Risen

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 894 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 659 out of 894
  2. Mixed: 163 out of 894
  3. Negative: 72 out of 894
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  1. imbrex
    May 27, 2011
    9
    First, looks great, decisions have a large impact on the game. The combat works very well, as you upgrade skills. You'll have alot of trouble if you just button mash. The drawback of the game is that I had some very irritating bugs when I played - missing quest triggers, etc. On the whole a very fun game for RPG fans.
  2. Travie
    May 18, 2011
    9
    I just replayed this game for the 3rd time. If it wasn't for the short chapter 3 this would be a 9.5 for me. This game deserves many accolades, and I hope there are more great PB games incoming in the near future.
  3. Synplasm
    Apr 9, 2011
    9
    A challenging and very rewarding game. One of the better RPGs to appear in the last few years. If you are prepared to invest in the game you will get your money's worth and much more. Even if you are only a semi serious RPGer you should give this game a try. I doubt if you will be disappointed. I won't go into specifics, I don't need to, just believe me when I say this game is very veryA challenging and very rewarding game. One of the better RPGs to appear in the last few years. If you are prepared to invest in the game you will get your money's worth and much more. Even if you are only a semi serious RPGer you should give this game a try. I doubt if you will be disappointed. I won't go into specifics, I don't need to, just believe me when I say this game is very very immersive. Of course, if you are an instant gratification bod who wants to be walked through the game whilst playing it, simultaneously one shotting everything in your path, then I wouldn't bother.… Expand
  4. mcTwex
    Apr 8, 2011
    4
    Frankly I do not understand what the fuss is about this game: everything from go is positively frustrating: from the ridiculous jarring and frame stutter you get (specificallyon ATI HD+ cards) to the hideous character visuals (the environments are gorgeous though) and the lack of an apparent mini-map. That and the fact that it is ridiculously hard to the point of frustration = a game to beFrankly I do not understand what the fuss is about this game: everything from go is positively frustrating: from the ridiculous jarring and frame stutter you get (specificallyon ATI HD+ cards) to the hideous character visuals (the environments are gorgeous though) and the lack of an apparent mini-map. That and the fact that it is ridiculously hard to the point of frustration = a game to be avoided. Absolute trash with almost no redeeming value whatsoever.… Expand
  5. tk421storm
    Mar 25, 2011
    5
    Pros: Great environment design, interesting quest design

    Cons: annoying combat system, difficulty spikes, stilted character acting, being trapped in areas before completing objectives, generally unhelpful and difficult quest system

    TLDR: A unique world hampered by annoying combat, tedious questing and huge difficulty spikes
  6. Ramanujan
    Mar 15, 2011
    9
    I've never played any of the Gothic games so this game was a quite new experience for me. A very enjoyable and engrossing experience too. I've logged 100 hours on this game without even noticing it - it's that immersive. Potions, cooking, mining, forging, stealing, freedom to go almost anywhere from the start and a fresh (to me) approach to combat, which I had to learn fast. Any game whereI've never played any of the Gothic games so this game was a quite new experience for me. A very enjoyable and engrossing experience too. I've logged 100 hours on this game without even noticing it - it's that immersive. Potions, cooking, mining, forging, stealing, freedom to go almost anywhere from the start and a fresh (to me) approach to combat, which I had to learn fast. Any game where spamming the left click button almost guarantees you defeat in battle is a welcome change. A serious or even semi-serious RPGer should find this game well worth their time and money. I had a few very minor grahical glitches (steam version) and the end could perhaps have been better, but this game is full of entertainment and I highly recommend it, especially if the you are disillusioned with the direction of other so-called RPGs.… Expand
  7. Kiblams
    Feb 3, 2011
    4
    This game could have been very enjoyable, thought his is stunted somewhat by the awkwardness of almost every aspect of the game from combat to levelling.

    I am a huge fan of RPG games and after oblivion and Dragon Age this simply does not stand up against modern titles. One thing that I will say for Risen is that the graphics are very pretty indeed, this may be of the only feature of    This game could have been very enjoyable, thought his is stunted somewhat by the awkwardness of almost every aspect of the game from combat to levelling.

    I am a huge fan of RPG games and after oblivion and Dragon Age this simply does not stand up against modern titles.

