These games are fun and the kind of puzzle-solving going on them reminds me of the best point-and-click adventure games -- especially the good old Maniac Mansion. The cartoony graphics still look good (probably because they fit the theme so well) and the opening soundtrack (and applause) at the beginning of each episode in the first game is just great. In terms of difficulty, this game can please newcomers as well as experienced gamers. Completing each scenario isn't that hard, but getting the best score can be very challenging. All in all, I just wish these games had more levels.
Gothic is a nice game. I found it quite hard, especially during the first half or so, being used to games like Neverwinter Nights and Fallout. What I really loved about this game is the feeling of being immersed in an hostile environment. At any time you can find yourself in deep trouble, whether from monsters that can kill you in seconds or NPCs who will try to take advantage of you. Granted, having challenges that scale comfortably with your character is a lot less frustrating, but the thrill of the unexpected was refreshing for me. However, it certainly is a game where you have to "save often and in different slots". The combat system takes a while to get used to and you'll depend as much on your reflexes as on your character's build. However, the annoyances of the game are manageable and I didn't encounter any showstopper bugs or frequent crashes. Given the game's difficulty, the sense of accomplishment when you actually become stronger and can easily overcome enemies who could kill you in a couple seconds in the beginning is also very intense. Overall, Gothic was worthy of my money and time.