Original Sin II is an isometric PC RPG that plays beautifully with mouse and keyboard but also offers full controller support. Perhaps this was a result of how well the controller worked for Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition on console or maybe just a preemptive move with plans for this to go to console, but either choice for control input works well. The music is beautifully composed and accompanies this fantasy setting splendidly, along with the impressive voice acting, and having this title be fully voiced was no small feat. The graphics will not push higher end graphics cards to the limit, but the design of characters, environments and monsters look great as do the cutscenes that possess a painting-like quality. The overall tone of Divinity: Original Sin II is dark and serious, but somehow manages to maintain an element of lighthearted fun and levity. There are a few humorous, sarcastic quip dialog options that pop up quite a bit and the Pet Pal talent can lead to a lot of interesting side quests and humorous dialog. The greatest moment of silliness is when the player enters stealth mode and assumes the form of a shrubbery walking around. While one probably wouldn't file this title under the humor section, it's clear the development team had a sense of humor while creating this.

The player can create the Chemical Warfare Grenade from an Empty Cannister and Intestines. This grenade will inflict the Diseased status on an enemy for four turns and deals poison damage, which can be useful in the early game. Intestines are found on corpses, and players may also buy them from trad

Humans have the Talent Ingenious, which gives a +5% chance of a critical hit and a +10% chance for critical damage. Thrifty gives them +1 to Bartering. The Skill inherent to the race is Encourage. Elves have the Talent Corpse Eater, which allows them to gain the memories of the dead by eating body parts. They may also gain +1 to Loremaster through Ancestral Knowledge. Petrifying Touch is the Skill innate to this r

Weapon Abilities include Single-Handed, Two-Handed, Ranged, and Dual Wielding. Defense Abilities include Retribution (Damage is reflected back at the attacker), Leadership (Increasing Bonuses are granted to the party), and Perseverance (Grants Physical and Magical Armour when certain conditions are met). Players may put points into these as w

Instead of being limited to being human, Divinity: Original Sin II gives the player the option to also be an elf, dwarf, lizard, or undead, though that last one which is personally the most interesting option is not presently available in the Early Access build. There are also optional origin stories that the player can use for their character, four are currently available but more will be included in the final release. Origin stories not selected by the player will be seen in NPCs met during the game that could join the party. These different origin stories add an extra dynamic to both single and multiplayer modes. Not all characters will have the same objectives they want to achieve, which can lead to some conflicts. With their being freedom to play the game any way a player decides, how conflicting goals among party members are addressed is entirely up to the player's imagination. This can be even more interesting in multiplayer, especially since the option to have four players simultaneously is now included. Playing with three other people who all have conflicting objectives can elevate the role playing element beyond what can be achieved in most video game RPGs.

Combining a Blood Rose with an Empty Potion Bottle will create the Attar of Blood Rose. This unique Potion will provide a +1 bonus to all the player's stats and lasts until death. While the Empty Potion Bottle is very common, there is only one Blood Rose in the game that the player may obtain, and it is found in Radeka's Cave on the island of Fort Joy. Players who invest points in the Five-Star Diner talent can double the effects of Attar of Blood R

RPGs are generally single player affairs and Divinity: Original Sin II can be played with zero interaction with other humans and still be a rewarding experience. The good folks at Larian Studios acknowledge, however, that gamers do in fact have friends and have made this title multiplayer friendly by creating a wealth of multiplayer content. The campaign can be played in its entirety with up to four players co-operatively either locally through the magic of the split screen or online. Because of the freedom offered in this title, some attempts at co-op can end up a little less than ideal , but any issue that arises from this has more to do with the player than the game. For "friends" like this, there is also a PvP arena mode, where those who tire of their friends incessant smack talk can take their parties into the arena and settle once and for all who is the best at the strategic combat of Divinity: Original Sin II.

The first Divinity: Original Sin offered almost unbridled freedom to the player, and it looks like the sequel is prepared to offer even more. Divinity: Original Sin II is designed to be played however the player wants. NPC conflicts can be handled by attempting to talk one's way out of trouble using the tag system, whether it be through charm, logic, or intimidation. Of course, the option to kill anyone in the game exists as well. Killing a quest giver might cause the player to miss out on an interesting quest, but they will still be able to complete the game. Even if every single NPC is sent to an early grave by the player's hand, it is still possible to complete the game. If a treasure box is out of reach teleportation or telekinesis are viable options. If a locked door is preventing your egress one can hunt for a key or if they have nimble fingers pick the lock. If neither of those options is feasible, bashing it down or setting it ablaze work just as well. This is not a SLG game news to hold your hand and instruct you what to do and how to do it. You will be given an objective and goal, and how you wish to achieve it will be determined by you.