Venetica - Gold Edition

I've got two copies of Venetica - both boxed, a German and an English release of the game. I'm tempted to add the gog release to the collection as well. Venetica is an odd title in some ways, it isn't a big budget game and can indeed look rough around the edges. It has a lot of heart though and enough features and ideas to make it stand out. With multiple combat styles based on weapons used, armour and clothing that needs to be altered to fit the player and that are conducive to different fighting styles, three different factions to go through on separate playthroughs and a sense of humour that is at times reminiscent of Fable. All these things combine together to create something - yes, of a lower budget, and slightly more odd Fable - what it will provide, regardless of production values [I hope for you] is that same sense of fun and enjoyment in the process of playing. There aren't many games that I'd really like to see receive remakes/cosmetic upgrades, but Venetica is one of them, as I think that with some improvements to its visuals and sounds, [doable, but a lot of work through .dds textures etc] it would win the hearts of more players. Be aware that there is going to be some clunky parts, but like a floppy eared dog, it will try and win over your heart if you let it.

BEWARE! There’s a terrible mistake in the game. (mild, but useful to know, spoiler). There are no separate shields in the game! You can only use shields as a set with a spear! If you buy a spear from a merchant, it comes with a shield. Not only that, but also the little spear icons show only the spear, not the shield that comes with it! Apart from that, there is a skill called “Shield Block”, that it is only in the “spears” section of the table, which also has an icon depicting only a spear. So you come to think “why should I learn the skill if I don’t want to use spears in the game? I want to use only swords!”. Because at some point you travel to another land and, after about 2 hours there, you come to face the 3rd boss of the game. In one of the boss’ battle’s phases, a shield (with a spear) is given to you to use it, but you can’t without the skill and the battle can’t be won! So (if you don’t know the skill) if you have a save before you travel there, you’ ll lose about 2 h playing in that land, or, worse, if you usually erase old saves, YOU’LL LOSE THE WHOLE GAME (as you won’t be able to continue or go back) AND YOU’LL HAVE TO START OVER! Just learn the skill, no matter what. End of spoiler. Also, there are 2 known points in the game that it will crash. One at the beginning (near Windmill tavern, just go through the bushes on the right) and the other will happen if you talk to Leon inside Net of the Mask (don’t talk to him). Only those two, no big deal. Other than that, the game is excellent! It reminded me of Gothic 2 in the seriousness of things you encounter (for example you have to do something to enter the city. Also listen to the elder politician’s speech near the end of the game), but with a more pleasant touch! There are many side quests which will help you better understand the world you’re in. Also, you’ll see Scarlett transforming throughout the game, from a typical damsel in distress to a fearless grown woman. A great story till the very end!

I bought this game on disk when it first came out and it is one of my all time favourites. Scarlett is a super character who the player empathises with at every turn. Voice acting, graphics and how the game is organised to take you on her journey, are all well realised and executed. One aspect I love is how fighting isn't handed to you on a plate. Enemies are tough, relentless and as Scarlett progresses how she moves becomes wonderfully fluid. Boss fights are challenging and terrific fun. Venetica has an interesting skill tree, especially as Scarlett is able to cross the boundary between life and death. Over the years I've played this game. I'd argue that how the skill tree is structured gives the game replay value; there are a few ways you can play this game, different routes you can take. It is easy to miss something on your first play-through due to the variety that exists within the skill tree Scarlett can learn from. This is a wonderful game, visually stunning, plus the characters Scarlett meets along the way well realised and very varied. I highly recommend Venetica, it's holds a special place in my gaming history.

It's everything the original Fable game wanted to be but with combat from Prince of Persia.