Risen 2: Dark Waters

 PC
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 847 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 338 out of 847
  2. Mixed: 219 out of 847
  3. Negative: 290 out of 847
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  1. PenetratorGod
    Aug 20, 2023
    5
    It doesn't feel like the second game in a series. It feels like a downgrade in every way compared to the first game. If you liked the first game a lot, you can play this one with lowered expectations, but frankly, this pirate concept didn't interest me at all. It makes more sense to replay the first game instead of playing this one.
  2. kolarz3
    May 19, 2023
    7
    Pretty nice continuation of the first game. It had a more pirate climate. I liked more risen 1 climate
  3. IamNader
    May 17, 2023
    7
    As a huge fan of the GOTHIC series, I was very excited for RISEN 2: DARK WATERS and I was not disappointed, The game has many positive aspects that make it a fun and rewarding experience - 7/10
  4. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    5
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  5. Shnd3r
    Oct 9, 2022
    5
    Childhood game. But, unfortunately, the game was completed quite recently. Of course, by modern standards, the game is rather weak (weak game design due to constant saves, rather weak dialogue animation), but there are moments that will please RPG fans even in 2022 (for example, a well-thought-out plot and a well-built economy). In general, a good alternative to the old, long-favoriteChildhood game. But, unfortunately, the game was completed quite recently. Of course, by modern standards, the game is rather weak (weak game design due to constant saves, rather weak dialogue animation), but there are moments that will please RPG fans even in 2022 (for example, a well-thought-out plot and a well-built economy). In general, a good alternative to the old, long-favorite gothic, only on the theme of pirates, this series is exclusively for fans of this series. My rating is 5/10 if you do not look at the game through the prism of time.… Expand
  6. Torgall
    Jan 26, 2022
    4
    What happened after the first game? This is completely different game, nothing in common with Risen 1. If they wanted to make rather bland and akward Pirate game they should just made another series, not ruin this one. This game has one of the word combat system I have ever played, fighting is like swinging uncooked noodle at cardboard box.
  7. Jernas
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    The first Risen game was a pleasant surprise for me. It was a very well made, small, but focused, RPG. I was a little bit worried about Risen 2: Dark Waters, because it wasn't well received by the public when it was released in 2012. Now let's see what kind of a game it actually is.

    The game looks good, for the most part. Vegetation is plentiful, polygon count is a little higher than in    The first Risen game was a pleasant surprise for me. It was a very well made, small, but focused, RPG. I was a little bit worried about Risen 2: Dark Waters, because it wasn't well received by the public when it was released in 2012. Now let's see what kind of a game it actually is.

    The game looks good, for the most part. Vegetation is plentiful, polygon count is a little higher than in the first game, and some of the effects, like the sunrays, look impressive. Combat is very similar to the first game, although tailored to the pirate theme, focusing on sabers, epees and firearms, instead of axes, swords and shields, but it does the job quite well. The story is written well enough, and characters are interesting, though the pirate setting is quite a departure from the first game. Quest variety and relative shortness of the game ensures that the game never really becomes boring.

    For all of those who finished the first game, it's unfortunate that the story in the second Risen isn't sufficiently connected to the first. Sure, the protagonist is the same, but even that isn't obvious initially. In fact, the first few hours of the game are not very fun. For whatever reason, the first island is inhabited by some of the deadliest enemies, such as jaguars, and natives, and there are a few nasty invisible traps, hidden in the jungle. That makes the beginning of the game frustrating, and I'm sure many people gave up and quit at that point.

    That is a shame, because the rest of the game is a focused, and well made experience. Risen 2: Dark Waters did not disappoint me, though the beginning of the game should have really been better.    … Expand
  8. Deant_Magnetic
    Sep 5, 2021
    7
    Как по мне хуже первой части, потому что не создается необходимое атмосфера из-за чего куда сложнее втянуться в игру
  9. kruci
    Dec 12, 2020
    6
    Drewno straszne, ale na koniec dnia i tak do nie wracałem aż ukończyłem. Bez rewelacji ale też bez skandali
  10. GraysonUA
    Mar 31, 2020
    7
    Ну попробували освіжити сетинг, але схоже, що піранії занадто відстають від усього світу. Світ став не таким "готичним", але перейняв піратський антураж. Що обідно, так це що кораблі є, але вся їх функція це "телепорт".
  11. Gelaos
    Sep 20, 2018
    5
    Unforgivable disappointment.

