I can already see how PB fanboys will downvote my review right into Beliar ream, as if doing that makes mediocre game any better.
If you're new to Gothic and other games from Piranha Bytes, I'd suggest to start with Gothic 1, continue with Gothic 2 NOTR, Archolos (free mod +100 hours of playing) and then, if you developed much unconditional love to PB, try their worst selection: Gothic 3, Risen and step-kid Arcania
what are my complaints? why such low rating?
- old annoying mechanics carried over, I can't take it no more: screen shaking like in older Gothics, can't find free bed without being lectured and booted by peasants (and can't have own bed, like in Gothic 3), annoying weather (constant storms, flickers)
- visually unpleasing. bad LOD, everything blurred to the point of nausea. together with storms, being wandering in a swamp in green mist, I can't recall any other game with such ugly visuals. probably Witcher 1. I'll take old choppy Gothic 1's looks over this travesty.
- combat resembles Gothic 3 (in its stupidity and complexity), going melee is suicidal. as in every PB game it screws you with auto-lock on enemy. when you fight 4 critters they tend to surround you. 1 critter moves aside, game catches it and 3 remaining critters can freely attack you from behind. dodge needs double tap on direction key (folks, you don't mind doing double tap with a stick, right?) parry needs you to tap your shield key right when enemy attacks you. that's a mockery because if you're late you will be kicked in the nuts and will suffer big health loss. but if you keep shield weapon pressed and attack when there's an opening, you'll be fine. archery and magic aren't viable for controller (no aim assist) and that's a drawback since Gothic 3. G1 and G2 had nice system where you can stick projectiles and magic.
- questing, world is tiny and on rails. you have no freedom and have to spend the beginning in bogs, fighting tough enemies or you won't progress in the game.
