Missing essential original Gothic aspects...
The game fails however to get a real replayability value, due to:
1. No real moral choices, no different endings!
2. No joinable factions
3. Very linear story with faded people, cliche personalities
4. No character customization
We can't have a good modern rpg that detaches itself from the "gorgeous graphics hack'n slash" sterotype without some moral choices...
It would be a welcome option to be able to finish the game without joining any faction, however that should be left as a more challenging route for experienced players (which could learn and craft their own armors for protection, etc). Factions that have a major influence in the game world are a crucial aspect of the true Gothic series...
More lively and story-explanatory cutscenes and some extra dialogues couldn't hurt and would serve the player better that than endless nature terrains for goalless roaming...
Since the nameless hero (Rhobar III :)) has already been left behind on his throne, why not add for the new series the option to customize your character with: gender, looks, etc? That would certainly make more people happy...
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I really miss the old school Gothic atmosphere that Gothic 1 and 2 brought into the PC gaming world...
When you became part of a group and felt suddenly "somebody" in your new gleaming armor, when you punished the bullies that tormented you as a rookie, when you took a fight against a single scavenger very seriously, when you could lure some mobs to the camps and thus acquire some funny memories... O tempora...