sacred2 fallen angel review

ok guys so ive put in enough time recently with the action RPG game Sacred 2 fallen Angel to write up a review....this is based im my experiences with the game and id like to add im a fan of the genre.

first and foremost this is definitely in the same mold as diablo2, titan quest etc its a click fest but like diablo2 very rewarding in its simplicity.

id like to say this game has a few bugs...ive got version 2.2 and the main bug happens when launching the game a annoying error screen appears which requires one to click ok several times before allowing the game to launch.....Ive also experienced this bug when loading my saved game.....
other than that Ive only experienced occasional error in the gameplay namely a few times enemies have sunken into the ground...... other than that i have found the gameplay smooth and enjoyable to be in.

so this game offers single player campaign, multiplayer and also co-op lan which adds to the enjoyment of the game.
upon starting a new game we are given a choice of 6 characters and also the choice of which path we would like to follow the Dark or light

# Seraphim:
# Shadow Warrior:
# High Elf:
# Dryad:
# Temple Guardian:
# Inquisitor:
of these 6 characters the Seraphim can only play within the Light path and the Inquisitor can only play within the Dark path.



so after selecting a character we get a brief intro explaining the story which is basically the typical power struggle is raging between two factions within the High Elves. The nobility and clergy are each trying to gain control over the power source of the country and the other races are all taking there share of the spoils, eventually the energy source goes increasingly out of control and changes into a destructive force. A force that mutates creatures, destroys cities, and renders entire regions uninhabitable. The campaign selection you make will determine whether your story involves healing the land, or intensifying the chaos....the story is very comical, with some great one-liners that made me burst out laughing....this game definitely takes the lighter side of ARPG's, its a really nice change to have some light humor within the game and i applaud Ascaron for being bold enough to do it.

characters level up frequently and have a wide array of skills, stats, special powers and combos to keep you interested, i heard that it is possible to reach level 200+ in this game which by looking at all the different variables within a level up can accept easily.



let me say the map is massive.....i mean huge!! Ive been playing for over 11hours and am only scratching the surface, there are of course dungeons, and caves to explore and loot but the bulk of the game is played on the surface.......there are portals that you can activate which allows you to fast travel to certain areas and many different towns and cities to find and sell, buy and upgrade weapons and equipment.



one really enjoyable feature of this game is the fact that you can store items you may want to keep for a later date or specific quest in chests found in towns.....the twist here is that you can store it in a community type chest which when playing co-op allows your team mates access and the ability take the equipment they may need...i really like this feature, as well as that you can store character specific items and then upon creating a different character allow them to also access the chest to gain valuable equipment.......

enemies are plentiful and varied, and there are sub-boss creatures of any given horde that appear quite often and give of much better loot than the normal guys, of course it wouldn't be a hack'n'slash if there where not a bunch of hordes coming at you throughout the game and this is no different, the details given to each and every unit is really impressive and a enjoyable part of the game.



loot is of course to be had, and can be found in chests, barrels etc and of course in the spoils after battles and some nice touches within this game are firstly, after taking down the horde instead of having to pick up each item separately there is a handy hot key which will add every lootable item in a given area straight into your items bag, also important or stronger/special items are given a different colour in there name description to make it easier to pay attention to the more interesting items to be had.
items can be upgraded by taking them to blacksmiths, as well as that there are stores to sell you gear and buy new stuff and also one for magic as well.



there are hundreds upon hundreds of quests in this game, with (from what i have heard) 100+ main quests alone.........mainly the quests require you to travel to a certain place, kill and then return with the item etc the gain your experience and rewards..the selected quest has corresponding arrows and markers on the maps to help locate the area you need to be in..there are however some interesting ones that are completely out there.....i wont give them away.....



the sound track of this game is really very good and i find the voice overs to be good keeping in mind the humorous nature to the game..... this game also has an Exclusive in-gme concert by BLIND GUARDIAN

the graphics are really impressive, with a variety of different regions, running the spectrum from arid desert to tropical rain forest. Every region differs in its climate, terrain, architecture, inhabitants, flora, fauna and lighting and is really enjoyable......some times its a little annoying traveling from one place to the next as the map often doesn't show clearly enough a cliff face or river that isnt passable and you have to back track to find a path that allows you to get where you are going.

im playing this game with the computer in my sig and i max out the settings with a average FPS in the high 30's.

Min System Requirements: OS: Windows Xp, or Vista, Processor:2.4ghz, Storage: 1gb ram 20gb hard drive space, Sound card: DirectX compatible, Video card: 256mb nVidia Geforce 6800 or better, ATI Radeon X800 or better, Multiplayer: DSL modem or network card
Recommended System Requirements: OS: Windows XP or Vista Processor: 2ghz dual core, Storage: 1gb ram 20gb hard drive space, Sound Card: EAX 5.0, surround sound compatible, Video Card: 512mb Geforce 8800 GTS or ATI Radeon HD3870 or better (as Per the Box) the game is enhanced for multicore and also uses Physx

this game as i said at the start is definitely a hack'n'slash click fest but it is really enjoyable and i would recommend it to those that like the genre...those that are new should probably try out the demo first......

i give this game a solid 8-10 for those that like the genre and a 7-10 for the rest.