    One thing that I will say for Risen is that the graphics are very pretty indeed, this may be of the only feature of the game which held my attention for the duration that i played it, more a desire to see more of the lush surroundings than the want to develop my character and see where the story would take me.    … Expand
  8. The_Fiend
    Dec 3, 2010
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed this game. Great music and atmospherics. Love the AI of the NPCs (.e.g f you stand somewhere high and be a douchebag like me taking crossbow shots at random people, they don't just come up to the building butting their heads on the wall, but actually climb up to come and get you lol). I think a good combination of a bit of hack and slash with solid rpg. BIG THUMBS UP!
  9. Camman0908
    Nov 18, 2010
    1
    Very lack luster game. with no quest log to give you guidance, you are merely wandering around half the game. You are very vulnerable to EVERYTHING! Rats will make you scream at the low levels. Could have been so much more. Really wish the developers had taken more time to CARE about what they were making. Story is bland and unentertaining. Don't waste your money on this when you could buyVery lack luster game. with no quest log to give you guidance, you are merely wandering around half the game. You are very vulnerable to EVERYTHING! Rats will make you scream at the low levels. Could have been so much more. Really wish the developers had taken more time to CARE about what they were making. Story is bland and unentertaining. Don't waste your money on this when you could buy Oblivion or Mass Effect for a much better story AND a better game. Again, stay away from this, its a horrid release and does not deserve your money.… Expand
  10. Levethian
    Nov 15, 2010
    10
    Actually I like this game now -- It's almost as compelling as Gothic 2.
    Can Metacritic delete 'AndyG's' review, given that he's me, and that I've changed my opinion?..
  11. CaptainChaos
    Oct 3, 2010
    10
    I base this rating on pure fun value. This is hands down the best combat system ever in any RPG anywhere; it is extraordinarily challenging without being gimmicky. No matter how strong you are, if you get lazy, a pack of wolves will eat you b/c they will use good AI and surround you so that one distracts you while another eats you. Progress is slow but steady and you can design theI base this rating on pure fun value. This is hands down the best combat system ever in any RPG anywhere; it is extraordinarily challenging without being gimmicky. No matter how strong you are, if you get lazy, a pack of wolves will eat you b/c they will use good AI and surround you so that one distracts you while another eats you. Progress is slow but steady and you can design the character you want. With perseverance, luck and skill, you *might* beat something relatively much stronger than you and then reap your xp and treasure rewards out of proportion to your level which is my favorite thing about well designed RPGs as they reward courage and creativity. But mostly likely you will be reloading a lot! (as you should). And don't even think about the toughest creatures until you are truly advanced.

    The graphics while a bit dated but beautiful render cilnky skeletons and icky giant moths; even the wolves have menacing yellow eyes and sping tingling growls. And the real star is the gorgeous FarCry-esque seascapes, with hidden paths and easter eggs everywhere. Even after 25 hours I still was surprised to suddenly realize an area I knew really well, actually bent back across the mountain to something else I knew... speaking of which, the map design is brilliant. There are shortcuts all over but you won't be able to use them until you are powerful enough to be where you should be because the monsters guarding them are either very tough or numerous - so it's not gimmicky at all, just well thought out and immersive. Honestly, I should rate this game a 9 b/c the combat was a bit tricky in the beginning and the quest system definitely needs a lot more help in figuring out, both of which sent me to the walkthroughs more than once. But if you don't mind doing that once in a while this game is a 10. Otherwise, it's still a 9.    … Expand
  12. OveM.
    Jan 26, 2010
    3
    This game could have been so much better. The RPG elements are very well implemented and the fighting is cool. BUT i the quests are almost impossible to do since there is NO quest tracking system. Thats why i uninstalled the game after a while.... i couldn't manage to do the quests... I mostly ran around wondering what to do next.
  13. chantaraSinghSen
    Jan 21, 2010
    8
    Everything are great but it very short after defeat the Titan the game end very disapionted it should be continues like go to the mainland or something interesting and never end.
  14. AndyG.
    Jan 14, 2010
    5
    Started fine, but very soon became apparent that I'd played it before. Piranha Byte's brand of RPG will die like 'Might and Magic' for its chronic inability to advance, improve or develop their creation. At least Bethesda take some risks to build on what they have.
