X
- T
- Microsoft Game Studios
- T
- Microsoft Game Studios
- T
- Microsoft Game Studios
- T
- Microsoft Game Studios
Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna
Released On: Nov 11, 2003
73
7.8
All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 27 Critic Reviews
73
59% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
37% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 27 Critic Reviews
73
59% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
37% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
This is a fantastic title, and should score points both for Diablo-style dungeon crawlers as well as adventure/RPG hybrid lovers. With no load time between levels, it’s also good for those with shorter attention spans.
The storyline is really showing its age and aside from new some new features to make the game a bit more convenient (as in more storage space), this is a case of second verse same as the first.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 38 User Ratings
7.8
55% Positive
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
42% Mixed
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
3% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 38 User Ratings
7.8
55% Positive
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
42% Mixed
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
3% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
The story's not really any more involving, and the game still lacks the personality of Blizzard's seemingly insurmountable Diablo 2, but there's no denying its slick looks, interface and the hours of absorbing gameplay on offer.
It's a welcome and entertaining addition to an excellent game. [PC Zone]
I don’t think the storyline can get much more generic than this, and I honestly don’t think it’s told and directed very well.
For those of you who haven't played the original Dungeon Siege, it's included with this expansion pack for free. This is a tremendous value. For pure monster-hacking goodness, it's really hard to beat Dungeon Siege.
The $29.99US MSRP seems somewhat reasonable, unless you object to spending that kind of money on different versions of a two year old game.
I've had this game for the largest part of my life. I grew up on it. I've played through each map several times, including the bonus ones (Yesterhaven and Return to Arhok).
Overall, although Dungeon Siege is a bit repetitive with the point and clicking, it satisfies an itch that its sequels and competitor Diablo II fail to satisfy. Yes, the maps are linear. Yes, the game is predictable. Yes, the story is a bit tacky. But the game manages to **** you in anyway, and keeps you wanting to play for "one more minute." The music is absolutely magnificent, and suits each region perfectly.
The multiplayer map (Utraean Peninsula) is amazing, and you can definitely tell that an insane amount of work was put into it. The forest, desert, interlocking regions... Just spectacular. The single-player Kingdom of Ehb map is wonderful to play through as well, and although the Legends of Aranna map isn't as lengthy, it's certainly not bad either. The sheer length of each map easily makes the experience worth your while.
There are some flaws with the game's balancing (e.g. summons, pack animals, shrines, drop rarity, Combat Magic, etc.), but you can largely ignore them. Just play the way you want, because the game doesn't try to punish you for mistakes. You'll find enjoyment in just about everything you fiddle around with.
I believe that everyone should play Dungeon Siege at least once in their lives if they're an action RPG fan. Nowadays it's dated, a bit glitchy on modern PCs, and requires some workarounds for multiplayer, but it's definitely still playable. And on the topic of mods, there are ton of them out there that improve the game and make it even more fun to play. Just try it; you'll see why it's so amazing.
Report
PC
Having reviewed the original DS 1 earlier, I now take back what I said (also after suffering the humiliations of being beaten time and time again in Diablo 1). Not only is Legends of Aranna more accessible, with more room for weapons etc, it has graphics that are easy on the eye, more missions, and above all, a very touching sound track (atmospheric, ambient, loveable). Plus you can zoom in and out at will, and view your hero/heroine and environment from all fronts as you mash the ugly monsters to a pulp. Speaking of **** the "Rock em, sock em" -esque fighting remains, but is tolerable after you put a bit of practice into it (and lets just say its far better and hits home, compared to the dull repetitive golf-clubbing maneuvers a la Diablo 1). I am not a fan of mouse and keyboard gaming, but this is one series that brought me back, just like Sacred 1 did.
Report
PC
The game does not have a bad atmosphere, interesting role-playing system, but has a rather unfortunate approach to the combat system and low frame rate.
Report
PC
Sadly this is the most unremarkable and generic standalone expansion I know. While it is not truly awful I was always waiting for the game to take momentum and become better. It did not happened and boredom became a problem. The story starts in the town of Arhok on the continent of Aranna were the player character is tasked by the mayor to help to save the supply caves which are overrun by monsters. However a greater tragedy happens as the Staff of Stars is gone missing (powerful artifact with a lot of backstory). You follow the clues to get it back and prevent a disaster. Like I said the story is RPG standard. Insert artifact / weapon / item here that is stolen and can cause mayor havoc and must be retrieved form the villains by the hero. While the main games story was not up to the best stories in games too it had it moments and was worthwhile. Here there are some interesting ideas but nothing is at the end worth writing home. Gameplay wise it is more of the same from Dungeon Siege (with some additions). A solid action RPG. You have no fixed class. Instead you have 3 stats and 4 abilities. The abilities are melee combat, ranged combat, combat magic and nature magic. These level up if you use them in battle (melee attacks for melee, ranged attacks for ranged etc.) and are connected to your stats. The stats are strength, dexterity and intelligence. All stats are leveled up with enough experience points from all abilities no matter which one you favor / use but the most connected ability is increased at a higher amount. For example if you use melee combat your strength will increase really fast but your intelligence only a little bit. So your magic spells will not be a force to be recognized. It is for you to chose what you want. I always picked an archer (dexterity) with magic as backup. Alternatively both magic stats use intelligence so there is an overlap. Also as per RPG standards it takes longer and longer to level up. You don't need to be good in everything as you can hire characters that join your party which are controlled by AI. The expansion adds set items (Bonus effects the more pieces you equip), new spells and a few improvements. A big appeal is of cause the loot. Like for example in Diablo and later Borderlands it is so enjoyable to find better and better equipment like weapons, armors and accessories. Without this I would rate it even lower. The presentation was fine for its time and I want to mention that I had no serious bugs or glitches (same as main game). Overall I would avoid this game as it was boring after a while and it did not age well. There are better options out there.
Report
PC
Summary The expansion pack to the award-winning RPG of 2002 unveils an all-new campaign that will challenge players to explore and fight their way through nine spectacular areas, including an expansive new jungle region, as they unravel the rich history and mystery of the world of Aranna. Legends of Aranna will also introduce new spells and spec...
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- PC
Initial Release Date: Nov 11, 2003
Developer:
- Mad Doc Software
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genres:
