Two Worlds Interview

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Eurogamer: What makes Two Worlds different to a game like Oblivion, and why do you think people will prefer your offering?

Dirk Hassinger: Two Worlds may seem to be in the Oblivion template, but the two games are very different once you get beyond the surface. Two Worlds offers a more focused, grittier experience - and a lot of correlating features are deeper in it. Our inventory system is smarter, our magic system is much more complex, and even the way we handle horses has more depth. Beyond those game mechanics we have a much more complex society, with many more factions working within it. Our overarching storyline is a touch darker and more involved, too. Which is not to say Oblivion is a worse game, just that Two Worlds has more 'meat'.

"Come back; You've left your undies!"

Eurogamer: How much character customisation will be in Two Worlds? Do you think you offer more choice than any other game out there?

Dirk Hassinger: Our commitment to player freedom means our character customisation is seriously deep. We have no class definitions, which means players are free to sculpt their avatar as they like - based on the skills players choose to learn. There's also a really nice progression as skills improve, and the sense of increasing power is really tangible. What's more, there's no level cap on your character. You can keep on progressing indefinitely if you wish. And by talking to the right people you can even undo all of your skill point assignments, then completely re-specialise your character using the points you've already earned.

Eurogamer: Some observers felt Oblivion could be quite shallow and often repetitive, perhaps leaning towards quantity over quality. What sort of storyline, quests, and linearity will we see in Two Worlds? And how will our actions affect the world around us?

Real men jog in armour.

Dirk Hassinger: The main storyline in Two Worlds is very different to the one in Oblivion. The basic premise is that the world is split into regions defined by various races. Humans, Orcs, Elves and Dwarves are familiar, but races like the Serpents (snake-based people) and the Trachidis (insectoids) should feel fresh even for die-hard fans of the genre.

The Orcs are the 'enemy' race and have been kept at bay ever since their god of war was slain and his body entombed in a secret location. However, the tomb has recently been re-discovered and the Orcs are about to embark on a holy crusade to reclaim their fallen god. Obviously this means things are about to turn nasty, which brings a sense of brooding menace to the game.

You start out as a wandering mercenary trying to find your missing sister. I'm not going to give too much away, but you and your sister are significant to the main story, which will become clear as you encounter members of a secret brotherhood during your personal story arc.

Two Worlds also has more than its fair share of side-quests. There are hundreds of them, and they can affect more than just your statistics - as each race is split into different groups with separate goals and needs, so there are political repercussions for just about everything you do. It's up to you to decide which faction to work for and if your morality will affect the missions you do.

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