Gothic 4: Arcania first impressions

[Maylander]

Figured I could make a topic for people playing Arcania to voice their opinions on the game. Keep in mind that people interested in knowing whether or not they should buy Arcania might also read it, so keep spoilers in spoiler tags.

In any case, I got it yesterday and I've played through the first part of the game now. I'm about level 10, and I've completed most quests in my first major city (a big castle, rather cool looking).

Currently focusing on melee combat, mainly because it seems the most interactive - dodging, swinging, blocking, it's actually quite fun once you get the hang of it. I'll probably play through it as a mage afterward, but not as a ranger; I don't think Arcania is the kind of game I can replay three times in a row.

I should point out that I more or less agree with the review Vox wrote, but I'll take the time to discuss certain specifics regardless.

Options
On to the game itself. First of all, there are a lot of options, so you might want to check out the options page before starting to play. If you turn on "Roleplaying activities" and Gothic difficulty (it's above Hard, which sounds about right), turn off all the handhelping stuff (quest markers etc), you're getting close to the "Gothic feeling". Personally I'm playing on Normal for now, though it is a bit easy so I might bump it up to Hard. It's nice to see that they've added such options.

Graphics
The graphics are splendid, especially the weather effects. I don't really have anything to add here.

Sound
Solid, through and through, with the exception of certain dialogues. For some reason, the intro section is the worst (by far). I like this Diego better than any other except the original one.

Gameplay
Melee is pretty fun at least, though a lot of enemies are a bit too predictable. Ranged enemies are the only real problem so far, but according to Vox it gets worse later on.

The formula of going to a new zone, doing quests, new zone, doing quests gets predictable and repetitive, which is a shame, as the zones are generally worth exploring and a lot of fun. With a more flexible teleport system and more reasons to go back or explore freely, I suspect Arcania could've turned into some of a classic.

In fact, if they pull a NotR on this one and add more content/expand the existing world, Arcania could actually turn into a very good game.

I'll add a bit more info once I've actually completed it. If others are playing it and have opinions, feel free to chime in.

Bottom line: So far, so good. I enjoy it. It's not on par with Risen, but above most similar games. My end verdict will most likely be that it's around or slightly above Two Worlds and Div 2, mainly because the story is actually somewhat interesting.

Edit:
I have a question: Is the game non-linear? It would seem that way based on a choice I made yesterday (it might not have been an actual choice, but a classic BioWare/Bethesda illusion of a choice):
I chose to help the rebels in Stewark instead of helping the baron.

[DArtagnan]

Thank you for that review Maylander. It sounds somewhat like what I expected.

How's the AI? Is it the same as in the demo? Do you know if the ranged combat is broken like in the demo?

[Maylander]

I haven't tried it no, but I don't think there are any big changes in the AI. Well, at least not on Normal difficulty - according to the description on Hard/Gothic difficulty it does say that enemies attack more relentlessly.

[DArtagnan]

I haven't tried it no, but I don't think there are any big changes in the AI. Well, at least not on Normal difficulty - according to the description on Hard/Gothic difficulty it does say that enemies attack more relentlessly.

Ok, I'll probably try this on hard at first.

It's just that I found the "feel" of archery in Arcania pretty damn good, but I won't have much fun if it means obliterating enemies without any kind of effort. I also liked the ability to fire arrows from stealth, which is something most games tend to ignore.

There's something appealing about being a stealthy archer - and it's what I always play in Oblivion (with mods).

[Gorath]

The guys in the GameStar vids said that everything below Gothic level is piece of cake easy. And the AI reaction does not improve, it's just that they hit harder.

[DArtagnan]

The guys in the GameStar vids said that everything below Gothic level is piece of cake easy. And the AI reaction does not improve, it's just that they hit harder.

Sigh.... Who the hell tests this crap....

