Over the past couple of years, Iāve gained a deeper appreciation for a wider variety of games. This has led me to uncover some truly remarkable games, ultimately leading me to Gothicāa discovery for which I couldnāt be more grateful. The world of Gothic is a dark and unforgiving one, marked by a gritty and oppressive atmosphere. Combined with the direct and blunt way the characters interact, it paints a vivid picture of a world where there is no room for flowery speech. Everyoneāfrom hardened mercenaries to scholarly magesātalks to each other like regulars at a dockside tavern. Despite the presence of orcs and dragons, this approach creates a grounded, low fantasy atmosphere. The music Is diverse and plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere the right way. I think the big elephant in the room is the so-called eurojank. Yeah, the game is janky as hell and I canāt count the times I got stuck in random places and had to reload my save file (seriously, I had to save as many times as possible, just like in Oblivion lol). But I would be lying if I said the jank doesnāt contribute to the overall charm of the game. Though the game is not unplayable by any means. The occasional jank doesnāt distract from the love and passion put into it. And all the other fantastic aspects of the game certainly made up for it. I suppose another reason people might shy away from this game is because of its dated graphics. Itās not pretty, but for me the graphics are far from the deciding factor in my enjoyment. Despite the clunkiness the world feels remarkably alive, packed with distinctive locations, secrets, and encounters. This is further deepened by the fact that every NPC follows their own daily routine, reacting when you walk through their hut or rummage through their belongings. The mine colony also never feels empty. This is mainly because the world is cleverly segmented by natural obstacles that blend seamlessly into the landscape. The gameplay is very much something you need to get used to. In the first 20 minutes, I didnāt even know how to pick up items or equip a weapon to fight. The design seems confusing at first, almost like the devs wanted to be different for the sake of it. But after over 30 hours with the game, I can say they clearly put a lot of thought into it. Whether you like it or not, every step, every movement you have to consciously make adds to the immersion. Could it have been done better? Oh definitely. But over time, the gameplay has really grown on me. However, the aspect I loved most about this game is how the MC is treated. You're pretty much dogmeat early on, and fighting multiple enemies at the start is almost guaranteed suicide. What I love about Gothic is that the MC isnāt the typical chosen one, nor does he get much help. He's completely on his own. You can choose which faction to join, but no one will take you in with open armsāquite the opposite, in fact. The story begins with you having to prove your worth just to be accepted into a guild, and that process takes time. You must earn the respect of several characters, showing youāre more than just a disposable peasant forced to pay protection money. This makes the MCās struggle all the more real, and the sense of progression feels even more earned and satisfying. Whether youāre getting a new weapon or finally acquiring your first suit of armorānothing comes easy. Yes, the game is somewhat difficult in the early stages and that's why I like it. You're a nobody who gets beaten from the outset, continually threatened and attacked, but you rise up from that to get to the top. And let me tell you, when you finally get the chance to put those assholes in their place, or better yet, take them down... thereās truly no feeling more divine. I also really appreciate how the MC isn't afraid to speak up and throw some shade. Sure, it often results in him getting beaten up and having his belongings stolen, but it still feels worth it in the end. Just like the other characters, he doesnāt hold back or sugarcoat his words, which enhances the immersion and, most importantly, my enjoyment of the game. The MCās fearless attitude, combined with how he is treated, is truly a breath of fresh air. Another thing I have to mention is the In Extremo ālive concertā I had the pleasure of witnessing. Yeah, that was a certified peak gaming moment right there thatās definitely going to stay with me for a long time. Gothic remains a timeless RPG. If you can look past all the jank, you're rewarded with an unforgettable experience. It was one of the best RPGs of its time and continues to be one of the best today. Many modern titles could learn a lot from it in terms of crafting a well-structured RPG and creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
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