Drakensang: The River of Time

 PC
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

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  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 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.This 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.… Expand
  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 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, satisfyingAt 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....    … Expand
  3. BlameBot
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    A very enjoyable and fairly cheap buy ($20 as of this review on Steam) that has already given me a decent amount of fun, and playtime, and I'm not even out of the first area yet. The story is much more lighthearted, less concerned with the sometimes banal morality choices that have become prevalent in many of todays RPG's, this is an epic and grand adventure in the style of fantasy fictionA very enjoyable and fairly cheap buy ($20 as of this review on Steam) that has already given me a decent amount of fun, and playtime, and I'm not even out of the first area yet. The story is much more lighthearted, less concerned with the sometimes banal morality choices that have become prevalent in many of todays RPG's, this is an epic and grand adventure in the style of fantasy fiction that was prevalent in the eighties and early nineties; be warned, it does have it's cheese. The coloring and modeling is vivid and refreshing, the characters you interact with even for a few moments give a real sense of personalty, and attachment. The problems? There are a few. One is the somewhat daunting character sheet, it looks like a DND sheet from hell. The tutorials aren't the most helpful things created, and the way they set up the camera is a bit head scratching. Still, anyone who's ever played a NWN game will find the controls familiar(It uses the same engine.) If you purchase this game, find a good online guide to help you through character creation and optimization, because the tutorials aren't as useful as they could be. Overall, the enjoyment thus far outweighs the slight drawbacks. I'd heartily recommend this game to anyone who loves epic RPGs, and is looking for something less dark and depressing. And something cheap.… Expand
  4. K1ller
    Jan 20, 2014
    10
    One of the best RPGs I have ever played. Even today, almost 3 years after release, the game has excellent graphics and gameplay. I really like how DTP listened to the fans of the first Drakensang and implemented many new features (e.g. the possibility to holster your weapons). It is a real pity that there will not be any more games like these two.
  5. SpectralAnubis
    Jan 30, 2011
    9
    Classic rpg meets modern mechanics. Drakensang: The River of Time, is a splendid blend. It flawlessly mixes the PnP system with modernized RPG mechanics. The Drakensang series is truly a masterpiece which will be remembered for years to come. The game itself is easy to transition into, even if the player has no current understanding of PnP style games. There are many helpful tips thatClassic rpg meets modern mechanics. Drakensang: The River of Time, is a splendid blend. It flawlessly mixes the PnP system with modernized RPG mechanics. The Drakensang series is truly a masterpiece which will be remembered for years to come. The game itself is easy to transition into, even if the player has no current understanding of PnP style games. There are many helpful tips that pop-up and explain what is what. Every attribute, talent and skill is laid out in simple mathematics. The learning curve is not very steep. The Nebula Device Open source engine is amazing, the graphics are delightful and easy on the eyes. The subtle yet beautiful gaming backdrops, add to the atmosphere. You really can immerse yourself in this game, like Baldur's Gate, Dragon Age, Icewind, Fallout etc. The under $20 US is a bargain, though Radon Labs filed for bankruptcy and was bought out by Bigpoint games, Drakensang III is scheduled for European release in 2011, look for it sometime to be released in the states by 2012.… Expand
  6. Bullfrog1983
    May 3, 2011
    8
    This game is almost identical to its predecessor in game play and character development. Since the way in which the game plays is largely the same (although quite different in content) I feel as though I must give this game a lower rank since there wasn't much innovation. In some genres this would be a bad thing, but since the original game was amazing, and this one is only slightly worseThis game is almost identical to its predecessor in game play and character development. Since the way in which the game plays is largely the same (although quite different in content) I feel as though I must give this game a lower rank since there wasn't much innovation. In some genres this would be a bad thing, but since the original game was amazing, and this one is only slightly worse I'm only docking it 1 point. Kudos on another great game, and I'm hoping to see more quality games from Valusoft soon.… Expand
  7. ryuks
    Aug 15, 2012
    9
    I played this game after playing the first Drakensang (is a prequel of first drakensang). The history is narrated by dwarf Forgrimm who is a very important character at first drakensang. This game includes improvements like quick travelling inside zones or visiting maps already played. The game is very beautiful and works really well even your machine aren
  8. Jaz
    Feb 23, 2013
    8
    An old school cRPG in a modern dress (better graphics). Lots of class choices, secondary skills etc. Only story is too predictable but still nice. Highly recommended.
  9. Kai82
    Aug 30, 2014
    9
    An old school rpg with a lot of charm and entertaining characters. The game world is not even slightly as big as an elder scrolls game but it is entertaining an fells alive. In many games there is no reason to revisit locations, here you get new quests, loot and npcs to interact with when you make progress in the main storyline. Please note that this is not a Dungeons and Dragons game. ItAn old school rpg with a lot of charm and entertaining characters. The game world is not even slightly as big as an elder scrolls game but it is entertaining an fells alive. In many games there is no reason to revisit locations, here you get new quests, loot and npcs to interact with when you make progress in the main storyline. Please note that this is not a Dungeons and Dragons game. It is a different role playing game system called "The Dark Eye". So you must adapt to different rules.… Expand
  10. 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. 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,    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.    … Expand
  11. DantheMan
    Mar 23, 2011
    9
    In an era when so many developers desire to make the next World of Warcraft it is a genuine strength of this game that it does not overreach. Other than as a value proposition, there is nothing spectacular about this game. But there isn't anything broken about the game, either. From the introduction's opening soothing chords, through the standard fare of human, dwarfs, and elves, to it'sIn an era when so many developers desire to make the next World of Warcraft it is a genuine strength of this game that it does not overreach. Other than as a value proposition, there is nothing spectacular about this game. But there isn't anything broken about the game, either. From the introduction's opening soothing chords, through the standard fare of human, dwarfs, and elves, to it's replication of The Bard's Tale motif it's obvious that the first and foremost desire of the developers is simply to /please/. Given that the developer is now bankrupt, one can wonder at the business wisdom of that decision but the result from a game play perspective is something that will put a smile on the face of any RPG fan. If you are looking for a mature, dark experience like The Witcher this is definitely not it; it's more akin to The Princess Bride kind of fantasy milieu. This game does have it's flaws. The voice acting is uneven, it's annoying that the game only tracks major quests and not minor quests, there are some performance bugs. But none of these faults rise past the level of mildly annoying. I wasn't sure what I was getting when I made an impulse buy from the bargain bin but now that I read other reviews here I see a theme "well-rounded," "a good mix," a "splendid blend". That hits the mark. The fact that it's less than $20 pushes it from 'good game' territory to 'outstanding value'.… Expand
  12. BlackbladeEP
    Jun 29, 2011
    7
    A pretty solid RPG with some features that hold it back. The points in it's favor are a solid system based on a German pen and paper game, it's party based which is pretty hard to find now a days and has an interesting setting with the main character sailing up an down a river unraveling various mysteries. The story, dialog and heaps of throw away loot hold it back though. I can't sayA pretty solid RPG with some features that hold it back. The points in it's favor are a solid system based on a German pen and paper game, it's party based which is pretty hard to find now a days and has an interesting setting with the main character sailing up an down a river unraveling various mysteries. The story, dialog and heaps of throw away loot hold it back though. I can't say the story is horrible but it isn't captivating in the least and felt pretty forced to me. The dialog doesn't help, the voices aren't the problem just what they are given to say. It just ends up giving the world an overall fake feeling that an RPG shouldn't have in my opinion. Also there are so many damn barrels and chests with nothing but junk in them. Walk into a room with like 3 barrels/vases and a chest and end up with a few crafting components and something worth a little gold. Just bad design, put all that crap in one chest and stop wasting my time. This is made even worse with the two step mechanic of breaking the barrel by clicking on it and then clicking on it again to pick it up. Anyway, little pet peeve of mine that probably won't bother others as much as it bothers me. Fix those and this would be a nice little gem that I could wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who is a fan of this genre. As it stands it's a decent game though but really for die hard RPG fans looking for something beyond the standard lone hero saving the world in a sandbox setting that is so common now.

