I don't know about you but as a primarily PC gamer I've developed a somewhat unhealthy addiction to checking Steam for new games every week. Maybe it's boredom and maybe it's just the hope that something, anything will come out for the platform during these usually dry gaming months in Spring. About a month ago I noticed a RPG release from German developer Radon Labs called Drakensang. I was immediately skeptical. First of all it's $30 and as a rule I never trust new releases that don't come out at standard market prices. Low prices are usually the sign of low-quality, budget gaming. Second, the game is tied to some universe my narrow-minded DnD brain had not heard of before: The Dark Eye. I could point you to some hefty documentation about what The Dark Eye encompasses, but for now, just assume it's the German version of a Dungeons and Dragons system.
Drakensang: The Dark Eye
Game » consists of 1 releases. Released Feb 18, 2009
Drakensang: The Dark Eye is the latest attempt to bring atention of American gamers to the The Dark Eye pen-and-paper role playing system from Germany.
RPG Corner: Drakensang Is Quite The Surprise
I don't know about you but as a primarily PC gamer I've developed a somewhat unhealthy addiction to checking Steam for new games every week. Maybe it's boredom and maybe it's just the hope that something, anything will come out for the platform during these usually dry gaming months in Spring. About a month ago I noticed a RPG release from German developer Radon Labs called Drakensang. I was immediately skeptical. First of all it's $30 and as a rule I never trust new releases that don't come out at standard market prices. Low prices are usually the sign of low-quality, budget gaming. Second, the game is tied to some universe my narrow-minded DnD brain had not heard of before: The Dark Eye. I could point you to some hefty documentation about what The Dark Eye encompasses, but for now, just assume it's the German version of a Dungeons and Dragons system.
Dave, maybe you've heard of Realms of Arkania, the "old" Sir-Tech RPG trilogy that has you roll up a party and explore places first person, then have third-person tactical combat. That's based on The Dark Eye.
Another surprisingly good offering out of Europe is Men of War. It's better than Company of Heroes. Seriously!
Wow an article on Drakensang, that's cool.
I tried it too, a while ago, sadly not for me, but it's pretty impressive...i have a constant Fantasy RPG thirst it seems.
Nice write-up! Good to see some quality RPG's on the PC, especially when they sneak up on consumers. I'll have to check this one out.
Does the system in this game have negative attributes (greed, curiosity) and that you have to roll up certain scores to be able to play certain classes/races, or are things less reroll-y now?
Part of me wants to grab this, but a larger part of me really doesn't care for Fantasy universes. I might have to grab that demo and try it to see for sure.
I don't know how Drakensang being good can be a surprise :D There are two genres we germans go totally bananas for: Adventures and RPGs. We just lack the money to produce more of the latter.
But about the game: It's full of cliches and I think it gets a little stale in the end. They stripped a lot from the pen and paper Darkeye system but - the good news for all real RPG fans - it's still complicated and broken as hell. I had a lot fun playing it. The game did pretty good here in germany and a prequel to Drakensang is already in the works with a planned release of early 2010.
Great write up Dave. I'm digging the RPG corner thing. From the podcasts and your reviews and news posts, I find I have a lot in common with you in terms of RPG-taste. I may have to check Drakensang out, as I've been kind of RPG hungering lately while I wait for Dragon Age. I've been replaying The Witcher and Baldur's Gate II, and maybe this game could also help with the interim until DA:O is released.
@colnmatze
I remember playing Realms of Arkania Blades of Destiny which I think was based on Dark Eye world and was made by some other German developer as well.
Ah, excellent, I was hoping somebody would take a look at this.
If you have a soft spot for diamonds in the rough, I second the 'Men of War' suggestion. Terrible name, terrible voice acting, but the gameplay and mission balance is pitched to perfection and you can play the entire SP campaign co-op. Definitely recommend checking it out if you haven't already.
Yay Dave! I have been waiting for this ever since I saw your thingy that said you were downloading this to check it out, because I have been on the fence about this title for all the reasons you said you were skeptical. It's great to know that those concerns can be dismissed. I will be picking this up ASAP. Thanks! :-)
I was looking at this on steam the other day but when I heard it had to do with some dark eye ruleset thing I was at a loss. Also there was another Kings Bounty? what the hell? I played the genesis one back in the day ALOT and waited for someone to make a new one. That's one I need to find.
Also, Blind Gaurdian is awesome.
I bought this game a few weeks ago. I'm liking it so far. Not buying a game because it's not standard retail price is ridiculous though. I know a ton of great games that are priced under the 50 dollar mark. You're missing out on a lot if you stick to that.
Wow a reference to Blind Guardian, that's enough to make me intrested in the game. Unfortunately not enough money this month. :/
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