archimedes99

I bought this game about a week or two ago, having avoided in the past because of poor reviews. I can't believe I didn't try it earlier. It's a terrific game. Most reviews have made mountains out of some poor design molehills. There are a few minor problems with controls and a couple of bugs, but frankly they did nothing to detract from the game's many strengths. For instance: - The writing and characters. The overall plot is decent without being exceptional, but many of the characters are fun and engaging. The dialogue is snappily written and well acted. It's a smaller game than ME so you don't get quite as much character development, but what there is is really good. Romances are nicely handled - not obtrusive but each one quite different and in line with the character. - Choices have real impact on the game, not just at a couple of critical turning points but throughout. Just from the top of my head I can think of over a dozen moments where choices had significant later impacts. - Character progression. This is handled about as well as in any game I know. First, progression in power is not extreme. Some abilities do add really strong options, but changes tend to be incremental. Perks are obtained in response to your play-style and choices, and are very numerous. Each one makes only a small difference, but the cumulative effect means that your character is strongly shaped by your choices in game. - Unlike in many games, upgrading kit gives relatively minor improvements compared to character skill development, making the latter your real focus. - Once you get used to the controls, both combat and stealth strategies offer enjoyable game-play. Of course a bigger game could have offered more. It would have been great to be able to customize the protagonist more, particularly to allow both genders. But for a given level of investment I think Obsidian did a great job and were really harshly treated by the reviews. I'm really sorry that because of this there is unlikely to be an AP2. If there ever is I will preorder without hesitation. In any case, if you enjoy well written RPGs I would certainly recommend getting AP.