 

Awesome, I was thinking about getting this game

 

So you're playing the cracked version of the game right? Because the latest patches haven't been cracked yet and thus pirates must play the earlier versions.
Ascaron already filed for bankrupty because of the mediocre sales.

Latest version is 2.4 which fixes alot of bugs (if not most of them).

 

Akuma...please dont jump to conclusions....i am playing the version of the game that came with the discs......before being a complete clown in the future perhaps think about different variables before accusing people....one such instance....hmmm i know, i live in the middle of rural india with a 4-8kb/sec gprs internet connect....which basically rules out any updates one might optain from downloads....
Fool, and i to be honest dont really care weather the company went out of business....does that instantly rule out a game.......i at the start of the topic stated that it is my experience with the game...not others.....so i enjoy it..fullstop....it doesnt mean others have to......now move right along.....tata

 

nice review

 

Haha. 4-8kbps connection? Ouchies.

How d'you think Sacred 2 stacks up against Diablo/Diablo 2? Been playing Diablo 2 again of late, and I'd forgotten how much fun it was. Now to just wait for D3 to get released...

 

^^ well mate im a huge fan of the diablo series and nothing can compare to it in my eyes.......certain aspects are simular, ie hordes of enemies, looting, enemy types and and interface but what i like about Sacred 2 fallen angel compared to other diablo-like arpg's is that its not trying to be like diablo, it's humorous and fun in nature, you go around killing a bunch of enemies but its different....for example my character is the 'shadow warrior' and after killing a sub-boss he screamed out " you realise you are only here to help me level up" and after killing other enemies you can hear them say some great one-liners like..." nooo its only three days from my birthday"......so what impressed my with the developers is that are making a arpg game but not trying to mold it after diablo...which lets face it is impossible to do.....this game isnt diablo, and it was a purchace i made to fill in the time before diablo 3 but its fast becoming more that just a time filler...its actually a very good game in its own right.
Maybe download the demo first mate.....

 

Nice review, keep up the good work.

 

i have played on ps3 and the mape is huge

i like the temple guardian

 

Yeah the temple gaurdian looks really promacing....i was this close to choicing him, but decided i would rather go with a more traditional character first time through....
Ill probably use him when i co-op with a mate.........

 

This game has started to look interesting... I might give it a try some time later.

 

Mmmm. If only I could convince some of my friends to play Sacred 2 with me. Doubt it's happening, haha. Would be muuuuch more appealing then

 

I know the feeling, a lot of my friends just do not want to spend $50-$60 on a new game with that we can have a lot of fun together.

Anyway, this game is turning more interesting to me by the minute, I will inquire more.

Cute avatar, by the way.

 

Nice review, thanks ofr taking the time to write it up ^_^ My brother has been eying Sacred 2 for a while and he said he might ask me to pick it up for him since we have it where I work.

I do have a question though.

You mention one can reach 200+ levels, but I am interested in the level of "grind" involved. Is Sacred 2 one of those RPGs where I need to stop the storyline every step and "grind" experience to get 5 levels before being able to advance without dying?

I know leveling and killing monsters is an aspect of RPGs, but sometimes it feels excessive >.>

 

That kind of game that involves grinding for everything is annoying, and utterly repetitive, I hope that Sacred 2 is not such a kind of game.

 

Well that's why I'm asking lol

I know that for RPG genres grinding or at least doing lots of side quests or some form of XP grind is required, but I question the excessiveness of it.

For example, I don't recall that much grind in KotOR or KotOR 2 that made it seem excessive. I surely did note that there was some form of it through quests and such, but it wasn't at a horrible level. Grind wasn't really required to finish the game that much.

Another mention is Guild Wars, where the actual grind arc got steeper and steeper with each installment. By the most recent chapters of the game, the maximum could be reached quite smoothly and without the actual need for that much grind. And this is with a max level of 20.

The fact that Sacred 2 features 200+ levels is what scares me a bit. My brother and I both don't enjoy those types of things so I'll ask lol

 

I think most people are holding out for D3. I'm totally jumping on the D3 bandwagon once it comes out.

And yeah, isn't he adorable And his twin sister is, too!

Heh. I especially don't want to be grinding in a non-MMO. It's alright in an MMO, see, because it feels like I'm actually achieving something.

 

Hehe.

To me, it sounds like that Gaming Companies are running out of ideas, so, they try to cover up their lack of innovation with not-so-noticeable repetitiveness.

Very true, Grinding can be enjoyable when not abused.

It scares me too, I do not know whether to expect a game full of grinding, or something totally new from Sacred II, the latter, hopefully.

 

Well even on MMOs the grind is simply geared towards another objective. It's still there however. I don't want grind to become "a requirement". If it is to be an extra for those who want to achieve it, then I'm all for that, but if it becomes a tedious task for all who want to even complete the game at a minimum, then it's borderline becoming a bit much IMO.

 

That explains it, I hope that D3 turns out to be a total success.

He totally is!, the expression on his face is priceless. Twin Sister?!, more to love!

You made a point right there with the grinding comment, nice one, MrFong.