[joxer]

I'm playing it too and I feel about the same as Maylander.
The game is not bad, actually it's fun. Yes, it looks too easy on normal, I haven't died so far at all. And I'm playing a melee/electricity hybrid.
Ranged weapons... Dunno, but if you can't hit a rabbit or a deer with a spell, you'll need some arrows or bolts. I haven't used ranged weapons on nonneutral mobs. Yet.
As Maylander noticed, looks as the only real danger are enemy spellcasters and bowmen, but honestly so far not that big problem to me - cast a chain lighthing then charge to spellcasters first (especially if you have the fastmoving rune from the first island, and I bet you have it).
Area unlocking is something I dislike. This is a huge stepback generally. Someone in some other post compared Arcania with Mass Effect and Dragon Age... Hell, you can virtually go to any area there. Ok, not true, but then again, you don't see some border or something that prevents you from going somewhere.
Linearity and lack of choice impacts on the game... Not that I care that much. It would be more fun, but then again, that's not something I can't live without.
I'm not sure if you feel like I do, but all areas look a bit unfinished. Somehow you come to a beautifully designed area, but it lacks of life going on. Perhaps I'm too spoiled with other titles.
And new teleport system is bad. Totally.

To sumup so far... The game is really fun, if you want to play something before new Fallout gets released, check this one. Honestly, you won't hate it.
But Arcania is not something I'd ever call a masterpiece or a must have game. And I feel that once I'm finished, I'll never get back to it. So don't feel bad if you skip it. It's like a not bad movie noone should feel terrible for not watching it.

[DudeNtheRoom]

I just got through playing it for about 2 hours and I find it a blast. The combat is actually good in comparison to Gothic 3. Think Fable. Only Fable is not as good. I don't think the ranged combat is that bad to be honest. It presents somewhat of a chellenge b/c the sway with the reticle is pretty large in area. I'm sure with the level up of a certain skill it decreases.

The one big thing I like that changed besides combat is the way health potions are used. Instead of having to run a mile away from what you're fighting b/c it takes forever to get one out and drink it....it now goes lickity-split. Not too fast that it seems ridiculous but he quickly puts away his weapon and drinks.

I'm pretty sure from what I've played so far that most ppl will be happy with the game. Unless you're the type of person who nit picks on everthing and compares it to other Gothic games and you hate everything.

[Daroou]

Yeah it's a good game. Melee combat is much more fun than Gothic 3. My own opinion is that the game is better than Risen, especially in the graphics department but also in player movement and melee. Also the world is more fun and more open to exploration. It's a fun casual RPG romp with lots to see and do. Thumbs up for Gothic 4!!

[txa1265]

As a Gothic fan I gag on the thought of it being better than G3 or Risen. More polished than G3 certainly ... but much more shallow ...

[Melvil]

Yeah it's a good game. Melee combat is much more fun than Gothic 3. My own opinion is that the game is better than Risen, especially in the graphics department but also in player movement and melee. Also the world is more fun and more open to exploration. It's a fun casual RPG romp with lots to see and do. Thumbs up for Gothic 4!!

Everyone else seems to mention the world feels more confined and less free. I noticed in the demo you couldn't really jump off cliffs, or climb, and the ocean was acid and instantly killed you...glad you're enjoying it nonetheless.

[JDR13]

I don't comprehend how anyone could think Arcania is better than Risen.

[mute]

I also agree with Maylander...

Played it alot yesterday and seeing all the negativity about the game i was happy to enjoy it. It is a good game i think. I was dreading the voice acting thinking it would be as bad as Two Worls. It wasn't.

I think the combat is fun, and the skill system is fun and influenced from Masseffect.

[tolknaz]

Also the world is more fun and more open to exploration.

What? Define "open to exploration" please.

[txa1265]

I don't comprehend how anyone could think Arcania is better than Risen.

Well ... As we know everyone is allowed their own opinions ... ;)

I played a few hours and enjoyed it more than I thought I would based on the demo. Better than Risen? No.

[Maylander]

I just completed it with my melee character. Will try out a mage now, and check the "choices" to see if they are illusions or if there's an actual impact.

All in all, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The story is somewhat interesting (far more so than Gothic 3), and there are plenty of references to the old Gothics.

The downside is the exploration in my opinion, which becomes rather predictable and repetitive after a while. Combat is fun through the whole game, and actually becomes challenging towards the end (as noted by Vox in his review - I agree completely).

