Already great game made even greater and also punishingly hard.
Expansion pack NotR sports complete overhaul of the original game and makes it even better. The only drawback is the extreme difficulty, this is a truly hardcore RPG at its best. Prepare to save/die/load a lot.
The combat system is also not the best around, but it suited me just right.
The story, though not so interesting and atmospheric as in the first game, provides for a great adventure nonetheless.
I would encourage everyone to try different paths and choosing alternate allegiances during multiple playthroughs, vanilla Gothic 2 and NotR expansion withstanding.
One of the best RPGs ever made, there is over 100 hours of great gameplay waiting for you here.