  15. HubertM
    Jan 2, 2010
    6
    I'm a great Gothic fan(real gothic: 1,2 and Night of the Raven) that's why I suffered really much when Piranha made IMHO very crappy G3. So I was looking forward Risen, hoping they would correct previous mistakes. And at the beginning I really enjoyed it - good optymalisation, nice graphics models, interesting plot. But it soon turned out that gameplay is dull, side quests I'm a great Gothic fan(real gothic: 1,2 and Night of the Raven) that's why I suffered really much when Piranha made IMHO very crappy G3. So I was looking forward Risen, hoping they would correct previous mistakes. And at the beginning I really enjoyed it - good optymalisation, nice graphics models, interesting plot. But it soon turned out that gameplay is dull, side quests almost don't exist, the map is huge however, there's nothing interesting to see except hordes of boring mobs. Main quests were all about annihilating more and more mobs to get milion pieces of very powerful artifact, and later another and another. But during my whole 'adventure' with Risen it didn't really bother me, because I was waiting for some development of plot when suddenly...the game ended. I was laughing whole day because I think it took me the same time I would need to get to the 3rd chapter of G2 for example. For me - better than G3, but still average.… Expand
  16. [anonymous]
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    The Risen is great game. When you play you feel magic.If yo played Gothic and you like it Risen is game for you.It is in my opinion the best RPG in this year!!!
  17. MikaelO
    Dec 6, 2009
    8
    A solid RPG, with a lot of atmosphere. The combat system is at times not so responsive as one might wish for, in a game that requires you to master your keyboard in order to just survive. The upside of that is of course the good old Gothic feel. This game is difficult. The enemies are really dangerous, and your skill and your character's, will determine the outcome of combat. For A solid RPG, with a lot of atmosphere. The combat system is at times not so responsive as one might wish for, in a game that requires you to master your keyboard in order to just survive. The upside of that is of course the good old Gothic feel. This game is difficult. The enemies are really dangerous, and your skill and your character's, will determine the outcome of combat. For some, this will be a let down, but for the rest of us, it heightens the feeling of accomplishment. As with any quest-based RPG, there are some glitches with the quests, but all-in-all I feel that it works out very nicely. A negative point is the horribly stereotype view of women, but to be perfectly fair, most role playing games on PC tend to be massively sexist.… Expand
  18. KevR
    Nov 29, 2009
    9
    This game is a gem of role-playing games. It is not perfect and let me tell you, if you are not up to the challenge this game will annihilate you. It features a beautiful, detailed and living world (except on the 360) and the best combat system ever made for a role-playing game. One that actually requires skill and where every fight is a challenge. The game's main flaw is its This game is a gem of role-playing games. It is not perfect and let me tell you, if you are not up to the challenge this game will annihilate you. It features a beautiful, detailed and living world (except on the 360) and the best combat system ever made for a role-playing game. One that actually requires skill and where every fight is a challenge. The game's main flaw is its chapters. While the 1st and 3rd chapter are insanely well made and I literally finished them without exiting the game, I was disappointed that the 2nd and 4th chapter could not quite keep up with the other two. The game is probably the best RPG to come out since Gothic 2 and KotoR and definitely worth getting. And with an add-on to make up for the weaker chapters and a few flaws (which are so small I cannot recall them atm) may even be the best RPG ever made.… Expand
  19. JamesG
    Nov 27, 2009
    9
    Great character voice acting, good storyline and progression of hero from fighter to battle mage. They avoided a lot of the annoying aspects of similar games (unlimited weight carrying, fireballs don't kill friends, no limitations based on good/evil alignment, etc).. Beautiful environment with sunrises, birds, rain, nice water effects. Lots of weapons, but not too complicated. Simple Great character voice acting, good storyline and progression of hero from fighter to battle mage. They avoided a lot of the annoying aspects of similar games (unlimited weight carrying, fireballs don't kill friends, no limitations based on good/evil alignment, etc).. Beautiful environment with sunrises, birds, rain, nice water effects. Lots of weapons, but not too complicated. Simple approach to magic that works well. Great game!… Expand
  20. JohnW
    Nov 25, 2009
    5
    A lot of glitches. Poor battle system. Poor maps. Not worth the price at all.
