Never thought I'd enjoy a 20 year old game as much as I did with Gothic. Going into this I thought I would bounce off immediately because of how dated it is. The game is played through the use of an 'action' key (Ctrl) plus an additional WASD press. This sounds horrendous coming from a modern control scheme, but it actually works really well.
It makes the combat in particular a fair bit harder, as you can't move and attack at the same time. I got used to it quickly though, and it has a nice flow to it the more you play.
I think the grind/progression of the game is the main appeal. You start as a nobody with no friends, but eventually work your way up to the 'hero' who can beat anything.
There are three distinct factions each with their own ways of doing things, and there's a good amount of memorable characters. The map is sized well and becomes familiar fairly quickly. Later game areas are gated off by the inclusion of tougher enemies, so it's technically possible to go there but you very likely won't survive. Story isn't the best of the best, but it does it's job well enough and didn't bore me.
It makes the combat in particular a fair bit harder, as you can't move and attack at the same time. I got used to it quickly though, and it has a nice flow to it the more you play.
I think the grind/progression of the game is the main appeal. You start as a nobody with no friends, but eventually work your way up to the 'hero' who can beat anything.
There are three distinct factions each with their own ways of doing things, and there's a good amount of memorable characters. The map is sized well and becomes familiar fairly quickly. Later game areas are gated off by the inclusion of tougher enemies, so it's technically possible to go there but you very likely won't survive. Story isn't the best of the best, but it does it's job well enough and didn't bore me.