Traditional isometric RPGs or CRPGs entered something of a dormant state until games like Divinity: Original Sin (DOS) and Pillars of Eternity (POE) brought them back into the gaming spotlight. They showed contemporary gamers just how strong and imaginative the RPG genre was back in the day, when its most prevalent formula was based after Dungeons & Dragons.
Sadly, many players mature enough to enjoy games these today probably don't have too much spare time on their hands. So if gamers find themselves in the dilemma of having to pick which of these two RPG franchises to play, DOS 2 or PoE 2, here's a quick breakdown to help with the choice.
10 PoE 2: Real-Time & Turn-Based
Back in the days of Baldur's Gate, the most optimal way to play CRPGs was real-time with a pause option. PoE 2 embraced this but fans also suggested an alternate turn-based mode, so the game also implemented that. This flexible, turn-based experience appealed further to fans of D&D.
With PoE 2 having the advantage in both playstyles, that leaves DOS 2 in the dust. The latter was made to be a turn-based game, and is thus more rigid. Over time, the turn-based gameplay in DOS 2 can get rather tedious, especially if there are too many enemies. A real-time mode could have helped immensely.
9 DOS 2: Dynamic Environments
Despite the more versatile combat in PoE 2, DOS 2 still has its own merit. The environment in the game is a character on its own, thanks to how interactive it is. Elemental effects are present on the battlefield, and can combine to make terrain impassable or more dangerous.
Players can use this to their advantage, and it opens up more creative and resourceful options when it comes to combat. Arguably, this makes the combat in DOS 2 deeper. In PoE 2, there are a few environmental obstacles, but they're not as malleable as the elements in DOS 2.
8 PoE 2: More Comprehensive Writing
There's already a pattern emerging here. Whereas DOS 2 is more of a gameplay and theory-crafter's paradise, PoE 2 is role-player's heaven. It's all thanks to the more verbose and descriptive writing, especially the parts in which the narrator describes the imagery.
The dialogue and lore in PoE 2 have a richer and more mature feel than DOS 2's goofier execution. The result is a game world that players can take seriously, and get lost as they please with their roleplaying whims.
7 DOS 2: More Narration
More words and descriptions don't always bode well in everyone's preferences. Some RPG fans simply have poor eyesight, and reading from a monitor screen can get tiring fast. Hence, DOS 2's fully narrated dialogue and narration is a godsend for the Godwoken.
This way, it's less tedious to play through the non-combat sections. Players are less likely to miss something or waste time re-reading words, especially those with reading problems such as dyslexia. Truth be told, all modern CRPGs need this quality-of-life improvement.
6 PoE 2: More Freedom
PoE 2 does have some gameplay structure advantages compared to its competition. This comes in the form of the open world, which the players can explore of their own free will. They don't have to adhere to linear progression either.
That is sadly not an option in DOS 2. Once players are done with an Act, that part of the game and its corresponding game world is gone for the rest of the playthrough. At times, that kind of narrative decision can feel rather limiting or constricting, especially in an RPG.
5 DOS 2: Better Graphics
Out of the two RPGs, it's clear which has a more proficient technical team. The graphics in DOS 2 are a tier above PoE 2. Players can even see the character's faces and their armor designs if they zoom in.
For some players, particularly younger ones, DOS 2's visuals are more tolerable. It's not just the graphics, but also the user interface. DOS 2 handles that department better, and inventory or party management feels less clunky.
4 PoE 2: Bigger World
Then again, part of the reason why PoE 2 feels clunkier is its bigger game world. When players sail the high seas or try to outmaneuver pirates and bigger ships in PoE 2, it lends a vast atmosphere to the game world.
Moreover, the multitude of islands and larger cities in PoE 2 make exploration more varied. In DOS 2, players are usually confined to their current Act. In hindsight, the areas were a bit small, though verticality makes it seem bigger.
3 DOS 2: Provides A D&D Mode
Once players are finished with both games, there really isn't much left to do other than replay for different choices. PoE 2 has a thoughtful arena mode DLC, but that pales in comparison to DOS 2's Dungeon Master mode. It's essentially an online D&D session maker for players and their friends.
Even without friends, this mode can still be used in a multiplayer session with random people online. The Dungeon Master mode isn't exactly as accessible or as extensive as D&D, but it can be enjoyable for any member of the session.
2 PoE 2: Less Generic World
When it comes to world-building, PoE 2 sets itself apart compared to other RPGs. While it takes on an odd choice for its setting, the Caribbean/Atlantic/Oceania-inspired game world is a refreshing change of pace compared to the usual RPG backdrop.
By comparison, DOS 2 has a more generic setting, with elves, necromancers, dwarfs, and a sprinkle of godhood. PoE 2's locale feesl more special and lived in with its rich game world history, whereas DOS 2's world feels more like a standalone stage for each Act.
1 DOS 2: More Interesting Companions
While PoE 2's characters are varied, they're less peculiar or riveting compared to the preceding game. On the other hand, DOS 2's appear as though they were taken straight out of an official D&D campaign.
DOS 2's cast has more individual quirks, conflicts, and special roles in the story — so much so that they're all playable. Plus, all of them are romance-able, even the pompous red lizard who's pro-slavery or the undead demigod. Players can take their weird pick.