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SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars

EMAIL PRINT pc

7.2 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 35 critic reviews
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Based on 19 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Aspyr Media

Developer: Phenomic Game Development

Genre(s): Real-Time Strategy, Role-Playing Game

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: May 2, 2006

Summary

The most beautiful, perfect and deadly of the Dark Races -- the Dark Elves – are in league with the mysterious Shadows and are threatening to overrun the realms of all the races. Fighting against the sinister "Pact", players take on the role of the Avatar who was born from the blood of the last dragon and haunted by a dark secret. The Avatar must reforge old alliances in order to face the invasion and save the world of Eo – but the true battle is waged within his soul. [Aspyr Media]

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Worth Playing

Europeans already know this is the best of the best; take the plunge and see why this is the most successful series overseas. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

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PC Gameworld

If you’re looking for a good fantasy game, Spellforce II is like a big fantasy nerd peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Simple, yet satisfying.

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AceGamez

Hybrids of game genres never quite seem to strike it right, but Spellforce 2 is one of those rare exceptions; fixing most of the problems suffered by the original, both its RPG and RTS elements are now considerably more enjoyable and the graphical presentation finally makes the game a serious contender amongst some stiff competition.

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Games Radar (in-house)

Oh, you'll hear plenty of Diablo comparisons, and we loved the big D six years ago, but hopefully you've moved on since, because this "role-playing-made-love-to-a-strategy-game" hybrid certainly has.

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Just RPG

An ambitious effort, and a definite success. Conveying an interesting story with beautiful graphics, great voice acting, a nice soundtrack, and a tight control scheme, very few flaws are to be found in SpellForce 2.

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Game Chronicles

Spellforce 2: Shadow Wars combines the best features of the fantasy RPG and RTS worlds, from strong character development, to massive, resource driven battles-all strewn across gorgeous landscapes. Throw in a wealth of online options-most notably cooperative play-and you have sleeper hit in the making.

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Gaming Illustrated

Spellforce 2: Shadow Wars is the best "hybrid" game that's attempted to blend both RPG and RTS in a long line of games that have come up woefully short.

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ActionTrip

A well-balanced amalgamation of RTS and RPG ingredients, set in a unique universe. If you're prepared to shell out 40 bucks for this one, you should know that the game is worth every dime, featuring plenty of content and solid replay value.

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Gamers' Temple

SpellForce 2 is sure to satisfy action-RPG gamers.

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GamerNode

Overall, SpellForce 2 offers a change from the typical RTS fare. To say that the game is a true RPG is stretching the genre to its breaking point; the game is essentially a fantasy RTS with RPG elements added to the gameplay.

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Computer Games Online RO

Separately, the RTS and the RPG aspects of the game can be considered mediocre – with a higher mark for the RPG if I compare it with the first title in the series. But, the game’s splendor comes from successfully combining these two genres, offering a unique experience, a friendly interface, and gameplay which is fun and addictive.

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IGN

It's really hard to blend genres as thoroughly as Phenomic has done here and come away successful at all so it's a testament to the developer's dedication to the cause.

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Gaming Nexus

A great improvement over the intriguing (but flawed) original. Spellforce 2 does achieve a good blend of RTS and RPG gameplay, and has gone far toward finding that perfect balance.

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Games Master UK

A crusade that claims over 60 hours of play - we recommend you test this claim. [July 2006, p.67]

Digital Entertainment News

This one has a better story that makes playing through it worth the time investment.

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Pelit (Finland)

A great concept, but lacks in execution. Less generic fantasy clichés, more variety to the RTS part and character development, and it would have been more than just a nice game. [June 2006]

GameSpot

SpellForce 2's intriguing mix of gameplay styles makes for a great divergence from the archetypal real-time strategy game.

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GameZone

Its gameplay is genre-bending, its visuals are intense and demanding, and there’s enough content here to keep you returning for an obscene amount of time.

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Loaded Inc

It has a near flawless presentation and expertly juggles the two genres it incorporates.

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G4 TV

While others have hinted at RPG and RTS crossover, or have tried and not quite succeeded, SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars delivers.

