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[Casimir]

Backer News
Make sure to go to Larian Vault and fill in your shipment information if you purchased a physical reward.

Non-Kickstarter backers:
If you want to purchase a physical copy, Larian has manufactured a limited run (1500) in English on their website for worldwide sale. Select retailers will also be selling a smaller allotment of German, French, and Polish versions.

Beta updates

17/6 (via Toodles)

Larian:

*New gameplay stream from Larian on 18/6 20:00 CET, 11:00PST, 22:00 MSK*


Quick update to Original Sin to celebrate the World cup. (Details and changes here)

Past updates:

6/6

Larian:

7:23min

Highlights:
-Kiril has unfortunately fallen ill but is recovering. Larian has remastered unreleased compositions from other games by him to supplement the existing score. Breakdown of Original Sin are as follows, 50 unique to Original Sin, 50 remasters of unreleased compositions, and 30 remastered songs from prior titles.
-Release date is moved to June 30.
-Voice acting for banter and overhead texts from main characters, and multiple voice choices for main characters.

28/5 (Via Adnor)

Larian:

...so many tweaks and updates, directly from Forktong.

27/4 (via ZoddGuts)

Larian:

Update video highlighting the differences between current build and initial alpha + Anniversary celebration.

23 min.

Highlights:

Beta HAS BEEN RELEASED!

Beta launch trailer. (via Zoddguts)

Beta patch notes.

Kickstarter Backers:

When can you finally play?

The Beta has been released, look below for instructions. (17th of December.)

How will the Beta be delivered?

A steam key will be sent to Kickstarter backers from the Larian Vault.

Instruction to link accounts:

1. Go to the Larian Vault. Create and verify your account.
2. On the front page of the Larian Vault there should be a tab with the Kickstarter icon next to the text D:OS Kickstarter. Follow the instructions and you should be set!

Which Kickstarter tiers get to participate in the Beta?

Every one who contributed to the Kickstarter will be allowed to participate.

What is included in the Beta?

Approximately 20-25 hours of gameplay, the entirety of Cyseal, will be included in the beta.

Online Co-op?

Local co-op should be included and functioning.

Non-Backers

What is Divinity: Original Sin?

It’s a cRPG that includes a robust CO-OP mode!*

I haven't played a title in the Divinity series, can I jump in?

Yes! Original Sin is a prequel to other Divinity games so anyone can play without previous knowledge of past games.

How long is the co-op campaign?

The full game will include the option to play the campaign in Co-op.

I found the level of complexity and free choice in Dragon Age 2 to be daunting. Does D:OS streamline the gameplay?

Some succor to ease the pain...but now you need to find another game.

I didn’t contribute to the Kickstarter...can I still participate in the alpha?

Yes. The game is on Steam Early Access!

Where is the love for Linux/Mac?

A Linux and Mac version of the full game is currently being developed. They will be released as soon as they are completed.

Modding support?

Yes, Larian is including a very flexable editor with the final game.

Media:

Alpha Updates (The Alpha is over)

31/3 (via Adnor & doniewhalberg)

Larian:

Beta Streaming with Swen and David + Q&A
(Past Recording)

90min

Complete list of changes and added features.

Summary of new Features and Changes:

UI/Development

-New Main menu and Character creation screens.

-Loading bars have been added to loading screens.

-Game intro sequence has been added to Beta.

-Mac version is running behind due to middleware issue; But otherwise in a similar state to the PC version.

-Mac version is native.

Gameplay

-New Classes

Battlemage
Enchanter (Control Mage)
Shadow Blade (Rogue with magic skills)
Wayfarer (Ranger and Mage)

-Portraits and Voices will be coming.

-Ability to modify starting skills will be added.

-New Tutorial has been added to intro portion of game.

-New Skill "Staff of the Mages"

Every Staff now does a type of elemental damage.

-AI companion number is undecided.

-Official DAY/NIGHT implimentation is confirmed to be dropped. Assets will be included for modders.

-Dice rolls now shown in status bar.