 

I share your opinion, grinding should always be optional rather than a requirement in a game, as the latter can lead to the player getting bored of it, and eventually, quitting the game early.

Sacred II does not sound too much about grinding at all, I hope it won't be, it would just not really fit the game at all.

 

Also, grinding in MMOs can be done with groups of people. Not that grinding in games like Diablo or Sacred can't be done with groups of people, too, but it just somehow doesn't feel the same.

For example, with my recent D2 games, it doesn't really feel like I've been grinding with my friends. It seems a little bit more like we're grinding by ourselves, but in the same zone. Diablo characters are all made to be self-sufficient, which unfortunately means that there isn't really very much synergy between characters. Apart from the odd Pally aura, Necro curse, or possibly stretching it as far as a cold Sorc slowing/freezing mobs so an Amazon can unload on them, Diablo just doesn't have any room for group tactics.

Now, in an MMO, of course, that tends to be much different. Actual healing classes seem to make all the difference. And then there's necessary aggro management, and everything.

And yes, they're both adorable. They're the cutest little angels in the world ^_^

 

Hehe, nothing as fun as grindin' an afternoon away with a group of friends, I presume.

That is what I do not really like about Diablo, the lack of co-op implementation, I hope that Sacred 2 implements co-op mechanics.

Very true, MMO's have plenty of room for co-operation!

Aww. ^_^

 

sacred 2 does

 

That is music to my ears!

 

Ok guys well i think the level up system in sacred2 is quite well done, you definately dont need to grind, leveling up is easy and just keep going around doing your quests and level ups will happen, enemies seem to level up as you do so there will always be challanges and the more run of the mill enemies, im playing on medium difficulty and it can be challanging but not extreme, there is also hardcore mode where if you die you cant bring the character back to life, which would be heaps of fun in co-op as you really need to depend on the team to survive.......
Levelups are fun in this game, because just like diablo when you level up you can strengthen you skills and add new ones and one really nice feature here is you can combine skills to make combo skills which can be heaps of fun as well.
Eqiupment looting as always changing and i am always looking out for better pieces of armor...and also if you can find the complete set of any given armor it gives you bonuses...
All and all its a decent game guys....especially if you like this type of button masher.

 

Thanks for posting that, mtness, I was worried there, it is so good to hear that Sacred 2 won't be centered around grinding.

 

the map is huge and the game is fun you can customize your build and how you want to play im not familiar with PC but ps3 is fun

 

That makes it sound even nicer!, I like to be able to customize my game, the sandbox'y feeling makes me want to play the game even more!

 

customize if you want like speed or range etc



it does remind me of D2

the camera is werid to me i prefer 1 person view not 3 person

 

Not only that mate but the hardcore mode is perfect for co-op, adding really pressure to the battles, one slip up and you can kiss your character goodbye, so one is really dependant on working well as a team, sort of like a MMO, i think co-op lan can have up to five players in a team, but havent tryed it yet so cant confirm that one....and you can play through the whole single player game in co-op which is really good fun adding replay value to the game.

 

Ah, I like that kind of mechanics in a game.

Personally, I prefer 3rd person view when available, but I guess that I will give it a try to both when I get the game.

 

co-op is the only way i can play in campaign

 

Agreed, especially when co-op'ing with friends, I wonder if I can get some of my friends into Sacred 2.

Looks like a great game so far.

 

online co-op as well

 

online co-op .... so you can play across the world

 

Yeah, it is an awesome experience, summed up with Sacred 2's gameplay... I can only imagine and think about how awesome it will be!

 

if i could play ps3 and pc with my GF i would buy it .....

 

Yeap all the options are there for multiplayer, online co-op and also wifi co-op....i dont mind the camera the fact that you can adust it is helpful and zoom in and out as well....those screens i uploaded on my xfire account show afew different camera angles.....

 

Inter-Compatibility between Consoles and PC's would be so awesome to have... I wonder, why haven't they come up with it yet...

Okay! That relieves me a little.

 

becaus they went bankrupt

 

... Who went bankrupt?

 

the games creater

 

Ah, alright then.

 

yeah but i think i heard somewhere they where still going to be supporting the game for a least 6months.....due to the release of the consoles version......its a shame as they really but alot of effort into this game...would be nice to see so more products from them.

 

I agree... such a shame, the economy is upside down nowadays.

 

had a look at the multiplayer side of it last night......unfortunately because of not having the latest version of the game i couldnt join any games, but the lobby had a heap of people and there where lots of games being played so it looks as though the online version of the game is quite lively......

 

Sacred 2 is awesome. Got it on ps3, it's addictive :O

 

just update things, ive been playing this game lan co-op with a mate, (the developers allow the game to be installed and registered on 2 computers at one time but you can only lan co-op it wont allow both players to enter the multiplayer lobbies at the same time)..the co-op game is an absolute blast and definitely is a huge plus for the game, you can play the whole game with all the quests together, swap and trade items work in tandem or individually...great fun and if your looking for a good action rpg to co-op this is the one.
we are level 26 and 24 respectively the enemies have become more challenging and the rewards are starting to pay off...great fun.

 

updated review and also added thumbnail screenshots...enjoy