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Yahoo! Games

Genre-hopping games can be notoriously difficult, but with Spellforce 2, Phenomic has hit the nail... well, not quite on the head, but certainly in its general vicinity

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Eurogamer

And tackling the huge amount of diverse RPG quests, picking up and evaluating items, advancing your character's skills to match your tactics is a thoroughly engrossing mix. SpellForce 2 is that rare beast - a thoroughly well executed hybrid game.

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VideoGamer

If the game has any major flaws at all, it's that whilst the two halves of the game, RTS and RPG, mesh together brilliantly, if you take either of those elements in isolation, they're perhaps a little on the lightweight side. Fortunately, the game does have real synergy: it's greater than the sum of its parts.

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GameSpy

It's might not be the best role-playing or real-time strategy game on the market, but when combined, it makes for something surprisingly special.

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AtomicGamer

Overall, Spellforce 2 is slightly above average. It take two portions of a game that wouldn’t succeed on their own and combines them into a package that proves to be fun with a large amount of gameplay.

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RPG Fan

The difference from the first game to the second, in my experience, is like the difference between cheap pan-Asian food sold in a mall and an expensive Japanese sushi restaurant. No more greasy egg rolls: it's time for some blue-fin tuna...except, it's from Europe.

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PC Gamer

In the end, Shadow Wars is just plain fun. [Aug 2006, p.50]

PC Zone UK

The satisfaction of finally winning a battle doesn't even begin to outweigh the frustration of having to win it all over again.

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Gamezilla!

The scantily clad female characters, the brutal mob beating, and pool-of-blood style of violence get this game an M rating.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

The combination of RTS and RPG works well, each having its very distinct place in the overall feel of the game. Throw in that multiplayer bonus and developer Phenomic is in danger of having a hit on its hands.

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VGPub

I wouldn’t rule Spellforce 2 out completely, especially if you’re a great fan of zerg tactics and don’t mind waiting the sometimes required hours for an open game to appear online. For all you others, spend that 40 bucks on a better RTS.

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Computer Games Magazine

Like its predecessor, Spellforce 2 is a bad game. It gets so many things wrong. As a real-time strategy game, it's superficial. [Sept. 2006, p.62]

PC Format

Tries to include facets of two genres, and feels confused and compromised. [May 2006, p.94]

PC Gamer UK

The large-scale RTS combat can be fun and the game flourishes aesthetically in some of the bigger areas, but life is too short to spend our time on games lacking spirit, spunk and novelty. [June 2006, p.94]

Gaming Horizon

For gamers who aren't particularly picky or demanding, there's still fun to be had and progression to be enjoyed in Spellforce 2.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.2 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

T K gave it a9:
A unique blend of RTS and RPG elements with a huge campaign as well as other modes of play. There are many optional side-quests that can be completed in different order or not at all. The graphics are pretty nice too. However, if one is skilled at micro-managing a small group of RPG characters, then non-hero units are almost unnecessary. If one is playing the game as a true hybrid, then it feels rather like Warcraft 3, for better or for worse. Overall, the games flaws don't really affect it's enjoyability.

Stephan W. gave it a6:
The game is quite good, but no comparison to SF1. Though it is not as bugged as SF1, the atmosphere is not as ingenious. The addon Dragon Storm is a little better.

Bernard B. gave it a10:
Well done mix of RTS & Fantasy RPG!Kelemvor gave it a1:
Its a shallow reflection of the first part. The RTS-part has been simplified and reduced in depth, the story is worn out, and boring and the Diablo-skilltree is a shameful try, to draw undemanding players to this game. How someone can give better rates to a reduced version of the original game will stay a mystery to me.

Ronald P. gave it a9:
This game doesn't deserve a review under 85 it's a good game great graphics, and a lot of replay value that won't seem repetitive.

Aren M. gave it a9:
This game is good fun. Need to upgrade my video card, because of some compatibilty issues. Gives me a good excuse. This original type gameplay is a welcome break from the onslaught of MMORPGS.

Jan B. gave it a9:
Well executed and entertaining plus very unique gameplay. I do not know whether to call it more a role playing or a strategy game, but it definitely appeals to both kinds of players.

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SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars

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What The Critics Said

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