Disciples 2: Dark Prophecy Interview

We take a glimpse at Disciples II: Dark Prophecy, thanks to the efforts of Pro Sotos, the Producer of this project. He talks about the game's newly upgraded battle system and about many of the improvements from the previous Disciples game, as well as some innovations regarding the gameplay features, unit AI, and so forth. Four exclusive screenshots included.

Action Trip: What sorts of features will the game contain, that shall attract not only Disciples devotees?

A peaceful landscape...

Cute waterfalls.

Pro Sotos: There are lots of features that I think will attract gamers to Disciples II, the first being the graphics. All of the art - spells, animations, interfaces, models, 2D art - have been completely redrawn and they are visually stunning. The art team has really taken advantage of the higher resolution and has added lots of detail to the models. The art team is continuing the pen and paper RPG style of Sacred Lands, and I think that the results speak for themselves.

As for gameplay features I think that the Event System, Unlimited Upgrade, Neutral Party AI, and Neutral Party turn, will have the greatest impact. The level designers are taking advantage of these tools and are creating really cool and unique scenarios. For instance the event system allows the designers the ability to place more emphasis on the story behind the quests.

Overall the game is faithful to Disciples: Sacred Lands, but at the same time the new look and feel of the game should appeal to both new and experienced Disciples gamers.

AT: In short, what is Dark Prophecy all about? How does the story continue from the original title?

PS: Without giving away too much of the story I, Dark Prophecy takes place about 10 years after Disciples: Sacred Lands. After the end of Sacred Lands not all of the conflicts we settled, many of them were just laid to rest and unfortunately for those living in Nevendaar, some of those conflicts are resurfacing. The Dark Prophecy affects each of the races and is actually one of the unresolved issues from the first game.

AT: Will Disciples II have any customizable features?

PS: Most of the customizable features deal with the display and gameplay options. In order for the game to run quickly on slower systems, we're enabling the gamer the ability to turn off certain features. There are also a couple of gameplay features that can be turned on or off.

AT: On your official site you mentioned an upgraded battle system. Could you name us some old attack modes as well as new ones that will appear in the final version of the game?

PS: In Disciples: Sacred Lands each unit had only one attack, but in Dark Prophecy leaders can use additional items in battle such as potions, orbs or talisman. We've also added new combat options such as defend, wait and autobattle. With all of the new units in the game, there are also new unit attacks, such as summon creature and doppelganger.

AT: Give us some more info on the neutral-units and the way they'll behave throughout the game?

PS: In Sacred Lands the units were divided into two major groups, the playable races and the neutral units. The biggest difference was that neutral units didn't gain experience and couldn't move. Now every unit belongs to a race, and every unit can gain experience, and every party can move. Since parties made up of neutral units can move, they can attack any party they wish, except for parties from their own race.