Drakensang: The Dark Eye

Tamren wrote:

Is there no way to speed up travel speed? Running around is painfully slow and there is no sort of rapid travel system I can find. Thats the only thing that kills the experience for me, the rest is nice and polished. There are no translation horrors either.

I haven't tried it, but this post on RPGwatch mentions editing the game's database files to speed up movement.

Greh, thats too much work. They should patch it so that the runspeed stays the same but the game allows you to accelerate to a top speed about 4 times the current max.

Wow, I saw this game at Best Buy yesterday. That surprised the s**t out of me. And then, this morning, it was mentioned in this msnbc article.

That's a lot more exposure than I ever thought this game would get.

I ended up getting it on D2D because I couldnt find it in a store. It is definitely worth 30 bucks and it will likely end up on GoGamer for less in the next few weeks. It is very story driven and there isnt a lot of uber loot type stuff, but its a good story - deep character system, novel crafting, and a beautifully crafted world.

I couldn't resist. I'm into the main city and past the first storyline (the murders) so far and getting into the next leg of the adventure. It's like a streamlined NWN 2 in many ways. There's a strong statistical back-end, but all the fiddly bits like having to click a button to specifically search for traps are not there. Which is good, I don't feel overwhelmed by the spell and abilities count like I did with the Neverwinter games.

I also like that it is a different RPG system. I've definitely got some D&D fatigue so games like The Witcher and Drakensang are a nice change of pace. So far it's pretty easy and the pace is definitely leisurely, but I'm having a good time. If things pick up like Spy says they do, I'd say this is a fine PC RPG for the price. Nothing earth shattering, but it definitely scratches the itch. In a lot of ways, I play games like this a sort of replacement for the time I might otherwise spend playing an MMO. At least this will end and I'll feel like I've been part of a story.

Polished, looks good, runs well and not a crash in sight. Thumbs up!

Yep, I'm downloading now. I too am tired of the D&D paradigm so Tolkein-esque fantasy done with a different sensibility will be interesting to try.

Certis wrote:

Nothing earth shattering, but it definitely scratches the itch. . . .

Polished, looks good, runs well and not a crash in sight. Thumbs up!

Kind of like King's Bounty then? Well, except for the not crashing thing.

I hate you guys (especially Certis and Spy). Need to download the demo to see if my computer will handle it.

Vector wrote:

I hate you guys (especially Certis and Spy). Need to download the demo to see if my computer will handle it.

Yoda says:
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See me sitting on the fence?

I love me a good RPG, but I'm tired of the high fantasy clichés. Decisions, decisions...

As far as setting and story goes, it doesn't get more cliche than this one. It's like a warm blanket for me, but I would ]say Drakensang is for fans of the genre rather than something who's quality transcends those barriers.

Like Certis said - definitely a story full of cliches. It is like a warm, comfy, familiar blanket and it reminds me of some of the older RPG's I played long ago - Realms of Arkania (same system and designer I believe), and Betrayal at Krondor. The game just feels right to me. It doesnt take the genre forward, but it is entertaining and for me that was all I needed.

This will probably get installed after I finish Mass Effect for PC. A non-D&D RPG sounds interesting (I haven't played the Witcher yet).

I'd go with the Witcher first if I were you. Dont forget to get the Enhanced Edition. The Witcher has a much more adult storyline and I thought it had more "action". Certainly a more diverse set of quests. Just my opinion, but if you havent played The Witcher - then do that first.

SpyNavy wrote:

Realms of Arkania (same system and designer I believe), and Betrayal at Krondor.

Same system, different designers. Realms of Arkania were created by attic, they went out of business a while ago. Guido Henkel, who also worked on PS:T afterwards, was part of attic back then.

It's nice to see the game getting some exposure internationally, I played the German version when it first came out here, even got the collector's edition, because I'm a fan of the system, I even play the Pen & Paper thing once a week
so if anyone got questions about the system and the rules I could hopefully answer them

Certis wrote:

Polished, looks good, runs well and not a crash in sight. Thumbs up!

Stop making me add new games to my queue. I don't have time to play yet another RPG, you jerk.

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Runs on my computer. Purchased and currently downloading...damn.

It runs on my laptop and is cheap, +2
It's cliché as hell and I have a gigantic backlog, -2

I'll probably buy it along the line, when the need for a warm blanket RPG covers my elitist need for something new But not now.

