Sacred 2: simple, satisfying hack 'n' slash

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

In the midst of the present desert of game releases, RPG fans should relish Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, which isn't Diablo 3 and not groundbreaking but very satisfying as a hack 'n' slash game.

The secret is to find a mate to play co-op with, but even in the times I have been going it alone, it's been a slick and pleasing fully open-world game with easy commands and controls. It's out PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

The story isn't strong. A prequel set 2000 years before the original, the story concerns an ancient race which once controlled T-Energy, the magic fluid that can be used for good or bad.

That energy is now mutating creatures as civil war erupts. You have a Good or Evil campaign choice between the path of Light or Shadow. The vast dense landscape of this world of Ancaria is pretty but filled with enemies you repetitively cut your way through to reach the next quest item, however teleporters and the awesome world map help cut out much of the monsters and enemies.

Check out the vastness in this glimpse of the gameplay

It's the usual scenario - you get asked by voice over or speech bubbles to do tasks and carry out quests which accumulate rewards and karma, though with such a vast world you don't feel any advancing storyline.

It doesn't matter though as the T-Energy generates all sorts of life forms and you still get loads of choices and options with the six distinctive character types who have different gods, abilities and powers.

You can get lost for hours playing this - and later wonder whether you should have spent the time doing more important things!

Gameplay is a little tough in places and you're likely to encounter some annoying technical glitches but keep pressing on. The AI is generally good in single player and the combat system makes good use of magical summonings and duration spells. At higher levels these are very effective. The Mount is a valuable addition to speed up gameplay along with magical additions to enhance player speed.

Forging weapons with magical traits and skills at the smithy can cut down on frustrating battles and gives a distinct edge over certain enemies. Customise the armour and shields with magical abilities to allow any gamers weapon preference and leave a variety of choice to those who must invest a few hours each night.

Playing co-op with someone or over the network is by far the best way to play with a seamless transition from single to multiplayer modes, I'm still going with my mates at the moment clocking up many hours of mindless gaming. 500 quests to sift through and over 50 hours single player will keep most role playing gamers happy, along with almost zero load times and full 1080p crisp visuals makes Fallen Angel a worthy investment.

I'd forgotten how in an age of complex gaming, such simple wandering around with a basic hack 'n' slash combat system was always fun - and I'm glad it's returned.

MadGamer rating: 7 / 10