I've been waiting on restarting <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> until the next patch comes out and fixes the inventory, weight, etc. Sacred's been on my drive for a while, so I gave it a whirl.
Really, there's no comparison--and all references to the two being similar are so far off the mark as to lead me to wonder who has played both. Sacred's got beautiful graphics, but they're completely non-interactive. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> is by contrast the most interactive CRPG in years, with lots of things in the world that you can use, take, touch, move, douse, etc. Sacred's towns look strikingly unique, but each is identical beneath the surface with only three truly unique inhabitants (blacksmith, combo arts master, merchant). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> has unique people in each area, and its merchants do not offer identical merchandise. Sacred's quests are standard and routine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> has quests that are frequently unique, or part of a unique, overarching narrative. Sacred's NPC dialog is generic. The dialog in <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> is highly flavored, and many NPCs are memorable. Sacred doesn't let you see or control the inventory of your party members. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> does. Most importantly, Sacred is an action game, like Diablo. It is a twitch title. It runs, not a computer, but on adrenalin. You can't pause it to consider what's needed in your inventory, or which of eight spells you've learned is best to cast, or where to move your party members. In <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> you can do all this.
Sure, there are similarities. Both use Diablo's system of embedded magical jewels in weapons, armor, etc. Both have randomly generated items. Both are considerably more interesting than Diablo in the skills and spells they offer. But I think the differences outweigh the similarities. Sacred will be for a bit. But I hope Larian rebalances <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> soon, and gets the remaining bugs under control. I'm really looking forward to returning to it.
