Plot
Faranga is a fictitious volcanic, mediterranean island with different sub-climates and vegetation zones. The island is inhabited by humans, as well as many fantastic creatures.
Recently, ancient temple ruins have risen from the ground, providing access to a network of interconnected underground areas such as catacombes and dungeons. As a result, the humans have put in place an Inquisition, forbidding anyone from exiting their city or the island.[4]
In the intro cinematic you see the player's character and Sara sneaking around on a small ship in the middle of stormy seas. As they get to deck, they see the Inquisitor, calling out to a Titan in the seas. The giant Titan rises through the waves, shrieking at the Inquisitor. The Inquisitor tries to battle the creature, but he realizes that the battle is lost and teleports off of the boat. Seconds later the Titan smashes the boat into little bits, sending Sara and the unnamed protagonist into the depths. The player character wakes up on the shores of Faranga in the midst of the storm, surrounded by dead bodies. Both he and Sara are unharmed.
[edit] Gameplay
Leaked gameplay videos on YouTube show that the player can progress through weapons, classes, and fighting style. Piranha Bytes have commented on the leak, stating that the demo was in Alpha/Beta test at the time, and that it barely resembles the game's intended end state.[5]
The game features a combat system with parries, blocks and sidesteps. Using this system you can use a wide array of weapons like swords, bows or more notably, fighting staffs. However, you are not forced into the fighter role, you can also walk the path of a Mage, using the power of fireballs and Magic projectiles to take down your enemies.
Skills like parrying and blocking are not available to you directly at the start of the game however, these skills have to be unlocked by using your "Learning Points" in the chosen weapon skill. When you increase your skill level you do not only unlock new moves however, things like your stance or the way you grip the weapon changes, giving you the feeling that you're actually getting better.
The game also has a system for professions and abilities, such as smithing and lock picking. They are leveled up in the same way as the weapon skills, using your points to level up in the specific profession.
The island is closed off into sections, each being unlocked as you proceed through the game. The island is also said to contain easter eggs.[6]
[edit] Marketing and promotion
Deep Silver released several trailers for the game online. The first cinematic trailer was produced in 2008 by Virgin Lands [7]. The following cinematic teaser (which features portions of the Nightwish song "The Poet and the Pendulum"[8]) and the intro cinematic were produced in 2009 by Lemonaut Creations [9].
A demo entitled The Risen Experience can be played online on the official Risen website. [10]
[edit] Australian censorship
On July 20, 2009, Risen was Refused Classification[11] in Australia by the OFLC. According to the game's Australian distributor, Madman Interactive, the OFLC cited[12] "sexual activity and drug use related to incentives or rewards" as the reason for the refusal.
[edit] Reception
Risen has up till now received conflicting reception due to massive technical differences between the PC and Xbox 360 versions with the PC version mostly praised while the Xbox 360 version is panned as technically inferior. The scores range from Eurogamer giving the Xbox 360 version only 4 out of 10[13] whereas the PC version received 8.6/10 by IGN[14] and 85/100 by PC Zone[15]. Eurogamer noted that "It's something of a tragedy, since there's clearly a really good RPG buried under all this technical mediocrity" while PC Zone concluded that "Risen is a solid, engrossing and beautifully presented RPG that's well worth your time and money". IGN praised the game for its hard yet rewarding gameplay, impressive graphics and solid voice-acting, yet still pointed to the combat mechanics being messy while fighting hordes but mentioned "...you'll get better at it as you bump up your skill with a preferred weapon type and unlock new moves, making the experience even easier, though it never quite feels as natural as it should" .
In similar ways, many reviewers have praised the game and many have panned it. It is worthy of noting the differences between the PC and Xbox 360 version when referring to the scores. Risen has a Metacritic Rating of 58/100 for the Xbox 360 version[16] and 79/100 for the PC version[17].(last checked date 10/16/09)
It is to be noted that the game has garnered positive points opposing to Piranha Bytes' previous title, Gothic 3 which received poor reviews for its pervasive bugs and unrealized gameplay. IGN noted that "It's quite a recovery for Piranha Bytes from the technical mess that was Gothic 3" and that "Piranha Bytes redeems itself with this standout role-playing experience".
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