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. AndrewF
    Jan 15, 2010
    10
    The best game ever. Better than Elder Scrolls, Witcher or Bioware-Games.
  2. AvaR.
    Oct 10, 2002
    10
    One of the greatest RPG games. a very good and intricating one.
  3. DanaP.
    Jan 28, 2002
    10
    Great Game.
  4. DanielM.
    Apr 2, 2002
    10
    This is by far the best role playing game I have ever played. These guys went above and beyond when paying attention to detail. EXCELLENT GAME!
  5. MoRdR.
    Jul 18, 2002
    10
    Sweat azz game love the weapons magic armor and everything else.
  6. JohnJ.
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Give the game 20 mins and you have learnt the controls. Great game Better than Morrowind, Better than Oblvion and the AI is brilliant and the way the stories go around as you make decisions that affect characters and the world is amazing! This game has to be played by all RPG publishers and then they can copy the game AI and the way the world reactes to you. If they do then we have a lot Give the game 20 mins and you have learnt the controls. Great game Better than Morrowind, Better than Oblvion and the AI is brilliant and the way the stories go around as you make decisions that affect characters and the world is amazing! This game has to be played by all RPG publishers and then they can copy the game AI and the way the world reactes to you. If they do then we have a lot of great RPG's coming our way, Athough I ask this of every publisher....Please do more genres, Westen, Detective, even my girlfirend says When Harry Met Sally could be a RPG! And I agree. Take a chance and PC gaming WILL go mainstream!… Expand
  7. SavvasV.
    Aug 13, 2007
    10
    The best game I have played ever. On the top with the Elder scrolls etc. Just magical.
  8. johann1978
    Sep 23, 2012
    10
    One of the best RPG's ever been made. I've played the game in the last 10 years determined 20 times. The atmosphere there is simply unmatched today.
  9. Pomornik
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    It seems there is a troll lobby on metacritic that rates down all gothic games, probably hired by bio-ware hehe. Isn't it suspicious nobody who rated negative had actually write a review? This game deseves 10, just look at the actual reviews, everyone will tell you its a masterpiece.
  10. Rotemetoot
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    I'm only in the beginning of the game...

    And at first the clunky controls can give a little frown... But the fact that this game has 5.7 gives us the ultimate truth about rpg's... I'm no elitist or fanboy, but the 5.7 this gets together with my experience with rpg games gives me the conclusion that this is truly the best rpg I have ever played... And I didn't even finish it yet. The    I'm only in the beginning of the game...

    And at first the clunky controls can give a little frown...

    But the fact that this game has 5.7 gives us the ultimate truth about rpg's...

    I'm no elitist or fanboy, but the 5.7 this gets together with my experience with rpg games gives me the conclusion that this is truly the best rpg I have ever played... And I didn't even finish it yet.

    The mysticism and soul this game has is not appreciated it seems...

    Let me put it like this...

    People that were obsessed with fantasy themes and imagination and had a heart filled with longing for occult dungeons etcetera, who also loved games like warhammmer, magic the gathering, advanced dnd...

    These people will love this game...

    People that play rpg's casually and want to feel heroic from the get go with big flashes will play the generic rpg's...

    It's 2011 and I am grateful I discovered this gem... Because I'd say, I'm a fantasy nerd in the style of advanced dnd, magic the gathering (10+ years ago, don't know how it is now.) and sitting in caves playing fantasy games all day long, forgetting about school...

    Ofcourse we are all fanboys and we all say this... But Gothic 1 is the only game that really gave me that occult feeling of mysticism some get from Lord of the Rings, etcetera...

    Unexplainable... But the 5.7 explains a lot...

    Get this game above all other video games if you are the DnD type of player...

    This game is maybe a 7.0 polish/graphic wise...
    But you will forget all of this when you are trying to decide which camp to join...