    Story is dull and full of plot holes, combat is absolutetly horrifying (free camera + rigid animations + sometimes unresponsive controls, enemies stun you all the time), whole piracy theme is absurdly exaggerated, characters are incredibly shallow... Quests are stupidly unimaginative. Example: NPC: "Hello, I lost artifact. Will you help me find it?"    Unforgivable disappointment.

    Story is dull and full of plot holes, combat is absolutetly horrifying (free camera + rigid animations + sometimes unresponsive controls, enemies stun you all the time), whole piracy theme is absurdly exaggerated, characters are incredibly shallow...

    Quests are stupidly unimaginative. Example:
    NPC: "Hello, I lost artifact. Will you help me find it?"
    Hero: "OK."
    (you walk 5 steps ahead and pick up the artifact)
    Hero: "Here's your artifact."
    NPC: "Oh, thank you. Only big hero like you could find it. Here, take 2000 gold as a small reward."

    World is just bunch of linear corridors and everything looks cheap, like from some low-budget game.

    Only challenging thing about Risen 2 is being able to finish it without getting crazy about stupid this game is.    … Expand
  12. markjohnson7861
    Aug 1, 2018
    4
    I died inside trying to play it. After awesome first risen I wanted more of this. And oh boy... My advice is if you love risen 1, please, just leave risen 2, because it will kill your love and you will never see risen as a great experience ever again.
  13. Armitas
    May 21, 2018
    9
    Best Pirate Game I have ever played. While some parts of the game like crafting may be left completely raw the rest of it is pure pirate joy! I took the sword and guns path and the combat was excellent, it was difficult which is a staple for this brand. You actually had to plan out your attacks by watching each of your opponents. The voodoo path I hear is not so good but I havn't triedBest Pirate Game I have ever played. While some parts of the game like crafting may be left completely raw the rest of it is pure pirate joy! I took the sword and guns path and the combat was excellent, it was difficult which is a staple for this brand. You actually had to plan out your attacks by watching each of your opponents. The voodoo path I hear is not so good but I havn't tried that path yet. The story is great, the voice acting is great, the characters are great, music is great. You get to build your own crew, own your own pirate ship, find hordes of rare treasures that build your stats, and hunt down probably 30 treasure maps. Despite the unpolished areas the game I'm giving it a 9 because it's just so dang fun to play. Let me put it this way, even though Piranha bytes tends to put out games before they are ready I would buy any game they make but cause the core of what does get released is always enjoyable.… Expand
  14. shadorn
    Aug 13, 2017
    9
    A good sequel of the first Risen, although slightly inferior overall.
    Personally I liked the pirate setting, the graphic improvements and the improved UI (especially the instant travel feature). The game is a bit smaller (unless you spend money on DLC) and combat feels a bit less polished overall. Still a solid game for those who love the genre. I'd say 8.5.
  15. reviewthis4u
    Jul 15, 2016
    1
    It's a pirate game with no pirating. No Ocean to sail or fight or on. The graphics are 10 years to late to the self-indulgent-fantasy-and-all-around-trite-dialogue party.
  16. Nuker
    Jun 29, 2015
    7
    - Good: Exploration, Character progression, Some locations
    - Mixed: Story, Setting, Combat, Writing
    - Bad: Pirates bleh

