+ interesting premise + well written, likeable characters + complex, interesting RPG / Combat system + good soundtrack - the pirate / island setting just doesnt do it for me - lacking focus, too many side quests - some factions seem similar, unclear who does what All in all a clear recommendation for fans of classical RPGs, but a slight letdown compared to its predecessor.
This game as a problem: it is good but there are many better games out there. Everything in this game works: the characters are likeable, the combat system is good, the story is ok if somewhat unoriginal. Graphics are typical Nihon Falcom, which means they would have been great in the late 90s. The games formula does become somewhat repetitive after 40+ hours. Problem is, there are so many games out there that do things better. But if you have finished all the Persona and final fantasy games, are through with the witcher series and know all the Bioware classics in and out and are just itching for another JRPG, give this one a try. 7/10
The game has a few problems. Somehow it manages to look worse than its predecessor. The story starts very slow, it takes several hours to gain steam....but then it draws you in. Your companions are interesting characters, with secrets and ulterior motives. Great storytelling! The combat and rpg mechanics work well. I used the latest cut content patch which improves the overall experience significantly. No technical issues or bugs.> One of the best star wars games out there. Every rpg fan should have played this one. Unfortunately it is often overlooked.
THE best WW II RTS game out there. Great graphics that hold up to today´s standards. No base building, but you can buy new and upgrade existing core units between missions. Units gain experience over the course of the campaign, so you have to take care of them and be careful not to loose your core units. I love how the armor of tanks works like armor - your tanks can take more hits from the front that from the sides or (god beware) from the back. So maneuvering your tanks and outmaneuvering the enemy is crucial. You get a limited amount of tactical support like air strikes - using them at the right time is important, as well as managing your units and sending the right units to the right place, using your artillery units etc. The only gripes are the short campaigns - would have been nicer to have longer campaigns, and to have more time using the advanced tanks and weaponry. Story is somewhat simple and cliched too. Tank AI sometimes tends to get stuck. All in all, a must have for RTS fans, specially with the lack of good new RTS titles out there.
This is the granddaddy of stealth game - and still one of the best. Hide in the shadows and be invisible, use different arrows for tactical advantages, observe your foes and learn their routes, become a master thief. Plus, great soundtrack, nice dark, gothic setting, and the game is always fair - if you die it was your fault. Only the graphics were outdated even when this game came out. Still, a great classic game. Play at night with dimmed light and enjoy the experience...
This is it, the game that really startet the Ultima franchise as something unique. A new and innovative story -not the old "kill the evil wizard and rescue the princess/save the world- and one of the first computer games to have a deep story, unique companions with personality, a huge, living world to explore...simply a good, no, a great, great old game. If you haven´t played it and can forgive the old graphics and somewhat complicated controls - go and get it. This is computer gaming history at its finest.
I would advise buying these games only out of nostalgia or for collectors. Though real classics, the first three Ultima games did not age well. Very little character development and little to no story makes actually playing these games tedious. Better start with Ultima 4, the first in the series with a real storyline, exploring the virtues and where you become the avatar.