    I would also suggest playing this in 640x480.. Because it adds to the mysterious setting to play it in a cloudy resolution, in my opinion...    … Expand
  11. PaulBlack666
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best RPG I have ever played.
    I know that this game has a very little fan base, mainly in Germany, Poland and East Europe. I've no idea how such good game is so little known around the world. Great graphics, great story, great fights, great atmosphere, GREAT SOUNDTRACK. 10/10.    … Expand
  12. OneVoice
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    How the hell does this game have such a low score. I'm a big fan of open-world RPG games, and this game is the definition of what I find good in a game. Admittedly, it does take an hour or two before you really sink into the world and the story, but once you reach that point, and you've gotten used to the combat system, the game doesn't let you go. The world is one of the mostHow the hell does this game have such a low score. I'm a big fan of open-world RPG games, and this game is the definition of what I find good in a game. Admittedly, it does take an hour or two before you really sink into the world and the story, but once you reach that point, and you've gotten used to the combat system, the game doesn't let you go. The world is one of the most well-designed worlds from almost any game I've ever played. Play it!… Expand
  13. siuba
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    I just don't get people who moan over Gothic. All you can say is bugs and awkward controls. That's pathetic. Gothic represents what all RPGs should be like: gripping and original storyline with many turning points, super-charismatic characters(you have to be an idiot not to notice that) and miscellaneous gliches and secrets in every corner. Even the omnipresent bugs have become an integralI just don't get people who moan over Gothic. All you can say is bugs and awkward controls. That's pathetic. Gothic represents what all RPGs should be like: gripping and original storyline with many turning points, super-charismatic characters(you have to be an idiot not to notice that) and miscellaneous gliches and secrets in every corner. Even the omnipresent bugs have become an integral part of the gameplay, thus, along with the game, acquiring almost a cult status. What is most important - that game has an unforgettable atmosphere, beating down many other rpgs. Unfortunately, this all this cannot be appreciated by this increasing group of shallow consumers, for whom the epitomes of RPGishness are dragon age games, almost linear slashers, and mass effects - very good rpg-based shooters. The era of games which controls are not pad-orientated is gone.… Expand
  14. Alex2011
    Dec 28, 2011
    10
    Strange thing is: This game had a user rating of about 8.8- 9.2 some months ago! If you look at the reviews you will notice that written reviews are almost all very positive.
    But there seem to be many people who dislike the game but didnt't tell us why.
    And believe me: these negative ratings were not there half a year ago. My personal conclusion is: THE RATING IS MANIPULATED by haters/    Strange thing is: This game had a user rating of about 8.8- 9.2 some months ago! If you look at the reviews you will notice that written reviews are almost all very positive.
    But there seem to be many people who dislike the game but didnt't tell us why.
    And believe me: these negative ratings were not there half a year ago. My personal conclusion is: THE RATING IS MANIPULATED by haters/ other developers etc...

    This makes me sad because Gothic and Gothic II are masterpieces of game experience and one of my favourite games of all time!    … Expand
  15. Ad-Ziu
    Mar 21, 2012
    10
    Although Gothic suffers greatly from technical issues, its storyline and amazing climate makes it take place in my top 5 rpg games. Fact that after 11 years from release date it's still entertaining and addictive as hell is best recommendation i could give.
  16. mAs7eRa
    Dec 30, 2012
    10
    This is just one of my favourite rpgs! The atmosphere is amazing, and is far better then the other Gothics. The only one, that I can also play is Gothic 2. The rest are just an insult to this game! It has a great story, great magic system and funny but good for me combat system! The graphics were great for the year that it was released. I remember playing the demo of this game, and sayingThis is just one of my favourite rpgs! The atmosphere is amazing, and is far better then the other Gothics. The only one, that I can also play is Gothic 2. The rest are just an insult to this game! It has a great story, great magic system and funny but good for me combat system! The graphics were great for the year that it was released. I remember playing the demo of this game, and saying WOW, this game is a must buy! Pity that they could not continue this great series!… Expand
  17. Pajk
    May 29, 2012
    10
    One of best game I ever played! The control is absolutely OK, I didn't have any problem with it. Gothic is not easy game but it worth your time. After some hours player still can't kill boars for example so it can be frustrating if you came from other game such as elder scrolls. But after some time you will be stronger and you will know every corner of the world and lot of great game characters.
  18. FaceCommander
    Jun 10, 2012
    10
    Good story , good world design , good atmospheric feel and great music it really makes for enjoyable rpg game , it takes a 20 to 30 mins till you learn controls , but after learning them its an awesome ride.
    This game don't have inventory routine cause it's unlimited space , and no respwan every 15 mins routine cause spawns are set to story events and etc.Characters don't sound like just    Good story , good world design , good atmospheric feel and great music it really makes for enjoyable rpg game , it takes a 20 to 30 mins till you learn controls , but after learning them its an awesome ride.
    This game don't have inventory routine cause it's unlimited space , and no respwan every 15 mins routine cause spawns are set to story events and etc.Characters don't sound like just useless quest givers ,npc have personalities. Story is really nice. Journal has hand writen feel to it. Quite nice variety of spells no unneeded like in some other rpgs. Overall :compact full of content world , enjoyable characters, nice smooth combat , no limit for inventory , great atmospheric feeling , quest journal that actually helps or at times atleast is fun , very awesome epic music , freedom of class (bows, magic , melee you can do it all pretty much). This game shows how I would like RPGs to be made.    … Expand
  19. Harumpel
    Dec 12, 2012
    10
    For the time it came out, Gothic was a revelation. Nothing came even close to the story, immersion and combat of it. I spent some sleepless nights with Gothic and also love Gothic 2. These are the games which modern work like Witcher 1&2 are inspired by. Rating: plain 10.
  20. Sir_Galahad
    Aug 25, 2012
    10
    An excellent RPG. I played the 2nd game first, but find the 1st game nearly as good.
    Interestingly there seems to be the same strange situation with the user-scores as with Gothic 2 (44 negative reviews and only 1 written one - for both games).
  21. ALTPL
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    Nostalgia and crappy controls for the win! I've lost count how many times I've finished this game.
  22. krushak
    Dec 30, 2012
    10
    best action-rpg by far