    Pretty average after superior Risen 1.
  17. PaladinNH
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    If I can do anything to improve this game's score, I will, because the current average score of 5.5 isn't fair AT ALL. Perhaps the game was buggy upon release, I don't know, but it is somewhere between a 7 and 8.5 out of 10. Unlike the latest AAA titles, there's actually a game world, complete with story, decent characters, humor (Jaffar!), CHALLENGING combat, and what's that word again?If I can do anything to improve this game's score, I will, because the current average score of 5.5 isn't fair AT ALL. Perhaps the game was buggy upon release, I don't know, but it is somewhere between a 7 and 8.5 out of 10. Unlike the latest AAA titles, there's actually a game world, complete with story, decent characters, humor (Jaffar!), CHALLENGING combat, and what's that word again? Ah yes, immersion. Brought back lots of memories of Gothic 1 and 2, agree with the other reviewer who said this. Actually preferred this game to the first Risen, better characters and more cohesive, immersive story. I'd give it an 8 but feel obligated to counter others by posting a 10.… Expand
  18. nikolas0
    Apr 15, 2015
    10
    It is difficult to get to its mode but once you have got into it it's nearly perfect; a pirate song. A true successor to Gothic and Risen Series. After one hour of game playing you want leave it. As Jaffar says: **** yes!
  19. notlaw
    Mar 21, 2015
    1
    I realize this game has a few years on it now but after playing it a few weeks ago i felt so moved i needed to write about it. I dont even know where to begin with how **** this game is the graphics look like they are from ps2 or xbox days the writing for the characters is dismal, it skips frames all together it some places one minute a dudes in front of me then magically hes faces aI realize this game has a few years on it now but after playing it a few weeks ago i felt so moved i needed to write about it. I dont even know where to begin with how **** this game is the graphics look like they are from ps2 or xbox days the writing for the characters is dismal, it skips frames all together it some places one minute a dudes in front of me then magically hes faces a different direction in a cut scene no less which i had never encounted before, and the ridiculous hand gestures and body movements that are on repeat for each character regardless of what they say is just laughable. In my history of gaming i"ve only ever put 2 games down without finishing them for there ****ness and this is one of them. The only reason i am given it a 1 is some body went to the effort of making this spew. Avoid like the plague… Expand
  20. hwarming
    Jul 14, 2014
    3
    Bad, even though I like the idea, a pirate RPG, the execution is garbage. A pseudo open world, you can't sail your ship, you just quicktravel with it, the animations are unintentionally hilarious, as is the voice acting, the progression is poorly paced and a pain in the ass. Do yourself a favor and stick to good RPGs like Oblivion or Skyrim. Maybe wait for Risen 3 and see how the reviewsBad, even though I like the idea, a pirate RPG, the execution is garbage. A pseudo open world, you can't sail your ship, you just quicktravel with it, the animations are unintentionally hilarious, as is the voice acting, the progression is poorly paced and a pain in the ass. Do yourself a favor and stick to good RPGs like Oblivion or Skyrim. Maybe wait for Risen 3 and see how the reviews are, the developers have literally nowhere to go but up.… Expand
  21. tngmarlon
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    -The game has good graphics
    -This game has a good atmosphere
    -The pirate story is very nice

    If you dont have this game buy it i cant understand this metascore
  22. MustisTheCat
    Jul 12, 2014
    6
    56 hours of painfully mediocre gameplay. DLCs completely worthless. If you enjoyed Gothic 3, you could like this game. But if not, stay away. Risen 2 is what is left of The Great Gothic series.
    Feels like this game was being made for graphics first, and there was not enough time to rework the gameplay. It feels incomplete at best. You explore a beautiful jungle and then suddenly you get    56 hours of painfully mediocre gameplay. DLCs completely worthless. If you enjoyed Gothic 3, you could like this game. But if not, stay away. Risen 2 is what is left of The Great Gothic series.
    Feels like this game was being made for graphics first, and there was not enough time to rework the gameplay. It feels incomplete at best. You explore a beautiful jungle and then suddenly you get killed by a monkey which takes at least 10 blows with a sword to kill. Very nice touches here, stupid and mediocre mechanics there.

    STORY
    A very interesting story, at a first glance. You have an inquisition guy who disquises himself and joins the ranks of pirates to save the world from Mar, the force behind the titans walking the earth. So we got pirates, we got titans, seems pretty good no?
    Well, not quite. The game looks like creators built a cheap knockoff of Mass Effect 2. Yeah, search for the titan artifacts, fix yourself a ship and crew and make it big. Not nearly so. The dialogues are poor. Most of the time you just skip them because nothing what is said is interesting or fun. You just go with it, to get the quest listed in the diary. The characters are weak – both the NPCs and other people feel lifeless. As if you were talking to an ATM for money and glory. The ending to this story is so weak that you question yourself why you played it for so many hours. The answer is that this game kind of hints to the gamer that there`s an epic quest around the corner. That you would gain some special skills and items that would enrich the gameplay tenfold. The truth is that none of that comes. The whole thing is just like a big sidequest. You go there, you do this, you get a cutscene. There is no challenge, there is no big prize. And YES, the end of game means you end playing it.

