attribute and ability points, and the Bigger and Better and All Skilled Up talents do too.

There is respec, but it comes fairly late and the character loses all known spells and skills (you need to find/buy the skill books again), so it's not free like in DOS 2.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534402 - 08/22/20 01:06 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Yup, that's it. I was initially unaware of "every other level" for Attribute points. Combine that with losing Attribute points on save and reload one time and also when I forced a level (for testing purposes), and I was concerned I might need to start over. In the end, all was well.

Thanks for the respec info. I was hoping for a respec - eventually. Because I gave Charlotte the "Courageous"Talent before the game even started. Actually, I wanted to pull back all the preassigned points during the Character Build at the very beginning of DOS1. Then, play a while to see what build made sense; and, then use the points. The game did not allow starting prior to using all the points -- might have been another error on my part. Now, we're stuck with "Courageous". In one case, we were chased half way across the map back into town by 6 Level 5 enemy. There the "town door" guards helped us win the fight. In most RPG I've played, the enemy gives up the chase after one has "run away" a certain distance -- in DOS1, apparently one needs an escape talent that is cancelled by "Courageous".

I don't anticipate any more issues (famous last words).


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534406 - 08/22/20 01:55 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Talents I think are the hardest choices. You only get a few, and there are many. Some of them are crap, and some are amazing. Some only synergize well with certain builds. Some lock out others. Many have minimum requirements. So good choices need to be made.

My characters are now level 17 (dual Lone Wolf)

Here's what I went with thus far

-- Two-handed damage dealer battlemage

Lone Wolf and Pet Pal at the start. Lone Wolf because that was the idea for this run, and Pet Pal for the additional quests and info/clues/humor. Pet Pal is far less useful in DOS 1, and I think perhaps if I were to do it again I might skip it. With four party members I would take it. But with just two I might have skipped it due to the opportunity cost. It's a vital talent in DOS 2, not so much in DOS 1.

Bigger and Better and All Skilled Up. These seem to pick themselves. +1 Attribute and +2 skill points are very useful

Scientist since he is my crafter/blacksmith. +1 level to each with this talent.

Opportunist. One of my favorites, this is a great talent that gives you free attacks. The enemy moves around a lot more in DOS 1 and this is a great talent for a melee character to have.

Not sure yet what I will take for the level 19 talent, but leaning toward Walk it Off which reduces statuses that that have a body-building saving throw by one turn.

-- Mage

Lone Wolf and Far Out Man at the start. The additional range for spells is fantastic through the whole run.

Bigger and Better and All Skilled Up.

Know It All for the additional point to Intelligence. The other character is the one who does all the talking and selling/buying so the hit to NPC attitude doesn't matter.

Elemental Affinity. Moderately useful, but highly situational. Spells cost one less AP when standing on a surface of the same element. Since she has all schools, it works a little better than on a non-Lone Wolf mage perhaps.

No idea what I will take for the level 19 talent.

About Courageous...... It makes the character immune to fear, which is good. But you can get resistance through raising willpower, and also through leadership, which, when raised to 5, grants Fear Immunity as well. Leadership is much better in DOS 1 than the second game in my view.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534517 - 08/23/20 07:55 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
My characters are level 5 now in DOS 1 and I must say the combat is delightful--far more so than Pillars of Eternity was. No more blobs of death, you can patiently and tactically plan out every single fray.

#4534536 - 08/23/20 11:17 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Yes sir. And as the you gain levels and spells/skills, and battle increasingly capable enemies it gets even better. On Tactician it is better still. Well, in my opinionation.

Turn based combat is so much better for me. Most devs making these games nowadays accommodate this, and even if the vision they have for their game is real time, they are increasingly making sure turn based is also an option. I hope this becomes the standard. I'll buy more of their games if they do, with Deadfire a case in point. I ignored it until they added turn-based and then bought it straight away.

Wasteland 3 releases next week for what it's worth. I was never convinced by Wasteland 2, and did not buy it. But 3 looks good. We should know shortly.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4534540 - 08/23/20 11:40 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
DOS1: Finally could leave the first map -- with mandatory quests solved. I left once and the game hinted strongly I should go back and solve a particular quest. I then went back to the first map and did the mandatory quest.

