Dungeon Siege Series

Dungeon Siege, often abbreviated as DS , A well-known (and fun) action RPG video game series by Chris Taylor and developed by Gas Powered Games.
Timeline of release years
Key: White (Major Release), Red (Spin-Off or DLC) 
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2002 –		Dungeon Siege 	
2002 –		Dungeon Siege: Yesterhaven 	
2003 –		Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna 	
2003 –		Dungeon Siege: Return to Arhok 	
2004 		 	
2005 –		Dungeon Siege II 	
2006 –		Dungeon Siege II: Broken World 	
2007 –		Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony 	
2008 		 	
2009 		 	
2010 		 	
2011 –		Dungeon Siege III 	
2011 –		Dungeon Siege III: Treasures of the Sun	
First released in 2002 and officially ending in 2006. What sets it apart from the others is its unique ability to let you the player specialize in whichever class you want rather than just preselected classes. The four classes are: Fighter, Ranger (archer,) Nature Mage (mostly defensive magic and some offensive magic) and Combat Mage (the reverse of Nature Mage.) The Expansion Pack to , adds two more: Fist of Stone (combination of Fighter and Nature Mage) and Blood Assassin (combination of Ranger and Combat Mage.) You can also create a party of eight hireable NPCs (six in ,) offering more flexibility, plus a pack mule to carry all your extra stuff. Unusually, you do not control your characters directly in combat; you instruct them ahead of time, and set formations as they travel, and when enemies appear, they act according to their instructions, casting spells, fighting close in, healing allies, or whatever you've instructed, autonomously.
The game takes place in the land of Aranna, specifically in the region of Ehb. You start the game as a humble farmer. Unfortunately, a normally passive race suddenly attacks your hometown. A dying friend of yours asks you to head over to the next town and seek help. However, it turns out the quest doesn't end there. As you gather up your forces and progress through Ehb, you find out that an ancient demonic race, the Seck (who once served under the tyrant Zaramoth the Unmaker, but that's expanded on in the second game) has returned to Aranna to seek revenge. It is up to you and your friends to destroy it and end the threat.
In 2003, an Expansion Pack was released: . While it offered a lot of new options for the player and his party (transformation spells, armor and weapon sets, a more combative pet, and new enemies to fight,) the game wasn't very well-received (As PC Gamer asked about it, "Does it even have a story?")
Then for a while, nothing happened. But in August of 2005, a sequel hit the markets: . It was greatly improved: the story was worked up, the world you travel through looks impressive, the hireable NPCs were very much fleshed out (they even got their own personal Side Quests, although the party size was reduced from eight to six,) and the character classes were given impressive powers to turn the tide of battle. Not only is the current story worked on, but the backstory was as well. A thousand years ago, Azunai the Defender clashed with the aforementioned Zaramoth. Both of their armies fought valiantly, but when the two warriors' personal armaments - the Shield of Azunai and the Sword of Zaramoth - clashed, the Endtime happened. The Age ended borderline-apocalyptically and a new one began. Many years later, a power-hungry prince named Valdis, the game's Big Bad, got a terrible fever and with it prophetic visions. When he recovered, he went to the ruins of Zaramoth's Horns. He found the tyrants sword (now a Sealed Evil in a Can) and became exactly what he wanted: a powerful tyrant bent on world domination. He even created an army of evil creatures called the Morden (an appropriate name, as "mord" is German word for "murder".) In a twist, you and your best friend Drevin start as mercenaries working for Valdis. Unfortunately, after you complete your first quest (in which Valdis kills Drevin,) you end up the prisoner of the people you were fighting: the Dryads. After a few quests to prove yourself, you form up a party and head back to your hometown of Aman'lu. Unfortunately, Valdis beats you to it, and the Archmage who serves him destroys it. Inspired to revenge, you and your party seek out Valdis and destroy him. Unfortunately, the game has a Downer Ending. Let's just say Nice Job Breaking It, Hero.
