Larian & Divinity: A Lengthy Retrospective

[@thesummerofmark]

I am rooting so hard for this video to blow up

[@arkham666]

@@thesummerofmark well one year on and it hasn't blown up but it's doing okay at least. Thanks man.

[@louismartin7608]

A 5 hour retrospective of Larian games. That's crazy commitment for a video, that's so cool. I hope Larian will notice your video !

[@arkham666]

@@louismartin7608 to be noticed by senpai Sven would be a dream come true. But honestly after lack luster reception I got when I published this I'm just glad the algorithm is finally serving it to people who want to watch it.

[@Sputnik34]

It's criminal how little views this has. Great work my dude!

[@arkham666]

Thanks mate. I think we've both realised at this point that whatever the secret sauce for KZbin success is, it's not hard work.

[@SeanSeanson]

Making a video like this takes an incredible amount of effort! I had it on in the background while I've been working on one of my own, really enjoyed it! Divinity II in particular was a nice nostalgic section for me, quite the trip down memory lane. You should be proud of this, great job!

[@arkham666]

Thank you. IT was absolutely exhausting by the end but it really was a great experience. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@svetakirko8427]

What a huge work and great quality, it`s so easy and interesting to listen to you! I can't believe this didn't blow up yet. I`m a big fan of Larian since early access of BG3, and now playing Original Sin, this video is a blessing fr. And what an inspiring story, I can't wait for the announcement of their new project. Thank you for this amazing work!

[@arkham666]

@@svetakirko8427 the algorithm doesn't like me much unfortunately. But I have fun making these so it's okay.

[@thesummerofmark]

Just finisehd the video. Absolutely incredible work, my friend. Your best work to date. I was so sad to see the credits rolling but so happy that you've managed to release this project. I can't wait to see what you have in store next

[@arkham666]

Given the way I've been going this weekend I'll be doing the same thing for Dragon Age lol.

[@MidnightMedium]

@@arkham666 FUDGE YES. The first game is one of my favorites ever and Inquisitions a lot better than I say it is XD

[@mkbaker7166]

Just discovered your channel earlier this week and was hyped when I finished your last video and teased this! Looking forward to watching this over the course of the next day or two!

[@arkham666]

Glad to hear it.

[@ouaueaioh]

Finally! I was waiting a long time for this. Thanks man!

[@tespenkr9924]

Original Sin 2 and Baldur's Gate 3 solidified Larian as a new personal favorite developer.

[@ElusiveMind22]

I appreciate your hard work so much, please don't lose faith, I want you to give us many more videos of this quality ❤❤

[@arkham666]

Doing my best lol.

[@ElusiveAlberto]

@@arkham666 You're amazing dude!

[@arkham666]

@@ElusiveAlberto you are.

[@chrislamdry5737]

I just wanted to second this comment, I have watched this video a couple times now and it’s helped me get through a dark time it my life. Just like you said about Larian Studios, you clearly have a lot of passion and fun making these videos, and it definitely comes through. Hope your blow up comes soon broski 🙏🏻

[@forsakeneremith3770]

Awesome video dude! I'm sure it'll get many more views, very easy to listen too as well! thanks for making it!

[@GunSotsOverMe]

Binged the whole thing in one sitting. Quite the effort and I commend you on seeing this massive project through till the end. I had little knoweldge of Larians long path to sucess before watching your video. It's quite respectable that they never gave up on their ambitoins and boy did it pay out in the end.

[@arkham666]

It's an incredible story and I can only hope other developers can find their way like they did. Also thanks a million. I'm impressed you could get through the whole story in a single sitting. I'm glad it was that gripping.

[@DoneAverage]

You are so underrated, these videos are amazing! Doing what i can for the algorithm ❤

[@arkham666]

Greatly appreciated friend.

[@jawa5035]

The consistent Wheel of time references throughout the video kept me fed

[@sorenrousseau]

Wow, this is very impressive. Thank you. I will be recommending to all my friends and subscribing.

[@arkham666]

Thank you. It was a hell of a challenge but overall a great experience.

[@thesummerofmark]

4:43:26 I noped out of that fight and never looked back

[@thatscarletmoth]

As soon as Arkham mentioned "fire" I knew which fight he was about to mention....war flashbacks......

[@ManlyTear]

Amazing vid! As someone who went to DoS1 then 2 (not done yet, but close) after BG3, I'm so glad at the realization that was steadily seeping in that it was largely Larian responsible for the peakness of BG3, and not a mixture of BG3 & DnD. And sure yea, DnD helped with popularity, but I'm so confident now that their next title will continue to be peak-tier. I'm actually tempted to try some of their previous titles too.

[@thesummerofmark]

Great video, I finished it in 2 seconds

[@arkham666]

That's what she said.

[@ivanwu102]

This was an AMAZING video hoping your channels makes it big. Started with bg3 went on to dos2 and have been obssessed with the divinity series since.