The world is actually pretty massive, but due to the way the game is designed, you rarely need to visit the same area more than once. That is a shame - I honestly feel the design of the world is really good (especially places like Tooshoo and the Monastery).

I hope the add-on (or next game) adds a bit more "Gothicish" exploration - more open, yet with more happening in each area (even if that means a smaller world to explore). As it is, I feel as if I didn't get to know each place as well I wanted to.

Anyway, I'll add more after I've played some more.

PS. No, it's not better than Risen. Personally, I don't consider it better than G3 either, but I do understand people who feel that way - combat works better overall and the game itself is very polished. It's smooth to be honest.

[JDR13]

The world is actually pretty massive, but due to the way the game is designed, you rarely need to visit the same area more than once.

You finished it in 2 days? How massive can it really be?

[elkston]

Does anyone have any tips on how to defeat Knut the farmer? He has a massive special attack and killer damage resistance. Easily one of the most frightening opponents in the game.

[Dhruin]

You finished it in 2 days? How massive can it really be?

Around 16 hours seems to be the verdict...so, not really that massive. ;)

[JDR13]

Around 16 hours seems to be the verdict…so, not really that massive. ;)

16 hours?? Are you serious?

Wow.. I had heard it was short, but that is truly pathetic for this type of game.

[txa1265]

16 hours?? Are you serious?

Wow.. I had heard it was short, but that is truly pathetic for this type of game.

No wonder DudeNtheRoom evoked the name 'Fable' ...

[Dhruin]

I guess I should clarify, because our own review from Vox says 30 hours.

From Qt3...

"Is it really only 16 hours short or whatever the reviews said?"

"Played it through in one sitting, and yep, it is."

"15 hours and 30 minutes...so - not so long for an rpg :-)"

From the JoWood official forums:

"Took me about 20 hours to complete"

Although one guy says..

"Playing it for 28h now. And I still have enough to do'

So...I guess I don't really know.

[mute]

I am on my 10th (I really don't know)! hour and i have just begin questing in Silverlake. I think if you utilize quick travelling, do the main quest and don't do anything else i feel it can be a short game. As most game can be.

If you roam around, exploring and do side quests its longer. Much longer. If you then don't have the questhelpers on you really need to explore to find the places you need to go to.

One plus for this game, so far, is that the quest information, the location description actually help. And you can play without the markers on. If you choose to.

I do not force this game to be long. I just play it as it comes along.

I am so far a big fan of this game.

EDIT: Just checked my playtime on steam! :) (It was 10 hour yesterday, now i am on my 12th).

EDIT2: Darn, this got messy. I actually don't know how much time i spent. Gah. Well... I am having fun.

[Alrik Fassbauer]

Does anyone have any tips on how to defeat Knut the farmer?

*chuckles* Nice name ! ;)

Knut is an "original" (North-)Friesian name. This name has become kind of a cliché-name for people of north Germany. ;)

[elkston]

*chuckles* Nice name ! ;)

Knut is an "original" (North-)Friesian name. This name has become kind of a cliché-name for people of north Germany. ;)

:)

My question was kind of a joke too. Guess nobody got it. In reality Knut is a push-over encounter from the starting "demo" area.

[Alistair]

I'm 20 hours in so far...

Gothic difficulty, no quest helpers, lots of exploration :)

It's not a great game, but it's got good points IMO.

[GothicGothicness]

I read a review in swedish paper... too funny not to share....

Unfortunately the graphics is quite bad, like in all the Gothic games, but when even the dialogue is boring there is no motivation for me to play..

1/5 stars.

[JemyM]

Unfortunately the graphics is quite bad, like in all the Gothic games

A bit off-topic, but reviews like that have done a lot to ruin the market. Arcania do not have animation like Assassin's Creed or look like Crysis, but to say it's "quite bad" makes me question if the reviewers demands aren't actually harmful. Arcania uses plenty of expensive technologies that most small scale developers would only be able to dream about. Asking for even more increases expectations to unreasonable levels that block out innovative teams since they cannot afford the basic requirements the reviewers ask for.

