D&D 5e Is Fully Represented In Solasta 2, For Better And Worse

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Solasta: Crown of the Magister, a game inspired by D&D’s fifth edition, was released too early in 2021 and received positive reviews but didn’t become mainstream. However, with Baldur’s Gate 3 dominating the gaming industry (named Game of the Year in 2023 by TopMob), there’s a renewed interest in dice-based games. As a result, Solasta II, set to launch, finds itself in a more favorable position and could be an excellent choice for those who enjoyed Baldur’s Gate 3 but prefer a gaming experience closer to playing D&D.

In my brief playtime with Solasta II, I noticed that it follows the rules of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition more faithfully compared to games like Baldur’s Gate 3. Unlike Baldur’s Gate 3, where you can drink a health potion and make a melee attack on the same turn due to the rule change allowing healing potions as bonus actions, Solasta II maintains the traditional rule that considers drinking a health potion an action, requiring you to choose between attacking or healing on separate turns. This adherence to D&D 5e rules is evident throughout Solasta II, and while it ensures accuracy, it does underscore some limitations in D&D 5e that games like Baldur’s Gate 3 have already addressed by altering their gameplay mechanics.

In a different context, the combat system in this game truly shines. The intricacy of deciding when to use my Rogue’s cunning action to dodge, allowing me to save my main attack for a flanked enemy (boosting sneak attack damage), was thrilling. I found that planning ahead before attacking a target paid off greatly. Managing resources like ammunition for my short bow-wielding sorcerer and considering the risk-reward balance in the rest mechanic added depth to the gameplay. Even a simple camping mechanic had an air of urgency, as it might cause time to pass, potentially affecting future storylines. I’m eager to see if this sense of haste is maintained throughout the main storyline and how frequently resting could lead a player to miss out on quests.

As a passionate enthusiast, I find myself delving into an intriguing tale where I guide a band of four extraordinary siblings – a dwarf, elf, human, and gnome – on a shared journey. This tight-knit family, united not by blood but by adoption, embarks upon a quest that ties them to their adopted lineage and the rich legacy they collectively possess. This adventure thrusts them into confrontations with an age-old menace, adding layers of intrigue to what initially appears as a typical fantasy saga.

Though I’ve only glimpsed a brief slice of this narrative in the demo, the voice acting is impressive, and the characters’ facial expressions, while occasionally veering into the uncanny valley, are generally expressive. This helps create an emotional landscape for players like me to explore, even when our four heroes collectively flunk their Insight checks!

I’m really looking forward to experiencing the roleplaying aspect of Solasta II, as it seems to offer a unique twist compared to other RPGs. Instead of having just one character participating in conversations, all four members of your party are fully voiced and actively engage in discussions. The game provides multiple dialogue options for each character, with each choice affecting the outcome through bonus modifiers to the dice roll. For instance, a dwarf Paladin’s high Persuasion could make him more effective at persuading someone to assist you, while a human Fighter’s high Insight might help her determine whether the person you’re speaking to is being truthful.

As a fan, I must say this feels incredibly promising, evoking the sensation of leading a group rather than just a charismatic figurehead like Mass Effect’s Shepard or Baldur’s Gate 3’s Tav. The demo didn’t provide a chance to witness how dialogue choices could cascade into outcomes, leaving me unable to confirm that this is the immersive, choice-driven squad interaction I’ve longed for in my fantasy RPGs. However, the potential here is clear, and I’m eagerly anticipating seeing how it unfolds in the full game.

In this game, you have the flexibility to manage all four characters either individually or collectively using your keyboard instead of mouse clicks, excluding combat scenarios. This feature makes it simpler to direct them, and contrasts with many other RPGs in this regard. As a result, strategies like stealth and theft become viable options, which is not commonly seen in similar games. The precise movements ensure that navigating around enemy vision zones doesn’t turn into a frustrating experience.

I’m yet to make up my mind about Solasta II. On one side, it adheres strictly to the rules of D&D 5e, a system that has been refined and expanded since its introduction in 2014. However, sticking too closely to these original rules might lead to an experience that could potentially be frustrating for players who have grown accustomed to the advancements made by other developers recently. On the other hand, it excels in areas beyond combat, such as offering more refined control over character movement and involving the entire party in conversations rather than just one hero. It’s a game that piques my interest, but I need more playtime to fully decide if it’s a keeper.

The upcoming game, Solasta II, is slated for release on PC platforms. However, the exact launch date hasn’t been disclosed yet. If you’re curious and wish to test it out, a free demo is available on Steam.

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2025-02-22 19:39