Divinity: Original Sin. Out Now! Discuss...

[JeffNY35]

The initial class pick isn't hugely important. You can round out the skills as you go plus you end up finding a good amount +ability gear.

 

[Mem]

I've just ordered the CE version for an extra £10 even though I have the other two older divinity games already but the added CE content was worth it IMHO,EA are you listening this is how not to rip off gamers/customers with overpriced CE versions.


One quick question are there any classes to avoid ie that are bad/terrible,also any serious bugs?....Yes I know that's two questions .

 

[cytoSiN]

I haven't found any game breaking bugs. And even if there were, Larian is all over this thing and will be for a while.

For classes, people are saying that sneak/backstab isn't as useful as it could be, so maybe avoid focusing on that?

 

[CPA]

I haven't found any game breaking bugs. And even if there were, Larian is all over this thing and will be for a while.

For classes, people are saying that sneak/backstab isn't as useful as it could be, so maybe avoid focusing on that?

Are you posting and playing at the same time. Swear I just saw your name pop up on Steam. :awe:

 

[JeffNY35]

sneak backstab pretty much sucks yes. Too often you get spotted.

but, having some sneak makes stealing easier.

I would say don't build your character around it. but as you progress have one character hoard the +sneak gear.

 

[Kalmah]

I haven't found any game breaking bugs. And even if there were, Larian is all over this thing and will be for a while.

For classes, people are saying that sneak/backstab isn't as useful as it could be, so maybe avoid focusing on that?

It seems that multiclassing is getting a bad review as well. Many people suggesting to stick with builds that can focus on a single stat. I just made a short attempt at a game with a dex/int build and a str/int build and felt weak. I wasn't able to equip the weapons and armor I was finding because the even dumping of stats wasn't keeping them high enough.

I'm guessing that focusing during the first half of the game and then branching out to a multiclass-like build later on would be viable. I really wanted a defensive sword and board with a focus in touch magic(burning touch, enfeeble etc..). He was actually doing fairly well except he had no movement whatsoever because of the shield and armor. (can't spare points in speed stat) He moved so slowly that he was always the last into the fight... all the other characters were taking all of the hits so his defensive style was useless. yeah, this can be overcome with strategy such as teleportation spells and such.

A build I keep seeing people rave about is an archery/scoundrel build. Using bow and dagger interchangeably depending on the situation. People are saying that he will become king of the battle once you get it down right. You get a charm skill from archery and scoundrel so you can use two charms. Plus you have arrows for every situation (including charm arrows) I'm trying to put a build together for this right now. I'm still trying to decide if I will dump points into any crafting or sneaking. I still can't seem to find a way to make sneaking useful. (for combat). I don't know if eventually sneaking will be viable during combat(ala hide in plain sight from dnd) It's really hard to balance a dex based character with utility. And much of the time I can't get a backstab in because I'm not aligned properly behind the enemy which is really annoying. It's kind of a guessing game. I could stick with a bow and only use scoundrel skills that don't require a dagger...

Just too many unknowns when trying to decide what to do.

 

[Stringjam]

I'm not a big turn-based RPG player, but I bought this game after reading the reviews.

I think the mechanics are a good bit of fun, and I really enjoy playing the game.

However, I was expecting something more immersive after reading huge strings of reviews about how amazing the story and dialog were. I guess I just don't get it, because most of what I've encountered so far could pass for writing by an 11-year-old.

This is disappointing, because I really wanted to change things up and get into an RPG with a deep and engrossing story, with character interactions I would actually care about. Instead, it's just the same old generic, impersonal surface conversations that don't have an ounce of personality. It's even worse when characters try to get poetic or colorful.

So much of this game (score included) just come off really goofy / cartoony.

I don't really want to sound like I'm dogging it that much, because I think it is very polished and ambitious for an indie title, and I enjoy playing it for the mechanics of it all. I also really like how party members can interject into the conversations (I just wish those conversations were worth reading).

I wish CDPR would make a game like this....or maybe some of you experienced RPGers could point me to a game more in line with what I'm looking for.

 

[xantub]

I'm not a big turn-based RPG player, but I bought this game after reading the reviews.

I think the mechanics are a good bit of fun, and I really enjoy playing the game.

However, I was expecting something more immersive after reading huge strings of reviews about how amazing the story and dialog were. I guess I just don't get it, because most of what I've encountered so far could pass for writing by an 11-year-old.

This is disappointing, because I really wanted to change things up and get into an RPG with a deep and engrossing story, with character interactions I would actually care about. Instead, it's just the same old generic, impersonal surface conversations that don't have an ounce of personality. It's even worse when characters try to get poetic or colorful.