[@arkham666]

Thank you. I spent a long time working on this one so I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@ronsil5582]

Incredible video! Just listened/watched the whole thing in one go. Really appreciate the effort you put in. Cannot wait to see what the kings of RPG put out next. DOS3....??? 🙏🙏

[@arkham666]

@@ronsil5582 I'd actually love to see them try a new IP maybe even a different setting like shadowrun or something.

[@thesummerofmark]

I did NOT expect a Mean Girls reference from you lmao

[@arkham666]

I am very proud of that picture.

[@ooplesoft]

Excellent video bro! Love longform analysis and definitely deserve more views.

[@arkham666]

Thanks. This one nearly broke me but all the games are so much fun.

[@ceramicblocks]

Boy is this an awesome video. I beg you to do a version where you just explain the story behind all of Divinity, combining all the iterations. Also, as someone who's got over 200 mischievous hours in DOS DE II, I wanted to say that killing almost everyone before you exit an area/map on your 2nd run will make you freakishly powerful!! Moreover, before you set off to newer areas, trade your armour with the blacksmith, and then steal it in the beginning of the next area by customizing each party member (and sometimes using the unused characters just for stealing chances) or buy it back as it will be levelled up. This works for all limited/special armours as well and MAKES THEM INCREDIBLY, INCREDIBLY STRONG. Also, I made it a rule to have a character with max persuasion/wits and strength to make conversations because usually those are the ones that get contested, and you'd always hold the higher ground that way. P.S. I was hit with a wave of realization when you spoke of the power imbalance because most of the fights I had, I cheesed them except for the one time Dallis attacks your ship and that one necrofire fight in the dunes. Part of this might be because of how I intuitively specced my characters, but I am inclined to think that Larian took into account that people could mess with the game, and purposely made it imbalanced to encourage people to mess with the system and find crazy solutions to problems and get a shiny steam achievement to honour their efforts. P.S. KUDOS ON THE VIDEO, you just earned a new sub

[@arkham666]

@@ceramicblocks thanks man. I'm due a replay of this some time soon. DOS2 is so fucking good.

[@ceramicblocks]

@@arkham666 By the grace of the Almighty, my astonishment knows no bounds you actually replied!! Today is blessed (pardon my text replacements xD)

[@noppamies3]

This was some good stuff mate

[@arkham666]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it

[@lzz1082]

Amazing video! Hoping that someday it gets the views it deserves!

[@arkham666]

@@lzz1082 it's been picking up of late albeit slowly. Still it was quite the project for me and I'm proud of what I created in the end.

[@lzz1082]

@@arkham666 you definitely should be! This is great content!

[@arkham666]

@@lzz1082 thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@arneunsinn1492]

Watched this video twice now, great job! There seem to be at least two zeros missing on your subrscriber count. This should and will blow up, I wish you luck.

[@arkham666]

Thank you, really glad you enjoyed it. I hope it does one day. Larian's story is really inspiring.

[@dabibibibibi455]

What a great video! Commenting for the algorithm

[@arkham666]

@@dabibibibibi455 glad you enjoyed it.

[@trigfunction]

love these games! great video!

[@arkham666]

Thanks. I'm something of a Divinity fan myself XD

[@pixieqq7614]

I love this video, i'm curently playing Divine Divinity and the fog circle visibility thing you can inscrease by adding points into Elven Sight or Wizzard Sight so it's not so annoying having low visibility all game.

[@spicybc8846]

The Durzo reference is what sealed the deal for me to subscribe 👍

[@baerthe]

Woah just discovered your channel, which is surprisingly since Ive been a friend of yours for literal years lol. ;)

[@arkham666]

I'm a man of mystery lol.

[@baerthe]

It only increases the sexiness >:D @@arkham666

[@axa6503]

Thank you for this awesome video, divinity 2 and DOS 2 are two of my all time favorite games. God damn you KZbin, it took you a year to recommend this video to me 😭

[@arkham666]

@@axa6503 I must have slept with YTs sister because it doesn't help me out much. Glad you found and enjoyed the video though.

[@TraRobins234]

Way of Shadows reference is a deep cut.

[@arash-yazdani]

WAIT A MINUTE... Beyond Divinity's novella is written by Terry Pratchett's daughter?! THAT IS AWESOME!

[@arash-yazdani]

man I'm so happy with your review, I feel I have very similar sensitivities and ideas when it comes to arts and stories and games. DOS1 remains maybe the best game I've ever played and the story is persistently alive and fresh in my mind, to me DOS1 is much better than DOS2 and BG3 (though both are incredible games). but there is something about that story and the look/feel of the game which is just fantastic

[@arkham666]

It's that classic good vs evil slay the dragon saga and the quirky art direction that really nails it.

