Risen is so like Gothic 2, it feels like an expansion pack. Problem is, enjoying it depends on you not having played Gothic 2.
The maps & quests are so similar, I felt like they just took Gothic 2 & reskinned it. And playing it a second time doesn't make it more fun.
In fact, as far as difficulty goes, Risen is more like Gothic 1 - stealing is easy (AI is mediocre), leveling up and improving stats is a breeze, collecting gold is as easy as breathing, & oftentimes I'd find myself biting more than I could chew, with no repercussions whatsoever.
Because just like Gothic 1 & 2, you can use the environment to take on foes much stronger than you. You simply lure a monster from its pack using a long range weapon, pin it to a wall & whack repeatedly, or simply attack from afar.
You can also climb some object you're not supposed to be able to climb, and use a bow or crossbow to mow down a dozen enemies at once.
Plus, herbs & weapons are scattered generously throughout the map, making it easy to roam it.
Oftentimes I'd finish quests before ever receiving them. I don't remember Gothic 2 being this easy.
Graphics are nice, despite everyone looking the same, and having hideous faces, but I much preferred Gothic 1 & 2's outdated graphics - again, maybe because I played them before playing Risen.
The monsters in this game are also rather uninspired, and it takes a while for the more interesting ones to appear.
As far as plot, there isn't any. Risen is pretty much a game without a cohesive plotline - rather a collection of sidequests. You're a no-name shipwreck survivor, whose entire goal in life is giving A to B for gold and experience points.
There isn't the large overarching story Gothic 2 had. Not only that, but somehow the map feels smaller, or at least as if less thought went into it. Nothing feels natural - you can sense the devs' influence throughout.
But despite it all I was willing to keep going, until I finally decided to enter the town, & the game came to a halt.