    It should also be pointed out that although the underlying system is good it unfortunately isn't actually explained to the user so you will likely need to search online to understand how it all works. There's not even a manual in any American release that I could find. Both Impulse and Steam did not include one at least. Pretty sad for a game like this.    … Expand
  13. Xelluse
    Apr 20, 2016
    10
    Absolutely agree with PCGamer review, it's classical style RPG...
    If you liked first part of it you will like it too...
    Also to ME and DA players - game may be very hard for you. And you should play it and not interact with Non player characters to have sex with them.
  14. Zebrastealer
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    I am giving this game a 10, simply because it is an outstanding value at $20! Probably the best gaming value I have gotten this year - including quite a few bargains obtained during the holiday sale at steam! I am only a few hours into the title and it has great graphics with some wonderful particle and atmospheric effects. Voice acting is the one weak point - it isn't bad, but probablyI am giving this game a 10, simply because it is an outstanding value at $20! Probably the best gaming value I have gotten this year - including quite a few bargains obtained during the holiday sale at steam! I am only a few hours into the title and it has great graphics with some wonderful particle and atmospheric effects. Voice acting is the one weak point - it isn't bad, but probably not the same level of quality found in the original German release. Gameplay seems great, a traditional RPG experience for those disappointed in the action click-crapfest that wad Dragon Age 2. The gaming system is close enough to original AD & D rules that you can pick up the basics easily enough. Recommended!… Expand
  15. Cell1e
    May 8, 2011
    7
    Its a fun game that has some really lovely aspects. I enjoyed the beautiful environment and the lovely clothes and weapons you can buy. I like the little missions, although some puzzles were really tricky, I loved the happy ending! Combat is a bit laborious and chunky for my liking but the rest is lovely for people who like a good old fashioned RPG. Would like a bit of romance added! IIts a fun game that has some really lovely aspects. I enjoyed the beautiful environment and the lovely clothes and weapons you can buy. I like the little missions, although some puzzles were really tricky, I loved the happy ending! Combat is a bit laborious and chunky for my liking but the rest is lovely for people who like a good old fashioned RPG. Would like a bit of romance added! I would recommend this gmae to friends and will definitely buy the next installment.… Expand
  16. kozzy420
    Feb 17, 2012
    10
    A fantastic rpg that is alot like the old school rpgs from back in the day.