[@arash-yazdani]

@@arkham666 I was surprised when saw everyone is bashing the story of DOS1 to me it was the best part; more than the story itself the narration is what makes it works flawlessly; the way the story/plot unfolds itself to you effortlessly and how almost all side quests (well maybe except Bellagar one?!) imperceptibly merge into the greater picture is so delicious. sure it has its problems as you excellently pointed out but can't wait for Larian to return to the Rivellon's universe

[@ProjectRedfoot]

31:56 "being cared for" *"DONT RIP MYNFINGERNAILS OUT! I'LL TALK!"* lol

[@arkham666]

@@ProjectRedfoot I cannot check which section you're talking about at work and it's been over a year so I wrote this, but I'll assume it's awesome.

[@Zack4343]

Keep it up man.

[@vienna5526]

Incredibile video. Thank you so much.

[@arkham666]

You're welcome. It was a massive challenge but a great experience.

[@SuperGameBusters]

Really apreciate the great video!

[@arkham666]

Thank you. I wonder why this is suddenly getting more attention.

[@TheBoshman95]

Love all the Wheel of Time moments!

[@arkham666]

@@TheBoshman95 lol I was reading it while playing these so imagine my surprise when Matt just shows up in Beyond Divinity.

[@jonaseckert6926]

It is a bit late but I bought ego draconis when it just came out. You were able to attack ground enemies as a dragon back then. I assume they patched it later on or only with the dev cut

[@arkham666]

@@jonaseckert6926 that's interesting. I wonder how different the steam version is from the original release.

[@IlRe720]

I mean they continued just making good games and hoping it pays off until it paid off like all fuck… Great video, so much direct info I’ve never seen anyone dig up before. Beautifully done 👌

[@arkham666]

@@IlRe720 thanks I was pretty blown away by their story too and it made me rethink my whole idea for this video back when I was making it.

[@AGuyCalledHarry]

Lemme clear my calender for a few weeks

[@arkham666]

Thanks hope you enjoy it.

[@OlympusPublicAffairs]

At this point I don't even waste time with sub 2-hour videos

[@arkham666]

@@OlympusPublicAffairs alas this is all I can offer you then. I hope you enjoy it.

[@Missiletainn]

"Just give me 10 cool presets I can pick from" Ahh i see we are opposite people. Presets are the bane of character creators everywhere.

[@arkham666]

Eh we all have our kinks.

[@Missiletainn]

@@arkham666 Absolutely, more power to you. You get right into the game, I'mma spend 3 hours in the character creator.

[@arkham666]

@@Missiletainn seems like you get two games for the price of one then.

[@joenani]

Very emotional ending, the music should have gone longer t o let me sit in them.

[@arkham666]

@@joenani I really wanted to use echoes of life by miracle of sound. I even reached out to him about it. Unfortunately because of people scalping his work he's got a catch all policy for copyright I didn't want to have to re-render and reupload the video if it got claimed.

[@aidanboyce3922]

Anddddds I’m following

[@arkham666]

@@aidanboyce3922 mate how did you find this video? It's been sitting around a couple of thousand clicks for ages and is suddenly low key blowing up for no reason.

[@berkowk]

Oh yeah, the spider zone sucked a lot. Bruh, I played DOS1 2.5 times and always bruteforced Borealis

[@arkham666]

@@berkowk yeah it's the part of the game that really makes me second guess myself when I think about replaying it. Though I guess I could hunt down gear to cancel the effect before going in now I know it's coming

[@austinhearn6111]

7:17

[@artmanxp]

you should have name them bob or tim

[@arkham666]

I probably should have studied accounting too lol. Oh well we live and learn.

[@artmanxp]

lol, that ref@@arkham666

[@AtreyusNinja]

bru, 5 hours ?

[@arkham666]

@@AtreyusNinja apparently so.

[@AtreyusNinja]

@@arkham666 u r a Chad !

[@arkham666]

@@AtreyusNinja it's more like 5 one hour videos duct taped together but I think the studios story links them quite well.

[@arcuslux516]

3:59:55 "You don't fuck with my cat" Given the context... Shane Dawson moment

[@arkham666]

@@arcuslux516 I had to look up what that meant. I wish I hadn't.

[@arcuslux516]

@@arkham666 Sorry...

[@johnroscoe2406]

DOS1 and 2 obiously did not start as Divinity lore games; they had the brand stamped on it after Larian picked them up from originally being crowdfunded games and then very lazily, almost carelessly had hammy Divinity lore shoved in to them in a way that did not work at all and in many ways makes it seem like the years of Divinity lore games before them didn't happen, weren't important, or were retconned beyond any semblance of what they were.

[@Artemisthemp]

Xbox 360 wasn't powerful enough, funny how the story repeat itself with current Xbox

[@mohammadbabelli504]

Poopoo peepee

[@Asgardians3t]

its hilarious how u talk about starting a business with your magical powers to get money. BRUH! If u can create things and travel between UNIVERSES AND DIMENSIONS!!! Why would u wanna be stuck here in this materialistic world? u can go anywhere and do anything! all of infinity out there for you to explore! If it was possible id leave this world and go explore the infinite cosmos!

[@arkham666]

@@Asgardians3t it's a joke mate.

[@IRepko]

Keep going you got the sauce, just gotta get lucky

[@arkham666]

Will do mate. Will fucking do.