Gothic Demo

RPG is among the most volatile genres out there, due to the fact that there are so many variables that can be changed, improved or invented from scratch whenever a new title comes to light. Moreover, the gameplay mechanics are extremely important when it comes to offering the players a suiting experience, since none of the other revolutionary elements amount to anything if you are not able to enjoy them as you should.

Gothic is a game that decided to go on a different path and invent its own style, one that does not adhere to anything else on the market. Starting from the peculiar third-person perspective, to the ingenious skill tree system and the dynamic combat mechanics, almost every component of the game was designed to be different, although not all of them worked out as Piranha Bytes might have hoped.

The story presented in Gothic is one that blends the holy trinity of fantasy games, namely powerful wizards, dragons and a guy that needs to solve the world's problems on his own. The difference, however, is the originality of the world created for this title, which features many different factions and intrigues, which ultimately clash together in a large final conflict that decides the fate of the lands.

In the beginning, you are sent on a mission on peculiar island, in order to deliver a message to a powerful group of wizards known as the Fire Mages. However, the island is split into three factions, each one of which has different beliefs and objectives, which means that you have to make a decision about whom to join to help along the way.

Another great thing about the title is the fact that you can always explore the entire world of the game without stumbling into invisible walls or restricted areas. Naturally, the lands are filled with a variety of creatures, some of which are too strong to face early on, although you can take your chances and just make a run for it. To make matters more realistic, there is no in-game map you can access, which means that you have to remember the roads you take, if you do not wish to get lost in the wilderness.

As far as the gameplay mechanics are concerned, the combat system is by far the most annoying trait of the game, at least until you get used to it. Since it is not automated, you have to swing the sword manually each time you want to keep hitting something, which can be incredibly painful and frustrating at times, due to the third-person camera that doesn't respond that well to sudden moves.

In the end, it's the overall atmosphere that makes Gothic shine so brightly among the other RPGs, as well as the fascinating story and the freedom you have when it comes to choosing the right path for your character. On the other hand, you really do have to make an effort to get accustomed with the tricky interface, since it is anything but intuitive or natural.