    - great german voice actors (it's unique)
    - manually designed world, not like a TES
    - best athmosphere i have ever seen, the graphic and the rough world of bandits - unique!
    - great story - from zero to hero, not from hero to god :)
    - specific controls - of course, not for casuals :D
  23. KillaRiku
    May 18, 2013
    10
    It is the best and first RPG I've ever played and I like it all the way. It has a great story, an awesome atmosphere and the music is really neat, too. I can't stop playing it for 12 years. And I still have fun with it!
    If you don't have it: buy it! It's awesome!
  24. Olveyn
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    Gothic is a game which is perfect for me. Ten years passed and I still enjoy life under the magic barrier. Beautiful world filled with interesting NPCs, great dialogs, stunning music and things difficult to express. The story is dark and addictive. I love the choice of joining Old Camp - rich from trade with the outer world, New Camp - where people do what they want and Water Mages try toGothic is a game which is perfect for me. Ten years passed and I still enjoy life under the magic barrier. Beautiful world filled with interesting NPCs, great dialogs, stunning music and things difficult to express. The story is dark and addictive. I love the choice of joining Old Camp - rich from trade with the outer world, New Camp - where people do what they want and Water Mages try to find a way out of Barrier or the Brotherhood - filled with people prayint to their pagan god and smoking swamp weed. You can learn a lot of interesting magic spells from firebolt, shapeshift, telekinesis to one that allows you to control someone's body. The only flaws of the game are controls and maybe lack of side-quests in some of the chapters.
    That game is a masterpiece.    … Expand
  25. gracjanski
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    Great game and surely a classic one: Perfect atmosphere, great setting and story. The dialogs are great too, because they are adult. The gameplay is more focused on tactics then on strategy and very funny, although I dont like that so much. The only bad side of this game are the controlling and some bugs.
    Anyway even in 2015 this game makes me addicted to play further. 10/10 Cant    Great game and surely a classic one: Perfect atmosphere, great setting and story. The dialogs are great too, because they are adult. The gameplay is more focused on tactics then on strategy and very funny, although I dont like that so much. The only bad side of this game are the controlling and some bugs.
    Anyway even in 2015 this game makes me addicted to play further. 10/10 Cant understand, why the "professional" tester gave this game less then 80%    … Expand
  26. Xardas666
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    Looking and not believing.. all these negative comments what!? my childhood is ruined but seeing this... and it's like this on G2 but don't be scared of by all the negative reviews.. they are not really they are some payed basterds that are here to put this great game down! don't listen to it.. And all those reviews without writing anything i know how they did that.. on summary page youLooking and not believing.. all these negative comments what!? my childhood is ruined but seeing this... and it's like this on G2 but don't be scared of by all the negative reviews.. they are not really they are some payed basterds that are here to put this great game down! don't listen to it.. And all those reviews without writing anything i know how they did that.. on summary page you can rate game without writing anything.. not a single word.. but enough of that my moaning won't change anything I'm here to tell you that they are all WRONG!
    What people here are writing is incredible and i don't give a damn I'll quote:
    "Very dated when played today./.../ ...but since the mouse look/feel is nowhere near the norm it put me off. My rating is based on 2012/.../ 5/10 first of all you rating a game from 2001 as game from 2012 then you kind sir are mental! I personally like controls they make me immersed into game even more... like i need to hold LMB in order to pick something up- isn't it like using your hand?
    "I spent about an hour and a half on this and gave up. The nonsensical control scheme and awkwardness of movement are absolutely game breaking. I heard it's supposed to have some good qualities, but I couldn't even get to them." it's not my damn fault that you're not patient. Controls are great to me a real change to all usual control mapping...
    Imagine this they are moaning about COMBAT! I won't say 100% but at least 90% of REAL Gothic lovers love combat because it's not simple (EoS kinda) "Smashing LMB" all the time here you need to use WSAD in order to attack of dodge attacks in different directions (Isn't that ingenious?!)
    "Game's too hard" maybe because it's not EoS and because you need to improve both yours and your character's abilities in order to achieve something!
    "Game's too slow paced" oh, really!? and you'd like to get right up to fight like "From Hero to God" and not "From Zero to Hero" and you'd like to be able to kill anything on lvl one and to make it easier by developing you character! Oh then you've tried to play wrong game, go any have fun with your EoS and leave Gothic series to real hardcore gamers!
    It's not that much of a review because my fellow Gothic lovers already said it all, I'm just here to defend my all time favorite game series! and a vital part of my childhood!
    Take care fellow Gothic lovers and enjoy Gothic games even more (if possible :P)!    … Expand
  27. Mirek
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    Fresh and very appetizing approach to the RPG. Great game, and I remember as if it were a moment ago exploring the mining colony in 2001. One of the best games I've played.
  28. FenixLT
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    BEst RPG of my child hood) it took so many hours back then to finish and had sooooooo deep effect over my inspiration that I am styll thankfull to Piranhas for such a grate time)
  29. Gavier
    Jun 11, 2014
    10
    King of RPG. Great story filled with characters you like and hate. Three unique fractions. Open world full danger and tresures opened to player right after start.
  30. Jays
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    One of the best RPG`s i have ever played in my life. I still remember the setting of the game and all the characters, the story (one of the best at that time and still is now) and even the awful combat that i love to death.

    Over all this is a RPG masterpiece.
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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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