Divinity: Original Sin II - Definitive Edition

 Switch
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 360 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 291 out of 360
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 360
  3. Negative: 43 out of 360
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  1. Thwomp
    Jul 3, 2023
    3
    Switch ports are so terrible, LOL. i have no idea how people can settle with hot trash ports on a hot trash, extremely outdated portable console.

    Do yourself a favor and buy a better machine.
  2. theUglyCasan0va
    Apr 10, 2023
    4
    Real fun if you enjoy every drunken bum wanting to kill you (and easily doing so with maybe 3 hits?) I around every corner when you're just trying to find some semblance of a story in this game. Such a blurry turd.
  3. 777Faron
    Mar 13, 2023
    5
    I read the game has an "emotional story" from Gamespot's review. This is a complete joke. The writing and overacting in the game makes it feel like it was all made by a kid. It's juvenile trash. For an actual good, emotional story and superb game get Xenoblade 3.
  4. Screenhero
    Nov 11, 2022
    9
    A massive game with an incredible level of depth in all interactions, both in combat and during dialogue. You are free to create your character using any combination of skill categories but certain skills greatly simplify the process.
  5. Empyrea
    Sep 17, 2022
    6
    I bought this gaming knowing that I probably wouldn't like it but because I found it for a very good price I decided to buy it. I've played it for 10-15 hours perhaps? I visited the whole first island and I couldn't find the way to leave. I really appreciate all the effort with the voices and dialogues and soundtrack. Combats are in turns and are good but they feel too long for me. ForI bought this gaming knowing that I probably wouldn't like it but because I found it for a very good price I decided to buy it. I've played it for 10-15 hours perhaps? I visited the whole first island and I couldn't find the way to leave. I really appreciate all the effort with the voices and dialogues and soundtrack. Combats are in turns and are good but they feel too long for me. For what I read, maybe if you play in a computer or with friends you could give it a 7 but that's all I can say. If you are a native English speaker you probably can enjoy it more. I'm used to American English accent but here the game was in UK English so, that's not helping to me either. So, is this a bad game? No it's not but have in mind what I've written and think it twice before buying it. Also, this game is better for people that really have a lot of free time.

    PS: I played on my ps4.    … Expand
  6. huntams
    Sep 13, 2022
    7
    a game that makes you want to play even if you don't like such games. smart combat system, nice compositions, interesting world and plot. However, the Nintendo switch is a bad platform for this game, because the game has a bad frame rate (there were about 15 frames on the oil rig), very long loads( at least a minute per load) and poor resolution. I finished the game on the portable.a game that makes you want to play even if you don't like such games. smart combat system, nice compositions, interesting world and plot. However, the Nintendo switch is a bad platform for this game, because the game has a bad frame rate (there were about 15 frames on the oil rig), very long loads( at least a minute per load) and poor resolution. I finished the game on the portable. maybe everything is much better in the docking station, but because of this, all the charm of this console is killed.… Expand
  7. lucinhagamer
    Aug 26, 2022
    0
    another bad game with no good content, the gameplay lacks a lot of goof features
  8. Erikjewish
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    Be careful once you play this game, all the rest gonna look like cheap indie, student trash.
    Just saying Sir.

    Not a game for dumb mainstream consumers or children and yes also man-children.
  9. Nintendist
    Jun 30, 2022
    0
    this game is not good. i really dont like it how far i play. i wish it has more challenges
  10. dan-man
    Feb 24, 2022
    8
    It is a good game no doubt, but it is FAR from perfect. On the Switch the loading times are nightmarishly slow, saving is slow, many MANY quests are obscure and seemingly pointless, and some are buggy, the combat is god AWFUL and by far the worst part of the game (when enemies spam charm on you and you have to wait 10 minutes for a turn?!), it is UGLY as HELL on the switch being veryIt is a good game no doubt, but it is FAR from perfect. On the Switch the loading times are nightmarishly slow, saving is slow, many MANY quests are obscure and seemingly pointless, and some are buggy, the combat is god AWFUL and by far the worst part of the game (when enemies spam charm on you and you have to wait 10 minutes for a turn?!), it is UGLY as HELL on the switch being very blurry in open areas, and item management on the switch is like slow torture, although that is to be expected without a mouse. Oh and did I mention many quests have you wandering around aimlessly? Expect to consult online guides very VERY often, unless you want to spend dozens of hours in a game lost. Also performance issues on Switch.

    On the plus side, the writing and voice acting are usually brilliant, the environments are interesting and sometimes pleasant, the music is good and the length and complicated nature of the game is great, which will keep certain types hooked.

