Daedalic released their anticipated Blackguards 2 onto PC platforms today. The tactical strategy title returns players to the Dark Eye ruleset upon which the tabletop RPG is founded and brings the story to a more focused, darker place.
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In our review of the original Blackguards, which was released less than a year ago, we lovingly declared that the game "is a bit like the most recent "Three Musketeers" movie: light-hearted fun if you don't think about the mechanics of it all too much." There were bits lost in translation from the German original game and it was a bit convoluted, but enjoyable.
So how does its sequel stack up? As a non-major title, only a few of the major sites have picked it up, so let's hear from around the net.
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IGN (7.8 / 10) thinks it's a big step up from the first, commending its focus on a single character that better defines the story, though noting that the combat can still be a chore to get through. "Blackguards 2 improves on its predecessor in almost every other respect. Daedalic effectively removed the elements that made last year's release annoying at all the wrong moments, and left its players with the best parts of the experience. It's still a methodical, almost plodding tactical roleplaying game, but now it's easier to find the fun and to enjoy its world and characters.
The guys over at Twinfinite meanwhile, adore the game, giving it a perfect score and citing, "Blackguard 2 manages to exist as a game that feels like a classic strategy role playing game, and as so much more at the same time. A deep story with great characters, varied quests, deep customization, and great battles make for a must have game. It may be a bit daunting for those new to the genre, but the payoff after the challenge is more than worth it." Albeit they do call some of the gameplay "unforgiving". Newcomers beware.
Canadian Online Gamers - who were disappointed in the original somewhat - praise the game's new mercenary system as "it allows you to really make your characters whatever you want." But warns that only players with a lot of time should sink themselves into this one. Daedalic has done a great job at actually listening to the community to help improve their product, and I'm really happy to see what they've done. You're not going to get blown away, but you'll certainly be left with some fond memories and a solid experience."
Aah, to be young and with time once more! Blackguards 2 is out now for PC and Mac. Purchase it over at Steam.