[KasperFauerby]

A bit off-topic, but reviews like that have done a lot to ruin the market. Arcania do not have animation like Assassin's Creed or look like Crysis, but to say it's "quite bad" makes me question if the reviewers demands aren't actually harmful. Arcania uses plenty of expensive technologies that most small scale developers would only be able to dream about. Asking for even more increases expectations to unreasonable levels that block out innovative teams since they cannot afford the basic requirements the reviewers ask for.

Yeah, spot on!

I've noticed that as well - especially the console reviewers tend to have completely unrealistic expectations about graphics these days. I've seen a X360 reviews calling the graphics in Arcania "poor" or even "horrible". I mean, come on - fair enough that you don't like the game. But the graphics are simply not horrible :) It was the same with Risen, and several other titles that they didn't like.

Being a dev myself I have a certain technical knowledge of what's inside their beloved consoles - and there *is* actually an upper limit to how much graphics fidelity they can handle :)

[HiddenX]

I like nice graphics, music and sounds, but to make a good game developers should concentrate on the gameplay, game-elements and story first.
If this works make a good user-interface.
If this works (and you still have money left) make some eye-candy.

[GothicGothicness]

A bit off-topic, but reviews like that have done a lot to ruin the market.

The same guy gave risen 4/5 though….. saying that the graphic had a nostalgic feel and there was a good game benief.. also it had very agreeable system requirements.

[Maylander]

You finished it in 2 days? How massive can it really be?

Probably took around 20 hours. The world is bigger than that of the original Gothic (probably bigger than the world of Risen or Gothic 2 as well), but like I said - you only need to visit and clear an area once, which means no running back and forth.

Completed it a 2nd time, this time with a mage. Significantly easier about 2/3rds of the game (the final 2/3rds), but harder the rest. I put every single skill point into the three spells (saved the points early until magic became available). I ended the game at level 29 and had maxed all magic skills except one, which I would've maxed if I had reached 30 (should be possible). Basically, maxing all spells is possible.

I might complete it a 3rd time, this time as a ranger, but I'm not sure yet. New Vegas is coming soon, so there might not be enough time.

Also, I checked out alternative paths this time - there are definitely consequences in the game.
You can choose between the baron and the rebels in Stewark. The paths to "completing" the zone will be different depending on choice, as will the outcome.

In any case, I have a few questions for people who have completed it:
- Who is Lyrca? I know she's the blind witch, but her role is so significant I can't help shake the feeling that I've missed something. Is she the Ahn'Nosri or some such thing? Maybe she's in Forgotten Gods or whatever it's called?
- Is there a list or map online of all the pieces for the artifact items? I've never even been close to completing any of them. In fact, I don't think I've passed 10 out of 30 items yet.
- I picked up two Tears of Innos that were used to upgrade a weapon. Where did I get them? I can't remember picking them up, yet they were suddenly in my inventory.
- Who was the guy in the ending video? The king of Argaan along with Thorus and an orc (Ur-Shak perhaps)? It would seem that the king wants to use the Sleeper against Myrtana or some such thing, but I don't know - hard to tell from the video.
- I might add some more questions here in time.

[human_male]

I just ordered my copy for release in New Zealand on Friday (I'd preordered it then cancelled it based on some things I'd read about the demo). I'm worried it will suck, particularly the poor frame rate on the 360. But I just love games like this so I had to try it. I can always sell it on after.

[DudeNtheRoom]

How are you guys finishing in 20 hours??? I'm about 12 hours in and just got to the first real city in the same area with Otgars Farm. I haven't begun to explore it yet but I'm not using quest help and have it on normal.

[JDR13]

Anyone try it on "Gothic" difficulty yet? Just curious …

[RivianWitch]

I think the way the graphics look really depends on your system, to a large extent. I've more or less just started. I started with graphics on high, and for the first time with any game this specific system of mine struggled and sputtered.

Then I tried to set animated leaves and shadows off, and even though it is set to "off" in my settings, they didn't go away, so I set my settings right down to "low" and now I still have waving leaves and trees, glistening leaves and dancing shadows, but my textures look really crappy. I prefer my settings to be more customisable than this..

