This is not a full review -- I really couldn't praise this game or summarize it any better than Herzalot and others have already done, and yes, you owe it to yourself to install the community patch as Ubivis has helpfully pointed out. Rather this is to clear up the widespread misconception about the combat system supposedly being a "clickfest", with only one left-button-mashing attack mode. This is simply not true -- page 22 of the manual clearly lists six separate combat moves available to your character, and when you combine these with the AWSD movement keys, your options for combat are in fact quite numerous. In addition, every creature/monster/opponent you face in the game has its own unique style of attacking you --almost always telegraphed ahead by movement and sound -- requiring you to respond with the particular attack most suited for that enemy, making combat one of the more rewarding aspects of this wonderful game
Everything other word of praise for the Gothic franchise (we'll pretend Arcania doesn't exist) is richly deserved, as this is without a doubt one of the most ambitious and lovingly crafted games I've ever had the pleasure of playing.