The risen franchise isn't exactly an easy or simple one. It's not skyrim, KOA, or mass effect... if you get turned off so much by not being able to customize the haircut of your character (which you might be able to, I haven't heard any definitive answers) then you might want to steer clear of risen.
Later edit: The workaround provided by @MysterD77 in the comments actually worked. I just added the D3D9.dll from DgVoodoo in the same folder as the executable and the game started. The problem is that the graphics were buggy, with a large portion of dark overlay in the upper left corner of the screen.
With an all-new pirate-based theme, Risen 2: Dark Waters aims to combine the most loved classic RPG gameplay mechanics of the original Risen with a fresh theme and setting on a huge variety of themed island locales. A third-person role-playing game set in a dark and gritty universe, Risen 2: Dark Waters maintains the most immersive features of the original Risen, with multiple approaches to every challenge allowing players to shape the game world based on their own decisions. These choices will serve to unlock new paths, features and additional skills for the character. Together with a highly interactive environment and a full day/night-cycle affecting countless aspects of the game world, Risen 2 will be set in the most immersive RPG game world so far.
Most islands, however, are blanketed with jungle foliage, though there's enough environmental variety that your eyes won't tire. Palm trees cast long shadows on the riverbank as you slosh toward the nearby native village. Investigate the beach near Puerto Isabella, and you can practically feel the sand and stones under your feet. Periodic thunderclaps make for a disquieting trek near alligator-infested waters. If you own an Nvidia card, you could run into some performance issues, but you'll likely enjoy smooth visuals and quick loading times on your journey. That's as it should be: Risen 2 isn't at the cutting edge of modern graphics. Flickering shadows, vegetation that grows into place before your very eyes, and robotic animations are among the blemishes that might distract you.
Developer Piranha Bytes has always used factions as the foundation for progressing plot, quests, and abilities in its RPGs, and Risen 2 is no different. The ever pompous Inquisition returns, but also two new groups: the tribals and the pirates. You'll be joining up with the latter and sporting various guns and swords as you wish (homeade or bought); with the tribals there's the opportunity to dive into the dark world of black magic and voodoo. Unfortunately I got no real time with the latter, but I can say you'll have access to talisman, sceptre, and amulet making abilities, plus curses and more.
Set several years after the end of Risen, raging titans have devastated the world and pushed humanity to the brink of existence. Subsequently, monstrous creatures have risen from the watery depths of the sea and their attacks have brought all seafaring to a grinding halt. The hero, now a member of the Inquisition, is sent out to find out how to stop the chaos caused by these creatures from the deep. His quest begins with rumors that the pirates who frequent the southern islands are the only ones who know a way to get rid of the creatures once and for all and end their reign of terror.
With an all-new pirate-based theme, Risen 2: Dark Waters aims to combine the most loved classic RPG gameplay mechanics of the original Risen with a fresh theme and setting on a huge variety of themed island locales. A third-person role-playing game set in a dark and gritty universe, Risen 2: Dark Waters maintains the most immersive features of the original Risen, with multiple approaches to every challenge allowing players to shape the game world based on their own decisions. These choices will serve to unlock new paths, features and additional skills for the character. Together with a highly interactive environment and a full day/night-cycle affecting countless aspects of the game world, Risen 2 will be set in the most immersive RPG game world so far.
Set several years after the end of Risen, raging titans have devastated the world and pushed humanity to the brink of existence. Subsequently, monstrous creatures have risen from the watery depths of the sea and their attacks have brought all seafaring to a grinding halt.
A third-person role-playing game set in a dark and gritty universe, Risen 2: Dark Waters maintains the most immersive features of the original Risen, with multiple approaches to every challenge allowing players to shape the game world based on their own decisions. These choices will serve to unlock new paths, features and additional skills for the character.
If you find yourself stuck on a quest or strapped for cash, which is rather hard to come by, the best option is often to head off into the wilderness. You will find or come across treasure maps which will point you to buried treasure, and these are the most sure-fire way to get money. You will also find chests scattered around the island which can be looted, and harvested plants can be sold. When I became stuck on a quest, I often found the solution by exploring the island I was on. You will spend a lot of time exploring, sometimes without a map as you need to find or purchase maps for each island. Fortunately the exploration is extremely enjoyable. It is incredibly immersive to navigate your way through the dense jungle or wade through the shallow waters along the coast, although inevitably you will meet someone or something that wants you dead. There is no regenerating health in Risen 2, instead you must rely on alcohol and provisions to keep you alive. Alcohol can be consumed to instantly restore health, while provisions can be munched in order to allow health to regenerate for a short amount of time.
The nameless protagonist has become a drunkard, plagued by the memories of the events that occurred in Risen. He lives in the last refuge of Inquisition, Caldera. But a new threat rises; monsters, risen from the depths of the sea, attack and sink many ships, endangering the island's supply situation. The man is ordered to investigate one of the wrecked ships. During the investigation he meets Patty, a character from the preceding game. They discover that captain Steelbeard, Patty's father, has found a way to sail the seas without getting harmed by monster attacks. They team up to find the captain and his secret.
Hey there, gamers! Get ready to dive into the depths of gaming awesomeness with Risen 2 - Dark Waters! This game takes place after the events of Risen, where titans have wreaked havoc on our beloved world. Now, not only do we have to deal with these ginormous baddies, but creepy creatures from the sea have joined the party too! Talk about a double whammy!
But fear not, my fellow gamers, because we've got a hero who's ready to kick some major sea monster butt! And who might that hero be, you ask? Well, you get to step into the shoes of a daring adventurer who's on a mission to restore humanity's hope in this grim and watery wasteland.
Think of it as a wild mixture of action, exploration, and RPG goodness, all soaked in the saltwater charm of high seas adventure. But that's not all - this game comes with a twist! You'll need to navigate treacherous waters, uncover mysterious artifacts, and even get your hands on some mighty voodoo magic to survive.
Oh, and did I mention the stunning visuals? Prepare to be dazzled by jaw-dropping graphics that will transport you straight into this perilous maritime world. And trust me, it won't be all doom and gloom. Risen 2 also brings the laughs with its clever writing and quirky characters. You'll be laughing your way through this dangerous journey, all while slaying monsters and saving the day!
So, gather your gaming crew and get ready to set sail for a pulse-pounding adventure like no other. Risen 2 - Dark Waters is ready to take you on a wild ride that'll leave you breathless and begging for more. Get your game face on, put your controller in battle mode, and let's show those sea monsters who's boss!
Ready, set, game on!