In the tradition of hugely expansive role-playing games like Oblivion or Gothic II, Two Worlds offers a gigantic, open-ended landscape for players to explore. Developed by Reality-Pump, best known for real-time strategy games like Earth 2160, Two Worlds features a continent that surpasses Oblivion in size.
The game's story starts with a mining expedition that uncovers clues to a defeated god's burial grounds. This upsets the fragile balance between the various races, with each faction wanting to be the first to find the burial site and tap into its powers. Players enter into a world embroiled in war and take on the role of a wandering bounty hunter looking for his missing sister. From there, they embark on numerous quests earning experience and more powerful items to aid them on their journey. Along the way, they choose to ally, oppose or betray the different factions they encounter.
Initially, Two Worlds might not sound terribly different from Oblivion. Players still earn skill points to put into different attributes, but Two Worlds allows gamers to refund points for reallocation at a cost. In addition, the play mechanics, most notably the battle system, stands out as one of the game's primary features. Clicking the mouse activates a single strike attack, and tapping twice triggers a combo. Equipping items like shields also incorporates new elements to a character's fighting style -- like using protective maneuvers during combat. Up to three weapons can be mapped for quick access, and players can even attack from atop mounts. Extra tricks can be added on to attacks, like kicking sand into enemies' faces to temporarily blind them. Two Worlds' inventory system also deserves a mention, since it allows high-level players to combine items, thus reducing overall weight while improving items like armor and weapons.
Two Worlds' online component further distances the game from the competition. Yes, players can explore the whole world alongside their friends (up to eight players), with the ability to save characters along with any items they have in their possession. With over forty hours of game play for the main quest alone, players who embark on a multiplayer adventure should prepare for lengthy game sessions that could rival massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. Alternatively, more casual online players can set up 1-on-1 battles and even horse races.
Set to release simultaneously on the PC and Xbox 360 on July 17, Two Worlds should provide a nice alternative to other adventure games.
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