In 2006, another expansion set was added to the series: , a darker continuation of DS II and wraps up the story. An evil force - who is much worse than Valdis - has taken over Aranna in the aftermath of your Nice Job Breaking It, Hero moment, radically altering it and nearly killing all of its inhabitants. Don't worry, though; your friends have survived the Cataclysm and are ready to help you once again. Which is good because this time, It's Personal.
Uwe Boll made a movie of the first game. With Burt Reynolds as the king. And, it must be noted, Ray Liotta as an evil sorcerer.
A sequel to the first two games, , developed by Obsidian Entertainment, was released June 2011. It tells the story of four descendants of the 10th Legion: Lucas, Anjali, Katarina and Reinhart as they attempt to rebuild the Legion and defeat the woman who disbanded them in the first place.
The first Downloadable Content pack for named , was released October 25th, 2011.
==Main series==
===Dungeon Siege ===
Dungeon Siege is a popular action role-playing video game developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The game was released in 2002 and was a major hit among fans of the genre. However, the development of Dungeon Siege was not without its challenges.
Originally, Dungeon Siege was conceived as a tactical strategy game, where the player would control groups of units in real-time battles. But as development progressed, the game evolved into a more action-oriented RPG, where the player controlled a single character and fought enemies in real-time combat. This change in direction required significant changes to the game mechanics and design, but ultimately resulted in a more engaging and immersive experience for players.
Despite the change in direction, the development team faced other challenges, including a tight development schedule and limited resources. These challenges led to some compromises in the final game, such as the lack of a multiplayer mode and limited customization options. Nevertheless, Dungeon Siege was well-received by critics and fans alike for its immersive world, engaging storyline, and fast-paced gameplay.
===Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna ===
Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna is an expansion pack for the original Dungeon Siege game, developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2003. The expansion was designed to add new content to the game, including areas, enemies, characters, and quests.
The development team faced was ensuring the expansion pack would work seamlessly with the original game. They needed to make sure that the new content could be integrated into the existing game, while also minimizing any bugs or glitches. Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna was also a commercial and critical success, and is still regarded as one of the best expansion packs ever made for an RPG.
===Dungeon Siege II ===
Dungeon Siege II is the sequel to the popular action role-playing game, Dungeon Siege, developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2005. The development of Dungeon Siege II was an ambitious undertaking, as the team aimed to improve upon the already successful formula of the original game.
One of the biggest changes in Dungeon Siege II was the introduction of a new graphics engine, which allowed for more detailed and dynamic environments and character models. This, coupled with the game's improved physics engine, made for a much more immersive and engaging experience for players.
The game's story also received a major overhaul, with a new narrative that was more complex and nuanced than its predecessor. The team introduced new characters, enemies, and environments, while also expanding upon the lore of the Dungeon Siege universe.
In addition to the story improvements, the team also made significant changes to the game's mechanics and gameplay. The player now had more control over their character's development, with a greater emphasis on customization and specialization. The team also introduced new abilities, spells, and combat mechanics that added to the depth and variety of the gameplay.
Today, Dungeon Siege II is regarded as a classic in the action role-playing genre and a favorite among fans of the series.
===Dungeon Siege II: Broken World===
The expansion takes place shortly after the events of Dungeon Siege II, with the player's character tasked with investigating a mysterious plague that is sweeping across the land of Aranna. The player must journey to new areas of the world, including the ruined city of Ehb, and battle new enemies and bosses.
One of the most significant additions in Broken World is the introduction of a new character class, the Fist of Stone. This class is focused on hand-to-hand combat, with the ability to imbue their fists with elemental powers. The expansion also introduces a range of new spells, abilities, and items, adding to the game's depth and variety.
Broken World also features improvements to the game's mechanics and gameplay, including the ability to respec characters and a new crafting system that allows players to create their own items. The game's level cap is also raised, allowing players to continue developing their characters beyond the level cap of the original game.