Wheels within wheels. 180 degree plot turns, then turn again (no spoilers). My final level significantly higher than I expected it to be at the end of the first map (no spoilers) -- and still one optional quest left to solve (that I know of). For completeness, I'll try to solve it.

Only needed to refer to internet once for plot (that's a failure on my part). I kept thinking I was doing something wrong (no spoilers). I wasn't. But in covering the whole map more than once over many many hours, I had kept overlooking a little passage in an uninteresting tiny piece of the map -- kept walking past it. I minimally checked on line and saw a "hint" to look in a certain large area. Once I started through that 1/8th of the map -- I saw it.

Because of all the plot twists in addition to checking all the boxes other RPG check, I am feeling DOS series really is the best I've played (even though I have 1000hrs each in a couple others -- replays and modding smile ).

I too like turn based combat. In real life, I'd practice my combat skills for hours a day for years before entering battle able to fight in real time. Turn based allows me to "figure it out on the fly".


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4534602 - 08/24/20 04:18 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Allen]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Allen
I am feeling DOS series really is the best I've played


Same for me. And with how good these games are it is easy to be very optimistic about BG3, isn't it? DOS 1 was a kickstarter game. The original version was great, but then I had a surprise one day in my Steam Library which was the enhanced edition, which was free. DOS 2 was a don't-even-think-about-it purchase. Larian are like Arkane for me, devs who make amazing games right up my alley, and who I want to support. Long may it last!


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4535300 - 08/30/20 06:33 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Wasteland 3 released to positive reaction. It seems to me to be a cross between games like Fallout 2 and XCom. The combat is said to be very XCom-like and I like those games a lot. So I will buy this, just need to get through a couple more games first I think.

W3 seems to have some limitations, or lack of certain QoL stuff that makes it somewhat cumbersome to play, but I have a long list of favorite games that could share that description, so won't put me off.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4535314 - 08/30/20 10:38 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
RSColonel_131st  Offline
Lifer

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25,138
Vienna, 2nd rock left.
I'm not sure I'm "getting" the art and style of Wasteland 3. Fallout/XCom comparison seems very apt.

It does look very modern, and I love the fact it's been fully voiced. Might be a title for a sale...


#4535321 - 08/30/20 11:59 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Hmm, so Shadowrun full everything is free on Epic this week. Good?

#4535322 - 08/31/20 12:08 AM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
Just keeping you in-the-loop FWIW: DOS1 at the point of "Rescued White Witch" today. So far, I've not resorted to on-line to solve a problem (minor early exception noted above). But, I've spent a lot of time "grinding" looking for some solutions.

I still like the twisting story and the occasional puzzling situation thumbsup

Attached Files DOS1.PNG

Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4535356 - 08/31/20 12:36 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by RSColonel_131st
Might be a title for a sale...



Right there with ya. I have it on the wishlist for notification, but of course that's a long way off with it just released. That'll give it time to smooth out the rough spots perhaps. When I read reviews like Rock, Paper, Shotgun's, which is not exactly glowing, I think I can file W3 under the 'wait for the sale' heading.

https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/08/27/wasteland-3-review/

To be fair, other reviews seem to rate it higher.

Allen, if I recall, the Forged in Fire thing was one I had to look up. I didn't know what to do with that staff until I read about it. Of course that was six years ago so I may be misremembering. Looks like you're making good progress. In case you were not aware, you can combine nails with any boots and make them non-slip.

There's another semi-related thing that I never would have known had I not read it on the 'net. I'll put it in spoilers because you probably won't want to know of it

You can get a really nice piece of kit, called the Winter Ring, in Boreas' Treasure Room. To get it you must acquire the Royal Guard Talisman, which in itself requires solving a puzzle. And then, in the treasure room, if you wear it and stand in the center of the circle for 10 seconds, the ring drops. I never would have found this were it not for spoilers


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4535371 - 08/31/20 03:47 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: Mr_Blastman]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Originally Posted by Mr_Blastman
Hmm, so Shadowrun full everything is free on Epic this week. Good?


I have Dragonfall and for whatever reason it didn't click for me. I did not however give it a proper go. Just a couple hours before shelving it, but the series has a good rep. I should give it another go.

Another game that I bought around the same time is Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. I played for an hour and then shelved for a few years, but I started playing it again a couple weeks ago. Played through the first few levels and while it's good, I didn't find it as good as some folks do.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4535618 - 09/02/20 04:16 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
Some of the music in DOS is a remix of the original Divine Divinity. smile

That is good, because Divine Divinity had fantastic atmospheric music.