Just started investigating the murders. Loving it. Runs fairly well on this crappy laptop.

-Having a full party is great.
-Kind of wish the Pirate class was something more than a misnamed viking.
-Still don't understand the ruleset but D&D terminology is confusing and foreign to me.
-Not sure how I level up but I love how every kill or quest can lead to a skill increase.
-Lock picking is kind of annoying and random.
-The lack of spoken dialog after an introductory sentence is a little strange.
-Bland but entertaining story so far.
-I didn't really get into crafting until I reached the city. Have made about 12 or more bows.
-Always seem to run out of cash but at the same time there's contstant sources of income.

The Witcher: EE is a much better game but this scratches the itch and having the party follow me around, banter, and contribute is great.

Always seem to run out of cash but at the same time there's contstant sources of income.

** Slight spoiler: Get pickpocket up to 13-15 as fast as you can. Finish the thieves guild quest and get the reward - pickpocket to your hearts content - instant money. Also, if you buy something from a merchant - they get your money and it is in their inventory - so buy what you want/need - then pickpocket your money back :).

Well hey, Drakensang is now avaliable on Steam for an even thirty bucks.

SpyNavy wrote:
Always seem to run out of cash but at the same time there's contstant sources of income.

** Slight spoiler: Get pickpocket up to 13-15 as fast as you can. Finish the thieves guild quest and get the reward - pickpocket to your hearts content - instant money. Also, if you buy something from a merchant - they get your money and it is in their inventory - so buy what you want/need - then pickpocket your money back :).

HA! I'm hoping I can get either Mage/Thief Girl or Dranor (when he can rejoin) that high soon. My main is a pirate/viking and he would not pickpocket. No. He would kill and then take everything.

Tannhauser wrote:

Well hey, Drakensang is now avaliable on Steam for an even thirty bucks.

I want my 'region free' Steam back, here in EU it's €50,-

SpyNavy wrote:

reminds me of some of the older RPG's I played long ago - Realms of Arkania (same system and designer I believe), and Betrayal at Krondor.

Ok, that's some damn high praise. Definitely checking out the demo tonight.

Vector wrote:
SpyNavy wrote:
Always seem to run out of cash but at the same time there's contstant sources of income.

** Slight spoiler: Get pickpocket up to 13-15 as fast as you can. Finish the thieves guild quest and get the reward - pickpocket to your hearts content - instant money. Also, if you buy something from a merchant - they get your money and it is in their inventory - so buy what you want/need - then pickpocket your money back :).

HA! I'm hoping I can get either Mage/Thief Girl or Dranor (when he can rejoin) that high soon. My main is a pirate/viking and he would not pickpocket. No. He would kill and then take everything.

I'd keep the girl mage-thief. The magic comes in handy and her people skills are handy as well. I started off as a rogue class, but I kept her anyhow.

Right now I don't have much of a choice. Only Rhulana, Forgrimm, and Gladys will even join my party. Looks like I can get Dranor and Auralia eventually. I've heard there were 10 NPCs and from what the game describes you can keep them all in your house and they'll still gain adventure points. I love the sound of that.

I want a dedicated archer soon. Rhulana isn't cutting it.

wahwah wrote:
Tannhauser wrote:

Well hey, Drakensang is now avaliable on Steam for an even thirty bucks.

I want my 'region free' Steam back, here in EU it's €50,-

Seriously, what the f*ck is it with European prices on Steam? I could do with a warm, snuggly rpg, but not when the rest of the world gets it for half the price. I'll wait for the sale.

Alien Love Gardener wrote:
wahwah wrote:
Tannhauser wrote:

Well hey, Drakensang is now avaliable on Steam for an even thirty bucks.

I want my 'region free' Steam back, here in EU it's €50,-

Seriously, what the f*ck is it with European prices on Steam? I could do with a warm, snuggly rpg, but not when the rest of the world gets it for half the price. I'll wait for the sale.

Lord knows - they were advertising Empire:Total War for £40...I can't remember the last time that I paid £40 for a PC game, even at the most rip-off of rip-off shops (Hello, Game !!), and even wanted £25 for Mount and Blade.

I'm buying nothing from Steam unless it's on offer now.

Is this a new trend? Is it because the pound is bottoming out?