-"Raistlin" talent is hilariously overpowered.

-Shapeshifting has been cut.

28/3 (via foobarry81)

Larian:


- The game will move into beta phase.
- Day/night cycles for NPCs (Kickstarter stretch goal) are dropped out of the game, because they had underestimated complexity of it all, and don't have the man power to get them in without compromising the rest of the development.
- Loads of new stuff, including a truck load of skills, talents, character customisation, enemy AI, ...

More in the video.

7/3

*Attention: This is the last Alpha Update, the next update will bring the game into Beta.*

Larian:
4:20 Min
Notes:
- Next update will open up the entirety of Cyseal.
- New dungeon area that is related to a previous quest.
- City ballistas can now be used in combat.
- UI has been overhauled.
- Combat AI has been improved.
- New skills such as repair, identify, lockpick have been added.
- Northern Area has been revamped.
- General bug fixes have been added.
- New Music!
- Combat skill range indicators have been added.
- Status effects are now in effect.
- Ability point re-balancing.

27/2 (NeoGAF thread by Adnor)

Gamespot footage (via Adnor):

80 Min (Gameplay spoilers)


IGN footage (via ZoddGutts):

30 Min (Gameplay spoilers)

-You can preview the path of your spells (and ranged shots?) Oddly, that wasn’t in the dev build, but it WILL be in the next Early Access build.
-Bigger arrows for switching between party members inventories.
-Switching party members in the barter screen and skills menu.
-Radius markers for spells (really fancy ones, too)
-Tombstones are still in, but they’ve gotten a new look too.
-Minimap arrows to indicate the direction of your party members
-Graphical upgrade for Skills menu
Perception will give you an indication in Charm/Reason/Intimidate dialogue about which one (if any) gives you a situation bonus.
-New Status effects: Slow (half AP) and Chilled. Both were tied to environmental conditions in specific areas.

14/2

Larian:
10 Min (Update Overview)

The Rage Perspective footage:

28 Min (Game overview)

Eurogamer Alpha review:

...this is a satisfying chunk of the early game that offers about 10-15 hours worth of sneak-peek without spoiling too much.

Jesse Cox and Crendor footage:

Part 3 | 4

31/1

Larian:
10 Min (Update Overview)

PCGMedia footage:

10 Min (Game Overview)

Jesse Cox and Crendor footage:

Part 1 | 2

17/1

Larian:
3 Min (Co-op and Companions are in.)

Impressions:

NeoGaf:
foobarry81

Other:
English:
RPS
German:
Buffed.de
IGN.de
Russian:
MaximOnline.ru
Kanobu.ru
Mail.ru
French:
Jeuxvideo.com

______________________________________

Disclaimer:
These materials do not constitute unbiased advice. Always consult your fellow Gaffers before making any purchasing decisions. Must be 18 or older to purchase. Sorry no C.O.D.

OP Thanks:

foobarry81
Mindlog
-tetsuo-
Sinatar
FACE
ZoddGutts
megadesto

 

[graywolf323]

the more I hear about this game the more I wish I had had the money to back it during the Kickstarter

 

[Adnor]

This game looks so good! I hope they open the alpha to us non-backers, but sadly I wouldn't have money for a while, so I doubt I will buy it day one as I wanted

 

[Brokun]

Must get...

 

[Mindlog]

I'm in.

Nice OP. Thank you for putting in the work.
Subscribed, but still haven't decided on trying the Alpha myself. I'm all-in on a Larian game. So many great throwbacks coming our way.

 

[Lord Panda]

Soooo excited ... and nice touch on the thread title

 

[JaseC]

the more I hear about this game the more I wish I had had the money to back it during the Kickstarter

I hope it goes up on Early Access come the move to beta.

Edit: Or Larian opens up the alpha. Almost missed that bit.

 

[TheDarkKnight774]

Man. Why didn't I back this game.

 

[NingenJanai]

Looking great, can't wait.