I'd rather have still foiliage and better textures and smoother performance, and less of motion-sickness when I run through the glistening landscape :P

[darkling]

Anyone try it on "Gothic" difficulty yet? Just curious …

The combat is the weakest point in the game and all the harder difficulty levels do is make the enemies hits do a lot more damage and have a lot more health. The AI is still slow, easy to predict and simple to defeat. On "Gothic" three hits from a rat in the starter area and you're toast and it takes a fair bit of pounding to take them down. It may sound like it makes the game harder but all I found it did was make the kinda mediocre combat incredibly tedious. The outcome was always a win but it took forever to get there. Regardless of difficulty, you will find and have LOTS of food and stuff to regain health instantly mid-combat and all 'Gothic' difficulty did was make me go through them faster (but I still never even came close to running out).

[TheMadGamer]

I've just completed the starting area. I really don't like the 'on rails' feel of the game so far. Everywhere that seems interesting to go I find I can't go there - that is really un-gothic-like.

The environments are interesting to look at, but the little nooks and crannies I find that amazingly are not inacceissble by an invisible barrier net nothing of note for the most part.

I do like the polish of the game, it runs smoothly, has a nice interface with a lot of feedback info, the quest log is well organized and so on.

I still feel like it's worth playing at this point.

[Dasale]

I had thrown it in trashcan of games to ignore, but reading this thread I noticed the flaws but also the qualities and overall that rise quite a lot my interest in this game.

Now the problem is, am I wanting a box version to keep it for a little collecting or is a Steam version will be enough and more handy? It's so awful that now when I think digital it's hard for me to think something else than Steam. I hope plenty players don't do like me to keep some balance. :S

[Dwagginz]

I'm a Gothic-virgin, and I've just cut my teeth on the demo of ArcaniA (I'm not far into it, though).

"Wow!" is all I can say. Visually, it's pretty impressive. It's rather nice musically, too. The quests so far have been pretty simple but they ease you into the game. The UI is also pretty good. It's simplistic and clear, like in Divinity 2. The combat, so far, seems a bit hack'n'slash-but-with-basic-tactics, i.e. if an enemy seems to charge up then dodge out of the way, use your bow to try to pick them off as they run to you and so forth.

That said, it's not without its flaws. It didn't tell me how to level up once I'd gotten enough experience, the lip-sync is pretty bad and it felt a little cumbersome at times. I was randomly given a bow and some arrows (Luckily it took a second to work out how to use them), which I think highlights another small flaw - If you're going to have a tutorial section, then make sure things are, well, covered. A lot of it, for me, has involved working it out for myself. I think I'd have liked the bow to be in first person/OTS camera mode, but I should be able to get used to it. I need to play around with the settings as it's really bumpy for me, but that's more an issue on my end than anything.

Overall, so far, it seems like another Divinity 2 in terms of how it feels - Flawed but with potential. I think I need to play on!

Notes: Playing on "Easy", High graphics settings (Which need tweaking) and with the European filter.

[JDR13]

It's rather nice musically, too.

If you like the music in Arcania, you're in for a pleasant surprise when you play the other Gothics.

Arcania has the least impressive musical score of the series.

[txa1265]

If you like the music in Arcania, you're in for a pleasant surprise when you play the other Gothics.

Arcania has the least impressive musical score of the series.

Because no KaiRO!

[Gorath]

I'm a Gothic-virgin, and I've just cut my teeth on the demo of ArcaniA (I'm not far into it, though).

Overall, so far, it seems like another Divinity 2 in terms of how it feels - Flawed but with potential. I think I need to play on!

Notes: Playing on "Easy", High graphics settings (Which need tweaking) and with the European filter.

You meant play on "hard". ;)

Make sure to read parts of our review again to understand what kind of game you're going to get.
I don't really see many similarities to Divinity 2.

Arcania is no Gothic. Almost everything which made Gothic great was removed.

[Dwagginz]

You meant play on "hard". ;)
Nooooooo!

Make sure to read parts of our review again to understand what kind of game you're going to get.
Of course, I rarely buy blind these days.

I don't really see many similarities to Divinity 2.
For me the similarity lies in the visuals. ArcaniA is much prettier, but it looks a lot (In my opinion) like Broken Valley from Div 2.