#4536977 - 09/14/20 03:01 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,569
Atlanta, GA
I made it to the forest, finally, and was greeted by another song from Divine Divinity. smile

Last edited by Mr_Blastman; 09/14/20 04:41 PM.
#4536991 - 09/14/20 04:32 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Nicely done Blastman. I like that section of the game. Good fights, good quests. By this stage your characters have rounded in to shape with lots of skills and abilities. I liked this section more than Cyseal for sure.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4538182 - 09/23/20 11:34 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Allen Offline
Hotshot
Allen  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,839
Ohio USA
I won't be updating on my DOS 1 progress. My situation has changed; and, I don't have dozen's of spare hours a week to "binge game" -- until Winter.

I was looking forward to Baldur's Gate 3 (by the DOS1,2 studio) -- not knowing it was only a very early (virtually premature) Pre-release with no chance of a near term full game. The finished game is not due until Fall/Winter 2021.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla may be good. But, so far, the "story" seems more strategy/shooter empire building game than my idea of an RPG (Assassin's Creed Odyssey was excellent to my gaming tastes). I'll reconsider ACV when the reviews arrive.


Sapphire Pulse RX7900XTX, 3 monitors = 23P (1080p) + SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G7 1000R curve (4K/2160p) + 23P (1080p), AMD R9-7950X (ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420), 64GB RAM@6.0GHz, Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER MB, (4x M.2 SSD + 2xSSD + 2xHD) = ~52TB storage, EVGA 1600W PSU, Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower, ASUS RT-AX89X 6000Mbps WiFi router, VKB Gladiator WW2 Stick, Pedals, G.Skill RGB KB, AORUS Thunder M7 Mouse, W11 Pro
#4539822 - 10/07/20 03:15 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
Larian's Baldur's Gate 3 is out in EA. The early returns look very promising indeed. I am so tempted to give it a go, but that runs counter to my modus operandi. I must resist, so that when I finally do play it I get the full experience. Some feel it's too much Divinity, not enough 'darkness', and if you've played DOS and BG you'll probably know what I mean. Still, I couldn't care less if it's not a BG clone. I fully trust Larian to give us a worthy game. And if you look at any of the trailers you'll probably feel the same.





While that's cinematic and not gameplay, come on, that looks fantastic smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4632670 - 08/04/23 12:45 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
I've been waiting three years to make this post. BG3 is out.

I'm not quite ready to give it a go, other irons in the fire at the mo. But if anyone gets it please post your impressions. I have faith Larian have delivered, but let's see about that.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4632677 - 08/04/23 01:43 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,503
DM Offline
Senior Member
DM  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,503
Prague
Yeah I have my beady on it, but I'll probably leave it 6 months for the mass testing effect to deal with the major but somehow-not-found bugs etc. There's also the possibility that I'll just read something super interesting that will make me break that idea, I'm sometimes quite impulsive like that smile


"They might look the same, but they don't taste the same."
#4632709 - 08/04/23 06:33 PM Re: Divinity: Original Sin II [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
DBond Offline
Strategerizer
DBond  Offline
Strategerizer
Veteran

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
NooJoyzee
The early comments on Steam are very good. I will pick this one up for sure. DOS/2 are the best iso RPGs I've played. I expect BG3 to give them a run for their money.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
Page 1 of 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Moderated by  RacerGT 

Quick Search
Recent Articles
Support SimHQ

If you shop on Amazon use this Amazon link to support SimHQ
.
Social


Recent Topics
Carnival Cruise Ship Fire....... Again
by F4UDash4. 03/26/24 05:58 PM
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
by F4UDash4. 03/26/24 05:51 PM
The Oldest WWII Veterans
by F4UDash4. 03/24/24 09:21 PM
They got fired after this.
by Wigean. 03/20/24 08:19 PM
Grown ups joke time
by NoFlyBoy. 03/18/24 10:34 PM
Anyone Heard from Nimits?
by F4UDash4. 03/18/24 10:01 PM
RIP Gemini/Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford
by semmern. 03/18/24 02:14 PM
10 years after 3/8/2014
by NoFlyBoy. 03/17/24 10:25 AM
Copyright 1997-2016, SimHQ Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.0