MDK 2 on it's own merits is a good game, but it seems like an awkward fit with the first game. MDK was such a unique treat because it was such a "down the rabbit hole" kind of experience - no dialog and only the barest hints at a story; you just had to "go with it" and take it for what it was, bizarre humor, tone and all. MDK 2, by contrast comes off as far more polished, expanded and conventional. The switch in developers is noticeable, as while Bioware is able to capture most of the look and feel of the first MDK, it doesn't really get the Shiny "feel" to it. Set away from the first game, though, it still stands on it's own as a fun, funny, action game. Be warned...the difficulty level is very high and can be frustrating, especially with the Doctor levels. Special mention for the soundtrack and the voice cast which is excellent (I still crack up at the end when the earnest announcer blares "ATOMIC TOAST!?" on selecting the Doctor). Well worth the plunge.
MDK still has to be one of the most bizarre, unique games I've ever played; after all these years, I'm still at a loss for how to even describe it. Action packed, with elaborate and surreal set pieces, MDK also manages to somehow combine Monty Python-eque humor ("The World's Most Interesting Bomb"), with some startling and somber changes in tone (one of the levels seems to imply the wartime bombing of London). It shouldn't work, but it does.
Highs: A huge, and expansive story will keep you occupied for hours; the amount of detail is actually pretty startling considering it unique property not based on an existing fantasy world or book series. Six different RTS races to play with. Excellent, well scored soundtrack. Unique gameplay blending RPG and RTS elements. Lows: Some clunky translation and English language voice acting (I believe Spellforce was originally developed in Germany, and it shows). Graphic engine was a bit dated even when it came out. Some minor bugs. Characters move somewhat slowly given the huge expanses of the maps. Summary: I first got Spellforce: The Order of Dawn as a pack-in with a video card a few years ago, and it quickly became one of my favorite games. I am not a fan of traditional fantasy RPG games, but for some reason, this one really hooked me and I found the core game play of blending RPG and Real-Time strategy works well.
