ELEX

First things first: I loved Gothic 1 and 2 and also liked Gothic 3 and Risen 1. If you´re alike, this is a nobrainer. I played ~10 h, so I can´t judge the whole game. But what I saw so far is really convincing. The graphics are more than suffiecient and very athmospheric. It´s not a Witcher 3 but not that far away. Animations are a bit clumsy (especially the practically missing falling animation) but I don´t recognize it after a few minutes. Dialogues are mostly well made (I can´t judge the english translation as I play the german original) and you have often choices which change the outcome of quests or even the story. There are many ways to complete a quest and you should carefully consider what you are doing. SPOILER! example: The warchief wants you to bring a cleric weapon from the technics warden. Before that he explains the rules of the community which amongst others forbid technic outside the wardens house. If you just fullfill the quest and get the gun you will be sentenced with a minor punishment, because you didn´t obey the rules - it was a test . The world itself is intersting. It´s fun to explore old buildings etc. (jetpack rocks although you´ll need some practice for exact maneuvers) and you are often rewarded for doing so. You can discover little storys everywhere and you will soon recognize that the world is hand made and nowhere generic. Fighting is not very smooth but that´s mostly like it has always been in Piranha Bytes games. I don´t mind but this might be more important to others and could really get some upgrade. If you got used to it, it´s fine. So far I have a lot of fun with the game and I don´t see that changing. Finally, thanks a lot PB for releasing this on GoG without DRM-shit <3!

This game is for you if you like other PB games

Elex is a great game: + Same feeling as gothic 1-3 and I really enjoyed these games (If you didn't like them, you probably won't like Elex) + World is big and much to explore but it doesn't feel too long, took me about 30 hours to finish + 3 completely different factions + Reading books and notes is actually interesting, in other games I don't read a lot of them - Inventory is really bad - Some unclear tool description - No info screen. WTF??? I can't see how much HP or cold I have

I know how to spell effective but this game throws me back to gothic 1 & 2. Characteristically to PB games, the story is uncovered as you play, with fuzzy elements starting to take shape as you piece them together. There is a lot to explore both high and low and it is very rare to move through empty areas. Monsters and loot everywhere. The combat system is a fine compromise, there is still button smashing but if you time your attacks (like in witcher 1) you get to perform combos which do more damage. There is a high focus on ranged warfare, and I was a little scared that I could range cheese enemies. Still possible, but harder, since all human enemies have powerful ranged attacks and most critters also have pretty damaging/AoE ranged attacks. Being part of a faction unfortunately doesn't have a strong appeal. You go through some hoops to join a faction. but once you do, it takes two missions each to progress the three ranks of that faction. Aditionally, a lot of NPCs won't react to your choice of faction. Companions have an initial reaction as well as some named NPCs but the majority will still greet a Cleric Regent as a vagabond. Overall, the game is worth every dollar.

I was very happy when I stumbled upon Elex and realized that it is developed by Piranha Bytes et al., who brought us games like Gothic and Risen which I am a huge fan of. To me the mix of middle age and science-fiction elements is super entertaining and the nicely detailed world really feels like being back in the Gothic universe, but this time with a lot of technological advancements. Exciting, diverse and lively game. Can't wait for an addon :)