How does the story in Divinity Original Sin 2 Classic enhance the gameplay?

The emotional connection you form with the companions through their stories makes the gameplay more immersive. You care about what happens to them, so you're more invested in the battles and decisions in the game. When a companion is in danger during a fight, you're more likely to go out of your way to protect them because of the story you've shared.

In the Classic, gameplay is more about freedom. You can choose your own quests and how to approach them. In the Story version, it's more guided. For example, in combat, the Classic might give you more options to strategize on your own, while the Story version could have more scripted combat scenarios related to the story.

The darker story influences character development. The situations and choices in the story force your character to grow and change. If your character witnesses a lot of dark and tragic events in the story, it can affect their personality and abilities. For instance, a character might become more cynical and gain skills related to deception or survival in a cruel world.

Explorer mode has more open - ended gameplay. Story mode is more story - driven.

The story focuses on the idea of Source, a powerful and dangerous form of magic. Your character, as a Sourcerer, is hunted. It takes place in a world that has a rich history and lore. There are main quests that drive the overarching plot forward, like dealing with the Voidwoken, which are threats emerging from another realm. And along the way, you meet a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstories and motives that tie into the larger story.

They add different quests. For instance, if you play as the Red Prince, you'll have quests related to his claim to the lizard throne. It also affects interactions. Other characters might react differently to you based on your origin story.

The story in Divinity: Original Sin is highly immersive and engaging. It has a rich plot with complex characters and unexpected twists.

It begins with your characters in a rather dire situation. You're on a ship, chained up as prisoners. You're all Sourcerers, and in this world, that's a bad thing. You're being taken to Fort Joy, which is a prison island. Along the way, there are some events that start to set the stage for the adventure ahead, like interactions with other prisoners and the first signs of the strange and magical world you're in.

The overarching themes are engaging. Themes like power, redemption, and morality are explored throughout the story. These themes add depth and make the players think about the consequences of their actions. It's not just a simple good vs. evil story but a complex exploration of different values.

The length of Divinity: Original Sin 2's story is quite substantial. If you rush through the main quests, it might take around 30-40 hours. But if you explore every nook and cranny and do all the side content, it could easily exceed 80 hours.