Beyond Divinity Review – Embark on a Dark Fantasy Journey

Beyond Divinity, developed and published by Larian Studios, is an old-school isometric RPG that pays homage to the classic Diablo series. Released in 2004, the game is a continuation of the Divinity series, set twenty years after the events of the previous installment. Players find themselves bound by invisible chains to a death knight, a creation of evil, as they traverse through a captivating dark fantasy world. With real-time combat, an intricate classless system, and a gripping storyline, Beyond Divinity offers a nostalgic and engaging RPG experience reminiscent of the genre’s golden age.

• Game Developer: Larian Studios
• Game Publisher: Larian Studios
• Release Date: 2004
• Platforms: PC
• Genre: Isometric RPG
• Website: https://store.steampowered.com/app/219760/Beyond_Divinity/

Storyline and Side Missions

Beyond Divinity’s tale centers around a devoted servant of a holy paladin who despises and hunts necromancers. However, during a battle, the protagonist finds himself ensnared by the demon Samuel and transported to another universe, where he becomes bound to the death knight. Now, the player must control both characters and guide them to break free from the curse that binds them together. The game offers an enthralling storyline with choices that impact the characters’ destinies significantly. Numerous side missions and additional information sources enrich the world, providing players with a high level of immersion and replayability.

Combat System

In Beyond Divinity, battles unfold in real-time, but the game incorporates a unique pause mode that allows players to strategize, re-equip, and issue orders. This tactical element adds depth to the real-time combat, requiring players to manage a party of two to five heroes simultaneously. Players can control the entire party or individual members, providing greater control over each character’s actions. Beyond regular attacks, players can utilize pre-assigned skills, emphasizing the importance of proper skill management and teamwork during intense encounters.

Classless System and Skills

The game embraces a classless system, granting players the freedom to shape their characters as they desire. With the right attributes, players can combine features from different classes to create their unique playstyles, providing an unprecedented level of customization. Beyond Divinity boasts an astounding 290 different skills, categorized into sections, subsections, and groups, allowing players to tailor their characters’ abilities to suit their preferences. Customizing individual skills further enhances the gameplay experience, letting players combine various properties like accuracy and damage. However, employing powerful skills demands a significant cost in stamina or mana, emphasizing strategic resource management.

Game Atmosphere

Beyond Divinity’s two-dimensional isometric style does not hinder its ability to deliver an atmospheric and detailed world. The game’s dark fantasy setting immerses players in hauntingly beautiful environments filled with meticulously crafted character models, diverse mobs, and captivating NPCs. The attention to detail adds depth to the game’s atmosphere, complemented by an excellent soundtrack that enhances the overall immersion.

Conclusion:

Beyond Divinity successfully captures the essence of classic isometric RPGs, delivering a compelling and immersive dark fantasy experience. With its deep classless system, tactical combat mechanics, and captivating storyline, the game pays homage to the golden age of the genre. While the graphics may show their age, the rich atmosphere and extensive character customization options make Beyond Divinity a worthwhile journey for fans of old-school RPGs. If you seek a nostalgic adventure reminiscent of Diablo-like games with an engaging and well-developed narrative, then Beyond Divinity is a worthy addition to your RPG collection.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Memory: 256 MB RAM
• Graphics Card: DirectX compatible 3D card
• CPU: Pentium 4 1.4 GHz
• File Size: 2300 MB HD space
• OS: Windows XP