A good stab at what could have been an excellent game but somehow falls flat on its face, or should I say cover.

User Rating: 7.5 | The Guild 2 PC
I have never played the predecessor of this game but I imagine it was good if it is anything at all like its newer version. The game starts of in the late 1400's of Europe and allow you to create a profile complete with all the visuals like face, hair, facial hair, body size..etc , though you only get two or three choices in each category. The game also throws in other RPG-esqe aspects by allowing you to choose to be either Protestant or Catholic and choosing what astrology sign to be born under. These affect your starting stats but not by much. You are then placed in the game without further adieu you are left to drift on your own, while all you know is to "eliminate your competition." Pros:
1. An excellent idea for a game that combines a simulation with an RPG.
2. Fair graphics but nothing to rave about.
3. Being able to be elected to a political position is fun, especially if you abuse the powers of that position.
4. Courting, dueling and playing as a judge are excellent little "mini-games."

Cons:
1. BUGS. I can't stress enough how unplayable this game can be at times especially without downloading the newest patches.
2. LAG! 3. Ignorant NPC and player controlled characters can make for a more difficult than needed time.
4. Learning curve. Though tutorials are provided they are worthless. Just go to the community forum for any help you need.

With all its faults though, I still have a very hard time putting the game down and just keep coming back for more...until it crashes to the desktop and I quit in frustration.