Drakensang: The Dark Eye

 PC
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Feb 23, 2009
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    74
    Drakensang: The Dark Eye is a rare breed these days. It's not a hardcore RPG, but it still offers a lot of complexity. The beauty of the game is the way in which the developers tailored the gameplay to include newbies without dumbing-down the genre. Don't miss a chance to play a game marinated in the classic RPG tradition.
  2. PC Gamer UK
    72
    A solid, squishy eyeful of Germanic RPG charm. [Apr 2009, p.81]
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  3. RPGamer
    70
    Drakensang is ultimately a rich and polished experience, and fans of the old party-based PC RPG design will find the same virtues and flaws that come with this type of game.
  5. GameSpot
    70
    This epic role-playing game has great depth, but is hampered by a number of significant design flaws.
  6. Eurogamer
    70
    As far as reasonable-budget party-based RPGs go, it's detailed enough to fill the months until we see whether Dragon Age is going to live up to BioWare's legacy.
  7. VideoGamer
    70
    Drakensang's best not when it's being played, but when it's being tinkered with. It's an old-fashioned, sometimes archaic, other times deeply engrossing game that rewards and satisfies according to how much effort you're willing to put in.
  8. Gamer.nl
    70
    Drakensang is a must buy for every fantasy and RPG fanatic. Don't except a revolution or a GOTY, but except a game that has charisma and can be picked up very easily. There are some tiny flaws, but the moment that you venture into Avonturia, your troubles will be over.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Absolute Games
    69
    Colorful vistas and ear-pleasing music are the few things that bring Drakensang closer to its eminent North American brethren. Alas, it is not enough for a good game, especially the one that wants to become the RPG of the year and gain a cult following. One would need talented writers and interesting game design for that.
  10. Game Informer
    68
    While Drakensang easily exceeds any expectations regarding presentation and scope, the finer points of RPG design - notably combat and player-driven interactions with the game world - are lost on the game. [Mar 2009, p.92]
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  11. PC Zone UK
    60
    A solid game, but one that suffers somewhat from stilted gameplay and a cliched plot. [May 2009, p.74]
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  12. Total PC Gaming
    60
    Die-hard RPG fans will appreciate the backstory, but no-one else will pay attention.
  13. DarkZero
    50
    I will say that I have spent enough time on this game to encompass my two playthroughs of Mass Effect, or both of the Knights of the Old Republic titles. And I can honestly say that, in comparison, I didn’t enjoy one minute of it. Good-day.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PC Game of 2009
65
#65 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
86
#86 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 188 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 188
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 188
  3. Negative: 14 out of 188
  1. SpectralAnubis
    Oct 28, 2010
    10
    One of the crowning achievements of RPG games. The production value was tagged around two million euros. The developers over at Radon labs hitOne of the crowning achievements of RPG games. The production value was tagged around two million euros. The developers over at Radon labs hit their stride and kept on going. They nailed the details, and the essence of tactical rpg games. The game is based off the Dark eye p&p game, very well titles have been released over the years, off such a well polished system. The combat rolls system rolls can take a while to grasp, for those unfamiliar with this niche of rpg's. The mathematics for the combat system are not on any physics level so, don't sweat it. The game resolves around the old pause, setup party and engage. The fights are quite challenging, the mobs will fight as if they are another player. The AI was well done in combat situations. The scripts are well written, the dialogues have options. The game lacks full range voice acting, this was obviously due to their budget. The character customization is lacking, especially on looks and cosmetics. The atmosphere and immersion is first class. I've nothing really negative to say about this game, pick it up if you're into tactical RPG's. There is possibly over 80 hours of gameplay, maybe more. Look forwards to Drakensang: River of time to be released in the 'near' future. Thanks for reading.… Full Review »
  2. AthanasiosT
    Dec 2, 2013
    8
    Solid classic RPG following the line of Baldur's Gate though it's based on a different game. Dungeons and areas exploration at maximum. NiceSolid classic RPG following the line of Baldur's Gate though it's based on a different game. Dungeons and areas exploration at maximum. Nice spell and combat system (but kind of difficult to comprehend at the beginning). Music and graphics very good. Only fault I want to note is the limit of 4 character group.… Full Review »
  3. Stingray
    Jul 27, 2013
    8
    The Dark Eye system takes some getting used to, and there's minor annoyances and sub-par voice acting, as well as a rushed ending, but overallThe Dark Eye system takes some getting used to, and there's minor annoyances and sub-par voice acting, as well as a rushed ending, but overall this is a great classic RPG reminiscent of games from the peak of the genre in the '90s.… Full Review »
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