Spiders’ highly anticipated Greedfall 2 hasn’t managed to inspire much confidence since it launched into early access this past September. Though the first Greedfall isn’t perfect, it has achieved something of a cult status due to its unique worldbuilding and BioWare-esque RPG mechanics, which make up for its bugs and lack of polish. Unfortunately, Greedfall 2 appears to suffer from the same issues, but without the gameplay or narrative chops needed to put these shortcomings in the rearview.
As a result, its reception thus far has been mixed, to put it lightly. Concerns over the radically redesigned combat system and outdated dialog-and-choice mechanics aside, fans of the first game remain cautiously optimistic about Greedfall 2‘s recovery, especially since Spiders has indicated a potentially significant delay of the game’s 1.0 release. Greedfall 2‘s 0.2 update, which was meant to introduce new characters, regions, quests, and other substantial features, was pushed back indefinitely, and has yet to be released at the time of writing. Spiders has explicitly attributed this delay to the game’s early access reception, stating that the development team is aiming to “address feedback and polish certain aspects of the game,” so it could be quite a while before the final game sees the light of day. This is disappointing, but also opens the door to a valuable opportunity.
Related
The Biggest Differences Between GreedFall 2 and the First Game So Far
While GreedFall 2 does its best to maintain the franchise formula, it’s not without a handful of changes that improve and build upon its predecessor.
Greedfall 2’s Lengthy Development Process Could Make Room for a Nintendo Switch 2 Port
The Nintendo Switch Is Lacking Traditional Western RPGs
While JRPGs have always had a fairly strong presence on the Switch, and Nintendo’s previous consoles, for that matter, western role-playing games haven’t been featured quite as prominently. The Switch has taken steps toward better western RPG representation, hosting ports of heavy-hitting AAA RPGs like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim, but other tentpole releases, such as the Dragon Age and Mass Effect games, remain curiously absent from the platform.
Maybe Greedfall 2 could fill this void. Naturally, the current Switch wouldn’t be able to run the game without major, possibly deal-breaking compromises, but the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2 has long been rumored to be releasing this year. Moreover, with one of the Switch’s biggest shortcomings being its lack of big third-party games, it would be reasonable to assume that Nintendo may strive to make its successor console more accessible for developers, thereby facilitating the porting of games like Greedfall 2. Of course, this is just speculation, but it wouldn’t be the most ridiculous choice for Nintendo to make, assuming it wants the Switch 2 to have more in-demand games.
Greedfall 2’s Release Date Is Undefined, So More Time In the Oven Won’t Hurt
Porting a game can be time- and resource-consuming, and it’s fair to say that most die-hard Greedfall fans would rather its sequel come out sooner rather than later. However, since it could still be several years before Greedfall 2 comes out, Spiders may be able to chip away at a Switch 2 port during this period with minimal to no backlash from audiences. Then, when the game finally does launch in earnest, it will be able to reach more players and break into an (at this point, anyway) underserviced market.
RPGs with a narrative focus are a great fit for the Switch, whose handheld nature gels well with time-consuming, story-based games like those in the Persona franchise. Greedfall 2 could further expand Nintendo’s repertoire of these kinds of RPGs, representing the western, “BioWare-like” side of the genre while also being a possible showcase of the Switch 2’s power. If the game is going to be delayed regardless, maybe Spiders can bring it back with a bang with the Switch 2’s help.
The story starts three years before the events of the first chapter and the adventures of De Sardet.
This time you play as a native of Teer Fradee, snatched from your island and taken to the continent of Gacane, the homeland of the colonists. In this old world ravaged by war and scarred by the Malichor plague and the political scheming of the different factions, you need to regain your freedom and take back control of your own destiny. Using diplomacy, cunning or combat, as well as help from allies you find along the way, it’s up to you to end one man’s ambitions of conquest, which could spell the end for both the continent and your island.
Dive back into the unique world of GreedFall, this time exploring the old continent! Travel across new landscapes, from Olima – the city of stars of the Bridge Alliance – to the shores of Uxantis, and uncover the secrets of these ancient lands. Meet all the factions that share control over these nations and navigate the treacherous waters of their schemes and conspiracies.
Create your own character and find allies to join your team. Help them with their quests, uncover their secrets and make them your friends, rivals or even lovers. As well as equipping them the way you want, you can also take control of them in combat.
Immerse yourself in an ever deeper RPG experience where every choice you makes has an impact on your adventure, and where diplomacy, manipulation, infiltration and combat are all viable ways to achieve your ends.
- Released
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September 24, 2024
- Engine
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Silk Engine