EE adds better visuals to many models (but sadly not all) and comes with all of the basic DLC which I previously never had with Diamond. While nothing can save us from the abysmal main campaign, the added other content is more concise, more intelligent and self aware. I would recommend the EE to anyone who enjoys RPGs but caution not to play the main campaign first.
Reviewing this game is rather difficult! The main story starts with you being contracted by a Brevan house of nobles; the Aldori, to sieze and secure a region of contested provinces called the "Stolen Lands". After the mansion you are staying in is attacked (a rather cliche opening but I love it anyway) you are dispatched with a small party of survivors to Oleg's Post and begin your conquest of the region. The story at large has several running themes in it, from character driven drama thanks to your party members, major setting characters getting their fingers involved and the story of the Stolen Lands itself, an exploration in to why things are so miserable and downtrodden. This is now my third full playthrough of the main campaign and I've waited a few years to do it after my last, to help me remain neutral with presenting this review. I rate the story a 7/10, it roughly follows the plot of the adventure module and tries to ask difficult questions particularly with how our characters behaves and the nature of curses. Seemingly benign things can turn in to disaster, in this game you will see plenty of examples. Combat is typical DND 3.X style, if you are looking for a challenging RPG where your character builds can and maybe will influence what challenges you can overcome, this is the correct ruleset. There are hundreds of build guides on youtube and forums if you want help coming up with something fun and strong to play. The game balancing can feel a little unfair especially if you haven't prepared yourself properly. Truth is though, with the benefit of experience I think the balancing is mostly fine. As long as you can think laterally you will probably find a scroll or skill to solve any problem. If you are playing on Normal difficulty, you should find it only reasonably challenging even if you blow your build. It rewards strong tactical thinking and preparation and punishes those who can't. The kingdom management isn't that great, sadly. Overall 7/10
