As a newcomer to the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre, diving into Divinity: Original Sin II - Definitive Edition on the PS5 was an intriguing and challenging experience. Without prior exposure to its predecessor, I chose to start on this adventure as Lohse, accompanied by Sebille, Fane, and the Red Prince. Here’s a detailed look at what made this game both captivating and, at times, frustrating.

What I Liked

Deep Battle System:
The battle system in Divinity: Original Sin II is exceptionally intricate. While it took a while to grasp the mechanics fully, the complexity is rewarding once everything starts to click. The strategic depth keeps every encounter engaging and thought-provoking.
Meaningful Choices
One of the standout features is how the game handles choices. Unlike many games that push you towards clear good or evil paths, Divinity: Original Sin II offers a spectrum of moral ambiguity. Every decision you make carries consequences rather than moral judgments, adding a layer of realism and weight to your actions.
Rich Lore and Unique Fantasy Elements
The game’s lore is vast and filled with twists and turns that keep the narrative compelling. The fantasy elements are distinct and imaginative, making the world feel both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Entertaining Story
The storyline is well-crafted and occasionally humorous, providing a good balance between serious and light-hearted moments. This blend keeps the narrative from becoming too heavy, offering a well-rounded experience.
Freedom and Agency
The sense of freedom in Divinity: Original Sin II is remarkable. The ability to tackle the world and influence the story through your actions and dialogue choices is incredibly satisfying. It truly feels like you are shaping the narrative based on your playstyle and decisions.

What I Didn’t Like

Horrendous Loading Times
One of the most significant drawbacks of the PS4 version is the long loading times(even on PS5!). Quick loads often take several minutes, breaking immersion and testing patience, especially during frequent transitions.
Clunky Controls
Playing with a controller can be quite janky and unintuitive. The control scheme doesn’t translate well in the PS4 version, making some actions more cumbersome than they should be.
Steep Difficulty Curve
The game’s difficulty, particularly in the early stages, can be discouraging for newcomers. The challenging combat and mechanics may deter those who are not already familiar with ARPGs.
Lengthy Campaign
While a long game can be a positive for those seeking extensive content, Divinity: Original Sin II sometimes feels overly prolonged. There were multiple instances where I believed I was nearing the end, only to discover there were still many hours left. This can lead to a sense of fatigue and impatience.
Unsatisfactory Endings
After investing so much time, the endings felt somewhat underwhelming. The culmination of the journey didn’t provide the payoff I hoped for, leaving a bit of a hollow feeling.
Everything leads down a hatch?
Why is everyone doing some shenanigans in a basement? It seems like a common loop, was to enter a house and go down a secret basement. It's not very imaginative after the tenth time you do it.

Divinity II is a masterfully crafted ARPG with deep mechanics, rich lore, and a high degree of player agency. However, the PS4 version is marred by technical issues and a steep learning curve that may put off new players. For those willing to endure the long loading times and challenging controls, it offers a rewarding and immersive experience that stands out in the genre.

As a newcomer to the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre, diving into Divinity: Original Sin II - Definitive Edition on the PS5 was an intriguing and challenging experience. Without prior exposure to its predecessor, I chose to start on this adventure as Lohse, accompanied by Sebille, Fane, and the Red Prince. Here’s a detailed look at what made this game both captivating and, at times, frustrating.

What I Liked

Deep Battle System:
The battle system in Divinity: Original Sin II is exceptionally intricate. While it took a while to grasp the mechanics fully, the complexity is rewarding once everything starts to click. The strategic depth keeps every encounter engaging and thought-provoking.
Meaningful Choices
One of the standout features is how the game handles choices. Unlike many games that push you towards clear good or evil paths, Divinity: Original Sin II offers a spectrum of moral ambiguity. Every decision you make carries consequences rather than moral judgments, adding a layer of realism and weight to your actions.
Rich Lore and Unique Fantasy Elements
The game’s lore is vast and filled with twists and turns that keep the narrative compelling. The fantasy elements are distinct and imaginative, making the world feel both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Entertaining Story
The storyline is well-crafted and occasionally humorous, providing a good balance between serious and light-hearted moments. This blend keeps the narrative from becoming too heavy, offering a well-rounded experience.
Freedom and Agency
The sense of freedom in Divinity: Original Sin II is remarkable. The ability to tackle the world and influence the story through your actions and dialogue choices is incredibly satisfying. It truly feels like you are shaping the narrative based on your playstyle and decisions.

What I Didn’t Like

Horrendous Loading Times
One of the most significant drawbacks of the PS4 version is the long loading times(even on PS5!). Quick loads often take several minutes, breaking immersion and testing patience, especially during frequent transitions.
Clunky Controls
Playing with a controller can be quite janky and unintuitive. The control scheme doesn’t translate well in the PS4 version, making some actions more cumbersome than they should be.
Steep Difficulty Curve
The game’s difficulty, particularly in the early stages, can be discouraging for newcomers. The challenging combat and mechanics may deter those who are not already familiar with ARPGs.
Lengthy Campaign
While a long game can be a positive for those seeking extensive content, Divinity: Original Sin II sometimes feels overly prolonged. There were multiple instances where I believed I was nearing the end, only to discover there were still many hours left. This can lead to a sense of fatigue and impatience.
Unsatisfactory Endings
After investing so much time, the endings felt somewhat underwhelming. The culmination of the journey didn’t provide the payoff I hoped for, leaving a bit of a hollow feeling.
Everything leads down a hatch?
Why is everyone doing some shenanigans in a basement? It seems like a common loop, was to enter a house and go down a secret basement. It's not very imaginative after the tenth time you do it.

Divinity II is a masterfully crafted ARPG with deep mechanics, rich lore, and a high degree of player agency. However, the PS4 version is marred by technical issues and a steep learning curve that may put off new players. For those willing to endure the long loading times and challenging controls, it offers a rewarding and immersive experience that stands out in the genre.