  21. phanj
    Nov 22, 2009
    6
    I tried to and really want to like this game. I just can't stand the combat, which is very frustrating. Your opponent gets guaranteed hits, but the reflex-based combat system implies that your mouse clicking skills will suffice. So the combat tries to be action-rpg because your coordination with the mouse is important and not so much your player's stats (as opposed to DA:O where I tried to and really want to like this game. I just can't stand the combat, which is very frustrating. Your opponent gets guaranteed hits, but the reflex-based combat system implies that your mouse clicking skills will suffice. So the combat tries to be action-rpg because your coordination with the mouse is important and not so much your player's stats (as opposed to DA:O where 'stats' are everything). Even the simplest creatures seem to have more HP than you do and will take many hits to kill. Also the world is chock full of hostiles at every turn, just amplifying how frustrating the game can get when each fight seems rigged to be unfair. When you engage a hostile, you can't defend and attack (mele) at the same time, so you MUST release the shield and strike. And in this 1/20th of a second window where you release your shield and click to attack, your opponent gets a random chance at a guaranteed hit and you are forced to quaff a heal pot (which are hard to find early on). You can NOT hold the shield up and hit with the weapon at the same time. Other people who seem to have not noticed that the combat is unfair say it's fine, but they just haven't noticed the game is cheating in combat. Also the game forces you to do menial tasks to progress in the game like farm a farmer's field. Things like this serve the story, but absolutely are not fun to do. So from that perspective story is primary in this game, and RPG elements secondary. It's an adventure game with RPG elements, but as far as game progression, you must do many of the quests. What I like about the game is that the world is indeed as PB says, detail rich. The world is immersive. Everything is skillfully made. Time of day is very well done. I wish I could stand this game more so that I could see more of what it has to offer, because the scenery is very nice. I've also heard there are some big dungeons to explore and I'd love to see those. Oh well.… Expand
  22. JeffA
    Nov 15, 2009
    5
    Blah dialog, blah combat, blah voice acting and character animations. Blah enemies, very very dull all around. Try gothic II or oblivion, this game is lame.
  23. AlexV
    Nov 12, 2009
    9
    Great rpg, Doesn't seem that great at first but beyond that it becomes excellent. Challenging (which some people may not like) but gives you a real sense of achievement when you finally off a tough beast or solve a major quest. It's free-roaming, has tons of interesting quests, and once you get used to the controls you'll find them natural. Only thing wrong I found is the Great rpg, Doesn't seem that great at first but beyond that it becomes excellent. Challenging (which some people may not like) but gives you a real sense of achievement when you finally off a tough beast or solve a major quest. It's free-roaming, has tons of interesting quests, and once you get used to the controls you'll find them natural. Only thing wrong I found is the combat controls for optimum combat are set too fast for me (but I'm useless at beat-em ups etc). Didn't really matter though since you can still have very fun and tactical combat without them (it's not that big a deal). Overall a fantastic game.… Expand
  24. lizard
    Nov 7, 2009
    9
    I've not played any of the gothic games but I'm finding this to be a solid and enjoyable RPG. There are a few minor technical issues and I've experienced a couple of annoying CTD's but this hasn't affected my enjoyment of the game too badly, I also feel that performance could be a little bit better. The graphics and world design are superb, despite the reletively I've not played any of the gothic games but I'm finding this to be a solid and enjoyable RPG. There are a few minor technical issues and I've experienced a couple of annoying CTD's but this hasn't affected my enjoyment of the game too badly, I also feel that performance could be a little bit better. The graphics and world design are superb, despite the reletively small size of the island and limited number of major settlements there is still a great deal to discover in this game. The AI is of a reasonable standard and I find combat quite enjoyable, one thing that is a little annoying is the fact that NPC's etc. aren't drawn until reletively close to the player character and the fade in is quite noticeable. Voice acting on the whole is pretty reasonable and the story itself is quite interesting . There's a wide range of different quests and a good amount of different skills that your character can learn ranging from cooking to smithing weapons. Overall I'm really impressed with this game even though it has a few irritating technical issues, one of the better games to appear on the PC this year.… Expand
  25. JubalH
    Oct 30, 2009
    0
    The game is very good, but the DRM is unacceptable, only 3 activations is an absurd. The support for revalidation at deep silver ignores you. Don't buy and don't loose your money.