===Dungeon Siege III ===
Dungeon Siege III is the third installment in the popular action role-playing game series developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Square Enix. Released in 2011 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, Dungeon Siege III continues the series' tradition of fast-paced, hack-and-slash gameplay, while introducing new characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics.
The game takes place in the Kingdom of Ehb, where the player takes on the role of one of four heroes, each with their own unique abilities and play styles. As the story unfolds, the player must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals, battling powerful foes and unraveling the mysteries of the world.
One of the most significant changes in Dungeon Siege III is the introduction of a new combat system, which features a combination of real-time combat and strategic positioning. Players must carefully choose their attacks and position themselves effectively to gain the upper hand in battle. The game also introduces a new cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with friends to take on the game's challenges together.
Dungeon Siege III also features stunning graphics and a richly detailed world, with diverse environments ranging from lush forests to desolate wastelands. The game's soundtrack was composed by Jason Graves and Tim Wynn, which adds to the immersive experience.
===Dungeon Siege III: Treasures of the Sun===
Treasures of the Sun is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion for the action role-playing game, Dungeon Siege III. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Square Enix, the expansion was released in 2011 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
One of the most significant additions in Treasures of the Sun is the level cap increase from 30 to 35, allowing players to further develop their characters and skills. The expansion also introduces new abilities, spells, and items, adding to the game's depth and variety.
==Spin-offs==
===Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony ===
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony is an action role-playing game developed by SuperVillain Studios and published by 2K Games in 2006. It was the first game in the Dungeon Siege series to be released on a handheld console, the Sony PSP.
The game takes place in the same world as the other Dungeon Siege games, but introduces a new storyline and characters. The player takes on the role of a mercenary who is hired by a mysterious benefactor to investigate a new evil that has arisen in the land of Aranna.
One of the standout features of Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony is its fast-paced, hack-and-slash gameplay. The game features a wide variety of enemies and bosses, each with their own unique abilities and weaknesses. The player can choose from a range of character classes, each with their own strengths and abilities, and can customize their character's skills and equipment as they progress through the game.
In addition to the main storyline, Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony also features a range of side quests and challenges, adding to the game's replay value. 
==Logos and box art ==
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Dungeon_siege_series.png|Dungeon Siege Series logo.
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Ds3wikicover.png| box art.
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==Game mechanics==
The Dungeon Siege games can be safely categorized as action role-playing games, although they do include elements taken from other genres like strategy and adventure games. However, unlike many other RPGs, the Dungeon Siege series emphasizes real-time combat and party-based gameplay. The player controls a party of characters with unique skills and abilities, and their success in combat is determined by the combination of these skills and the player's strategic decisions. The games also feature a unique system of skill advancement, where skills improve as they are used, and characters level up based on their overall effectiveness in combat rather than solely through experience points.
The series' overarching aim has been noted by its designers as well. Gas Powered Games' founder and lead designer Chris Taylor described the original Dungeon Siege game as "a new type of RPG" that would focus on accessibility and action, with a goal of creating "a more visceral, cinematic experience." Taylor also emphasized the importance of player choice and customization, stating that the game would allow players to "choose their own path, their own destiny."
This design trend continued in Dungeon Siege II, which introduced new playable classes and expanded on the series' skill and leveling systems. The game also introduced a branching storyline with multiple paths and endings, further emphasizing player choice and agency.
Dungeon Siege III, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, continued the series' emphasis on action-based combat while also introducing new elements like a morality system and a more narrative-driven campaign. The game also received praise for its streamlined interface and improved graphics.
Overall, the Dungeon Siege series' emphasis on real-time combat, party-based gameplay, and skill-based advancement sets it apart from other RPGs. The series' commitment to player choice and customization also makes it a favorite among fans of the genre.
==Cosmology==
Aranna is the continent upon which most of the Dungeon Siege series takes place, and its cosmology has a rich history that spans across different ages. The First Age starts with the founding of the Empire of Stars, while the Second Age begins with the First Great Cataclysm, during which the Dryads are born on Greylyn Isle. The Third Age begins with the Second Great Cataclysm, which sinks Greylyn Isle beneath the ocean during violent storms.
