Thea 2: The Shattering

I've only been introduced to Thea with this 2nd installement and I have to admit I love this game! The concept and mechanics are so unique that it leaves an impression long after you've finished a playthrough and set it aside. At least that was the case with me. The game blends elements of fantasy RPG and strategy in a way I have never seen before. I'm now playing my 2nd playthrough a year after I finished the 1st one and I remembered why I loved it the first time. Fair warning: if you have never played Thea before, I suggest you watch a tutorial online and see how it's played. Some of the rules that usually apply to most other games (like settling down and starting a village early) don't apply here.

As some other already mentioned this game has deep mechanics and a lot of surprises. You start with a some random people and can grow until you have your own settlement. You have to collect ressource on your way to not get hungry and for upgrades and trading. You can have more than one groupe running around. You can easily lose battles if you underestimate enemies. There are often decissions you have to make. The outcome is not always that clear, when you deal with demons and witches. Who is your friend or foe is also not that easy. A great game for dicovery in an exciting world. It it fun to start again a new game as you can e.g. choose another deity.

I love the possibility to develop characters, craft equipment and level up all characters. Its turn based, and even combat is turn based. Plenty of choices to be made .... Definitely worth the money.

I've got the game in early access, and it was actually already very well playable half a year ago. Superior to the first installment in almost every way. The upside is, that the stats of your villagers are now easier to understand (more individuality) and you get to know your party better. The downside here is that the combat therefore becomes more complex and, in my opinion, it is very difficult to plan out an optimal strategy (like i would in thea I). I end up accepting damage more readily.

I'm a new fan to this series. I've never played the first one, but tried this and loved it. The storytelling, adventures, events, all fueling my passion. I look forward to a third installment if the devs make one. You should too.