    However, all in all, I deleted the game during the final act. When a game becomes a chore, I just don't want to bother anymore. And this game became a chore. It is a shame because there are nice parts here and there, but it is full of pointless and dull meaningless gameplay, that makes you question what you are doing with your life. Glad it is gone, but I will have fond memories of Fane and the Red Prince. The game would greatly improve without the endless filler quests, turn-based combat and a more unique art style.    … Expand
  11. t_bone
    Dec 20, 2021
    9
    This is one of the best RPGs I've played. The lore, combat, and story are all great. The characters have really interesting backstories-- they're emotionally gripping and really interesting windows in to the game's world. The combat is also really fun! It consistently does a good job of challenging you without overwhelming you or boring you. It always seems just hard enough that you haveThis is one of the best RPGs I've played. The lore, combat, and story are all great. The characters have really interesting backstories-- they're emotionally gripping and really interesting windows in to the game's world. The combat is also really fun! It consistently does a good job of challenging you without overwhelming you or boring you. It always seems just hard enough that you have to dial in.

    The story is also a blast. There are some frustrating times where it feels like you need to read the devs's minds if you want to do something a certain way, and will probably end up looking things up as a result. But this is something that I think has to happen: there's so much freedom in the game that it can be overwhelming.

    The art and graphics were also really, really great. They felt like a change from normal RPG faire but without trying too hard to be unique.

    I think this game is also unique because there's different stories based on who's in your party that otherwise are completely alien. You'll want to replay it just to see those. All in all, a great purchase.    … Expand
  12. tdebug
    Aug 9, 2021
    5
    Awesome story. Battles can be challenging on normal. The way how items are organized could be a lot better. When generally checking wares you can switch between categories, but when trading you just look at an endless mess. Even additional option which comes with the definitive edition, doesn't fix that in any way.
    Unfortunately switch version suffer from FPS drops, especially towards    Awesome story. Battles can be challenging on normal. The way how items are organized could be a lot better. When generally checking wares you can switch between categories, but when trading you just look at an endless mess. Even additional option which comes with the definitive edition, doesn't fix that in any way.
    Unfortunately switch version suffer from FPS drops, especially towards middle of the story and later on. Not only that, but it also crashes from time to time during combats. It seems that switch hardware is not enough to handle it properly, even with much lower resolution and textures quality. Or just poor optimization.    … Expand
  13. Terrax
    Jul 22, 2021
    1
    Update: It only gets worse, the further in the game you get the more it keeps crashing. I am at what is likely the final act and I have to repeat every fight at least once because of the constant game crashing. The Switch port is utterly miserable version of an immensely miserable game. Go play it on anything else, if you dare. It is utterly astounding the switch edition was so wellUpdate: It only gets worse, the further in the game you get the more it keeps crashing. I am at what is likely the final act and I have to repeat every fight at least once because of the constant game crashing. The Switch port is utterly miserable version of an immensely miserable game. Go play it on anything else, if you dare. It is utterly astounding the switch edition was so well received in spite of the game being this broken.

    I am a longtime fan of crpg and jrpgs, and don't get me wrong, this game is fun to play. The combat system is fantastic, the social skills are fun. But a looming shadow over this entire game is the absolutely miserable and edgy writing.

    Where Divinity: Original Sin the first had humor, 2 only brings *Multiple* sad animals begging you to kill them. Any character you probably want to bond with is going to die or betray you, typically merc'd in the first round of combat before you can act. The plot is a spiraling tragedy of mini-horror stories, the sheer amount of misery and hopelessness makes me wonder if this game was written by sociopaths. Any humor or kindness in the game is deeply insignificant compared to this relentless onslaught of abject misery.

    The only saving grace is enduring this game with a friend. But god help you, look elsewhere for any kind of writing, read a god damn book or anything.    … Expand
  14. Vide0gam3s
    Mar 28, 2021
    4
    I'll divide this review into two parts: content and performance.

    1. Content: As far as CRPGs go, this pushes pretty much all my buttons. A big explorable world with lots of interesting lore and in-game mythology? Check. Relatable (or insufferable) characters with interesting backstories? Check. Lots and lots of loot? Check. The art is beautiful and has a fantastic personality to it;    I'll divide this review into two parts: content and performance.

    1. Content: As far as CRPGs go, this pushes pretty much all my buttons. A big explorable world with lots of interesting lore and in-game mythology? Check. Relatable (or insufferable) characters with interesting backstories? Check. Lots and lots of loot? Check. The art is beautiful and has a fantastic personality to it; virtually no location in the game feels like it's been phoned in with just some patterned textures and copy-pasted assets. It all looks and feels lovingly and painstakingly handcrafted (because it has been!) and gives you a sense of immersion in the world. I also appreciate the choice to have literally *every* line of dialogue voice acted.

