At Gamescom 2024, we were able to get our hands on one of Nacon's flagships, Greedfall II: The Dying World. We were able to spend just half an hour on this new RPG developed by Spiders. This sequel was eagerly awaited by fans of the first opus, but after this first experience, several points remain mixed. Although the game retains some of the assets that made the first Greedfall a success, it is clear that this new iteration still needs some adjustments before its release scheduled for September 24, 2024.
Graphics and interface: a mixed technical presentation
From the first minutes of play, the visual aspect of Greedfall 2 struggles to convince. As graphical standards for modern RPGs continue to evolve, Greedfall 2 feels somewhat behind the times, particularly in terms of facial expressions and movement animations. The environments lack finesse and detail, offering a graphic quality that unfortunately does not live up to expectations for a game of this scale in 2024.
This does not completely take away from the atmosphere of the game, which still manages to create an immersive atmosphere, but this aspect could discourage players who are sensitive to aesthetics. The interface, for its part, is particularly complex. At first glance, it appears overloaded with a lot of information on the screen, which could put off newcomers. That being said, players familiar with the first opus will find their marks and will undoubtedly be more comfortable with these systems.
Combat system: a balance to be found
The combat system of Greedfall 2 is based on the creation of a team, just like we could find in Dragon’s Dogma II for example. It is without a doubt one of the most promising elements of this handling, despite technical flaws. The confrontations lack fluidity and the animations are sometimes rigid. This aspect is aggravated by action management that can become confusing, particularly due to the large number of elements displayed on the screen.
Nevertheless, the positive point to note is the flexibility in managing teammates. You have the option of letting them fight independently, which allows you to focus on the overall management of clashes or on your own actions. This is a mechanic that makes it much easier to get started, especially for players who don’t want to get involved in micromanaging each character. If you prefer more control, it’s also possible to take back control of your teammates at any time, adding a certain level of depth to the combat system. This gameplay choice allows Greedfall 2 to appeal to different types of players, whether they’re fans of strategic combat or more interested in lighter management.
A game in need of polishing
Where Greedfall 2 shows real potential is in its storytelling. While the playthrough didn’t allow us to dive deep into the story, the bits of dialogue and the few missions available hint at a captivating plot. The game gives the player the choice to approach missions in different ways, whether through diplomacy, cunning, or combat. This freedom of choice allows you to adapt your playstyle to your preferences and gives a sense of control over the narrative progression.
After this first hands-on with Greedfall 2, it's clear that the game has some potential, especially with its interesting narrative approach and flexible teammate management. However, it's also clear that the game would need a few more months of polishing before it's ready to hit the market. The graphics and interface should be refined to offer a more enjoyable experience that's more in line with current standards. In addition, the combat system would benefit from being reworked to offer more fluid and less jerky clashes.
0 Comments