Drakensang: The River of Time

 PC
Metascore
tbd

No score yet - based on 2 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. PC Gamer
    May 18, 2011
    80
    It's not fancy, but Drakensang: The River of Time is a well-made RPG in the tradition of the genre's classics. [July 2011, p.64]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 114
  3. Negative: 0 out of 114
  1. Cchase
    Jan 26, 2011
    9
    This game like it's predecessor is a delightfully well rounded RPG, which in my eyes while having slightly less polish than blockbuster titlesThis game like it's predecessor is a delightfully well rounded RPG, which in my eyes while having slightly less polish than blockbuster titles from Bioware, is every bit as enjoyable and has its own unique fantastical charm that is somewhat killed by the darker tone of many other modern RPG's. Don't get me wrong this game is very in depth an mature in its story telling and decision making. It features some of the most in depth character creation and leveling up of any current RPG. Bottom line this game deserves to be played by every RPG fan and I find it to be completely disgraceful that there is not a single english version review that I can find on the web when many over hyped RPG's that don't deliver near the enjoyment are getting reviews out the yingyang and even before release date, just goes to show the corporate gears in motion buying publicity. Ranting aside this is a great game that is every bit deserving of a 9 if Dragon Age was and for under $20 with more than 30 hrs gameplay there is no reason not to pick this up off D2D or some other digital server pronto. I will try and put together and post a more ordered review and breakdown if I have time.… Full Review »
  2. barkthomas
    Feb 12, 2011
    10
    At first I was concerned when this game started slowly, but it really picked up and showed to be a surprisingly deep RPG with lots ofAt first I was concerned when this game started slowly, but it really picked up and showed to be a surprisingly deep RPG with lots of complexity, character, and fun. Revisiting previous locations on the river brings up a whole new set of great sidequests that have you combing all over for good weapons and prizes. I'm hooked! I just finished this game. It has a very epic, satisfying ending. All those of you who
    like hardcore RPGs, you would like this. It's got a learning curve, but dammit
    this is something worth exploring. You will enjoy beating down the end boss....    … Full Review »
  3. larry138
    Mar 7, 2011
    8
    If you've been recounting the glory days of oldschool CRPGs while kids fart around with Dragon Age and the like, this game's for you.If you've been recounting the glory days of oldschool CRPGs while kids fart around with Dragon Age and the like, this game's for you. Challenging tactical combat, a long, interesting campaign and an upbeat, lighthearted nature help make Drakensang - The River of Time a treat.

    Instead of being overly serious or dark and somber, Drakensang - The River of Time has a sort of innocent, whimsical nature to it all. Sometimes the story deals with things that aren't so sunny, but the quirky characters and charming interactions coat everything in a layer of jovialty that's pretty infectious. The material isn't laugh-out-loud funny, but it serves to make the world and characters more endearing.

    The game's graphics are quite good. No, this will not rival Crysis, but there are some beautiful sights to take in during your time in Aventuria. Animations are done well, though some are often out of place ala a character threatening you while making a sort of friendly gesture. Characters are zoomed in on during discussions which lets you appreciate the amount of detail that went into the faces. Character models sometimes border on greatness, with corrupt politicians being 4 feet tall, ball shaped with a pencil-thin moustache and pig-like features. Drakensang certainly has a sense of humor that it displays often which is really refreshing in a time of neverending super serious, brown, drab games.

    The River of Time requires a certain amount of strategy which may turn some gamers off. Don't come in thinking you'll steamroll your way to the end credits -- even on the easy setting you're going to need to pause the combat and formulate some strategies to come out victorious in the various encounters. You'll also need to take direct control of individual party members to issue specific commands to tip the scale in your favor. The strategizing involved makes battles, especially boss fights, feel immensely satisfying once you emerge victorious.

    For all the good there is to say about Drakensang - The River of Time, there is some bad as well. The game doesn't get off to a particularly interesting start, unless you find gathering supplies to make camp for the night and fetch-questing around a somewhat confusing city to be riveting. Once the game picks up though it's hard to put down. Another negative is the voice acting. Some of it is decent, while a good chunk of it is almost embarassing. The voice of Ardo and Forgrimm, two main characters, are done well, while another main character, Cano the thief, has a downright awful voice actor. The quality ranges from professionals to "hey, guy, come in here and read this line into a mic," though on the whole it isn't too distracting.

    If you've got $20 and an interest in oldschool, challenging CRPGs, Drakensang - The River of Time is a no-brainer. It's engaging, its world and characters charming, and its battles satisfying. Give it an honest try and you may end up enjoying yourself unexpectedly.    … Full Review »
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