Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Review for PC

System: X360, PS3, PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Ascaron Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: CVD Software	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov. 11, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-16	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The size and scope of the land of Ancaria is truly impressive. None of the areas are randomly generated, and the entire map (not including the numerous subterranean dungeons littered here and there) spans over 22 square miles of real-world distance. In a nutshell: it's freaking huge. Navigation in the overworld is seamless, and load times during transitions to the underground are very brief. All of the terrain is packed with detail and different regions have their own unique climates, inhabitants, and land features. Also, the characters, monsters, and other elements look excellent.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel screenshot

One of the downsides, which will likely be fixed with patches, is the game's general bugginess. There are times when the pop-up map disappeared completely, making it damn tedious to navigate. Sometimes clicking on people to speak with them had no effect whatsoever, and certain actions would yield sounds but no visual or gameplay effects. In one instance, a crucial item required to proceed in the main quest was not where it was supposed to be, making it impossible to proceed. Occasionally, the direction indicator that points to the next main object disappeared completely. Most of these issues were remedied by quitting and reloading the game, but they were a nuisance when they arose.

A hack-and-slash RPG quest of massive proportion, Sacred 2 caters to the throng of players who are anxiously awaiting the eventual release of Diablo III. PC gamers who've been salivating over the prospect of the next Diablo will undoubtedly seek temporary solace in the familiar gameplay found in Sacred 2 and be willing to turn a blind eye to the title's annoying bugs and occasionally repetitious play mechanics just to get their fix. Indeed, overlook the few minor irritating aspects of the game, and you'll find Sacred 2 to be surprisingly enjoyable.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
It's generally a beautiful world to explore.

3.8

Control
Incessant clicking is still a winning yet repetitive formula.

3.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Funny dialogue. A cool fantasy/metal soundtrack is provided by German metal band Blind Guardian who also makes an appearance in the game.

4.0

Play Value
Though repetition does eventually set in, there's a huge world to explore and plenty of reasons to stick with it in the long haul.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

A massive, seamless and dynamic world delivering hundreds of hours of free-form exploration.

Two campaigns: play as the "Light" or "Shadow" side, complete with distinct skills, rewards and story-elements tailored to the chosen path.

Six exceptional, playable characters, each with a distinct look, capabilities and in-game motivation.

Modifiable combat arts: change, upgrade and link together your alter ego's combat skills to match your playing style.

The ultimate multiplayer experience - seamless transition between single- and multiplayer gaming modes via LAN, the Internet.