Risen 2: Dark Waters Preview and Interview

We are getting close to the release date of the PC version Piranha Bytes’ Risen 2: Dark Waters, so in case you are interested in buying the title but aren’t sure yet, you might be interested in reading this preview from BeefJack:

As you continue your adventure and meet a whole band of quirky and wonderful characters, ranging from blacksmiths complaining about their crabs (not that kind) to Booze, the lovable rum-brewing pirate, it’s clear that Risen 2 has got one thing completely nailed: the dialogue. With many conversations in the game raising a wry smile, it’s a clear homage to RPGs of yesteryear. Luckily, there are no complaints of sharp projectiles hitting body parts.

The incidental dialogue needs some work, though, with conversations restarting if you don’t stay in earshot until they’ve been completed. This of course leads to repetition of dullard small talk, but it’s barely noticeable when you leave the various small towns dotted about the place.

More noticeable are the stilted animations and plasticine-style character models. When conversing, the various inhabitants of Risen 2’²s world seem to only be able to perform repetitive movements when saying something, rather than standing still a bizarre problem that also plagued the first game. When you’re involved in long conversations regarding quests and other important information, this can become a constant distraction.

And this interview from GamingBolt:

Shubhankar: The first Risen game was so successful in what it did because of its grounded charm and uniqueness. Is Risen 2 similar in that fashion, or does it have its own kind of charm?

Pankratz: We improved some elements such as the skill system for Risen 2, and dedicated a whole game to the pirate setting. This certainly gives Risen 2 its own kind of charm. However, the game is still quite unmistakably a Piranha Bytes title, especially with regard to the linguistic style and the design of the game world.

…

Shubhankar: Can we expect any more games or DLCs from the Risen franchise in the future?

Pankratz: We are definitely planning DLC for Risen 2. It will be more like an add-in, not directly interwoven with the main story. We also have some ideas for the time after Risen 2, of course, but we will see where they lead in the future.