Pros: Combat and mechanics are solid and varied, even if some of the features are one time use only, as the game provides you with no incentive or chance to use them. Lore and setting are genuinely good, and interesting to read about. Story and pacing are not something to write home about, but will keep you engaged all the way through. Cons: Railroading galore, reminding me more of a poorly executed "choose your own adventure" book or a D&D session where the DM is really protective of his story and therefore all unplanned branches are prone to end in a "rocks fall and everyone dies". The plot is split into rigid paths, allowing for some semblance of choice. While some of it you can skip, you will be doing yourself a disservice, as you need all the skillpoints you can get. Only of course you don't know you are skipping anything until there is no way back, as the dialogue goes on and on, railroading you into choices you don't intend to make. There are rarely more than 3 dialogue options at a time, separating into two categories: ones that move the plot and "tell me more" with skillchecks sprinkled in between. You have no idea what skillcheck will come when and failing them most of the time gives you no second chance, leading to an instant game over or a fight (read: an interactive game over for a speech focused character). Mid to late game this can halt your progress if you don't have the skills or skillpoints and need to make the check. TL;DR - there are two main ways to play this game: pure melee or, if you like punishing yourself - speech focus with liberal walkthrough usage and save scumming. Besides that expect a decent story, unique and captivating lore and constant, out of the blue railroading. Better wait for a discount.
