I did not play much yet, but I have no doubts towards the quality of the game. Previous Larian titles and available reviews give plenty of confidence. However, the Larian-specific launcher is a total annoyance. Especially since I run the game from GOG, which already is a launcher. Thankfully, Larian account is not mandatory, but that makes this second launcher all the more redundant and infuriating - because I always have to click through the menu of skipping account creation and launching the game. Very bad experience.
An amazing new experience in the original Gothic spirit. I can't imagine a Gothic fan who would not like this game. After finishing the game for the first time, I noticed a few small problems of technical nature - voice lines were sometimes delayed or played two at the same time :) There were a few crashes (save often ;)) and sometimes there was "falling" sound effect in an area. Two or three times there was lag, probably due to demanding scene... But they didn't really break the game or prevented me from continuing in the same way I intended after a reload (in case of crash). Otherwise, I can only praise the achievement of the creators. Graphics is as might be expected of the original Gothic engine, however new items look great and fit together nicely. There is enough nods to the original item visuals and still a good amount of new things to admire. The environment is great and some nice views can be observed via exploration. Sound is very much in line with Gothic games. I couldn't even notice which tracks were original and which were from Gothic games. Gameplay is as improved as the engine enables it. The overall game system is kept with many new mechanics - crafting, cooking, equipment set and bonuses, effects. Stat management is improved to a great effect. The best part for me is the story and the world itself. Atmosphere is created masterfully, the world is beautiful, but harsh and uncaring towards a random nobody off a ship. Danger lurks at every step, but exploration is very satisfying with much nice loot to be found. Quests don't feel tedious even after 100 hours, very likey due to cliche fetch or go-kill quests. They are present, but meaningful and well placed. Others are engaging and interesting, where player needs to investigate, think and decide. Decisions play a role and even affect the main story a bit, presented at the end. There were nice twists and characters. Overall, I can only recommend and lamet limit on character count in this review :D
I've bought the game in a nice discount as a GOG welcome offer. Now I regret not paying the full price... Why? This game, of all games in the history, deserves it! Every word of praise ever said about it is 100% true. And then some. All the aspects of the game are excellent, however, the most impactful of all is the story and all the decisions one must make. I've never felt so involved in a game world. This might very well be THE game of a lifetime. Bravo.
