The PC port of this game is terrible, even with the fan mods it runs poorly. On the other hand, the game offers you lot of freedom and lot of customization, starting with creating your avatar (you can make a true abomination), to customizing your cars, cribs and so on. That is the main appeal of the game. Just go out there and do crazy stuff, spray buildings with septic tanks, cause mayhem, have fun. Do not expect anything serious.
I loved the humour in this demo. It's more a parody than a serious game. I enjoyed over the top narration of the main character, that is often interrupted by a confused interrogator ("Why did you punch those boxes?"). If you like parodies and breaking the fourth wall, give this demo a try. It will take you about an hour to finish it.
This adventure game is unique. Mostly due to the art style, which is weird, bizarre, almost psychedelic... but lovely at the same time. Secondly, it's the fact there is no text in the game. There are no dialogues, spoken or written. Even the menu uses only symbols. And it works well. The plot is simple. You are Dropsy, a weird clown, who during one performance accidentally burned down the circus. And some people died in that fire. Now, everybody in the town hates you. You travel with a dog and later other animal companions around the town and try to solve problems for townsfolk. And make them like you again. I have to say, I really enjoyed the game. As I mentioned, the stories are told (or rather shown) in images and through the environment, which is a very nice way of storytelling. The only thing I didn't like as much was the ending. It wasn't bad, it just felt little rushed. It left some questions unanswered (or maybe I didn't pay enough attention?) and I think it could have been more expanded. However, I still enjoyed the game. It was a unique experience.
The age of the game shows on several occasions. Firstly, repeated character models with clunky animations. Secondly, the engine wasn't optimized to handle large number of NPCs. So the game is lagging in crowded areas. The movement is pretty limited. You can walk only on paths. You cannot cross bushes, water or jump even over small fences. You simply must go around. It is noticeable in areas outside the city, like marshes and fields. It can be pretty annoying. However, for me it has the best atmosphere in the trilogy. You really feel like the Witcher. The alchemy is integrated pretty well in the game. Something, that I lacked in the sequels. The combat is hit or miss. It took some time for me to get used to it. But in the end, I enjoyed it. Geralt has really sick fighting animations that were pleasure to watch. The story, the characters known from the books, choices that are not black and white... Those are things that hooked me to the screen. Despite its flaws and age, the Witcher holds special place among my favourite games.
This game might seem a little frustrating from the start. Although you are a graveyard keeper, digging graves and burying bodies is not your only chore. To improve your graveyard and progress through the game you need to unlock new technologies. And the only way to do it is work. You need to cut down the trees, mine for the stone and other resources to gain skill points for your skill tree. And that is just the beginning. You will get to activities like farming, cooking, masonry, fishing, brewery, harvesting body organs, alchemy, beekeeping, fighting in dungeons... And everything is essential for overall progress through the game. Quests are connected, so in order to finish one quest, first you need to finish the other and so on. Being a graveyard keeper is more complex that it seems! That's why game requires a lot of grinding, running around a map and collecting resources. This is why it might be little overwhelming from the start. However, once you "get" into the game and you don't mind grinding, it can be satisfying experience. There is no deadline. You can take as much time with your tasks as you want, you don't need to rush anywhere. The game has certain charm for me. I can't name what it is. Maybe the pixelated graphics or lovely dark humour, who knows. The game is not for everybody. But if you're looking for something more relaxing you can bury many hours into, you don't mind grind and can overlook its flaws (boring dungeons, harsh economy system, sometimes confusing what to do/where to find certain items in order to progress the story, too long gameplay if you intend to finish the game), give it a try.
The best Dragon Age and the best Bioware's game in my opinion. You have your classic high fantasy settings with elves, dwarves, magic and so on with a twist. Yes, the main plot is about stopping the ultimate evil, but this doesn't make the world black and white. The "good" guys aren't romanticised heroes. Elves are locked in ghettos and they are treated as second class citizens. Dwarves have a strict caste system that forces the poor to turn to criminality. Mages have to live with a constant threat that their gift might turn them into abominations. And Grey Wardens... They really won the lottery. What I mean, this is not your classic tale about good vs. evil. Bioware finally abandoned their binary moral system and they present you with interesting morally grey choices. You don't get to choose between "light and dark" side anymore. Add interesting flashed out companions, tactical fighting system, awesome soundtrack, several origins for the main character (depending on the race and background), solid presentation and you're in for the treat. Just emerge yourselves in this bleak experience and become Grey Warden - a hero nobody wants to be.
