[PREVIEW] Solasta II – Similar to Baldur’s Gate 3, But with a Less Compelling Story

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Solasta II, the upcoming sequel to Solasta: Crown of the Magister, is shaping up to be a polished and exciting contribution to the turn-based RPG genre. Developed by Tactical Adventures, the game builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing some of its weaknesses. With improved graphics and a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, Solasta II promises to deliver a more immersive and engaging experience. After playing the demo during the Steam Next Fest, I am optimistic about what is to come, although there are still some areas that require refinement.

Vibrant World, Branching Stories, and the Promise of Deeper Storytelling

The story of Solasta II is set in the Celtic-inspired village of Tor Wen, where a conflict of cultures and ideologies unfolds against the backdrop of a looming dragon threat. Although the main plot was not fully revealed in the demo, the setting itself is intriguing. The game introduces a more vibrant and dynamic world compared to the first installment, with NPCs who seem more realistic and an environment that invites exploration.

The dialogue options, skill checks, and branching outcomes remain major strengths, offering the freedom to shape your own adventure in true D&D style. If you enjoyed Baldur’s Gate III, you will likely find Solasta II equally appealing. Although the demo does not fully showcase the depth of decisions and choices that will be available, it hints at an interesting system. For example, in the demo, you can either persuade the kobolds to release a prisoner or fight them, and this choice clearly affects the story’s progression.

The demo allowed me to lead a pre-made party of four adventurers—a Fighter-Cleric, a Rogue, a Sorcerer, and a Paladin—through a series of combat scenarios and narrative moments. Interactions with the locals and exploration of the surroundings hint at a deeper and more engaging story than the first game, which was often criticized for weaker narrative execution. However, the character design did not impress me. The characters seem stiff, their facial expressions lack depth, and the story occasionally feels a bit jumpy. I hope the full version will allow for greater character customization.

Tactical Combat, Strategic Depth, and a World Worth Exploring

The combat mechanics are thoughtful and tactical, requiring careful planning and positioning. The demo showcased diverse scenarios, from chaotic skirmishes with multiple enemies to strategic, calculated encounters. Each class felt unique and viable: the Sorcerer excelled at crowd control, while the Rogue was at a disadvantage in open combat but flourished in stealth situations. While there is nothing revolutionary here, combat choices truly matter. The turn-based system allows for strategic planning, and the inclusion of dice rolls, party synergy, and multiple tactical options adds depth to the gameplay itself. You will need to utilize every available means, as the game is challenging to play and even harder to master.

However, newcomers might find the game difficult. Since there is no proper tutorial, the game assumes you are familiar with the Dungeons & Dragons rules, which can lead to initial difficulties. On the other hand, exploration is an area where the game truly shines. You can open chests, explore every corner of the map, gather resources, and manage inventory with ease. Each character has unique stats, and understanding how to optimize their abilities and weapon usage is crucial. It is also satisfying to pick up everything that enemies drop, but you will need to be careful to ensure your party members don’t fall in combat.

One of the most noticeable improvements in Solasta II is the visual components. The game features more detailed character models and beautifully crafted environments. The Celtic-inspired village of Tor Wen, the beaches, and the ancient ruins all feel vibrant and worth exploring. The slightly stylized art style gives the game a unique look, reminiscent of intricately crafted dioramas. The voice acting is also significantly improved compared to the first game, with more realistic and emotional performances.

Camera and Stealth Issues, But Still Worth Your Time

My biggest complaint about the game is the camera angle. You can choose to control the character directly or simply move by clicking on the map. Direct control felt overly tedious, especially in tight cave corners where the camera would often get stuck. On the other hand, moving around the map without direct control was much smoother, provided a better view of the world, and made it easier to avoid some unpleasant surprises.

The stealth mechanic in the game is interesting, as you can enter stealth mode at any time. While you cannot directly assassinate enemies, ambushes are a viable option and give you a full turn’s advantage for effective strategy planning. Additionally, the inventory system is easy to use, allowing you to transfer items between characters easily, with changes reflected in real-time. You can also access and manage the inventory during combat.

For fans of turn-based RPGs and D&D enthusiasts, Solasta II is a highly anticipated title that promises to deliver a polished and satisfying experience. If Tactical Adventures manages to address the minor flaws and build upon the strengths shown in the demo, Solasta II could become a standout title in the genre. Keep an eye out for its Early Access release in 2025.