If you have ever played one of the larger more modern PC RPG games, to its completion, chances are you also purchased an add-on pack. I haven't always been the guy who champions add-on packs to games. In some cases, I simply think the add-on brings nothing new or particularly inventive to the original game. Others, like the Morrowind add-ons were designed to keep the overall story moving forward with new, vicious enemies and wildly different powers and scenarios. So since I had an honest-to-goodness good time playing Sacred, what exactly could I expect when I was asked to do the add-on; Sacred Underworld.

For starters, you might want to check out the original Sacred, it's a quality RPG that is firmly planted in the swords and sorcery realm.  With its entirely massive world and varying characters, the RPG faithful could easily lock themselves away for long stretches of time, only to have their stark white skin burnt in the overcast sun. Only if you have adventured in the land of Ancaria and have forged a 25th level or higher character, will you be able to tackle the Underworld add-on. If you haven't achieved a character of this level, then you can use one of the two character classes that the game provides that are already prepared for the trials that await you, these two are the Daemon and the Dwarf. 

Quick, call the orkin man!

These two characters make up the game's driving force for purchase. As a Dwarf, you can use all sorts of interesting weapons. Mines, grenades, explosives and even a shoulder cannon are available and though he may be short, the Dwarf can dole out some heavy-hitting action. The second character, the Daemon, is a paradox of a character since she looks like a demon with an evil appearance, yet she actually fights for the forces of good. I like the Daemon the better of the two because she has the ability to shift appearances in order to gain the upper hand in battle. Like the Dwarf, the Daemon is pretty darn tough when she converts into the Battle Daemon; she glows white with power and her attacks significantly increase as does her speed and defense.

Since the title is "Sacred Underworld" you can bet that you will run into creatures worthy of living in the Underworld. I was impressed with the size of some of the monsters you must do combat with and since your characters will begin to be darn near demi-gods themselves (really high leveled characters) you can expect some massive battles. These monsters I speak of should be noted for their clever design and look. The game has better graphics then I had expected and I believe slightly better then the original Sacred's, although it could be because some of the attacks created look so much more vivid then the original game's. Still, for a Diablo-esque type of game, the varying environments and design of the monsters, the game is certainly is nice to look at.

I don't think that hissing is a gas leak...

Even though the Sacred games (including this one) are multiplayer capable, I still like RPGs that have a full adventure built just for one. And this game just happens to fit the bill. But, when you need to go out there and battle online with someone, this game certainly has some hours of fun to offer as well. And, you should take particular note that both the Daemon and the Dwarf are particularly strong characters for online play. 

If you own Sacred, and enjoyed it, then this is an add-on you will want to have. If you don't but this title sounds interesting to you, I would recommend picking up the recent Sacred Gold title and begin your adventures there.
 

Gameplay: 7.8
A relatively easily controlled game, there isn't anything that is troublesome and everything is laid out in an easy-to-use manner.  

Graphics: 8.0
Love the monsters and I love the wildly different locations you go to. The programmers wanted to take advantage of the open-endedness of this world. I like that new health bar that's visible on screen.

Sound: 6.7
The expected clangs and explosions were here but there wasn't anything particularly outstanding; more like, adequate.

Difficulty: Medium
The challenges are there and can be overcome with some persistence, but after a while your character will be a walking death machine, virtually unstoppable.

Concept: 7.1
I kept waiting for that big "thing" to happen in this add-on, it really never did, but I still must say that the two new characters were enough to keep me engaged.

Multiplayer: 6.8
I had a decent enough time playing online, but that's not why I play this game.

Overall: 7.1
I like the Sacred universe and RPG fans will too; problem is, there is plenty other RPGs out there that bring a bit more competition for your highly sought-after gaming dollar.