  26. YuriU
    Oct 28, 2009
    10
    There isn't anything I disliked about the game. Combat system is challenging, and I like that. I have to actually think and know how to move, when to block, when to hit. I like the fact that with enough experience in combat you can defeat monsters that are a lot stronger than you. Alchemy is nice - picking all those plants, looking for special ones in hidden places. This isn't There isn't anything I disliked about the game. Combat system is challenging, and I like that. I have to actually think and know how to move, when to block, when to hit. I like the fact that with enough experience in combat you can defeat monsters that are a lot stronger than you. Alchemy is nice - picking all those plants, looking for special ones in hidden places. This isn't something optional if you want to make your character considerably tougher. RP setting is great - I liked Don's Camp a lot, with the bad, tough guys. How they try to frame inquisition as the *real* bad ones, and how it turns out, when you meet them, to be quite nice guys. Sights are great - ocean, forests, sky - are very beautiful. Music is very, very nice. Miscellaneous: Climbing rocks and trying to get to previously unreachable places using Acrobatics skill is cool; girls are pretty.… Expand
  27. SeanF
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    Let me start this review by saying that I've never played any of the Gothic games. Or Oblivion. Or pretty much any RPG that has been released (for PC or consoles) in the last 8-or-so years. I lost interest in gaming a long while back, after a marriage, kids and work took up all of my time. I bought a new computer last week, and figured I'd take a look on Metacritic and see which Let me start this review by saying that I've never played any of the Gothic games. Or Oblivion. Or pretty much any RPG that has been released (for PC or consoles) in the last 8-or-so years. I lost interest in gaming a long while back, after a marriage, kids and work took up all of my time. I bought a new computer last week, and figured I'd take a look on Metacritic and see which RPGs were well-received -- I used to love the genre, and have played many of the classics (Wizardry series up to 7, Ultima Underworld, Betrayal at Krondor, etc.) and figured that I'd pick up a title to play for an hour or two in the evenings before bed. After considering a few, I decided on Risen and purchased it from an online retailer. I had no idea what I was in for! I have scarcely done anything but sit in my computer chair, jaw gaping for the last 4 days. This game is just incredible... the world is so fully realized it's almost shocking. People go about their daily lives, the days and nights cycle and weather changes, the world has very lived-in feel and a real sense of history. It is so easy to get lost in it, especially due to all of the distractions that the game offers you: collecting animal trophies, crafting swords and jewelery, mining... the list goes on and on. Should you decide to focus on the main quest line, the plot is gripping and voice acting accomplished. The game has a sense of moral ambiguity throughout that's very mature and thoughtful. There is no right and wrong side -- you are left only with your own morals and instincts to decide your friends and foes. Also, characters are multi-dimensional and not always as they appear... you will often serve as a tool for someone else's ulterior motives unless you're wise enough to catch on and refuse. I am, perhaps, not the best judge of graphics since I've been out of the loop for a while, but i'd argue that Risen is indisputably gorgeous. Beams of rust-orange light poke through the swaying trees at sunset, water flows convincingly around rocks and down falls, nights are inky blackness, broken only by your torch, which casts realistic shadows from everything around you. Just wow. Don't let yourself miss this game, it is really truly a classic and has single-handedly rejuvenated my interest in video games.… Expand
  28. Poloman
    Oct 24, 2009
    8
    Best single player RPG I've played in a very long time. I don't have anything else recently released to compare it to, but I enjoyed it more than Elder Scrolls - Oblivion or Fallout 3.
  29. AndyB
    Oct 24, 2009
    9
    Very good game indeed. Great graphics, combat, VO, world to explore. Quests in chapter one are fantastic, not quite so good in later game, just rather linear. Still fun because of combat system, which feels clumsy at first because your char is crap at fighting, with effort and skill increases becomes more and more fluid. Character system is okay, not the best, but sufficient. Definitely Very good game indeed. Great graphics, combat, VO, world to explore. Quests in chapter one are fantastic, not quite so good in later game, just rather linear. Still fun because of combat system, which feels clumsy at first because your char is crap at fighting, with effort and skill increases becomes more and more fluid. Character system is okay, not the best, but sufficient. Definitely the most fun I've had in a game all year, hope it sells well.… Expand
  30. TomE
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    This is the game that Gothic 3 should have been. Game play is interesting and thought provoking. The graphics are beautiful. Game play and the story line flows nicely, and can be played leisurely. If you like Gothic 3, even in its broken state, or liked Oblivion or The Witcher, you will love Risen.
