Two Worlds is really not that bad.

I bought it that weekend a month or two ago when Steam dropped it to $9.99.

I just got around to spending a few hours with it. And to be honest -

If you're looking for a huge gameworld with that "log in, do few quests, log out" quality you could do worse than Two Worlds. I remember some of the reviews and posts were very negative, but PC Gamer for example gave it 81% (leafing through an old PC Gamer and finding the review is what actually prompted me to finally start playing).

It's a little overwhelming at first, but getting your legs under you takes less than an hour.
The melee combat (the only thing I've tried extensively so far) is pure click with some special moves, but if you don't expect the universe it's not bad; sort of a 3d Diablo type deal - right down to all of the cool items. I'm sure that's what the developers were aimng for.

I like the horse combat, but the damn things can be a real pain in the ---- to control. It takes some practice.

It's also nice to have lag and stutter-free gameplay (ahem.... Gothic 3 and Oblivion).

Don't dismiss it because just you've heard bad things. The fun factor of Two Worlds is at least 7.5 out of 10.

I have to agree with Ananan about Two Worlds: it's not a bad game at all, and in fact we're getting ready to publish a Q&A with the publisher (nudges Rob). In the interview we talk about the issues with Two Worlds and what the upcoming sequel will offer in regards to new features and fixes. The game certainly has its faults with the graphics engine and voice-over work, but underneath all of that, there really is a decent, free-roaming game worth checking out. It's definitely not for everyone as strangestranger pointed out.

I tried the demo and it went something like this. Huh, so this is a oblivion wannabe... well lets give it a look see.

Hmm... these graphics look about 6 years old....

Oh I can throw firebolts ... cool.

Hmm, some things to kill... firebolt, swing, firebolt, swing, swing, firebolt, firebolt.... hmm... that was less satisfying than I was hoping.

Oh look an old man ... yammering about portals or something... ok, this must be the basis of the early plot. I'll humor the codger.

Oh look... a town. I'll just walk up and ... oops I accidently threw a firebolt... Oh crap now everyone in the town is trying to kill me. OUCH OUCH OUCH DEAD.

Well, that was a learning experience, I guess I'll just ressurect here and OUCH OUCH OUCH DEAD. WTF they are still after me?

Ok well maybe I can just dash past and get to that portal thingie the codger wanted me to find. OUCH OUCH OUCH DEAD....

Ok this is getting kind of old. OUCH OUCH OUCH DEAD.

You know what... screw this.

About the combat:

I'm pretty successful with

a) horse combat. I've been maxing out that ability; it's a blast to trample enemies. I really feel like cavalry going against foot soldiers.

The things are really hard to control though, but I'm assuming at least some of that is on purpose.

b) I got the ability to hit multiple enemies with two handed weapons when they surround you; that helps a ton in battles as well.

c) the ability to time your backwards jump is key. I went on that quest to kill the crooked outpost commander and he was slicing me in half with one slash.
That's when I knew I had to learn to control that aspect of melee. So I learned to watch for his windup and then do a quick backjump and counterattack.

I use it all the time now; the backjump is almost automatic for me. Not an easy thing to pull off (you have to concentrate or you'll get diced) but it makes combat more fun and exciting.

d) I just left healing as the default spell; you won't survive without occasionally running away to do a quick heal. And be prepared to munch on plants and gulp potions.

Again - they were going after a 3d version of Diablo with a deep story. Once you start finding all of the cool items you'll be addicted.



About the graphics:

IM everso HO the graphics are not bad at all. As I said earlier: it takes about an hour to really get your gameplay legs under you, and that includes appreciating what they did visually.


The bad thing about having bought it on Steam is the fact it came without a manual (not even an online one). I still haven't fingured out alchemey or how to use the quickslot; you can switch between four different ones but no matter what I try I can't get items in there.

Those are my next projects.