The southeastern portion of Aranna is dominated by the Plain of Tears, the great wasteland left over after the legendary clash between Azunai and Zaramoth there. The Goblin realm of Gonsiir lies south of this region, while the Northern Reaches stretch out from the desert's northernmost border. The mountainous lands near the very heart of the continent hide the Elven homeland of the Vai'lutra Forest, where sits the town of Aman'lu. The former capital of the Empire of Stars, Iliyara, can be found sitting at the heart of a lake known as the Chalice of the Stars, near the heart of the Northern Reaches; and the archipelago known as the Broken Lands sits just off the northeastern coast of the continent.
To the west lies the lands of Lescanza, Mazal, and Rowan, of which little is known. Following the Iron Coast further west, along the northern edge of the Aranoi Desert, is the mountainous region where the town of Arhok is located. Beyond the northwest coast of Aranna lies the tropical Island of the Utraeans, which was once a part of the Utraean Empire, along with the Utraean Peninsula, which sits along the continent's southwestern coast. The Kingdom of Ehb is located on the southern edge of the Aranoi Desert and the Utraean Peninsula, with its capital at Stonebridge. Greilyn Isle, the home of the Dryads, once sat in the ocean between Ehb's eastern border and the westernmost shores of the Plain of Tears, but the island was swallowed by the sea during the Second Cataclysm.
In terms of governments, the Empire of Stars ruled the Northern Range and the Northern Reaches, with Iliyara as its capital, while the Utraean Empire controlled the Island of the Utraeans, with Jherkal's Crown as its capital, and the Utraean Peninsula, with Hiroth as its capital. The Kingdom of Ehb was an independent nation with Stonebridge as its capital.
The religion in Aranna is mainly represented by the Church of Azunai, which plays a significant role in the series. The demography of Aranna is diverse, with different races and factions populating the continent.
===Notable Areas=== 
*Island of the Utraeans –
*Utraean Peninsula –
*Aran Ocean –
*The Aranoi Desert –
*The Iron Coast –
*Ehb –
*Green Ranges –
*Frostspire Mountain –
*Lescanza –
*Mazal –
*Rowan –
*Greilyn –
*Plain of Tears –
*Gonsiir –
*Agallan Peaks –
*The Northern Reaches –
*The Northern Range –
*Agallan Ocean –
*Yesterhaven –
*Arhok –
==Mythology and religion==
The Dungeon Siege series of games isn't known for its complex lore. The series is set in the fantasy world of Aranna, which is home to a wide variety of cultures and civilizations, each with their own unique customs and beliefs.
One of the key themes in the Dungeon Siege series is the balance of power. This is not a simple matter of good versus evil, but rather a complex interplay between different factions, each with their own agendas and motivations. At the heart of this balance is the struggle between order and chaos.
In the world of Aranna, order represents the established powers and institutions that seek to maintain the status quo. This includes the various kingdoms and empires that have risen to prominence over the centuries, as well as the powerful magical orders that wield immense influence over the world. Chaos, on the other hand, represents the forces of change and upheaval. This can include everything from rampaging monsters and destructive magic to rebellious uprisings and political revolutions.
According to the lore of the Dungeon Siege series, the balance of power between order and chaos is maintained by a delicate system of checks and balances.
Despite this, the world of Aranna is constantly in flux, with new powers rising and old ones falling. The various factions are constantly vying for power and influence, and the balance of power is always in a state of flux. This creates a dynamic and engaging world that is full of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
==Trivia ==
*Dungeon Siege was developed by Chris Taylor, who also created the popular real-time strategy game Total Annihilation.
*The Dungeon Siege series received generally positive reviews from critics, and is still considered a classic example of the action RPG genre.
*The series was also known for its multiplayer mode, which allowed up to eight players to play together over a LAN or the internet.
==External links==
*Wikipedia's article on Dungeon Siege.
==References==