Gothic

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1243 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,077 out of 1243
  2. Mixed: 86 out of 1243
  3. Negative: 80 out of 1243
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  1. Pekaboyare
    Jan 26, 2021
    10
    10 мясных жуков из 10 возможных! Игра сделана гениально, лагеря, дух хардкорности, враги, диалоги - всё очень клево!
  2. Odin-the-father
    Mar 12, 2021
    10
    This game is one of the best RPG i played, first time i played this game i didn't even known english or german (i was a kid) and this game still managed to make my loved to this day.
  3. Skevinger
    Mar 22, 2021
    10
    The day i bought this game for 10 € changed my life. This game was way ahead in it's time. The setting is unique and I love the concept of joining different factions with different philosophies. Without a minimap, questmarkers, randomized chests, overpresent HUDs or even a tutorial, this game invites you to really discover a world annd earn your success. You really connect with the worldThe day i bought this game for 10 € changed my life. This game was way ahead in it's time. The setting is unique and I love the concept of joining different factions with different philosophies. Without a minimap, questmarkers, randomized chests, overpresent HUDs or even a tutorial, this game invites you to really discover a world annd earn your success. You really connect with the world and characters instead of just clicking through dialogues. Even modern games still have to learn from this masterpiece. Even the sequel is great and improved a lot of things.… Expand
  4. Joker77
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    Моя первая РПГ, именно из за неё я полюбил этот жанр. На мой взгляд лучшая РПГ своего времени!
  5. BWT
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    Probably the best game I ever played. All the quests are interesting, map without indicators provokex exploration, plot is engaging, combat system is deep enough. Great game.
  6. Rudey21
    Jun 20, 2021
    10
    ghjkghjghjghjghjhgjhdbfg;;dfgjkmbhjklmnfghjknlfjk;bngjk;k;jfg;kfghjkmnhmjkf
  7. Deant_Magnetic
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Это ведьмак своего времени, в который действительно стоит поиграть любителям средневековых рпг
  8. Tonyo92
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    It is the best RPG I ever played. Beautiful world, great story,soundtrack and characters. I Just Love Gothic! :)
  9. Le0nidas
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    My most favourite RPG from my childhood. Really great athmosphere and characters.
  10. Myrlok
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Отличная РПГ, хоть игре уже 20 лет, но все равно приятно играется если поставить все фиксы.
  11. Ruskacz
    Jan 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ta gra jest wyśmienita podoba mi się ta gra ponieważ lubię gry tego typu ale jak zobaczyłem jak mój kolega gra w gothica to się odrazu w tej grze zakochałem… Expand
  12. frexxu
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    The best game ever to be made. I love gothic and gothic II, especially the new mod that came out for gothic 2 "Chronicles of Myrtana"
  13. Gendolfender228
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    Honeslty morrowind and other bethesday crap aint got crap on this game this game is AMAZING storytelling environments characters etc literally best game of my childhood
  14. TastieToasty
    May 7, 2023
    10
    One of the best beginning of any game I have ever played.
    The Controls will turn you off at the beginning (you have to watch 1 or 2 YT videos)
    but you will love them after several hours! it feels like a surival game and really realistic at the beginning. You are afraid of wolfs You cant kill anything pretty much Every battle makes you sweat You are a low life scum pretty much    One of the best beginning of any game I have ever played.
    The Controls will turn you off at the beginning (you have to watch 1 or 2 YT videos)
    but you will love them after several hours!

    it feels like a surival game and really realistic at the beginning.
    You are afraid of wolfs
    You cant kill anything pretty much
    Every battle makes you sweat
    You are a low life scum pretty much

    as the game progresses the game gets sadly more linear.

    You get stonger and Stronger
    You will get higher positions in your faction
    You will one hit your Bullies or even murder them
    Your armor and weapons gets cooler and cooler

    You should watch MandaloreGaming's review about this game
    is it worth replaying to see all factions: yeah
    Is it worth finishing for each faction: no.

