Games that combine more than one genre, starting with the good ol’ Battlezone, usually offer a game experience that is different from classic titles, which are usually just variations on the same theme. Their success directly depends on how the genres are mixed together, and Savage 2: A Tortured Soul offers besides a cocktail of FPS, RTS and RPG, an online-exclusive experience.

The story which began in the first game of the series – Savage: The Battle for Newerth – is pushed forward, but you won’t get in touch with it in the game itself. Instead, you can discover the story on the official website, where if you have the patience to go through the text-like lore you will find a pretty well conceived background, including gods, demons, rapes and brotherly murders, but sadly none of these are represented in the actual gameplay. Thus we are left with only one game mode, namely Legion of Man vs. The Horde, in which both teams have as sole objective the destruction of the enemy Stronghold.

The FPS component represents the core gameplay, as the two factions have a number of character classes, using a system quite similar to that of Battlefield or Enemy Territory. Each class has at least one ranged and one melee weapon at its disposal, however the focus is placed on melee combat, and the difference between the two sides are quite evident. Both sides begin the match with three unlocked classes, with a total of seven being available in the end, depending on how well the whole team performs and how skilled their commander is in the RTS mode.

The Human builder is a chubby engineer, armed with an impressive hammer which can be used for building structures and crushing enemy heads alike. He can also place anti-personnel turrets and re-supply tents (as all ranged weapons use ammunition) while being equipped with a couple of ranged weapons, albeit a bit useless.

The Conjurer (the Beast’s engineer) has instead a different range of attacks, such as entangling roots and acid spray, while his building abilities are similar to the builder’s. Both classes, however, are better off building than fighting, and it’s preferable to let the warriors do their trade.

The Scout is a fast unit, equipped with a bow and crossbow, along with two knives that can be used for backstabbing – one of the most powerful early attacks available – and he can also turn completely invisible later on. So much so that not even the controlling player can see him.

The Shapeshifter on the other hand is more skilled in ranged combat, having two of the most powerful ranged attacks in the game, and he can also change his appearance by taking a panther form, in which he can run faster but not attack – quite useful when you need to make a quick getaway. He can also mimic the appearance of enemy troops, managing to get by turrets and otherwise unaware human enemies, much like the Spy in Team Fortress 2.

The human Savage is the regular cannon fodder, and quite good at it with its dual-swords and a range of buffs than can increase his health or attack power. The beast’s Summoner, in turn, isn’t so good at hand-to-hand combat, preferring to summon a range of minions at his side, which he can control directly to attack his opponents; he also has only a staff and a range attack to protect him.

The Legionnaire and the Ravager are the two heavy units; with their high armor, health and attack power, completed by a couple of strong range attacks and fierce main weapons, along with self-improving buffs, they can withstand multiple enemies with ease.

The Chaplain and the Shaman are the two healing classes, and although their combat abilities are lacking, their usefulness cannot be denied if they’re part of a well-organized team, with their debuffs and healing spells.