    The turn-based combat is fun, though with a relatively limited set of abilities (compared to, say DnD), especially towards the end of the game combat began to feel just a little bit monotonous. It often comes down simply to the difference in levels between your party and the enemies. A single level can and does make a tremendous difference, which can be very irritating as the progression of the game sometimes puts you in a position where there isn't much to do in order to level up. The locations in the game are all decently big with a good amount to do, but it's not an 'open world', and there is a finite set amount of experience to be had. At several points in the game, especially in the second act, I found myself going back and forth between opposite corners of the map just chipping away at different quests until I had just enough experience to level up and progress further, which I don't think is idea. I think it should be easier to focus on a single quest line, in a single area. This could have been addressed with some tweaks to the experience points or perhaps the inclusion of some randomly respawning enemies or something. But this is a relatively small gripe considering that there are several difficulty settings including a Story mode which allow you to bypass particularly difficult fights if you so desire.

    The lack of any traditional well-defined classes is an interesting upending of RPG tropes, and I like that there is a lot of possibility for completely unique custom builds. On the other hand, this lack of constraints can sometimes lead to suboptimal distribution of character points which you only discover down the line. This also carries over to loot; as far as I can tell, the ability bonuses on equipment are completely randomly generated, which is I suppose what you'd have to do to accommodate the possibility of players putting skill points into any arbitrary combination of things. What this means though, is that it's sometimes difficult to find equipment that's well suited to your characters because they may have one thing a character needs, say strength, and several other things they don't, say various elemental magic enhancements. It can often feel like you're wasting equipment bonuses.

    Now you may be wondering, why I gave it such a low score given the above assessment? That brings us to,

    2. Performance: The switch version of this game, as one might expect of a title originally developed for PC, suffers somewhat in terms of graphics and framerates. The environments probably haven't lost too much, but the character models look a little muddy especially when zoomed far out. There is also quite a lot of very noticeable texture pop-in especially when loading a new area. It will sometimes be a good 30 seconds or more before everything is fully rendered. It usually runs smoothly except in densely populated cities where frame skips can become noticeable.

    The biggest problem though, is the fact that the game crashes *constantly*. Maybe I'm just unlucky, but -without exaggeration- I have experienced more crashes with this game than perhaps every other game I've ever played on every platform combined. It seems especially prone to crashing when loading autosaves, but that is hardly the only instance. I've had the cursor get stuck on the main menu, requiring me to force quit the game, I've had a few instances of the dialogue interface freezing up again making me force quit, and I've even had it crash when I was just walking around. Considering I've only ever had one other game crash on my Switch, I tend to believe it's the software and not my system. A few odd crashes here and there might be more acceptable - again it's ported to a completely different architecture - but these have become just frequent enough to be legitimately distracting.

    Overall I thought the game was very good, but based on my experience I must recommend against playing the Switch version which seems to be a very badly optimized piece of software. Play the PC version if you can.    … Expand
  15. victorz19
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Epic characters, moving storyline and extremely fun gameplay mechanics including surfaces to play with and creative ways to play in combat. Immersive world and beautiful soundtrack makes this game a masterpiece and a must-play.
  16. Papas_Fritas
    Dec 10, 2020
    10
    If you enjoy D&D or the idea of a game where you can create a character with a seemingly unlimited arsenal of spells, attacks, etc, them this is your game. Don't expect lightning fast load times or even good graphics but if you just want to loose yourself in a game. Look no further.
  17. honest_rev7
    Sep 24, 2020
    1
    Cognitive overload.

