Two Worlds (video game)
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| Two Worlds | |
|---|---|
 Two Worlds Xbox 360 Cover | |
| Developer(s) | Reality Pump |
| Publisher(s) | SouthPeak Interactive |
| Platform(s) | Xbox 360, PC (Windows) |
| Release | PC May 9, 2007[1]PC & Xbox 360
 TBA, 2008 |
| Genre(s) | RPG |
| Mode(s) | Single player - Offline Multiplayer - Online (8 Maximum)[3] |
Two Worlds is a computer role-playing game developed by Reality Pump and published by SouthPeak Interactive for the Xbox 360 and PC. A release is anticipated for the Playstation 3 console some time in 2008.
Gameplay
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Two Worlds gameplay takes place in a real-time three-dimensional fantasy landscape. As such it has drawn comparison with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion[5], although in actual gameplay and design it is similar to Gothic 3[citation needed].
Much like in Oblivion and Gothic 3, the gameplay is non-linear. The player is free to explore the game world, accepting side quests at will. There is however, a core quest, centering around rescuing the protagonist's sister, who is being held for ransom by mysterious forces who are scheming to open the tomb of Aziraal, the god of the orcs.
The game does not utilize the fixed character classes like other role playing games. As the character gains experience and levels, it is possible to invest gained Attribute Points into any attribute, leading to a variety of game play styles and approaches.
The world the game takes place in is called Antaloor. While traveling through the game the player will encounter new teleports, caves, villages, and other locations, and these travels are recorded by the in-game mini-map. Teleports allow rapid travel between explored regions. Horses are available for the player to ride as well as other animals/creatures, though a number of commentators have lamented the clumsy controls when mounted.
Death in the game leads to resurrection at a nearby shrine; these shrines are distributed across the game world, and also replenish health when the player comes in sufficient proximity.
There are various creatures in Two Worlds. Unlike other CRPGs with wilderness areas, enemies will not respawn, although most areas are densely populated.[6]
Beyond the main quest there is no set storyline to follow, the player is free to choose to complete the quests of his liking, and explore at will. The player may choose to act as a righteous hero and be honored amongst the population, or devilishly evil and feared, through reputation gained by completing certain quests. However, the path chosen will have consequences on the outcome of the game.
Alchemy
Two Worlds has an alchemy system that allows the player to combine ingredients to make potions, weapon enhancements, traps, and bombs. Spending Skill Points on the Alchemy Skill or using more ingredients will result in more powerful potions. Ingredients can be found as plants in the wild, the body parts of animals and monsters that have been slain, and minerals and gems taken as loot or collected off the ground. Some potions can have permanent effects such as a boost to strength or health.
Factions
There are seven factions within the game for which the player can complete quests to gain reputation.[7] These are the Brotherhood, the Society, the Merchants Guild, the Giriza, the Necromancers, the House Skelden, and the Karga Clan.
The Brotherhood is a mercenary society, similar to Oblivion's Fighters' Guild. In the main cities of the game their location can be identified by their signature red banners. Brotherhood locations in cities will usually have a trainer that offers to teach the various combat skills for a small fee, and Brotherhood shops will have the largest selections of weapons and armor.
The Society is Two Worlds' answer to the Guild of Mages seen in most RPGs. In the main cities their location can be identified by blue banners. The Society locations will usually have a trainer that offers to teach the various schools of magic for a small fee. Society shops will have robes, staffs, and spells for sale.
The Merchants Guild is a guild of traders and merchants. In the main cities their location can be identified by banners emblazoned with scales. The Merchant Guild shops offer a general assortment of goods.
The Giriza is the equivalent of the Thieves' Guild. The members wear distinctive red hoods and the Giriza shops are a good source for lock picks and other thievery-related goods. Giriza trainers offer knowledge in the stealthy arts.
The Necromancers are the only source that will teach the ability to use the Necromancy School of Magic, but are generally shunned by polite society. The Society makes a point of stopping Necromancers from completing their goals.
The House Skelden and the Karga Clan are two competing factions in the northern reaches of the human half of the world. The Karga Clan are the former ruling house that was supplanted by the King and Council with the House Skelden.
The player can choose to work with either faction to achieve specific goals in the main quest. As is typical for the genre, players generally earn reputation with a faction by completing appropriate quests.
Regression
Should a player decide that they are unhappy with their ability and skill point distribution, there are NPCs called "skill changers" in some of the larger cities that offer a "regression", which allows redistribution of some skill points for a certain price, depending on the character's level and amount of experience.
Add-Ons
The Temptation: Reality Pump has announced a new add-on entitled "Two Worlds: The Temptation" which will feature new content, and extended gameplay. They promise to patch up many of the plot holes left within the game following the events of Two Worlds.
New features include: New territories and extended combat, such as the ability to block attacks. There will be new means of transportation (unknown as of yet) and improved reaction from NPCs.
The planned release is Q1 of 2008.[8]
Multiplayer
A multiplayer element is included, though it is not of the MMO type. Activities include horse racing, combat and quests. Single-player and multi-player characters are kept separate and not shared between modes.
While the Xbox 360 version is limited to eight players, the PC version allows a significantly greater number. However, they must be grouped into parties of no more than eight.
Reception
In the US, reception to the PC version was mixed with an average critic score of 67% at Game Rankings (based on 16 reviews). The Xbox 360 version received more negative reviews with a score of 49% (41 reviews).[9] Gamespot gave Two Worlds a 7.5 for the PC version, and a 7 for the Xbox 360 version. IGN gave the PC version 7.3, and the Xbox 360 version 6.8.[10] In Germany however, where Two Worlds was first released, reception was much more positive.[11] In OXM, Two Worlds was given a score of 6.0. Phrases in the review included "the framerate is woefully close to one frame per second" and "We don't know how this game passed Microsoft's certification process." They did praise its Oblivion-esque gameplay.
References
- ^ "Official Two Worlds website". Retrieved 2007-07-07.
- ^ a b Official Two Worlds website (Official News Article)
- ^ "Publisher's information page". Retrieved 2007-07-07.
- ^ "Update Announcement". Retrieved 2007-07-07.
- ^ Two Worlds for PC Review - PC Two Worlds Review
- ^ "IGN: Two Worlds Preview". IGN. 2007-04-24.
- ^ Goldstein (2007-05-09). "IGN: Building Two Worlds". IGN.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|First=ignored (|first=suggested) (help) - ^ ""Official 2 Worlds Website"". Official 2 Worlds Website. 2007-12-17.
- ^ "Two Worlds at Game Rankings". Game Rankings. 2007-09-15.
- ^ "IGN: Two Worlds on IGN". IGN. 2007-09-14.
- ^ "Two Worlds". Two Worlds official website; click on Reviews at the right-hand side. 2007-09-14.