Risen Nintendo Switch Review

Initial release date: October 2, 2009

Rerelease: Januyary 23, 2023

Developers: Piranha Bytes, THQ Nordic

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360

Publishers: Deep Silver, THQ Nordic, Plaion

"Review Copy Provided By THQ Nordic"

In 2009, the action RPG game called Risen was released and became successful enough to have two sequels in 2012 and 2014. In my personal opinion, Deep Silver's creation is one of the greatest role-playing games of its generation and is underrated. Fortunately, THQ Nordic launched the game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch recently, giving fans and those who have not played the game an opportunity to experience it.

As a fan, I immediately played the Switch version, which is an exact copy of the original game. It's essential to note that the new release does not have modern-day graphics, so don't expect it. Instead, you can immerse yourself in nostalgia by exploring a world with an aesthetic from the Xbox 360 era.

Now that we have that cleared up, let me provide some details about the plot and what you can anticipate while exploring Faranga, the setting of Risen. The game commences with an unnamed character stowing away on a ship, and it becomes evident that this character is the one you play for the remainder of the game. Unfortunately, a titan appears and sinks the ship, resulting in havoc. Despite facing death, you survive and wash up on Faranga, a mountainous island where your true journey begins. Your mission is to navigate this strange new world and figure out whom to trust among the locals, where various factions are fighting for control. While these choices are significant, the primary plot remains constant, regardless of whom you choose to befriend. Ultimately, you end up unwittingly releasing a threat that could bring about the end of Faranga, resulting in the destruction of its inhabitants. To avoid spoilers, I won't reveal more about the plot, but I believe that actions have consequences, so it's crucial to weigh your choices carefully when making decisions.

Moreover, the game has an engaging combat system that I loved back in 2009 and still enjoy today.

In Risen, just like other RPGs with melee combat, utilizing different maneuvers can give you an edge in battle. If your blade's strength isn't enough, a well-timed dodge or perfect parry can bring you back on top. Moreover, unlike other games, the positioning of you and your enemies matters greatly, as a missed attack can have dire consequences. However, this also applies to your opponents, so it's essential to put them on the defensive. With the diverse range of weapons available, such as swords, axes, bows, and spells, you have the freedom to accommodate your individual combat style. You can also unlock various skills using experience points that not only impact your battle tactics but also help shape your approach to the game as a whole.

For example, if you prefer a more stealthy or non-violent approach to completing quests, you can develop these skills, such as lockpicking. Risen does not limit you to a specific class, allowing you to choose your combat method and develop your character according to your preference. As an RPG enthusiast, I appreciate this feature because I can tailor my character's development to my needs, rather than being confined to a predetermined class.

Regarding the game's visuals, it is important to note that it is a direct port of the 2009 version. However, I personally appreciate the nostalgic feel it brings and find the world of Faranga Island to still be stunning in its own unique way. Exploring this world remains an amazing experience.

Despite this, it's worth mentioning that there are occasional screen tearing and frame rate drops that may not be ideal for some players. Furthermore, being a port, there may be some occasional clunkiness in combat that is not as fluid as modern games. However, these issues are not severe enough to detract from the overall experience.

Overall, Risen continues to be one of the best RPGs of its time, and it's exciting to see it get another chance to shine and gain recognition as more players discover this hidden gem. It may have been overshadowed by the popularity of Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins and Bethesda's Fallout 3, but Risen deserves its own spot among the greats of the RPG genre.