While many changes and updates have been discussed, this is not a complete listing of all the new features and improvements present in Divinity: Original Sin. As the SLG game heroes continues to develop, more information will be provided leading up to the release of the final product. For those who cannot wait until its completion, this title will be available on Steam Early Access September 15. Stating definitively that this is an improvement on the original is impossible based on only playing a small portion of an early build, especially since the original set the bar to some lofty heights, but it`s safe to say fans of Divinity have every reason to be excited about Original Sin II.































Divinity: Original Sin was met with universal acclaim when it was introduced over two years ago. This should not be surprising, as the title featured a massive world to explore had almost no restrictions on how the player went about completing it. This story driven adventure featured a multitude of side quests that could be handled in a variety of different manners, resulting in a SLG Game Walkthrough experience that becomes uniquely tailored to the player`s choices and play style. Creating a worthy follow up to to such a quality game is no small task, but Larian Studios seems to be up to the ambitious task of creating a sequel that doesn`t simply match the quality of its predecessor but also surpass it.















































Going with a physical damage party will have the best outcome for the player. An example of a party built for physical damage could start with a Cleric. Put points into the Attributes of Constitution and Wits, and then the Combat Abilities Hydrosophist and Geomancer. Take skills like Armour of Frost, Restoration, and Fortify. Pick a Knight as the next character in the party. Make sure there are points put into Warfare. Select Battle Stomp, Battering Ram, and Crippling Blow as Ski































The aforementioned slight impact on our reputation for taking out those guards and subsequently taking out some rather high ranking magisters was they started to engage Fane and company in battle on sight in Fort Joy, which is brought up to illustrate how player choices impact the game`s environment. Had Fane not decided to slay about a dozen magisters they probably would have remained peaceful to us, but that is part of the appeal of Divinity: Original Sin II. A player doesn`t have to be a homicidal maniac if they don`t want to, there are nonviolent options for getting one`s way either through charm or intimidation, or alternative routes to take to reach the desired location. Doors can be broken down, locks can be picked, or keys can be "found" or maybe someone can be sweet talked into opening. This is a game that is possible to complete while killing every NPC but that`s not the only or even recommended way. Up until those guards messed with my kitty Fane was using the nonviolent solution to every encounter that he could, but we were able to change our social activity on the fly and the game immediately adjusted. Interaction with NPCs, both party members and everyone else, is a crucial aspect of shaping a player`s role and standing in Rivellon.































Environment will play a more significant role this time around. Height does factor into battle strategy, making the decision to initiate battle from a cliff overlooking your enemies or from a rooftop an advantageous decision, though be warned the battlefield position benefits do work both ways. Areas of the battlefield can receive a blessing or curse, effecting all who enter the area. The ground may be frozen, energized, or set ablaze, making a path to an enemy or ally inaccessible without sustaining damage. The number of available skills and spells have been greatly expanded, and as a Sorcerer the player will have access to spells with unimaginable power, demonstrating why this potent magic has been banned. The action point system has been revamped making planning the next move in battle a more calculated decision. Lastly, if you think you have mastered the battle system, the option to put your money where your mouth is available in the new PvP arena where you can test your combat prowess against another player.































Several weeks ago I was fortunate enough to get some hands on time with Divinity: Original Sin II at PAX . That experience only gave a brief glimpse into what is offered in this build and I imagine I will feel the same way about the Early Access build when the complete game is released. The predecessor was a massive choice-driven RPG that was in the vein of classic computer RPGs. The bar was set high by Divinity: Original Sin and everything that made that title so great returns here and then some. Making any definite declaration about a game`s quality prior to its final release is impossible and I do not want to over hype this title to the point of having expectations it can not reach, but anyone who enjoyed its predecessor needs to keep this one on their radar, regardless of whether they want to wait for the final version to come out or if they want to dive into the early build right away.