    GAMEPLAY
    The gameplay is even less of what the first Risen was. Less skills, less items, less character development. A lot of it was cut to suit the consoles and it ended like half of what even the worst of gothic series was. To Gothic fans, Risen 2 immediately feels familiar. Same walking, running, jumping. The openness of the world is still fun, that is if you can get through the VERY old Gothic mechanics. To be honest, years ago it looked ok. Nowadays it just looks silly. Risen 2 seems like a game in its own world. As if it did not notice that the world moved on forward since 2005.
    So as written above, you make less elixirs, you have less weapons to deal with, you have less combat moves to learn. None of the gameplay feels like extended. For some reason Piranha Bytes thought it was alright to still force you to sing with one of the fractions, so you can`t learn muskets unless you joined the inquisition. No reason at all to implement such a limitation, because the gameplay only loses.
    The sword fights are boring, the guns are silly. You often lose fights because the camera feels disconnected. You still have to learn a friggin kick. Still a single animal you come across in the first 10 minutes of the game is a life threat to you. Most humans are more dangerous than you and can kill you with one blow. This made sense 10 years ago, now it doesn`t make any sense at all.
    Gameplay wise, I can`t even compare this game to, say TES : Oblivion. This and Oblivion just seem like games from two different ages.

    MUSIC
    It blends nice with the environment. Gives the game a good, pirate like exploration flavor. Does not irritate. Quite a good job. Saves the game from a sad defeat.

    GRAPHICS
    This and music kept me going. I wanted to hear and see something more. Beatiful green islands, sandy beaches, dangerous caverns. beautiful towns. The lighting, shadows are awesome here. The scenery looks briliant when there`s a storm raging. The whole environment changes from day to night, from sun to rain. Wonderful. That said, the characters and animals look mediocre like dolls, not living people – very artificial.    … Expand
  23. wildstoo
    Jul 7, 2014
    8
    I didn't play the original Risen, but I really enjoyed Risen 2.

    Sure, it's not the most polished game in the history of RPGs, and the voice acting runs the gamut from "pretty good" to "lol wut?", but I just really enjoyed exploring the world and progressing through the quests. There aren't many pirate-themed games out there, and this one just managed to scratch that itch for me.    I didn't play the original Risen, but I really enjoyed Risen 2.

    Sure, it's not the most polished game in the history of RPGs, and the voice acting runs the gamut from "pretty good" to "lol wut?", but I just really enjoyed exploring the world and progressing through the quests. There aren't many pirate-themed games out there, and this one just managed to scratch that itch for me.

    There are problems, of course, both from a technical and a content perspective, but considering this game is now £2.99 on Steam, it's a steal.

    Believe me, if this was by a new studio - not PB - this game's user score would be closer to 8.0.

    Approach the game without preconceptions or unrealistic expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised.    … Expand
  24. Klewer
    Jun 17, 2014
    5
    A fairly average game in every aspect. Nothing grabs you and makes you want to keep playing, it becomes a chore. Many potentially great features, just poorly executed.
  25. LevArris
    May 22, 2014
    8
    I wonder about so much negative comments.
    I only can see that as a honor because people compare a piece of Art from a relatively small Dev-Team with AAA-Standards ;-)
    Honestly... this game has its issues. But to me the positive points are overwhelming. Are you fed up being from the beginning the "allmighty supre heroe" and just learning the next "cool move"? Do you want to have a rough    I wonder about so much negative comments.
    I only can see that as a honor because people compare a piece of Art from a relatively small Dev-Team with AAA-Standards ;-)
    Honestly... this game has its issues. But to me the positive points are overwhelming. Are you fed up being from the beginning the "allmighty supre heroe" and just learning the next "cool move"? Do you want to have a rough language? Do you want a beautiful mostly handcraftet world? Do you want a world where you truly have the feel to live in? Do you want a world that have Weather Effects so great you fit your gameplay on (e. g. I don't dare exploring while Thunderstorms are going on)? Do you want so beautiful Day/Night (Dawn, Sunset) that you will standing stil just to look into the beautiful starry sky or dawn?
    Do you like challenging Enemies requiring different tactics?
    Do you like to charm your girlfriend with a taken over enemie (voodoo magic)?
    Do you like to hire a Monkey stealing Things for you?