So much of this game (score included) just come off really goofy / cartoony.

I don't really want to sound like I'm dogging it that much, because I think it is very polished and ambitious for an indie title, and I enjoy playing it for the mechanics of it all. I also really like how party members can interject into the conversations (I just wish those conversations were worth reading).

I wish CDPR would make a game like this....or maybe some of you experienced RPGers could point me to a game more in line with what I'm looking for.

The beauty and the great reviews this game is getting is not really about its story, but about its gameplay. If you want story, stick to Bioware cutscene-heavy games. This is for people who wanted back a complex RPG, with lots of abilities, spells, interactivity with the game environment, good tactical battles, etc.

 

[Stringjam]

The beauty and the great reviews this game is getting is not really about its story, but about its gameplay. If you want story, stick to Bioware cutscene-heavy games. This is for people who wanted back a complex RPG, with lots of abilities, spells, interactivity with the game environment, good tactical battles, etc.

So you can't have a complex RPG with all those things...plus an interesting story with meaningful dialog?

What do cutscenes have to do with anything?

 

[fstime]

I agree, this game is a breath of fresh air for people who liked back to the roots no quest marker baldurs gate type rpgs otherwise stick to something else.

 

[surfsatwerk]

So you can't have a complex RPG with all those things...plus an interesting story with meaningful dialog?

What do cutscenes have to do with anything?

Good writers cost money.

 

[xantub]

So you can't have a complex RPG with all those things...plus an interesting story with meaningful dialog?

What do cutscenes have to do with anything?

What I'm saying is that it's not their focus. People didn't flock to the kickstarter because they wanted an interactive novel, they (we) wanted a great turn-based, tactical, party based RPG, and we got that and more, even beyond our expectations.

 

[Stringjam]

People didn't flock to the kickstarter because they wanted an interactive novel...

I understand what you're saying, but here is where I get frustrated. It doesn't have to be a novel, or have cut-scenes, or any other thing of the sort. I'm just asking for intelligent writing.

Games like this make you read through A LOT of dialog, so nobody can convince me that the interaction and story in games like this isn't relevant.

As far as cost, I'm sure there are a lot of people out there (literary students, whatever) who would jump at the chance to be the lead writer on a game like this, without charging an arm and a leg.....especially those trying to get into the industry. It just reads like an afterthought, as if they tasked some programmer or modeler to come up with some lines that were "good enough."

I'm not disagreeing that the core component of the game is the combat, and that they did an awesome job with it (I don't even play games like this often, and I'm totally into that part of it). I just think they could have made a good game one of the great games if they had just spent a little more time with the story component.

I realize a lot of people don't care at all about that kind of thing, but I'm sure there are plenty of people in the RPG crowd that do.

 

[xantub]

I understand what you're saying, but here is where I get frustrated. It doesn't have to be a novel, or have cut-scenes, or any other thing of the sort. I'm just asking for intelligent writing.

Games like this make you read through A LOT of dialog, so nobody can convince me that the interaction and story in games like this isn't relevant.

As far as cost, I'm sure there are a lot of people out there (literary students, whatever) who would jump at the chance to be the lead writer on a game like this, without charging an arm and a leg.....especially those trying to get into the industry. It just reads like an afterthought, as if they tasked some programmer or modeler to come up with some lines that were "good enough."

I'm not disagreeing that the core component of the game is the combat, and that they did an awesome job with it (I don't even play games like this often, and I'm totally into that part of it). I just think they could have made a good game one of the great games if they had just spent a little more time with the story component.

I realize a lot of people don't care at all about that kind of thing, but I'm sure there are plenty of people in the RPG crowd that do.

Interestingly, in another forum I frequent, someone just posted that he is impressed by the game's writing, so guess it's a subjective thing.

 

[StinkyPinky]

I'm 50 hours into the game so haven't finished yet, but as it stands I would give this game a 9.5/10. It's fantastic, and the best game I've played since Skyrim and the best more traditional style RPG I've played since DRagon Age (and in many ways it exceeds that game).

If I was being picky I would list a few negatives, such as lack of more than two companions, and that the diagloue between the companions is there but lacking. In that area games like Baldur's Gate 2 were masterful. Yes I am aware they are patching in two more, but I can only judge it on the current state of the game. There's also a couple of puzzles that seem very vague and I had no idea what to do but that could just me being a dumbass.

So far this is easily my game of the year and it will take a damn good game to beat it. As stated though, I'm probably 15 hours or so to go until I finish so maybe it takes a dive.

 

[JamesV]

I understand what you're saying, but here is where I get frustrated. It doesn't have to be a novel, or have cut-scenes, or any other thing of the sort. I'm just asking for intelligent writing.