    One of the best RPG ever, you need to play it.
    also it is so easy to exploit.    … Expand
  15. fojtasd
    Jan 18, 2023
    10
    One of my first RPGs I have ever played. Staying also one of the best ones I have ever played.
  16. RefinedInsights
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    A truly classic gem that is as underrated as underrated gets, at the time it was a fresh take on the fantasy RPG genre. In today's world it is overlooked as a classic.
  17. Archangel2001
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    This game is just awesome. Still one of the best Open-World-Games ever. Thank you Piranha Bytes for this masterpiece!
  18. BernadetteW.
    Apr 1, 2002
    9
    Good.
  19. SteveZ.
    Apr 24, 2002
    9
    The best RPG I have ever played.
  20. BillyA.
    Mar 12, 2002
    9
    Excellent game, however it does have a few bugs, most of which have been worked out by version 8.1. Only true problem I see is the ability to get god-like weapons too soon into the game.
  21. Trashware
    Sep 21, 2011
    9
    Gothic is a game that either grows on you or never will. First thing you might notice is that it has overcomplicated controls which however are not impossible at all to master. You start out as a very weak character, which to me though adds to the challenge. In example you'll probably get beaten by those Dodo-like birds more then just a couple of times, but as you grow stronger you *will*Gothic is a game that either grows on you or never will. First thing you might notice is that it has overcomplicated controls which however are not impossible at all to master. You start out as a very weak character, which to me though adds to the challenge. In example you'll probably get beaten by those Dodo-like birds more then just a couple of times, but as you grow stronger you *will* be slaying them with one blow, feeling like you've actually have accomplished something.

    I felt compelled to continue this game as the setting and storyline are quite unique. You get thrown into a mining colony sealed off by a magic barrier. The colony itself is separated between three camps, each with their own take on how to deal with the situation. You get to choose which side you will be on, and yes - that *does* make a difference to your gaming experience even though near the end it all gets pretty much the same, storywise.

    The graphics may be a bit brownish and outdated to some, but I felt it supported the overall atmosphere of a mine-colony-prison very well. The engine works fine and I found the long walks between the camps fun and immersing. The gaming world is big and you get to discover a lot of varied locations, characters and enemies to deal with while the storyline itself remains solid.

