Best role playing experience since Oblivion!
It really has what Gothic should have had from the very beginning: a female protagonist. It really has what most rpg-s don't have: a main character that actually speaks! So not just an impersonal voiceless puppet as most rpg-s have, no. The main character has her distinct personality and looks... that is what adds to the immersive world, probably more than anything: voiced main char with solid personality. For example, you can really feel her wrath when she sees the injustice done around her, her face shows it. She is not just an inexpressive dummy, like, again, so many rpg-s force us to play. She is... real!
Gameplay is well built and implemented. The skill tree is not loaded with countless useless traits. It has the necessary.
Combat, a crucial aspect of any decent rpg is realistic and simple, as it should be.
As for the graphics... well, maybe this is a subject of taste. But I really prefer simple graphics that don't hurt the eye with too much bright and vibrating spots and colors... Simple graphics but also complex, take for example Zanzarah or Gothic 2...
I always have to lower the details to minimum because of that.
All I can say is that the graphics remind me of Gothic 3 and while they may be ok from other points of view, from mine I think games should keep it simple, again... Not hurting the eye is important here. Make an option where special effects could be added from menu options or something, let people experience different designs...
Having choices is what a good reality (games being a form of reality...) is all about. Choices in everything...
Venetica is overall a very good improvement in the medieval rpg territory. Sequels are a must !!! :)