    There are plenty of reasons not to blame this game. And to me they are more worth than a weak combat system and some balancing issues.

    Give it a try. I nearly made the mistake not to play it because of a lot of negative comments. I really would get annoyed about myself for doing so...    … Expand
  26. Beldarak
    Apr 21, 2014
    9
    Really nice game.

    It's a lot of fun running around, picking up flowers and stuff like that. The game rewards exploration which is really nice. The gameplay is fine even if the combats aren't so great. It's easier than Risen 1 but still challenging, which is all good for me. Controls are fine, the interface too and character customisation is really satisfying. You see stuff you    Really nice game.

    It's a lot of fun running around, picking up flowers and stuff like that. The game rewards exploration which is really nice.

    The gameplay is fine even if the combats aren't so great. It's easier than Risen 1 but still challenging, which is all good for me.

    Controls are fine, the interface too and character customisation is really satisfying. You see stuff you equip on your character.

    I'm four hours into the game and I'm really enjoying it so far.

    I think the bad reviews come from the marketing of the game and not from the actual quality of the soft.    … Expand
  27. Apoda
    Mar 28, 2014
    8
    I can imagine that people who are not familiar with Piranha Bytes classics such as Gothic 1 and 2, find Risen Dark Waters to be an rather awkward game. Also, I understand that people who áre PB-fans, find Risen 2 to be a game full of harsh disappointment. A lot of what made the early Gothic games classics, is gone forever with the introduction of the Risen games.

    However, when you judge    I can imagine that people who are not familiar with Piranha Bytes classics such as Gothic 1 and 2, find Risen Dark Waters to be an rather awkward game. Also, I understand that people who áre PB-fans, find Risen 2 to be a game full of harsh disappointment. A lot of what made the early Gothic games classics, is gone forever with the introduction of the Risen games.

    However, when you judge this game for what it is, as if it where PB's first, one should have to acknowledge the terrific job that PB has done with the realization of Risen 2. The different surroundings are adorable, the characters are more than just some standard puppets, the fights and quests you will have to take on are more than just another challenge and the length of the game deserves respect. On top of that, the very personal style all the games by Piranha Bytes are blessed with, certainly is pleasantly noticeable while playing Risen 2.

    I really liked playing this game, and I, for one, am a huge fan of the Gothic series. As a game studio, you can't stick to the good old formula over and over again, without having to repeat yourself in an obsessive way. I most certainly believe PB has made the right choices by exploring new possibilities with the installments of Risen.    … Expand
  28. Andante
    Mar 22, 2014
    0
    After the BRILLIANT Risen 1 I had huge expectations that went horribly ill. This is the biggest disappointment of my gaming career, PB took a 180 degrees turn and slaughtered everything that was genius about the original game (open world, mature feeling, exploration, uniqueness) and created this bad excuse of a game. Avoid it at all costs.
  29. SoftwareWulf
    Mar 6, 2014
    10
    Ok its a bit different to risen 1 but its a nice game with a good story and atmosphere and I like the open world. I cant understand the bad rating and I hope risen 3 ratings will be better cuz this game is just great o.O
  30. Zaker
    Feb 27, 2014
    1
    With 20+ years in gaming starting on atari then amiga and ever since pc i consider gothic 1,2,3 and risen 1 an exceptional games with immersive worlds, great story and excellent gameplay, i was shocked how bad and far from the series this game is, i unstalled it immediately and giving this game score of 1, number 10 reviews are fraud as many score ratings on the internet these days, avoidWith 20+ years in gaming starting on atari then amiga and ever since pc i consider gothic 1,2,3 and risen 1 an exceptional games with immersive worlds, great story and excellent gameplay, i was shocked how bad and far from the series this game is, i unstalled it immediately and giving this game score of 1, number 10 reviews are fraud as many score ratings on the internet these days, avoid this game big time… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
41
#41 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Jun 13, 2012
    60
    The real trouble with Risen 2 is that it doesn't really do anything particularly right. [July 2012, p.72]
  2. PC PowerPlay
    May 30, 2012
    70
    Despite the puppeteer's strings getting caught, Risen 2 puts on a good show that you'll see through to the end. [June 2012, p.58]
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    May 27, 2012
    80
    A superior, super tough sequel that offers a persuasive alternative to the RPG big boys. [July 2012, p.80]
See all critic reviews »