  31. GlennH
    Oct 21, 2009
    6
    Risen is more of the same... That's the best way to put it. The combat is decent, though repetitive. The graphics are nice, if unimaginative. The story moves you through the game, but doesn't enthrall you. The game is mediocre. One of the strangest decisions is not letting you create your own character... Why do I have to play a premade character, when there is nothing Risen is more of the same... That's the best way to put it. The combat is decent, though repetitive. The graphics are nice, if unimaginative. The story moves you through the game, but doesn't enthrall you. The game is mediocre. One of the strangest decisions is not letting you create your own character... Why do I have to play a premade character, when there is nothing interesting about him? He's the fantasy equivalent of a bald space marine.… Expand
  32. Kulski
    Oct 19, 2009
    10
    Gothic is Risen is Gothic..... - yes this game is not wat, in my opinion, everyone expected from gothic 3. All in all gothic 3 was a good game with some disadvantages like a real bad combat system - and a very disapointing story. In my opnion these two issues were the only issues gothic 3 had - and risen just fixes these issues and makes some thing s even better than gothic 3. The Gothic is Risen is Gothic..... - yes this game is not wat, in my opinion, everyone expected from gothic 3. All in all gothic 3 was a good game with some disadvantages like a real bad combat system - and a very disapointing story. In my opnion these two issues were the only issues gothic 3 had - and risen just fixes these issues and makes some thing s even better than gothic 3. The graphics are so beautiful - everything fits together in this game ... great work - looking forward to get an add on like the night of the raven for gothic 2 ...... i think there are some possibilities tie integrate such a thing into risen...... thanks piranha bytes, that you're back where you belong.… Expand
  33. KevinF
    Oct 18, 2009
    9
    I recently played through this game and enjoyed it immensely. DO NOT get the 360 version and stick with the PC version. Don't even acknowledge that the 360 version exists and your life will be better. That said, I really enjoyed the overall design of the Island and really the most entertaining part of this game is just wandering around getting in trouble and accidentally coming I recently played through this game and enjoyed it immensely. DO NOT get the 360 version and stick with the PC version. Don't even acknowledge that the 360 version exists and your life will be better. That said, I really enjoyed the overall design of the Island and really the most entertaining part of this game is just wandering around getting in trouble and accidentally coming across awesome treasure. I didn't think the story was all that great but I honestly didn't care. The game's characters are all somehow memorable and you'll be surprised how often you hear an NPC referenced and you know exactly where that person is on the island. I was planning on getting this to tide me over until Dragon Age releases in a few weeks but I got so addicted that I finished this damn game already!… Expand
  34. ThomasJ.
    Oct 15, 2009
    6
    The game has it's moments, but it completely fails to provide any kind of depth seen in for example Oblivion or Morrowind by Bethesda. Risen also suffers from some over-detailing the 'shallow spots', if such a term exists. The developer is trying to create an illusion of depth where there is none. As a comparison to anything with Bethesda or Black Isle on the cover, this The game has it's moments, but it completely fails to provide any kind of depth seen in for example Oblivion or Morrowind by Bethesda. Risen also suffers from some over-detailing the 'shallow spots', if such a term exists. The developer is trying to create an illusion of depth where there is none. As a comparison to anything with Bethesda or Black Isle on the cover, this fails miserably - but on it's own, or even when sitting next to the Gothic games, it's well above 'nice'. Unspectacular, kind of shallow but fans of the genre shouldn't miss it.… Expand
  35. AlexH
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    Very addictive, beutiful world full of secrets, secrets and secrets. Brings back memories of how awesome TeS III: Morrowind was, not as great as MW, but still a great RPG experience. Some minor flaws aren't enough to alter the overall experience of this game. PS. 360-commenters, the 360 version has it's own title.
  36. DanW
    Oct 13, 2009
    9
    A thoroughly enthralling game. I feel I need to express my take on some of the issues raised in various critic reviews. Those who criticise the combat or leveling system have almost certainly not invested enough time in the game. This is game design by the old rules, back when you were rewarded for your time and commitment with depth and complexity. Piranha Bytes' are basically the A thoroughly enthralling game. I feel I need to express my take on some of the issues raised in various critic reviews. Those who criticise the combat or leveling system have almost certainly not invested enough time in the game. This is game design by the old rules, back when you were rewarded for your time and commitment with depth and complexity. Piranha Bytes' are basically the Anti-Bethesda, whose games consistently present you with skin-deep gimmickery and utterly fail to deliver on their apparent ambition. This is a combat system that you have to learn as much as your character does, and a leveling system that rewards you with a genuine feeling of progression rather than just a page full of big numbers and an increased dice roll. All skills are useful and compelling, crafting and pickpocketing are just as meaningful as combat and magic. Lastly, it is one of the most consistently diverse and designed games I have played. The technology may not be the most cutting edge, but the attention to detail in all aspects of the game's design manage never to break the atmosphere. Even the english translation and voice work have come on leaps and bounds from their earlier work, and borders on genuinely compelling more often than not :-) If I had to describe this game in a single word, it would be "Solid".… Expand