    This series reminds me somewhat of old D&D games like Baldurs Gate, Icewind Dale,etc.. mixed with a little Ultima and Divine Divnity. To be honest I have enjoyed these Drakensang games more then most of the popular rpgs these days like Oblivion, Dragon Age 2, Fallout3, etc.. Its more about roleplaying and the    A fantastic rpg that is alot like the old school rpgs from back in the day.

    This series reminds me somewhat of old D&D games like Baldurs Gate, Icewind Dale,etc.. mixed with a little Ultima and Divine Divnity.

    To be honest I have enjoyed these Drakensang games more then most of the popular rpgs these days like Oblivion, Dragon Age 2, Fallout3, etc.. Its more about roleplaying and the game world then it is about action action action.

    Some might be turned off by the difficulty of the series, but if you spend some time with it you will be rewarded with a very deep rpg that is full with things to do.

    Do yourself a favor and go buy all the Drakensang games you can find!!!!    … Expand
  17. HPglow
    Apr 17, 2011
    8
    This is a good American style RPG. There are flaws to the game, don't get me wrong. Like the voice acting. This game is good for down time, like when your internet connection is out or you don't have anything else to play. I wouldn't put it in the same boat as Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2, or Fallout: New Vegas but it is pretty fun to play even if it lacks the polish.
  18. OrlaisKnight
    Mar 29, 2011
    7
    It's not Dragon Age or The Witcher, but still it's a good rpg that manages to entertain for some 30 hours (or more). The game's world is also really interesting and unique.
  19. guinevere2
    May 20, 2011
    5
    Can't say I liked this game. Graphically outdated and somewhat "pokemonish" , awkward controls, terrible voice acting and dialogs. The only reason to lay this game is to have some group-based rpg experience, as vast majority of recent titles are one-person game. Unfortunately this experience will not be of the best quality.

Critic Reviews

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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]
  2. Armchair Empire
    Mar 11, 2011
    70
    While The River of Time has its fair share of technical flaws, the story, and combat in the game more than make up for this. Also, the game is only $20 which helps one overlook its shortcomings. The game quietly slipped onto the market at the start of the year, which is a shame because it certainly deserves the attention of RPG fans.
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