It's really like those "interactive" cutscene cinematics where you have to mash the correct button in just the right order to survive. And you can only discover the right combination through dying, over and over again. If only the death animation wasn't so long, it could have been at least half as boring. The game is wonderful visually and it *appears* scary. But it isn't. But your death doesn't matter in the slightest, it's far too often for that. And there is no indication what action you shout take NOT to die.
This game has quite simple mechanics. Where it truly shines is the atmosphere. Spend time exploring, perfecting your hunting skills, exploring, learning how to sail and getting the absolute best tan (joke). Somehow this has struck a deep cord somewhere in me - visually, aesthetically, even through the story - which isn't really so deep. The sense of absolute freedom, learning the ways to survive, I am astonished this only has so few stars. Definitely would recommend. Especially when you enjoy your alone time.
Bought this after reading it was a bit similar to Gothic, which it kind of is. Wasn't disappointed! Yes, there are things that are bit broken. Some quests, moves, skills and/or dialogs feel unfinished or weird, but overall I really liked this game. I'm even replaying it right away. This game, overall, downright shines in some areas and is unpolished, even lacking in others. Still worth a play. I fell in love with the main character's stare full of revenge. Or is it derermination? The intro attacks the teen gamer's heart by showing the character as weak, innocent and vulnerable, thrown into the rough, corrupted world. And captures it by letting them guide her, building her strength. Although the characters' clothes look medieval-ish, the protagonist has a very charming, "modern" look, which clashes with the rest. Not that it isn't nice to look at, but still, I kind of wish there was a proper armor, not the usual gaming "bikini" style thing. Some moves/skills are pretty underwhelming, but there are plenty skill points to have, so you can even take 1 level in everything, to find out which are useful to you. My favorite build (slight spoilers included): I went for specializing on the first weapon type, as it had the coolest moves, and is most universal. Its poison skill deals a lot of damage when leveled, and its final skill looks pretty when used. Otherwise the fights might get repetitive, so learn to add some "fun" stuff when you can. I highly recommend getting the "From Venice with Love" skill. Call me immature, but it's pretty hilarious to use and even fits the RP greatly, when you get ambushed. Finally, it's perfect for getting loot from containers. In mental skill tree, the damage didn't seem strong enough. And most seemed too pricey to use. Max out the healing, the stun skill and take some utility stuff. Important note: You need to learn the "shield block" skill to finish the game.
Why not pay the programmer few bucks to add a selectable set of controls (english keyboard layout), or a key binder, instead of paying the artist to draw the stupid "controller recommended" screen? Controller is "recommended" but doesn't work. Game doesn't even show you the (awful) keyboard controlls. All it shows is a map of xbox360 controls, as if it was the only thing in existence in the universe. Other PC joysticks are ignored, keyboard keys cannot be modified. And, wait for it, one of the buttons is put on the mouse (!) and this just blows my mind. No matter how good the actual gameplay might be, this will offset you so badly, you'll likely to trash it immediatelly, like me. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to even give this junk a second chance.
Beware, this is not your typical game. But, if you do have a sensitive soul, you'll most likely love it! Read the other reviews to learn that you cannot die or kill stuff. This game is about something else. About the freedom, flying through the sky, the suspense of colors and sounds in the locations, about discovery and the subtle story which unfolds as you go.