  37. GabrielU.
    Oct 13, 2009
    5
    Well... I'm very disappointed by new PB's game. Firstly, they were shouting about "NEWS, NEWS, NEWS, other look of their games". They even showed few concept arts with big nosed people, a dwarf. But they didn't want to work much, so we have a Gothic 3 except it's called "Risen". That's because i wouldn't rate it above 7 already. JUST THINK ABOUT SOMETHING Well... I'm very disappointed by new PB's game. Firstly, they were shouting about "NEWS, NEWS, NEWS, other look of their games". They even showed few concept arts with big nosed people, a dwarf. But they didn't want to work much, so we have a Gothic 3 except it's called "Risen". That's because i wouldn't rate it above 7 already. JUST THINK ABOUT SOMETHING NEW, PB! I played this game, almost the same, in 2001 when Gothic 1 had had realesed, and again when G2 and Night of the Raven came out, and once more in 2006. Just cut this out. But I leave that graphic and gameplay issues... Don't care, after all i wanted a great story in this game, which will memorize me great moments from G1 and NotR. But no. The beginning is SO, so BAD, with sucky "training missions", when i felt like an idiot, when the game had showed me how to jump or pick up an object. Later is a little better, i had been played almost 10 hours with joy, a great moment when I've entered with Mendoza into volcano, lizardmen showed up and... OH NOEAS, betrayer Mendoza! Fire Titan! GO, you nameless fella, with tragic voice actor! BECOMA LORD OF THE TITANS and gather 5 pieces of my SUPERDUPER ARMOR and beat the bastard! No, that's not a good and epic story. Sorry PB, you made 3 almost same games with much better stories. Cut it out and make something NEW!… Expand
  38. NikolayK.
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    I have not played Gothic 1-3, but Risen impressed me a lot. Beautiful graphics, exciting story. Of course it has some drawbacks, but you don`t notice them while playing. It is the third RPG me played after Deus Ex and Kotor 1-2, so Risen can compete with them.
  39. JohnS.
    Oct 12, 2009
    5
    Its a bit like gothic 1 with new decent graphics, less interesting character development, boring and very repetitive fights and a bit dull story. Not a bad game, but waaaay behind what i would expect from Piranha Bytes.
  40. JH
    Oct 11, 2009
    8
    First, Wade G, is smoking crack. To give this game a zero shows someone who is having a hissy fit - I have played Two Worlds (which I would give a 6-7) and this is much better and more fully realized. The graphics are a bit more "European" which mean they are more real and gritty than cartoony and colorful like Oblivion. Overall, this game is excellent - especially in that the main quest First, Wade G, is smoking crack. To give this game a zero shows someone who is having a hissy fit - I have played Two Worlds (which I would give a 6-7) and this is much better and more fully realized. The graphics are a bit more "European" which mean they are more real and gritty than cartoony and colorful like Oblivion. Overall, this game is excellent - especially in that the main quest portrays a power struggle and you cannot remain neutral ... I have played pretty much every RPG that comes out and would put this as well worth the buy. Is it one I will return to again and again? No. I may play through twice and then it will be over - but it is an enjoyable RPG and I am glad I bought it. If you like RPGs, and if you enjoy the Gothic series, this is by far the most accessible one yet and is a lot of fun to play.… Expand
  41. RickD
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    Risen, oh my god, this game deserves an award in my opnion. Never have i had so many fun in an rpg since a long time, let alone Piranha Bytes did a great job on the story and the graphics. The few doensides i had were a few little bugs whereas you run into a house and appear upon the roof, although it made me laugh more than it actually annoyed me. Let alone the many easter eggs ive found Risen, oh my god, this game deserves an award in my opnion. Never have i had so many fun in an rpg since a long time, let alone Piranha Bytes did a great job on the story and the graphics. The few doensides i had were a few little bugs whereas you run into a house and appear upon the roof, although it made me laugh more than it actually annoyed me. Let alone the many easter eggs ive found were not only funny, but also very original. All of this together makes me say 10/10, its been worth the 50 euros i've spent on it. If there's plans for a Risen 2 or any rpg game from Piranha Bytes it definately will be something for me to look forward to.… Expand
