Game Review: Dungeon Siege 2

If you have been waiting for the next hack and slash RPG (role playing game) to hit the market for your PC, then you are in luck. Dungeon Siege 2 has hit the shelves! This is the sequel to the popular Dungeon Siege.

The story: It has been 1 year since the heroes destroyed the evil in the land of Ehb. But now, a new evil threatens. This new evil has an interesting story behind it...

1000 years ago the armies of Azunai fought with the armies of Zaramoth, the tyrannical god. This was to be the final battle of a century long war. Zaramoth struck the last blow through Azunai's shield. This huge blow shook the very earth. This caused the forces of magic to be released. Both armies were enclosed in an enormous cataclysm that ran for miles across the Plain of Tears. Only a scarred and ruined wasteland remained as final testament to the First Age of Man. For years, magic has spread throughout the world. Free for anyone who could wield it. The tide of magic soon begins to wane, bringing about the call of an ancient legacy. In the Plain of Tears, a new powerful being is gaining in strength. People can either submit to him or die! Will anyone oppose him? Or will a horrible fate befall the Second Age of Man?

If the story seems a bit confusing at first, you won't have to worry once you start playing. The game features stunning cinematic story telling cut scenes. As the story progresses, you will see more and more of this gripping and compelling story line.

In Dungeon Siege 2, you build a party of 6. You must choose this party wisely because you cannot change them later. Dungeon Siege 2 features a new character development and customization system. Each character has an open ended developmental option so that you can develop them as you wish when they level up. You will not be stuck with a character that only develops in one direction.

There are various other differences and upgrades since the previous game. One is that each class now has its own unique Hero Powers. These powers must be timed just right during battle to use to your advantage. Another is that there are now several exotic animals that you can use to aid you, not just the pack mule. The enemies are also more dangerous. Some even rival your own strength.

Dungeon Siege 2 is probably the best hack and slash RPG available today. The stunning visual effects cannot be compared against any other game. Each level is massive and full of highly detailed environments. Each time you use a spell, you will be dazzled by the beauty of it! Enemies are quite easy to tear through as the combat system is very easy to use. Vanquishing your foes is highly amusing as it reaps many rewards. You can gain new spells, skills, or a much needed item. Enemies re-spawn often so the chance of leveling up is quite often.

The only annoying part of this game is that during the beginning, you must play through a long and tedious tutorial. Once you get past this, however, you will be on our way to tearing up the baddies! Never has a hack and slash been so fun!

The voice acting is pretty crummy, but some may find it amusing. The musical score is a typical fantasy music that you would expect from this type of game.