    I loved playing this game, even though I only discovered it ten years after its release. Next up is finishing the next three parts (or at least Gothic 2). That might take a while though.    … Expand
  22. Levardos
    Mar 25, 2011
    9
    Gothic is one of the greatest games I've ever played. Of course, many years have passed since it was out. But it has something that makes me come back to it once in a while. The storyline is really great. The flaw is that it's linear, but still, it doesn't take much fun away from playing the game. Besides, we still have plenty of choices to do. The most important choice is, which of threeGothic is one of the greatest games I've ever played. Of course, many years have passed since it was out. But it has something that makes me come back to it once in a while. The storyline is really great. The flaw is that it's linear, but still, it doesn't take much fun away from playing the game. Besides, we still have plenty of choices to do. The most important choice is, which of three camps are we going to join. Each of them has a different "life style". The whole world in game is really nicely done, and even though it is whole open ever since we start to play, various enemies are placed around it so smartly that we won't be able to wander away too far without first making our character stronger. We don't create a character, we start as a weakling who doesn't know much about fighting, magic, or anything that could potentially be useful to him in a prison colony in which the game takes place in. But as we level up, we get learning points, and we develop our character as we want to. What I think is a good solution, is that we are only able to improve our stats by spending these learning points at various teachers (NPCs). Besides normal statistics like strength, dexterity, mana, one-handed weapons, double-handed weapons, bows, crossbows, we also can learn few unique abilities, like skinning animals, stealth, lock picking, and so on. We are only able to use spells later in the game, if we decide to be a mage, but for these we need magic runes which we buy. There are plenty of spells in the game. Variety of NPCs is amazing. We will meet friendly ones during the game, as well as ones that will become our foes. Overall, when you go through places in which there are people around, you will literally feel the in game world living it's own life. You will see NPCs talking to each other, eating, fixing their huts, practicing fighting, collecting rice, and doing many other activities, which just make the in game world seem really.. fluent. The graphics are old. It's an old game after all. But I still think that they are kinda nice in their own way. As I mentioned before, the world of the game is really great. It's neither too big nor too small, and it's fun to explore it, even the places that we don't need to visit. Controls are really simple. We only need to use arrow keys, ctrl, alt, spacebar, numbers from 1-9. We can use the mouse if we wish but I always found it more comfortable to use only keyboard. Fighting is quite enjoyable, especially later down when we increase our fighting skills. I don't have much to say about soundtrack, it seems simple but is really well made. What can throw one off, is that the game is a little bugged.. But there are patches that fix most bugs, and with newest community patch one can play the game without any problems. Another real problem is.. that even if they game is a bit difficult at the beginning, if we do good job on developing our character, all of the chapters later down will be ridiculously easy to play through. Or maybe it only seems so for me, since I've beaten the game plenty of times and I can more or less say I'm an experienced Gothic player. What also can tick someone off is that there are no new side quests later down in the game. Sure, we have plenty of these in the first chapter. But if we do them all, no new side quests come later down, only main quests. Despite it's old date of release, I must say that this game is simply... epic. I personally like the graphics but if you don't, don't let them throw you off. Because besides it, the game is more detailed than most of any newer RPGs. If you are a fan of action RPGs and you never played Gothic, you must try it.

    I think that's all I have to say. Let me do a quick summary.

    Pros:
    -Amazing storyline.
    -Variety of creatures and NPCs we meet through the game.
    -Although it could be a little more improved, fighting is really enjoyable.
    -Open world which just awaits for us to be explored. Huge pro is that it's neither too big nor too little.
    -Everything else I didn't mention.

