Previously known for strategy games Earth 2140, 2150, and 2160, Polish developer Reality Pump is attempting its most ambitious project yet with Two Worlds. It's a role-playing game set in a huge open fantasy environment containing a staggering number of side quests, and it's set for release on the Xbox 360 and PC. While that description will sound familiar to players of Oblivion, the sense of ambition in Two Worlds is no less pronounced than in Bethesda's modern classic. In fact, at 35 square kilometres, the world that Reality Pump has crafted is even bigger than Oblivion's world. We managed to spend some time with Two Worlds ahead of its release in May to see if it's set to deliver on its lofty promises.

The main quest will take about 20 hours to complete, but those who want to engage in side quests and proper exploration can easily expect that number to triple. Like in many recent RPGs, the overriding idea is a genuine sense of freedom, although the difference in Two Worlds is that you're limited to playing as a human male in the single-player game. While you can still customise your protagonist's appearance, the decision to restrict the main character is the result of the story, which is very focussed on putting you right at the centre of events. The basic plot is pretty generic, but there's definitely an emphasis on giving your character a backstory and a place in the grander scheme of things. Your immediate concern is to find your missing sister, who has been kidnapped by a group called the Dark Brotherhood. As they try to resurrect the dark god of war, Aziraal, you are inevitably led into this plot, travelling around completing quests for them.

The rest of the review can be read, here