GreedFall II: The Dying World – A Promising Evolution in Narrative RPGs

GreedFall II: The Dying World takes players back to the rich, fantastical universe of GreedFall, delivering a deeper RPG experience with expanded mechanics and a new, compelling narrative. Set three years before the events of the first game, GreedFall II swaps the familiar island of Teer Fradee for the politically fraught continent of Gacane, where players face a world ravaged by the Malichor plague, factional conflicts, and personal struggles.

Currently in early access, the game is a mix of ambition and growing pains. It’s clear that Spiders Studio aims to refine and expand upon what made the original game a cult favorite, but the early build is still finding its footing. Despite some rough edges, GreedFall II has all the makings of an engrossing RPG that fans of narrative-driven games will want to watch closely.

---

A World in Turmoil: Setting and Story

The story begins with you, a native of Teer Fradee, torn from your homeland and forced to navigate life in the old continent of Gacane. Here, you must forge alliances, manipulate political schemes, and engage in battles to regain your freedom. The setting is rich with cultural and historical depth, blending Venetian Baroque aesthetics with the fantastical elements of the GreedFall universe.

Unlike the first game’s exploration-heavy narrative, The Dying World puts a stronger emphasis on character interactions and choices. Diplomacy, deception, and combat are all viable ways to handle the game’s challenges, and your decisions carry meaningful consequences. While the early access version only provides a glimpse of the main quest and a few key regions, the narrative potential is clear, with hints of layered conflicts and morally complex scenarios.

---

Combat: Tactical Yet Rough Around the Edges

The combat system has shifted to a real-time-with-pause (RTWP) format, evoking memories of classic RPGs like Dragon Age: Origins. Players can issue commands mid-combat or jump directly into the action, creating a blend of tactical planning and real-time engagement. The skill tree system offers flexibility, allowing players to mix and match abilities across different trees for a personalized playstyle.

However, the current implementation has its flaws. Party AI often feels unresponsive, requiring constant micromanagement, which can detract from the flow of combat. Additionally, controller support lacks polish, making certain inputs feel clunky. While the system shows promise, it needs significant refinement to reach its full potential.

For those who enjoy RPGs with tactical combat, there’s still a lot to like here. Experimenting with skills and strategies adds depth to encounters, and fans of micromanagement may appreciate the complexity. That said, smoother mechanics and better AI responsiveness are crucial for the game to fully deliver on its potential.

---

Companions and Character Customization

GreedFall II introduces a new cast of companions, each with their own backstories, motivations, and relationships. While their initial introductions feel a bit rushed, the early signs point to engaging characters with the potential for meaningful growth and interaction. As with the first game, building relationships with companions and making choices that influence their loyalties is a core part of the experience.

The character creator, though limited in its options, is functional and sets the stage for personalizing your protagonist. It’s a bit disappointing for players who enjoy extensive customization, but the narrative-driven focus of the game somewhat compensates for this limitation.

---

Exploration and Atmosphere

The regions available in early access—Teer Fradee, Thynia, and Uxantis—offer a mix of dense, natural landscapes and the ornate, Baroque-style cities of Gacane. The handcrafted environments are rich with detail, creating an immersive backdrop for exploration. Side quests, hidden paths, and lore-filled locations reward players who take the time to stray from the main story.

Adding to the immersion is Olivier Derivière’s adaptive soundtrack, which seamlessly transitions based on player actions and decisions. The music complements the game’s setting beautifully, with orchestral arrangements and guitar melodies reflecting the cultural and emotional shifts within the story.

---

Early Access: A Work in Progress

As with any early access title, GreedFall II is a work in progress. Updates are expected to add new regions, quests, companions, and polish. While the current build shows potential, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in combat responsiveness and pacing. The early access format allows for community feedback, which should help shape the game into a more refined experience.

---

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Dying World

Why It’s Worth Exploring

• Engaging Narrative: A richly woven story with meaningful choices and morally complex themes.
• Unique Setting: The Baroque-inspired aesthetic and the old continent of Gacane offer a refreshing backdrop for the RPG genre.
• Flexible Skill System: Mix-and-match skill trees allow for diverse playstyles and experimentation.
• Atmospheric Music and Art: A stunning soundtrack and detailed environments draw players into the world.
• Compelling Companion Dynamics: The potential for deep relationships and impactful interactions adds emotional weight.

---

Where It Needs Work

• Clunky Combat: The real-time-with-pause system lacks polish, with unresponsive AI and awkward controls detracting from the experience.
• Rushed Introductions: Companion introductions feel abrupt, limiting initial emotional connection.
• Limited Character Customization: The character creator is functional but underwhelming for players seeking detailed personalization.
• Early Access Bugs: Expected quirks and balancing issues persist, particularly in combat and party management.