    Cons:
    -Although the storyline is great, we can't affect it much.
    -Bugs, though only if we don't patch the game.
    -Too easy if we do a good job on developing our character through the first chapter.    … Expand
  23. zupergozer
    Aug 24, 2011
    9
    the game has an amazing story line and atmosphere. the story is very original, it is about you the nameless protagonist who gets thrown inside the penal colony of Khorinis, the penal colony is surrounded by a magic barrier which makes it impossible for the convicts to escape, so it is some sort of medieval Australia anyway the convicts rule the penal colony and they have three camps thethe game has an amazing story line and atmosphere. the story is very original, it is about you the nameless protagonist who gets thrown inside the penal colony of Khorinis, the penal colony is surrounded by a magic barrier which makes it impossible for the convicts to escape, so it is some sort of medieval Australia anyway the convicts rule the penal colony and they have three camps the old camp, the swamp camp and the new camp. the protagonist has to join one of these camps to advance into the story. it is very fun to meet all kinds of different characters in the game and to find out the dark secrets of the colony. sadly the game also contains a lot of bucks, for instance I currently can't play the game once I start the game it crashes. and it does that on all my 4 computers so the story and atmosphere is really good but the bugs and average gameplay kill one point of this game… Expand
  24. Zerk
    May 21, 2012
    9
    A brilliant game with a good story and wonderful atmosphere. It's old, yes, but it's still one of the best RP Gs I've ever played. Two words: Buy it.
  25. HCTristesse
    Oct 4, 2012
    9
    Great game with a great story and probably one of the most creative solutions for the borders of the game world. Nice to look at (for the time) and fun to play. The only small downsides are the odd controls (but you get used to them quickly) and the storyline that starts with loads of side quests and free choices but quickly forces you into a main story where you cannot take influence onGreat game with a great story and probably one of the most creative solutions for the borders of the game world. Nice to look at (for the time) and fun to play. The only small downsides are the odd controls (but you get used to them quickly) and the storyline that starts with loads of side quests and free choices but quickly forces you into a main story where you cannot take influence on the events and very little side quests already early in the game.… Expand
  26. JohnLemon
    Jan 31, 2013
    9
    This game is gold. It really gives me true feel of progression and not only engages me to achieve more, but also gives me something to achieve. Well, of course it has issues, like, it's really hard to fight against more, than 2 enemies, but most of the time, biggest flaw of the game are glitches. And also, do not pick up mage class, you are doomed if you will. Other than that, game is justThis game is gold. It really gives me true feel of progression and not only engages me to achieve more, but also gives me something to achieve. Well, of course it has issues, like, it's really hard to fight against more, than 2 enemies, but most of the time, biggest flaw of the game are glitches. And also, do not pick up mage class, you are doomed if you will. Other than that, game is just about perfect. Some might say outdated graphics, but i say screw you, i like even graphics, and just look at freaking sky!… Expand
  27. egn
    Mar 12, 2013
    9
    This game is...legendary. That's really the only word I can use to describe it. This game is legendary.; You are chucked into a detailed, fully-realized world that really and truly feels alive. For its time, it was groundbreaking in how it put in living world elements. Every character has a life, a schedule that they follow. You can find them at home when they're not doing whatever theyThis game is...legendary. That's really the only word I can use to describe it. This game is legendary.; You are chucked into a detailed, fully-realized world that really and truly feels alive. For its time, it was groundbreaking in how it put in living world elements. Every character has a life, a schedule that they follow. You can find them at home when they're not doing whatever they do, and at work otherwise. when you hunt, you clean game, and you can go and fry up your own dinner at a frying pan. you can fight with a weapon you crafted. Gaining access to the secrets of the magi is one of the most challenging and rewarding play styles of the game, and really leaves you feeling like you accomplished something. The plot, while I don't want to leave spoilers, is quite interesting and exciting; as is the overall premise, where you are a prisoner trapped in an autonomous prison. (think, a fantasy version of "Escape from New York"). Combat is challenging and fun; also fairly unforgiving. You probably will only find out if you can beat certain enemies by having to reload. The biggest downside to this game is the UI; it is really really difficult to get used to it, and there is not much room for the use of a mouse in it at all. It is really awkward to use in this sense, and that' is the reason why I'm giving it a 9 and not a 10; because for all other categories this game really ticks every box for me.… Expand
  28. DeusXCom
    Aug 3, 2014
    9
    Gothic is quite a hidden gem of the RPG genre. I didn't play this when it was first released back in 2001, but even today, 13 years later when I discovered it, it's still amazing, fully enjoyable and a very unique fantasy RPG experience. Really good world design, it's not overly huge like some other open worlds, but it's big enough to give you lots of freedom for exploration while it stillGothic is quite a hidden gem of the RPG genre. I didn't play this when it was first released back in 2001, but even today, 13 years later when I discovered it, it's still amazing, fully enjoyable and a very unique fantasy RPG experience. Really good world design, it's not overly huge like some other open worlds, but it's big enough to give you lots of freedom for exploration while it still feels very compact. Keep i mind this is an RPG still from the day and age where there wasn't much hand-holding for kids, so it's quite challenging in places and that's always a good thing which strengthens your satisfaction after the final completion. I really enjoyed the world, story and atmosphere Gothic provided and I'm looking forward to play Gothic 2. 9/10… Expand
  29. Zahrada
    Feb 24, 2014
    9
    For me, Gothic is one of the best games of the RPG genre. It is immersive, have a deep atmosphere, the story-telling is great, the graphics looked excelent and it was so much fun! One of the best things about this game is that the character wasn't actually a hero. It was aprisoner, a nobody and he was treated this way. Superb! I am so tired of the hero-syndrom of which the RPG genreFor me, Gothic is one of the best games of the RPG genre. It is immersive, have a deep atmosphere, the story-telling is great, the graphics looked excelent and it was so much fun! One of the best things about this game is that the character wasn't actually a hero. It was aprisoner, a nobody and he was treated this way. Superb! I am so tired of the hero-syndrom of which the RPG genre suffers so badly. Could we have a character who is not a chosen one by the gods, prophecy, etc., please? Could we have a character that is in real danger everywhere outside of cities? Thank you for Gothic! You are playing a random nobody about whom the world is not evolving. Oh thanks for that! And when the hero finally starts to be a hero, it is because he got so much better himself! I can't recall virtually any flaw of this game apart from the character control and sometimes frustrating combat system.… Expand
  30. wolfaust
    Jul 14, 2021
    9
    I have to admit, Gothic 1 has been an incredibly challenging adventure for me. Frankly, it took me almost a few hours to get used to the controls. Fortunately, I was finally able to add the WASD combination to the controls and play comfortably. For those who do not know, let me specify; The controls of Gothic 1 is based on CTRL and Shift + WASD. So, when you attack, you need to hold CTRLI have to admit, Gothic 1 has been an incredibly challenging adventure for me. Frankly, it took me almost a few hours to get used to the controls. Fortunately, I was finally able to add the WASD combination to the controls and play comfortably. For those who do not know, let me specify; The controls of Gothic 1 is based on CTRL and Shift + WASD. So, when you attack, you need to hold CTRL and set a target, not with the left mouse button. You have to attack with the WAD keys at the same time. CTRL + W, CTRL + A or CTRL + D. However, CTRL + S is for blocking. The controls were quite challenging, I want to say that.