 

[Durante]

Great OT. I certainly found the level of complexity in Dragon Age 2 baffling, so D:OS should be right up my alley.

 

[Keasar]

Soooooon.

 

[megadesto]

Some of these screenshots/videos are quite old.

There's a 40-minute-long video/letsplay, for instance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnZYMrWI4BI

And a handful of new screenshots (the ones with a mini-map): http://www.divinityoriginalsin.com/screenshots.php

 

[piratepwnsninja]

Very excited, even though I told myself I wasn't going to play the alpha, I think I might play the alpha.

 

[Dr. Zoidberg]

I shall be your companion, your provider...

and...your master! Ha ha ha ha ha!

 

[Sinatar]

Very excited, even though I told myself I wasn't going to play the alpha, I think I might play the alpha.

I'm thinking I might just goof around in the town and see what kind of bizarre stuff I can pull off but avoid the story related bits.

 

[Durante]

I'm thinking I might just goof around in the town and see what kind of bizarre stuff I can pull off but avoid the story related bits.

That sounds like a plan.

 

[Terra_Ex]

Looking forward to playing the alpha, really liked whats been shown of this so far. Swen always comes across as a genuine, likeable chap in his videos and communications with the community and its helped build my hype up for this game over the past few months. I also noted quite a leap in the writing quality from Divinity 2 to Dragon Commander so I'm really interested to see what they'll have to offer this time.

 

[foobarry81]

I didn’t contribute to the Kickstarter...can I still participate in the alpha?

Maybe. Larian is going to focus on getting keys to backers first. They will address non-backer access in an upcoming announcement.

About this: Swen Vincke told me that this is a bit of sensitive issue.

Originally only Kickstarter backers who paid something extra would get alpha access. Larian will open the alpha to ALL backers now, and offered the ones who paid for alpha access a refund of some sorts (I don't know the specifics of this arrangement).

Understandably, some of those who paid for alpha access, among which some longstanding supporters of Larian, were extremely disappointed by this move.

Swen said he felt quite torn about this. His sole purpose for opening the alpha to all backers is to increase the quality of the game ofcourse.

So I don't think they will be opening the alpha up to everyone soon.

 

[foobarry81]

I'm thinking I might just goof around in the town and see what kind of bizarre stuff I can pull off but avoid the story related bits.

That is quite easy to do, actually. The solution to the

Spoiler

murder (is this really a spoiler though?)

story that you and your companion (the "Source Hunters") are investigating requires some effort to solve. I had no clue where it was going after hours of fooling around in town.

 

[Kurtofan]

Can you have other companions?

 

[Ricker]

They should stick to kickstarters backers only....this early access thing now on Steam that makes you pay twice what the game will cost is confusing and not always fair to backers...I didnt kickstart it,then I wait for the full release,that's it...

 

[foobarry81]

Can you have other companions?

Yes.

Your party starts of with 2 Source Hunters (which you can make either female or male, and choose a "profession" (it's like a class, but the game is classless)).

And then you can add either summons, like Elementals, or you can hire people.

Those hired companions might or might not be in the alpha right off the bat.

Parties can be up to 4 or 6, I don't remember.

Edit: it's 4.

Q
Turn based with 2 characters... I thought this was party based. With, like, a bigger party...
A
Each hero can hire a henchman. And you can summon elementals. So party size can grow up to four. If you're feeling really bold, you can try to take on combat without henchmen, but good luck with all that!

 

[Kurtofan]

Yes.

Your party starts of with 2 Source Hunters (which you can make either female or male, and choose a "profession" (it's like a class, but the game is classless)).

And then you can add either summons, like Elementals, or you can hire people.

Those hired companions might or might not be in the alpha right off the bat.

Parties can be up to 4 or 6, I don't remember.

Edit: it's 4.

Thanks, do those companions have a personality or are they just muscle?

 

[Sinatar]

Thanks, do those companions have a personality or are they just muscle?

That was a stretch goal, I can't remember if they hit it or not, I think so...?

