Larian Studios has become one of the most watched game developers in the world now, thanks to the huge success of 2023 Baldur's Gate 3. Fantasy RPG offered a complex, rich world filled with incredibly created characters, a deep and captivating story and fun D&D 5th game. It's a game that's both approachable while still deeply challenging, offering a solid balance for newcomers and longtime Larian fans alike. But when it comes to more in-depth, layered RPGs, there's one Larian game that reigns supreme Baldur's Gate 3.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 hit the scene back in 2017, and it continues to be one of the best fantasy RPGs out there. For those who love Baldur's Gate 3 but are keen on something more game-focused and challenging, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a solid demonstration of how to create a grueling, yet satisfying RPG that doesn't hold your hand and lets the players' imaginations lead the way.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 brings more depth to the game than BG3
I definitely wouldn't say that Baldur's Gate 3 is a beginner-friendly game in every way. It has its own learning curve to experience through trial and error, but Divinity: Original Sin 2s combat is a more intense experience that is much more intimidating at first. The end result is that it makes for incredibly satisfying encounters. For those who are particularly fond of building unique and complex characters, Divinity: Original Sin 2s adaptation is one of the best in the genre. As Baldur's Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2 also allows players to choose between custom and pre-made characters, but where the latter differs is that characters can be tweaked and refined on an even deeper level than the former.
The game's class and perk system is incredibly detailed, and at the same time Baldur's Gate 3 still has a lot to offer in terms of customization, Divinity: Original Sin 2 simply goes further with how layered players can become. The game also excels in how much creativity it allows players, such as manipulating the surrounding environment and making wild elemental combos, making it one of the best CRPGs out there.
A Breakdown of Divinity: Original Sin 2's character creation options
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Divinity: Original Sin 2 Isn't Afraid to Lean Heavily Into Fantasy Tropes with Companions
In terms of companion interaction, backstories, and movie-focused moments, it's clear that Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the leading role players in this regard. However, there is something to be said for classic fantasy tropes, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 embraces these clichés without making them feel boring or lazy. Divinity: Original Sin 2s companions may not have the same level of branching stories and cutscenes as Baldur's Gate 3 boasts, but it also keeps the story from feeling too bloated.
It's hard for any RPG to compete with Baldur's Gate 3s characters, and even though Divinity: Original Sin 2 lacking the cinematic moments that the former is so beloved for, each companion's connection to the overarching narrative is still incredibly satisfying and entertaining. Everyone's personalities are different, so just because the game is more tropical doesn't mean its companions can't be compelling.
Divinity: Original Sin 2's Story increases its replayability
When it comes to the basic story, Divinity: Original Sin 2The story isn't the game's strongest point, but what its characters add to the story makes it a much better story. How each character develops and transforms as the story unfolds is different across the board, and depending on which character you play as can drastically affect the tone of the game. It resembles Baldur's Gate 3 in the way that the characters are ultimately the heart of the story instead of the story itself. Because of the uniqueness of each character, each playthrough has the opportunity to feel incredibly different, and that's truly one of the best parts of Divinity: Original Sin 2because it ends up feeling like multiple experiences in one game.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a solid demonstration of how to create a grueling, yet satisfying RPG that doesn't hold your hand and lets the players' imaginations lead the way.
Why Divinity: Original Sin 2 is Larian's true masterpiece
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Deeper, more complex gameplay that allows greater player freedom and creativity
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Incredibly detailed character customization that's more layered and versatile than Baldur's Gate 3
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A strong list of companions that are equally compelling
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Unique character backgrounds and personalities can completely change the tone of the story, making each playthrough feel special.
For many, Baldur's Gate 3 will still be regarded as one of the best fantasy RPGs of all time, but there's a real case to back it up Divinity: Original Sin 2 is actually Larian's strongest approach to the genre. While it takes more patience to learn the ropes at first, the game's unhealthy difficulty and more thoughtful mechanics and systems make for a more elevated experience.
At The Game Awards this year, Larian announced that its next game will be different Divinity title. However, the developer has confirmed that it will be a standalone game that does not require knowledge of previous entries.
Now that Larian Studios next game is Divinityit will be interesting to see if the RPG feels more like Divinity: Original Sin series or Baldur's Gate 3. Only time will tell, and when it comes to complex and rich worlds both have their strengths. Divinity: Original Sin 2s hardcore nature just gives it an extra edge and special spark that still makes it a strong contender against Baldur's Gate 3.
- Released
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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M for Adult: Blood and Gore, partial nudity, sexual content, strong language, violence
