Few role-playing games of the modern era command the same level of respect as Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition. Years after its original release, it remains a benchmark for systemic RPG design, player freedom, and narrative reactivity. On PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, the Definitive Edition stands as a demanding but deeply rewarding experience—one that prioritises choice, consequence, and creativity over accessibility or convenience.
This is not an RPG that gently guides the player forward. It challenges, tests, and occasionally overwhelms, but in doing so delivers one of the most robust role-playing experiences available on console.
Worldbuilding and Narrative Design
Set in the richly realised world of Rivellon, Divinity: Original Sin 2 opens with imprisonment and powerlessness, gradually expanding into a sprawling tale of gods, tyranny, free will, and identity. The narrative is not linear in spirit, even when it is structurally guided. Instead, it unfolds through decisions, alliances, betrayals, and unforeseen consequences.
What sets Divinity apart is how rarely it dictates how players should engage with its story. Quests often have multiple resolutions, many of which are not telegraphed in advance. Dialogue choices matter, but so do actions outside of conversation—stealing an item, killing a key character, or exploiting environmental mechanics can dramatically alter outcomes.
The Definitive Edition refines pacing and narrative clarity without diluting complexity. Companion characters are particularly well written, each with personal arcs that intertwine naturally with the main story. These are not passive followers; they challenge the player morally and philosophically, reinforcing the game’s core themes of power and responsibility.
Player Choice and Role-Playing Freedom
Divinity: Original Sin 2 thrives on player agency. Character creation allows for deep customisation, but the real freedom emerges in how the game responds to player decisions. There are rarely “wrong” choices—only consequences.
You can talk your way through situations, manipulate factions, sabotage from the shadows, or brute-force your way forward. The game’s systems consistently support creative problem-solving. Barriers can be bypassed through spells, terrain manipulation, or clever use of skills rather than prescribed solutions.
This freedom extends to morality. Divinity does not rely on binary good-versus-evil frameworks. Decisions often occupy uncomfortable grey areas, forcing players to weigh outcomes rather than intentions. This ambiguity elevates the role-playing experience, making choices feel personal rather than mechanical.
Combat: Tactical, Punishing, and Incredibly Deep
Turn-based combat is where Divinity: Original Sin 2 truly distinguishes itself. Encounters are deliberate, challenging, and deeply tactical. Positioning, terrain, and elemental interactions are as important as character stats.
Fire spreads across oil, water conducts electricity, poison can be ignited, and surfaces persist across turns. These mechanics encourage experimentation, but they also punish carelessness. A poorly placed spell can doom an entire party.
The armour system, which separates physical and magical defences, adds an additional layer of strategy. Parties must be balanced or deliberately specialised, and encounters often demand adaptability rather than rigid builds.
On console, combat controls are surprisingly effective. While the interface is undeniably more cumbersome than on PC, Larian has done commendable work adapting complex systems to a controller. On PS5, improved load times and smoother performance make extended sessions far more comfortable.
Progression and Character Development
Character progression is extensive without being arbitrary. Skills, talents, and attributes offer meaningful choices rather than incremental stat boosts. Builds feel distinct, and experimentation is encouraged—though mistakes can be costly without careful planning.
The Definitive Edition improves balance and pacing, smoothing difficulty spikes and refining certain systems. However, this remains an RPG that demands investment. Understanding its mechanics takes time, and mastery comes only through experience.
For players who enjoy deep systems and long-term planning, this complexity is a strength. For others, it may feel intimidating. Divinity does not dilute its design to accommodate casual play, and that confidence is both admirable and divisive.
Presentation and Audio
Visually, Divinity: Original Sin 2 remains impressive, particularly in its art direction. Environments are richly detailed, filled with personality and environmental storytelling. While the game shows its age in certain technical aspects, especially on PS4, the overall presentation remains strong.
On PS5, performance improvements are immediately noticeable. Faster load times and smoother transitions significantly enhance the experience, particularly during combat-heavy sections or frequent area changes.
Voice acting is exceptional across the board. Narration, in particular, deserves praise for elevating dialogue and adding character to even minor interactions. The soundtrack is subtle but effective, reinforcing mood without overwhelming the player.
Accessibility and Console Considerations
Divinity: Original Sin 2 on console is a demanding experience, both mechanically and cognitively. Text-heavy interfaces and layered menus require patience, particularly during long sessions. While controller support is well implemented, inventory management and skill navigation can feel laborious.
The game offers limited accessibility options, and its difficulty curve may discourage less experienced RPG players. This is not a title designed for quick play sessions or casual engagement.
However, for players willing to commit, the console version delivers the full depth of the experience without compromise.
Replayability and Longevity
Replayability is one of Divinity’s greatest strengths. Different character origins, party compositions, and decision paths can dramatically alter how the game unfolds. Few RPGs offer this level of reactivity without sacrificing narrative coherence.
Even after completing the main campaign, the temptation to return—armed with new knowledge and ideas—is strong. Divinity does not simply allow replayability; it actively rewards it.
Final Verdict
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition on PS4 and PS5 remains one of the most accomplished role-playing games available on console. It is dense, demanding, and unapologetically complex, but those qualities are integral to its success.
This is a game that respects player intelligence, embraces consequence, and prioritises systemic depth over accessibility. While its interface and learning curve may challenge some players, its narrative ambition and mechanical freedom are unmatched.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is not merely a great RPG—it is a defining one.
