Risen 2: Dark Waters cover art

Risen 2: Dark Waters

2012Piranha BytesPlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360

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.

What it feels like

A harsh, unflinching world of ruin and monster-driven desperation pervades the tone and atmosphere. Active threats from sea monsters and titans create a present danger throughout exploration.

Grim70%
Menacing65%

What it's about

A grim world devastated by titans and sea monsters, with gothic atmosphere and high stakes for humanity's survival. The sea and seafaring are central to the setting; sea monsters halt trade and exploration drives the narrative. Humanity pushed to the brink of existence by catastrophic titan devastation establishes a collapsed-world setting.

Dark Fantasy85%
Nautical70%
Post-Apocalyptic65%

How it plays

Close-quarters weapon combat is a core interaction system driving moment-to-moment gameplay. Character progression through experience and skill acquisition encourages repeated combat and exploration. Standing with factions and groups influences available quests and storyline paths.

Melee Combat80%
Leveling & Grind55%
Reputation & Factions55%
Character Builds50%
Dialogue Trees50%
Skill Checks45%

How it looks and sounds

The game is experienced from a third-person perspective following the protagonist through the world. Ornate gothic atmosphere and decaying world aesthetics contribute to the dark fantasy aesthetic.

Third-Person80%
Gothic60%

How it's structured

Designed as a single-player experience, with no multiplayer component, making solo play the entire focus. The game features a large continuous explorable world with seafaring and multiple regions to discover, core to the player-driven exploration experience. A bounded story arc following the aftermath of titans and sea monsters, with a clear narrative progression and ending.

Single-Player95%
Open World75%
Campaign70%
Seamless World65%
Elex67% match

Shares Third-Person, Open World, Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic.

Both lean into Single-Player, Open World, Third-Person, Dark Fantasy.

Single-Player75%Open World90%Third-Person85%Dark Fantasy80%
Risen65% match

Shares Dark Fantasy, Melee Combat, Open World, Grim.

Both lean into Dark Fantasy, Open World, Melee Combat, Single-Player.

Dark Fantasy85%Open World80%Melee Combat75%Single-Player55%
Gothic 364% match

Shares Third-Person, Open World, Melee Combat, Dark Fantasy.

Both lean into Single-Player, Open World, Third-Person, Melee Combat.

Single-Player90%Open World85%Third-Person80%Melee Combat70%

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Melee Combat72%Open World68%Single-Player48%Third-Person50%
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Melee Combat80%Single-Player60%Dark Fantasy65%Grim70%
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