Games like this make you read through A LOT of dialog, so nobody can convince me that the interaction and story in games like this isn't relevant.

As far as cost, I'm sure there are a lot of people out there (literary students, whatever) who would jump at the chance to be the lead writer on a game like this, without charging an arm and a leg.....especially those trying to get into the industry. It just reads like an afterthought, as if they tasked some programmer or modeler to come up with some lines that were "good enough."

I'm not disagreeing that the core component of the game is the combat, and that they did an awesome job with it (I don't even play games like this often, and I'm totally into that part of it). I just think they could have made a good game one of the great games if they had just spent a little more time with the story component.

I realize a lot of people don't care at all about that kind of thing, but I'm sure there are plenty of people in the RPG crowd that do.

So what do you consider a game with a great story? I don't consider any game I've ever played had a great story, and I've been playing religiously since Pong. Sometimes good stories, but never great.

If you read a lot, writing in games is superficial, stilted, and almost always ripped off from other sources.

I think people overlook the bad writing when they really love a game. You convince yourself the story was good, because the game was good.

Even games like the Witcher have bad stories, because although they come from a great source, you cannot deliver the same feelings and messages through chosen dialog, and some pretty cutscenes cannot take the place of well written backstory, even if they are voiced over by Morgan Freeman (blasphemy, I know).

If you say Mass Effect (which I often hear), I'll know I'm being trolled. Star Trek + any number of classic sci-fi stories does not equal good storytelling. Well, I guess it could to someone who has never read Asimov, McCaffrey, Niven, or others; but not to a literary student with an interest in sci-fi.

 

[Stringjam]

So what do you consider a game with a great story? I don't consider any game I've ever played had a great story, and I've been playing religiously since Pong. Sometimes good stories, but never great.

If you read a lot, writing in games is superficial, stilted, and almost always ripped off from other sources.

I think people overlook the bad writing when they really love a game. You convince yourself the story was good, because the game was good.

Even games like the Witcher have bad stories, because although they come from a great source, you cannot deliver the same feelings and messages through chosen dialog, and some pretty cutscenes cannot take the place of well written backstory, even if they are voiced over by Morgan Freeman (blasphemy, I know).

If you say Mass Effect (which I often hear), I'll know I'm being trolled. Star Trek + any number of classic sci-fi stories does not equal good storytelling. Well, I guess it could to someone who has never read Asimov, McCaffrey, Niven, or others; but not to a literary student with an interest in sci-fi.

Well, I agree with most of that. Games aren't always going to lend themselves to great / original storytelling, but how they convey it, and how meaningful the characters and interactions are can be done well despite that.

I played through Castlevania: Lords of Shadow recently, and I was honestly into it the whole time. Alan Wake is another game where I thought the characters and dialog were done well. Neither was very original, but the execution was great. Both games in the Metro series as well. Even Borderlands2, which, IMO had great voice acting and tons of personality, and despite the goofiness, led you to actually care about the characters involved.

None of these are RPGs though, and they don't have to deal with large amounts of conversational writing.

That's why I bought this game, because I read so many reviews talking about how deep and interesting the story and dialog were. That's why I posted here in the first place. I haven't played many RPGs, and I was hoping for some recommendations more in line with what I'm looking for (I've played The Witcher2, and pseudo-RPGs like Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls / Fallout3, and Deus Ex).

I really like the turn-based, tactical component of this game. I don't really have any problem with this game's story - - they just don't convey it in a way that gives me any real interest in it, or any of the characters involved, and it seems to me that this would be the perfect game type to really let the writing shine (because, well....you spend half your time reading).

 

[JeffNY35]

So, I'm rolling through combat much easier now that 3 of my characters have summons. Once my summons are released I have my casters focus on freezing and stunning where possible. The great thing is you can crowd control and pump out serious dmg at the same time. I'll never resist a fire ball or sometimes a lightning strike if enemies clumped.

I turned my once planned backstabbing rogue into a ranger. It's paid off. The marksman skills mixed with some scoundrel and witchcraft isn't bad at all. The scoundrel witchcraft isn't used much but the 2 skill points spent isn't exactly killing me either.

 

[Wardawg1001]

So, I'm rolling through combat much easier now that 3 of my characters have summons. Once my summons are released I have my casters focus on freezing and stunning where possible. The great thing is you can crowd control and pump out serious dmg at the same time. I'll never resist a fire ball or sometimes a lightning strike if enemies clumped.

I turned my once planned backstabbing rogue into a ranger. It's paid off. The marksman skills mixed with some scoundrel and witchcraft isn't bad at all. The scoundrel witchcraft isn't used much but the 2 skill points spent isn't exactly killing me either.

