IntroI've been playing this game quite a bit these past few days. More or less, I'm some 5 hours into it. So, here's my impressions on Sacred 2: Fallen Angel - Collector's Edition, so far. I'm running Version 2.43 here -- which took was around 850 MB itself.
Collector's Edition - The GoodiesNo matter what Edition of the game that you buy, the game comes on 2 DVD's -- which takes up 12 GB, more or less. Collector's Ed owners get an extra 3rd DVD disc, which has the special "Elite" Texture setting on it; that takes up an additional 6 GB. The Collector's Ed comes with an additional map that doubles as a poster; a 4-song music CD; and a code for an extra special in-game character Imp that will help lug around equipment for you ONLY when you play the game ONLINE. Nothing really too stellar about the Collector's Ed here.
I don't know, but before Studio 2 (of Ascaron) closed, they were planning to release that "Elite" Texture (disc) online for free for non-Collector's Ed owners to download -- a big 6 GB download. I don't know if they put it up before they shut down or if Koch Media put it up since they now own the rights to Sacred IP. I'll have to check.
Securom Internet Edition - ProtectedUnfortunately, the game is protected by Securom Internet Edition (SIE) and you have limited installs. At least, it didn't take forever to get the game activated. It was actually, for once w/ SIE, quite painless to activate as it actually worked on the first try for me for once -- but still annoying that I have to activate the game.
For their rules and restrictions, look
here.You can get the
De-Auth Tool here, if needed.Light Vs. Shadow CampaignBesides the options of picking what class you are (there's six in total, BTW) and what God you want to align yourself with (there's a handful), to start the game off you're also given the option to pick b/t which campaign you want to do. You have to pick b/t The Light or The Shadow for your Main Campaign -- some classes and some Deities, depending on what you pick, have restrictions that you can only do Light Campaign or only do Shadow. Whatever you pick, that will determine if you do have to do either The Light Quests (Good) or Shadow Quests (Evil) for your main quest.
Skills, Action & Loot GaloreLike any good Action-RPG, Sacred 2 is loaded w/ tons of action, tons of skills, and tons of loot -- like Diablo, Titan Quest, and of course Sacred 2. Seems to be no shortage of this, as I'm constantly selling and swapping equipment like there's no tomorrow.
Game WorldThe game world's huge -- and by no means have I explored the entire map. According to the game box, supposed to be 22 sq. miles of it. You are free to explore the world as you see fit. You can chose to follow the main quest or not. Up to you. I've basically been focusing on doing side quests galore, for now.
QuestsCan there ever be enough quests in this game? Like the original Sacred, Sacred 2 throws at you the kitchen sink in giving what always feel like there's always "one more quest to do". Pretty much, it seems like a good deal you talk to have some sort of quest for you to do. They vary from the usual Action-RPG stuff -- kill X enemies; kill enemy X and retrieve item X; visit X person; escort character X to location X; etc etc. Some quests have more than one part to them. I've even ran into one quest, where you were actually given a choice to kill the evil character or help the evil character out.
PerformanceI tried Elite Textures; Very High settings; 2x's AA -- and the game stuttered now and then, a little bit. Game looked great, at those settings -- I should note. I have the game on 1024x768; Elite Textures; High Settings across the rest of the board, w/ 2x's AA on. Game looks really good and performs smooth as can be.
Full 3DSacred 2 looks great, now that it's in full 3D (unlike Sacred + Sacred: Underworld) -- and we have free reign over the camera in any way we want. There's multiple cam modes, where you can have a cam follow your character entirely or you can have it unlocked completely to manipulate it freely like in NWN.
Conclusion, So Far...With the amount of quests, skills, action, loot, and the huge open gameworld, the game's addictive. Very addictive. Diablo 2 kind of addictive. It can be very hard for me to take a break from and actually put down. So far, very impressed w/ this one.
MyD ScreensLink to some screens.MyD VideosSkeleton Mob vs. My SwordSkeleton Mob vs. My Wand