 

[_machine]

That was a stretch goal, I can't remember if they hit it or not, I think so...?

Yeah, they did hit all the stretch goals so all the companions have more to them than being just muscle.

 

[Wanace]

I backed this but I'm not getting sucked into play the Alpha. I'm definitely waiting for the full release before playing.

 

[Casimir]

Some of these screenshots/videos are quite old.

There's a 40-minute-long video/letsplay, for instance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnZYMrWI4BI

And a handful of new screenshots (the ones with a mini-map): http://www.divinityoriginalsin.com/screenshots.php

Yes, a concession had to be made as footage from Larian has been sparse. I chose them because they concisely exhibited some aspect of the game (such as the intro video which gives a great overview of what the game is but is some of the first footage released), the 40 minute Alpha footage is great information for those already invested but too meandering for the simply curious. A similar ideology is behind how some of the screenshots were chosen to show the breadth of diversity in the locations.

and...your master! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Soooo excited ... and nice touch on the thread title

 

[Toothless Spoon]

Anyone in yet? I thought the decision was to be made today about the alpha - but I haven't seen any updates via twitter.

 

[birdchili]

not touching this until full release either, but very excited. ultima namedropping and legit symmetrical co-op campaign have me frothing...

it's both amazing and a sad commentary the number of my most highly-anticipated games that are being crowdfunded.

 

[Casimir]

Anyone in yet? I thought the decision was to be made today about the alpha - but I haven't seen any updates via twitter.

Latest info was a tweet from Swen nine hours ago, and a confirmation from the offical studio account a few hours later, saying that they were working on it.

 

[foobarry81]

Some new info:

Swen Vincke ‏@LarAtLarian 8m

Had to pull the plug at the very last minute - some installer issue. Once that's solved, we'll put the D:OS alpha live. #today

Soon...!

 

[Keasar]

Some new info:



Soon...!

Oh comeon just give it to me! I need this!

 

[foobarry81]

.

Swen Vincke ‏@LarAtLarian 1m

We found a workaround - build server is now building new installer, then it needs to upload, then ... update, you have an update

 

[FACE]

Thumbs up for the OT and the title

Some new info:

Soon...!

Just give me a needle and I'll inject all of the bytes in my veins.

 

[rybrad]

Just give me a needle and I'll inject all of the bytes in my veins.

Seriously. I think I am going to end up taking the last half of the day off to mess around in the alpha.

 

[FACE]

Thanks, do those companions have a personality or are they just muscle?

There are henchmen, who are just muscle, and companions who have personalities and quests related to them.

 

[foobarry81]

There are henchmen, who are just muscle, and companions who have personalities and quests related to them.

And there are summons, like fire and ice elementals. You also control those. They even have spells of their own.

 

[Casimir]

Alpha build is being held up by some last minute German text translation.

 

[foobarry81]

^^ Any German speaker on here willing to help out?

Swen Vincke ‏@LarAtLarian 2m

Is there anybody German speaking following here who's willing to translate some text for us ? I'm told it takes about 15 mins

 

[FACE]

God damned germans!

 

[Sinatar]

 

[epmode]

Don't mention the war!

 

[Casimir]

Don't talk about the war!

*is about to post response to Sinatar....reads epmode's post.

*changes post reply:

 

[FACE]

My F5 key was unprepared for this much abuse.

 

[_machine]

It's live!

EDIT: around 4GB download, I probably won't be able to try it for more than few hours the whole year since I'll be leaving my computer behind for christmas

 

[Terra_Ex]

Got my alpha access key, let the download commence!

 

[FACE]

It's live!

EDIT: around 4GB download, I probably won't be able to try it for more than few hours the whole year since I'll be leaving my computer behind for christmas

WHERE?

 

[Tworak]

WHERE?

larianvault gives you a steam key after you've authorized your kickstarter account

 

[Casimir]

WHERE?

....did you read the OP?

 

[FACE]

....did you read the OP?

TOO BUSY RUNNING AROUND AND SCREAMING LIKE A MAD MAN