    Just an unpleasant world to be, with unpleasant rotten people.
  18. Welkinz
    Sep 15, 2020
    7
    I really wanted to give it a higher rating, it is really a fun game. However the Switch edition still crashes from time to time, plus the long loading time, it is really frustrating. I had to give it up as I couldn’t stand it anymore.
  19. Yanny
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    I was expecting a proper RPG besides The Witcher for Switch, but I was gravely disappointed. The game itself is not bad, but the bad switch port makes me lose all my appetite, it was a disaster...
  20. BeeBoss
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    Wonderful RPG and excellent port on Switch. Definitely best RPG on Switch. Must have!
  21. KaZaMxDmG
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    Best DnD style game available, and playing on is amazing. You will thank me after you purchase it and have more than 100 hours invested before you know it.
  22. EmCza
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best cRPG of all time, and Switch version is perfect. Maybe graphic in this version isn’t so good as on PC or other consoles, but this version give you portable experience, and that meaning more for me than little better textures and resolution.
  23. MrTusks
    Jun 29, 2020
    0
    The combat is miserable. Every enemy can one- or two-shot you at every point of the game. They always go first, so you will always spend your first turns putting your characters on life support. Enemies can all teleport around the map at will. They all get to make "attacks of opportunity," which is basically a free half-turn--you can have this ability too, but your attacks miss about 50%The combat is miserable. Every enemy can one- or two-shot you at every point of the game. They always go first, so you will always spend your first turns putting your characters on life support. Enemies can all teleport around the map at will. They all get to make "attacks of opportunity," which is basically a free half-turn--you can have this ability too, but your attacks miss about 50% of the time. Environmental effects exist only to cancel out every one of your strategic choices. The first encounter is always a wash, so that you can use your second to give your characters the high ground and set target priorities so they can have half a chance. You will never be able to do either on the fly the first time around. It almost feels as if save scumming is an actual gameplay mechanic, which is tragic.

    The item menus are a wreck, but eventually you will develop the muscle memory for them. You'd think they could translate the click-and-drag functionality of the PC to the Switch's touch controls, but they...just didn't.

    I liked the writing and acting well enough, and I normally hate voice acting in these games. You can RP in the conversations a little bit, but not so much in the combat, where failure to properly min/max from the jump will lead to a lot of wasted time.

    This was on my list for a long time, but something held me back until I took the jump just now. Maybe I was feeling my future disappointment ripple back in time. I should have listened, and never bought this sadistic pile of junk.    … Expand
  24. eywee
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    perfect game, the ultimate RPG... i want BG3 XDDDD now please lariaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan
  25. Doovde
    Jun 15, 2020
    10
    2020 Update Review

    I won't mess around. DOS2 is an absolute joy to play on Switch. The game has obvious graphical downgrades but since release nine months ago the devs have supplied several patches improving the graphics and stability. The game looks good in handheld mode and runs at 30fps with the occasional save stutter and heavy explosions which dip ONLY between moves for a brief    2020 Update Review

    I won't mess around. DOS2 is an absolute joy to play on Switch. The game has obvious graphical downgrades but since release nine months ago the devs have supplied several patches improving the graphics and stability. The game looks good in handheld mode and runs at 30fps with the occasional save stutter and heavy explosions which dip ONLY between moves for a brief second. For PC players the cross save function is a lot better since launch and works as intended. All in all DOS2 is a testament to Larian Studios dedication in bringing a seamlessly impossible port to Switch and NAILING IT. If you have a feeling of trepidation picking it up on the Switch's less powerful hardware please don't. The compromises are reasonable and you still get the full fat experience. A must buy as always.    … Expand
  26. DaveEagles
    May 9, 2020
    10
    Best RPG I've ever played. Bought it on 3 different platforms, PC, Switch and PS4. Switch version let's you cloud save to play on PC and vice versa. Great graphics, audio is awesome, really good soundtrack, gameplay is fantastic. Everything feels really well balanced, it's challenging without feeling absolutely impossible. The controls are fantastic and once I played with my controller onBest RPG I've ever played. Bought it on 3 different platforms, PC, Switch and PS4. Switch version let's you cloud save to play on PC and vice versa. Great graphics, audio is awesome, really good soundtrack, gameplay is fantastic. Everything feels really well balanced, it's challenging without feeling absolutely impossible. The controls are fantastic and once I played with my controller on switch I did the same on PC. It's a must play for anyone who owns the console and it's amazing how they've fit this game on switch. 10/10!… Expand
  27. danielscotth
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Where would I even begin? This is hands down the best RPG I’ve played since TES IV: Oblivion or TES V: Skyrim. And I’ve never been able to get into an isometric, classic style rpg before. That’s saying something.

    The amount of player freedom and choice is incredible. The game rewards you for creative and unusual thinking and tactics. The amount of spells and crafting and loot and quests    Where would I even begin? This is hands down the best RPG I’ve played since TES IV: Oblivion or TES V: Skyrim. And I’ve never been able to get into an isometric, classic style rpg before. That’s saying something.

    The amount of player freedom and choice is incredible. The game rewards you for creative and unusual thinking and tactics. The amount of spells and crafting and loot and quests is enormous, and the gameplay (everything from exploration to dialogue to combat) is outstanding.

    The soundtrack is perfect. I enjoy every track. The story has kept me engaged and excited to see what will happen next. The characters are rich and very like able. It seems DOS2 has a near perfect balance between open exploration and linear story-telling. There is so much to do, but you can take your time and do it at your leisure or attempt to forge ahead on the main path if you so choose (though you’d be significantly handicapping yourself by losing out on all that sweet EXP and loot, AND excellent side quests and surprises all strewn out throughout the gorgeous areas).

