Preview – Divinity: Original Sin

I’ve been looking for something like Larian Studios’ most recent offering in the Divinity series for some time. A superb combination of real time world exploration and tactical combat, Divinity: Original Sin hits the mark with pinpoint accuracy and devastating grace. Even in its current early access form, this game is fluid and engaging with enjoyable characters and personality flowing from every facet of game play. I will recommend this game to every RPG fan I know once the game is finally released, but I can’t quite do that in the game’s current state.

What’s wrong with the game as it is right now? It’s not complete. I know that should seem pretty obvious since Divinity is currently on Steam’s Early Access, but it’s a big issue and worth pointing out. I’m sure that it’s going to be phenomenal, but right now it’s in a rough state that’s still being tested. Save files are not compatible from one version to the next. You will lose all of your progress and have to start all over with each serious revision of the game. I’m pretty certain that there are a lot of people out there that are not going to be cool with spending $40 and having no end game and needing to start over regularly. You have all been warned.

Now to the good stuff! You start the game with two characters with a choice (albeit currently very limited) of gender, style, and class options. I personally like to go with a rogue and a mage, but you are welcome to play however you see fit. You are dropped unceremoniously into the opening area of the game where you have a note in your inventory telling you that bad magic is suspected in the death of a local political figure and it’s your job to suss out the truth. Along the way you find that Orcs have been attacking the city and are being led by a human. For some reason the wizard that acts as your contact can’t stop talking in cat metaphors. Go!

There are a few things that really hook me on this game. First is the ability to move freely throughout the world (or at least what’s currently available in this build) in real time. The last tactical RPG that I played had very limited world exploration. This one has plenty of areas to explore and hidden treasures to be found. Then there’s the combat: tactical turn-based combat with clever and fun mechanics. There are environmental objects like oil barrels that can be used to set up traps. Hit an oil slick with a fire spell and the whole area ignites. Shoot lightning into a water puddle and stun the things standing in that puddle. Finally, there’s the dialogue in the game. Characters are unique and interesting not to mention often quite humorous. I can absolutely get behind a game that doesn’t take itself too terribly seriously.

The character customization options in Divinity: Original Sin are extremely robust. Even from your chosen starting class, you’ll be able to tweak the stats and special abilities that you enter the game with. Even if you don’t start with it, I suggest that you have one of your characters grab the talk to animals ability early on. It is entirely worth seeing what the various creatures in the area have to say about your quest and objectives. I’m also a fan of having a rogue with lock-picking, but I’m a bit on the impatient side of things when I want to go somewhere in a game. As you progress, you’ll be able to put points into virtually anything you want on your characters. Make them as rounded or specialized as you feel like.

Part of character customization is built around role playing. Specifically how you decide that your characters respond to NPCs and each other. Your choices will put points toward personality aspects which directly translate into bonuses for skills. Choose your responses wisely. There are also a couple NPCs in town that will happily join you on your adventures if you can tell them what they want to hear.

So even though Divinity: Original Sin is still in an early alpha build, I’m sure that it’s destined to be an instant classic among tactical RPG lovers. After an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign back in April of 2013, D:OS has been moving along rather quickly. Some areas are still under construction and the game is still a bit rough around the edges. Currently, there’s a good 15 to 20 hours worth of content to be explored, but more is being added on a regular basis. So if you’re fine with helping with the testing and shaping of a game world and you don’t mind having to start over again every so often, then pick this up now on Steam. If you need something more stable and complete, keep your eye on this one and pick it up when it’s ready for release.