    On the other hand, the story of the game amused and surprised me a lot. At times, even though I had travelled the same places hundreds of times for different missions, I didn't give up, and I was happy to finally learn the piece of a really good story. The story of the game, the dialogues and quests are very cleverly written. I was amazed by The Nameless Hero's reactions to some situations. Additionally, some quests let's yo to solve some puzzles, too. Switches. Switches. Switches.

    The currency in the game is referred to as Ore. So instead of gold or money, you shop with Ore. So spend your Ore wisely. Almost for everything, you have to deserve that place. For example, to be able to wear good armour, you must first gain prestige and position, so to speak. This triggered the player to spend more time and experience more in the Gothic universe. It is very good because the experience points and the skills you have will save your life in the future.

    Every time you level up, you get 10 experience points. You can spend these experience points through the instructors in the camps, depending on which way you will go; Warrior, Ranger or Mage. For example, Diego and Thorus are teaching Strength and Dexterity at the Old Camp. You should find other trainers for magic training as well. Sometimes, you need to go outside of camps to find Sneak or Athletic instructors. In fact, each camp has a characteristic. You can also find mage and warrior instructors in each camp. The maximum weapon abilities in the game are level 2. So when you reach the level 2 one-handed sword skill, it is maxed there. In terms of character development, Gothic 1 looks very different. It encourages the player to use their experience points wisely and be more careful.

    I want to state that you will have a hard time in the beginning. However, as you get used to the controls and explore the universe of Gothic, you start to realize that you enjoy the game. That's why you try to play the game, learn more information about its story and get better equipment. This is a good thing, of course. I want to add though if you don't love to play old-school games, Gothic might be a bit of a challenge for you.

    My most important suggestion is to save the game often. You will thank me later.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best PC Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
22
#22 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Four Fat Chicks
    100
    With a novel, large and intricate set of societies, coupled with excellent graphics and sound, Gothic becomes one of the most immersive and believable single-play adventure/RPGs ever.
    Read full review
  2. ActionTrip
    88
    The 3D engine looks unbelievably good! The surroundings are impeccable, and bear a surreal and depressive atmosphere. All the objects and buildings look just as great.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    86
    Decent graphics and a well-developed storyline. It also has a great amount of replayability, as each time through the game could yield different experiences with different choices.
    Read full review
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