Here's a big concise open ranting letter on how happy I am with how it turned out!
Dear Larian Studios,
I was just now having *so* much fun in early access, that I figured I'd mention just how well I think this turned out. I *love* it. I've been waiting for this to happen for over twenty years, and I admit; I was skeptical when you announced it, albeit not vocal about it. After fiddling with early access for about thirty hours this weekend, can honestly say that I have not been this excited about any single game since BG2. Eh, well. Dragon Age Origins comes close, I suppose. But this has better hair styles, so you don't need to worry about that too much.
[snip] Yeah, I don't want to spoil anything. Here was an exciting story about an elven rogue sneaking about a spider-infested-cave, that you actually showed in a video at some point, but.. Nah, I'll get rid of it. But I had tons of fun, honest! [/snip]
But, honestly, you nailed the combat. Turn based is fine, because there is SO much to consider, you'd have to pause constantly anyway. Also, the AI could never be this clever in real-time. From a technical standpoint, but also vs the player. No one could keep up with all the terrain/flying/teleporting/barrel tossing etc.
And that's just fighting! By Helm, also you nailed it when it comes to choice and consequence! Modern games' choice is either: "Solve this problen by being nice, clever or mean, but solve it regardless and be rewarded, good for you, mighty hero!" This time around, you have all these options; plus lying; plus a get-out-of-jail-but-loose-something-of-yourself-so-not-exactly-free-card [haven't figured out exactly what I lost, but it scared me regardless] - and you can succeed or fail at all of them. Except that one thing, of course. Authority. You might be rewarded, but it's not a given; the outcome isn't a guarantee and there is a sense of dread with each roll, there is that typical D&D outcry when you roll a one on your best skil! It really is a computer D&D adventure, and I love it.
Exploration? You nailed it. On my very try at this, I went Default Vault Dweller, recommended stats.... 'cleared' that dungeon that black-haired companion lady is in front of? Yeah, my dark-visioned [because of the Demon Eyes] perceptive rogue did a whole lot better at actually finding the things that were in there. Eventually, took a few tries. That's how it should be. Not everyone is good at all the same things, not every playthrough is the same. I don't need a reward for just playing, I want to earn the rewards through my own, and my characters ability. Loot is excellent! Yes, now magic items are hard to come by and rare. As it should. Also, I see all kinds of super-fun-stuff that give options, instead of stats. Again, I'll refrain from spoiling, but I certainly have favorites already.
Thank you, you did a hell of a job; and I can't wait to see what Sorcerous Sundries has for sale.
