Risen was my favorite RPG in 2010 (check out the review here). I had alotta fun during both of my playthrus (I'm an achievement ho). Unfortunately, there were a few things that held Risen back from being a truly great RPG (at least on the 360). Here are the 5 things that need to be fixed for Risen 2 to win the title as my favorite RPG in 2011.

1. Fix the Frame rate - Two Worlds 2 managed to pull this off. There is no excuse for Risen 2 fumbling here. European developers need to follow TW2's model and develop the game for consoles instead of just porting them.

2. Make a Truly Open World - I get the impression that recent Euro-RPG developers have cut corners in this area because of limited disc space. While Risen, Arcania, Divinity 2 and Two Worlds 2 were technically 'open' they still limited exploration by closing certain areas off until you reached plot points that triggered their opening. I don't mind some direction and linearity in RPGs, but give me a world I can truly explore at my discretion.

3. Eliminate Pointless Collection Quests - I know RPGs typically use this mechanic as a time filler (or waster), but I think underground titles can shine when they break from the bad decisions that the big league developers make. Let me develop my magic and sword skills by using them instead of having to find hidden tablets and tomes scattered across the world

4. Don't Level Cap Me - For the love of our Lord, Europe. Can you please cut it out with the Level Caps that force us to pidgeon hole our character development. If I want a character that is just as strong in magic as he is in sword play, can you please find it in your heart to let me work toward that? Please make Risen the first 360 Euro RPG to break this horrible tradition.

5. Fix the Inventory and Character Management Interfaces - I ended up writing a guide for this on the Xbox Forums last year because of how unintuitive these systems were. You have plenty of examples from games that got it right devs. Don't get this one wrong again.

Again, please understand that these critiques come from a desire to see this game succeed beyond its predecessor. I am really looking forward to this game. If the devs can improve upon the outstanding combat system and engaging story while fixing the issues listed here, they may have another RPGOTY on their hands from my perspective.