User Rating: 8.9 | Etherlords II PC
What a great game! I've been playing it for the last couple weeks, and don't see myself stopping anytime soon. I can't remember the last game that had me so hopelessly absorbed. When I'm away from the game all I can think about is getting back to it. I've been losing sleep as I stay up at night for hours to complete the current mission (which can take up to five hours). So now - I'll spare you further gushing. I'm an amateur reviewer; I'm allowed to do that. ;) It does have its quirks - and I'll call them quirks because I think they add to the game's charm. Most notably I think is the voice acting. It's what will hit you first anyway. Quality in talent ranges from fairly decent to mediocre at best. It never detracts from the experience, and as I said I think it adds to the charm of the game. But I mention it as it may be an issue for some. Another area I think could stand for improvement is camera angles. In adventure mode (I'm assuming you've already read the GS review and know something of what the gameplay is like) the lowest angle you can tilt the camera still feels very top-down. In combat, there are only four preset camera positions for you to choose from (two looking towards the enemy and two towards yourself) where some freedom would have been appreciated. I think with some getting used to, though, it becomes a non-issue. Other than that, the game rocks. The strategy involved in combat I think is brilliant. And when you consider the number of hours the single player campaign will last you, the remarkable replayability, duel mode, and multiplayer, full price is a bargain. And see I got all the way through without mentioning the excellent use of sound, music and graphics. -- Oh, heck. Since I mentioned it... The graphics aren't anything cutting edge, but there's something just cute enough and just sharp enough about them that makes them feel more than decent. Things that were impressive technically were soft shadows and the above average particle effects. Artistically I really appreciate the animators' work on the creatures - mouths and eyes are frequently animated. The more important part of every creature was given the most attention to detail. So for example an evil eye (a beholder equivalent for you D&D fanatics out there) has full motion for the eyeball and its lid (it also has a working mouth), creatures that bite are given detailed mouths, and so on. Unnecessary, uncommon, and greatly appreciated. The use of sound - voice acting aside - is fantastic (someone save me - I'm running out of complimentary words here). In combat, creature's idle animations are fully integrated with sound. You can almost tell which creatures are in play simply by listening. Spread onto that a kinetic, energizing, beat-driving soundtrack and you're roaring to go. It's music you may even add to your playlists outside of the game. Again - unnecessary, uncommon, and greatly appreciated. The only think keeping my sound score from being a 9 is the voice acting, which I like... but I wouldn't call it good.. if you follow. :) I think for you to really enjoy this game, you must look at it from in indie game perspective. While actually it doesn't feel much like an indie game or a mainstream game. It's strange that way. It will also help if you have a vivid imagination. I strongly recommend that at the very least you give the demo a try.