    So far I’m about 50ish hours in and I can’t stop playing. It’s ridiculously engaging and just downright fun. I’m playing on story mode and feel it’s the perfect amount of challenge without being TOO difficult. Also, it runs very, very well on the Switch. I’ve had no issues whatsoever. The graphical downgrade isn’t bad. It looks gorgeous on the big screen or on portable. It plays well with very little frame drops. The load times are the most annoying part - they are admittedly a little long. But they aren’t a deal breaker.

    Divinity: Original Sin 2 has become one of my all time favorite RPGs ever. It’s singlehandedly made me interested in giving another go with other CRPG’s again, reignited my love for what RPG’s can do, and led me to purchase and give Dragon Age: Origins and Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2 a chance. I’m also looking into Pillars of Eternity now as well. This game is beautiful, funny, immersive, addicting, rewarding, and practically bursting with loving attention to detail in every corner. Buy it!!!    … Expand
  28. jimmymc
    Mar 6, 2020
    10
    Simply incredible. Bought this after the BG3 gameplay reveal. I knew the game was well-regarded but never paid much attention as I assumed that it wouldn’t be for me - couldn’t have been more wrong.

    It’s definitely not as pretty on the Switch as it is on other formats, but it’s still a detailed and attractive game and a little blurriness doesn’t make battles any harder to follow. To be    Simply incredible. Bought this after the BG3 gameplay reveal. I knew the game was well-regarded but never paid much attention as I assumed that it wouldn’t be for me - couldn’t have been more wrong.

    It’s definitely not as pretty on the Switch as it is on other formats, but it’s still a detailed and attractive game and a little blurriness doesn’t make battles any harder to follow.

    To be able to play something like this on the go is just wonderful. Note: tons of reviews talk about how hard the combat is, and I’m enough of a wimp that I out it on easy to give myself a fighting chance - while I would definitely recommend saving often (because I have reconsidered decisions a few times), it’s totally manageable for me.

    If you’re on the fence, do watch a couple of gameplay videos - the range of possibilities for each battle and most conversations is just insane.    … Expand
  29. sludacris
    Mar 5, 2020
    9
    Currently about 20 hours in and absolutely loving it. The creativity you have in solving problems is fun. Big D&D fan and I’m excited to hear that Baldur’s Gate 3 is going to use this type of system (but with 5e rules).

    The resolution is only a problem when you’re in a tight battle space and someone lights everything on fire. Even then, you have outlines on your characters to help find    Currently about 20 hours in and absolutely loving it. The creativity you have in solving problems is fun. Big D&D fan and I’m excited to hear that Baldur’s Gate 3 is going to use this type of system (but with 5e rules).

    The resolution is only a problem when you’re in a tight battle space and someone lights everything on fire. Even then, you have outlines on your characters to help find yourself.    … Expand
  30. vodkaffee
    Mar 3, 2020
    9
    if you are new to western RPGs here's a tip, quick save ALL the time, also great game, very good port, i have played around 120 hours and just once i had a framedrop in a battle and a crash on the game (the game has been patched a lot since then).

    UPDATE: the game keeps adding new content 1 year later, along with patches. The story gets way better the more it advances and you learn how    if you are new to western RPGs here's a tip, quick save ALL the time, also great game, very good port, i have played around 120 hours and just once i had a framedrop in a battle and a crash on the game (the game has been patched a lot since then).

    UPDATE: the game keeps adding new content 1 year later, along with patches.
    The story gets way better the more it advances and you learn how to exploit it.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Switch Game of 2019
28
#28 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. GamingTrend
    Sep 20, 2021
    90
    If you can’t play on PC, Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Switch is a perfectly fine way to play. It has its issues and quirks that make it more of a companion to the PC version, but being able to play wherever you want makes up for it.
    Read full review
  2. FNintendo
    Nov 12, 2019
    90
    Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the best games available on the Nintendo Switch and a heaven-sent for RPG fans. With its in-depth gameplay, freedom of exploration and an involving and detailed plot, this is an excellent adaptation to the Nintendo Switch and one which will reward the investment of time and energy that any player puts into it.
    Read full review
  3. Nintenderos
    Oct 25, 2019
    100
    Divinity: Original Sin II is a masterpiece and a dream come true for RPG fans. This game takes us to a world in which our decisions will influence completely throughout the secondary plots, without forgetting to maintain excellent quality both in storytelling and in combat and personalization. One of the best role-playing games ever created.
    Read full review
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