Dungeon Siege Collection

Overall a Great trilogy, just don't expect a perfectly crafted gameplay + experience. What I always enjoyed of these games is the seemingly fluid gameplay, the loading perfectly hidden across very minute moments that make the game feel like it's without them in the first place. These games run in potatoes, I know... I've been playing them on and off for over a decade...

As someone who never played this series back when it originally released, I didnt have any nostalgia to draw on. I never went back to try Dungeon Seige, until now. These comments are based on what's here and will not dwell on any expansion packs missing, and is from a new player's point of view. The gameplay in DS is simple; fight through the world and experience it as you go. In between each level, or at times at various points in each level, a little bit of storyline appears. It's just enough story to remind you there is more to the world than monsters and beasts to fight, but only just. The story is threadbare at best, but frankly story is not why you find yourself drawn to continue playing. What does draw you in is seeing the different landscapes of the levels unfold, watching the different kinds of enemies appear, new gear and waiting for the all too infrequent shopkeeper. Comparing stats, making judgement calls on fast vs slow weapons, finding out what spells work well, and micromanaging your inventory is all part of the recipie that seems to have something within it that kept me coming back, despite it's seeming simplicity. It is after all, not that complex; unlike Icewind Dale or Baldurs Gate, where the depth and sometimes confusing rules of the D&D core set wind themselves deep into the game, in Dungeon Siege they didnt forcibly port a ruleset over. They just made their own that scaled and worked well as a PC game; I wont bore you with details here, but there is distinction between classes and roles that make each character interesting and fun to develop. At times there are too many enemines and too long of levels - you do get bored on occasion. The combat is enjoyable and can have strategy, but at it's core it is about feeling powerful as your characters blow through enemies. It was a fun game and has aged well; good for late in the evening when your mind just needs a distraction - preferrably nothing heavy. Recommended at sale prices.

Dungeon Siege This is a classic Action RPG from 2002, so set your expectations accordingly. The graphics have not aged well, and the gameplay is without many of the improvements that have been made in the genre in the last 20 years! However, I would still recommend this game if you want an enjoyable hack and slash experience in some interesting environments. Dungeon Siege II Another classic Action RPG from Gas Powered Games, Dungeon Siege II has some issues on modern hardware, but these can be worked around if you do some googling. The game's systems are an improvement over the original Dungeon Siege, but I found the story not to be as interesting. However, if you're a fan of ARPGs then you're probably not here for the story! Dungeon Siege III Dungeon Siege 3 is a hack and slash Action RPG. I have to say I didn't enjoy it as much as Dungeon Siege 1 and 2. Unfortunately, Obsidian changed a lot of things about the Dungeon Siege formula that made it fun to play. The game seemed dumbed-down compared to the previous titles in the series, and certain mechanics were removed altogether. The graphics were noticeably improved, but the environments were not as interesting or expansive. Maybe Obsidian was aiming for a different audience here, but it did not please existing Dungeon Siege fans who were looking forward to the sequel.

Dungeon Siege is a great classic hack'n'slash looter series starting from a good to mediocre first entry, ascending with its sequal to greatness and jumping off the formula on to a ditch of mediocrity with third one. These games are not played for the main story, it is there only to give you a reason to run through generic fantasy lands. Stories in these games are not bad, just bland and dry. In short, if you have ever read a fantasy novel, seen a fantasy movie/show or played a fantasy game, you know the story for every game in this trilogy. These games are about the gameplay, party management and decking out your posse. First two Dungeon Siege games let you have a rather large group of followers with you and each of them can be outfitted or repurposed to serve your whims. Don't like someone casting nature spells? Well give him a mace and call him a fighter. Don't have a healer in a party? Give your archer a crooked piece of wood and you'll have a mage. All three games look passable for their time and have not aged all that poorly, but if you are not into old style graphics, you have been warned. About each game: First game is mostly good, but can feel clunky and selling items takes time. With right formations and configurations, battles can be handled by not touching your mouse. Companions have basically no characteristics aside from what you give them, but you can/will get a pack mule to carry all of your excess loot. But beware, elevators, platforms and such will be a point of frustration, if you have more than three companions. Second game improves on almost every aspect and adds more flair to the character progression as well as the characters themselves, such as having conversations as you roam the lands. Third game drops the whole party mechanics as you may only have one companion, as well as the character creation from previous games. I also feel that it has lost its identity as a Dungeon Siege game, but as a simple hack'n'slash it is passable.

I loved DS 1 and 2 as a child but without the expansion for 2 there is no point buying it. If they get the expansion I would be the first in line to buy it.