Two Worlds II Preview

GameZone is the latest website to kick out a hands-on preview of Two Worlds II based on the PAX East demonstration given by TopWare Interactive. An excerpt, as usual:

After getting the basics out of the way, TopWare zipped around the game world to show off the visuals and combat. When it comes to presentation, Two Worlds II is leaps and bounds above the original, featuring stunning lighting and shadow effects, as well as impressive environments. Grass bends under characters’ feet, and every light source casts dynamic shadows on the surroundings. Sadly, human and enemy character models weren’t as impressive. Once covered in armor it wasn’t as much of an issue, but even then there were animation issues, something which was admittedly unfinished at the time.

More finished was the magic system, which is quite possibly the most impressive element of the game thanks to a massive amount of customization. This is accomplished with cards that can be used to modify the effects of core abilities. Being able to turn a typical ice bolt into one that does additional damage is the simplest example. Being able to make that same ice bolt explode and fire out lightning bolts is a bit more complex. The possibilities are nearly endless (TopWare Interactive’s Jake DiGennaro said it offers 1,026 different spell combinations), and helped take the focus away from the otherwise incomplete combat.