Gaming since the mid 80s. This (along with Skyrim) is the best RPG ever, though they are different games. Buy it!
I had to take a break to finally give this game a 5-star review. I've been playing non-stop, for a month. I'm obsessed. I find myself thinking about this game even when I'm not playing. I've been a gamer since the early 90s (well, technically the 80s) and while I've played so many games, it's been a long time since I fell in love with game. (hello, Skyrim!) This game is a masterpiece. I'm not sure what else to add that others haven't said better than I but I will agree that this is a thinking person's game. The attention to detail is incredible. Never before has this Manhattan snob been more interested in 1403 Bohemia. I've spent so much time learning, both within this game, but also being inspired to read articles about the specific time/region, outside of the game. I write this in Feb 2021, so there are no more bugs and the game runs perfectly on my (high-end) PC. All I can say is that this is NOT a game for some hyper-active, power-leveling, loot-obsessed, God-mode obsessed player. No, your horse is NOT a flying unicorn mount from WoW. It's a HORSE. If you complain because you can't charge though bushes or fences, that is your own fault. If you complain because you can't wipe out 3 enemies at once, then get real. Not even the best knight could handle being alone, surrounded by 3 guys at once. Not even Chuck Norris could handle that. (lol, I had to throw in that old-school lame joke) Anyway, don't hesitate to get this game. Just a bit of advice...the game has (to me) a very long intro/prologue. (however, it is very enjoyable) Don't get discouraged with the lack of freedom during this period. Once Henry makes it to the town of Rattay, he (you) will begin to have freedom and your part in the game really begins from there. Also, take time to level up your skills. Don't worry, the main story will wait. Also, do yourself a favor and get the mod that removes the horrendous head bob from the game. I went from serious nausea to no issues at all after that mod.
As an avid PC gamer since 1993, I am suprised I had never even heard of the Anno series until December 2019. My entrance to this series is Anno 1404 and I am enjoying it very much. I love any genre of game with a "medieval/forest/castle" sort of setting. I have been a huge fan of Banished and I would call Anno 1404: "Banished with prettier graphics and more stuff to do." Or "Age of Empires perfected." I found the Campaign tutorial to be very helpful, especially being totally new to the Anno series. Give it a shot. I bought it during the winter sale and here I am almost a month later still playing it each day and not even halfway into experiencing everything the game has to offer. I can also see this having excellent replay value. Even if I had paid full price, it would have been money well spent. I'm looking forward to trying out the other Anno games.