I'm finding the same thing in regards to summons. They have an ability to turn the battle in your favor that is unparalleled by any other skills. I was smashing my head against the wall trying to beat the

Spoiler

Braccus Rex

fight... until I used three summon scrolls that had just been sitting around in my inventory. Fight went from near impossible to cakewalk. They certainly don't have the damage output of my own characters, but even if all they do is soak up a couple hits they have made a big impact. Can use them to attract melee enemies towards a certain spot to line them up for some aoe damage, or cast them in the back to distract enemy casters and archers while you deal with closer threats or re-position. Very useful all around, and it seems that every branch of magic has at least one summon available.

 

[Midwayman]

I'm finding the same thing in regards to summons. They have an ability to turn the battle in your favor that is unparalleled by any other skills. I was smashing my head against the wall trying to beat the

Spoiler

Braccus Rex

fight... until I used three summon scrolls that had just been sitting around in my inventory. Fight went from near impossible to cakewalk. They certainly don't have the damage output of my own characters, but even if all they do is soak up a couple hits they have made a big impact. Can use them to attract melee enemies towards a certain spot to line them up for some aoe damage, or cast them in the back to distract enemy casters and archers while you deal with closer threats or re-position. Very useful all around, and it seems that every branch of magic has at least one summon available.

I used my fire elemental in some of the fights against fire based enemies just for this. Actually hitting the enemies with it would have healed them, but summoning it in their back lines takes a couple guys off my characters long enough to even the numbers. All it did was sit there. Oddly since they had fire based attack they were healing it as well making it last much longer vs the mixed type attacks some of the enemies had.

 

[Red Storm]

You bastards have forced my hand! Tried to hold off but now I'm taking out the virtual wallet.

 

[sze5003]

You bastards have forced my hand! Tried to hold off but now I'm taking out the virtual wallet.

I could not hold off either. I just haven't been on my pc to download it yet. And these games aren't my type either but from what I've seen and read, even with little hand holding I think it will do fine as long as I explore and save often, take my time.

 

[JeffNY35]

I'm finding the same thing in regards to summons. They have an ability to turn the battle in your favor that is unparalleled by any other skills. I was smashing my head against the wall trying to beat the

Spoiler

Braccus Rex

fight... until I used three summon scrolls that had just been sitting around in my inventory. Fight went from near impossible to cakewalk. They certainly don't have the damage output of my own characters, but even if all they do is soak up a couple hits they have made a big impact. Can use them to attract melee enemies towards a certain spot to line them up for some aoe damage, or cast them in the back to distract enemy casters and archers while you deal with closer threats or re-position. Very useful all around, and it seems that every branch of magic has at least one summon available.

Yep! Same fight I started using them heavily. Even my rogue marksman guy has a summon. So I had 2 elementals and a skeleton. Same thing fight went from impossible to steam roll.

Also, I have underestimated how nasty teleport is. Even if you do not teleport an enemy into say fire it seems to do well over 100 dmg at level 9. If you land them in an element they do not like, that's gravy.

I've been pumping one of my guys perception and lore master so I can hover over npcs to see stats....well this needs tweakingn it wasn't until I had 4 in each that it started showing SOME of the stats. Kinda weak.

 

[Kalmah]

Yep! Same fight I started using them heavily. Even my rogue marksman guy has a summon. So I had 2 elementals and a skeleton. Same thing fight went from impossible to steam roll.

Also, I have underestimated how nasty teleport is. Even if you do not teleport an enemy into say fire it seems to do well over 100 dmg at level 9. If you land them in an element they do not like, that's gravy.

I've been pumping one of my guys perception and lore master so I can hover over npcs to see stats....well this needs tweakingn it wasn't until I had 4 in each that it started showing SOME of the stats. Kinda weak.

One time I managed to teleport an enemy on top of another, damaging both of them. It must have been luck since it doesn't allow you to drop them on the same space. Every time I try I try to get them close enough but it hasn't happened again.

 

[Wardawg1001]

One time I managed to teleport an enemy on top of another, damaging both of them. It must have been luck since it doesn't allow you to drop them on the same space. Every time I try I try to get them close enough but it hasn't happened again.

I actually do this quite often. It's hard to pull off with bigger enemies as they tend to block off a large area around them, but with small and medium sized enemies I can usually teleport one of them (a mage or archer from the back row if ones in range) to a spot that will hit 1-2 others, dealing a solid 100-200 damage to all of them. Follow that up with Battering Ram / Dust Devil / Whirlwind as required, evens the fight up real quick.