Risen
In short: Risen is an RPG game released in 2009 by Piranha Bytes, available on PC and Xbox 360. Our score: 7.0/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
An acclaimed RPG by Piranha Bytes.
{"title":"Risen","story":"Risen plunges players into the boots of an unnamed convict, shipwrecked and washed ashore on the mysterious island of Faranga. This island, once a vibrant land teeming with life and ancient ruins, has been plunged into chaos by the eruption of the volcano Mount Innos, unleashing monstrous creatures and altering the very fabric of the land. The arrival of the Inquisition, a zealous order bent on eradicating all forms of heresy and magic, further complicates the already dire situation. Players must navigate this perilous world, choosing allegiances between the disparate factions struggling for survival and power. Will you join the desperate rebels fighting for their freedom on the northern coast, the disciplined soldiers of the Inquisition seeking to impose order, or perhaps delve into the secrets of the pirate haven, a lawless den of rogues and scoundrels? The narrative unfolds as the player uncovers the dark truths behind the volcano's eruption, the motivations of the Inquisition, and the forgotten history of Faranga, all while striving to survive the hostile environment and its monstrous inhabitants.","gameplay":"Risen offers a classic, open-world RPG experience, emphasizing player choice and consequence. Exploration is key, with a vast and intricately detailed island begging to be discovered. Combat is real-time and skill-based, requiring players to master timing, parrying, and the strategic use of various weapons, from simple swords and axes to m…
Game details
- Developer: Piranha Bytes
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Release year: 2009
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
- Category: RPG
Our review
Risen, developed by Piranha Bytes, is an action RPG that takes players to a mysterious volcanic island. While it undeniably carries the studio's signature "eurojank" charm, it also delivers a deeply immersive world and challenging combat that will resonate with fans of classic RPGs. The game's narrative unravels slowly, revealing ancient secrets and a world on the brink of destruction. Risen excels in its sense of exploration and the freedom it grants players to approach quests and factions in various ways. The island of Faranga is a character in itself, brimming with diverse environments, hidden treasures, and dangerous creatures. Combat, while clunky at times, demands tactical thinking and careful resource management. Graphically, Risen was a bit dated even at its 2009 release, and the Xbox 360 version suffered from significant technical issues. However, the PC version, especially with community patches, offers a more stable and visually acceptable experience. Despite its rough edge…
Pros
- Deeply immersive world and lore
- Player agency and choice in quests
- Challenging and rewarding combat
- Sense of open-world exploration
- Good value for its price
Cons
- Dated graphics
- Clunky combat mechanics
- Technical issues (especially on Xbox 360)
- Steep learning curve
- Initial slow pace
FAQ
- What is Risen?
- Risen is an action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Piranha Bytes and published by Deep Silver. It was released in 2009 for PC and Xbox 360.
- What platforms is Risen available on?
- Risen is available on PC and Xbox 360.
- Who developed Risen?
- Risen was developed by Piranha Bytes.
- When was Risen released?
- Risen was released in 2009.
- Is Risen a role-playing game?
- Yes, Risen is an action role-playing game (RPG).
More about this game
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Last updated: 01/04/2026