  42. DevonM.
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    Risen is a wonderful return to RPG roots. It does almost nothing wrong in my books. For people tried of the 'Diablo' style of action-rpg that dominates the shelves, Risen will be a wonderful breath of fresh air. This isn't a game where every five minutes you'll be levelling up, nor will you be constantly finding brand new weapons and armor to swap out. Until you start Risen is a wonderful return to RPG roots. It does almost nothing wrong in my books. For people tried of the 'Diablo' style of action-rpg that dominates the shelves, Risen will be a wonderful breath of fresh air. This isn't a game where every five minutes you'll be levelling up, nor will you be constantly finding brand new weapons and armor to swap out. Until you start to get some better equipment and training, each battle will be dangerous and rewarding. After Gothic 3 I was skeptical of buying Risen, I cannot believe I almost passed up what has rapidly become one of the most compelling RPG's I've played since Mass Effect. As far as decisions make in the game, I love how the idea of good and bad isn't so distinct, rather it focuses on what side you'll take and what lines you'll tread there. Sure you apprehend the thief, but do you choose to let him go or turn him in? And if you do, which side are your ambitions aligned towards? Graphically speaking I find the game absolutely beautiful. I love how dark is dark in this game, carrying a torch through the jungle in a rainstorm as the shadows of trees and bushes dance around is a compelling visual experience. The acoustic ambiance is nothing shy of excellent either, this game is a visual and aural feast. Combat, one of the things widely criticized is in my opinion pretty good. With the sole exception of a minor targetting problem, I've never felt like the system was unintuitive, boring or difficult. Combat IS difficult, but not because of the system in place. Rather use of tactics and timing are paramount and can lead to some pretty satisfying kills. At one point I had performed an overhead strike only to kill three gnomes with the same hit, which is not common mind you, but shows how the system is versitile. Also, unlike other casual RPG's, there are no -easy- enemies in this game. Until you get some good armor, training and weapons, even the earliest enemies will still be dangerous, you just get better at killing them. Most importantly I've had no technical issues and it runs fine on my Sony Vaio FW485J/B at max graphical settings. I'm running the steam version of the game. Now, the game does have a few hiccups in dealing with falling, drowning, and the occassional targetting mishap in combat. But none which get in the way to make the game unplayable or less enjoyable. All in all, I love this game. LOVE IT. Anyone rating it poorly most likely simply do not like the design or difficulty of it. Any true hardcore or old school RPGers will feel completely at home here, and like me, have been waiting for this game for a long time.… Expand
  43. DavidD
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    Don't listen to this stupid "Bad Graphics" shouters.Its a really funny and well balanced game.The point of a game is that you can have some fun.Risen made me have fun all the time.Its absolutly pointless to rate a game a 0 because it has bad or average graphics.And Risen is very funny to play.
  44. KaseyC
    Oct 10, 2009
    9
    Great game, fun combat(albeit a little annoying at times, but a fine representation of "you can't win them all" lol), fun quests that force you to decide how you want to go about the task, decent textures, nice water! I prefer this type of game on the PC, I'm not a console gamer anymore, but I couldn't imagine it being any worse than morrowind or oblivion console versions. Great game, fun combat(albeit a little annoying at times, but a fine representation of "you can't win them all" lol), fun quests that force you to decide how you want to go about the task, decent textures, nice water! I prefer this type of game on the PC, I'm not a console gamer anymore, but I couldn't imagine it being any worse than morrowind or oblivion console versions. This game, spawned of the Gothic series, is tough to start if you don't know how the series rolls. Gothic III and Risen, while they have their moments, seem to be lacking a little of the humorous edge Gothic II had. Also, I thought Gothic II had a much more compelling social environment aside from the humor factor. Don't get me wrong, though. The humor and compelling environment are still prevailent, it's just not delivered as well in my opinion. Risen is still a triple A title!… Expand
  45. WayneSturik
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    Wow, Piranha Bytes really amazed me this time too! Great game! You never get bored playing this game. There's really an awesome story mixed into this RPG and it should diffently be played by all roleplayers! Graphics are great and the leveling system really makes the game even better. The game is balanced, so it doesn't get boring after the first play hours, but it is moreWow, Piranha Bytes really amazed me this time too! Great game! You never get bored playing this game. There's really an awesome story mixed into this RPG and it should diffently be played by all roleplayers! Graphics are great and the leveling system really makes the game even better. The game is balanced, so it doesn't get boring after the first play hours, but it is more challenging. Try it out!… Expand
  46. DawidErnestK
    Oct 9, 2009
    9
    Piranha Bytes is finally back with an extremely absorbing game, Risen is simply EPIC. Any service that will rate it below 80% must have people who judge the game by its cover.
    Loved Gothic I and II but hated all-for-money Gothic 3? You will simply love Risen, can call this game a piece of art, really.
  47. mattl
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    I thinks this a great game despite being a gothic esque clone (replace "magical barrier" with "island surrounded by storms") the game pulls from you a need to explore its dark secrets and a game that compells you to play it is agreat game indeed. oh and not every game needs to push the graphical limit because not everyone is a rich fat bastard who can afford a super computer then bashI thinks this a great game despite being a gothic esque clone (replace "magical barrier" with "island surrounded by storms") the game pulls from you a need to explore its dark secrets and a game that compells you to play it is agreat game indeed. oh and not every game needs to push the graphical limit because not everyone is a rich fat bastard who can afford a super computer then bash lower end games made for the rest of us!… Expand
  48. jamesyeah
    Oct 8, 2009
    2
    The combat in this game is STUPID hard. You have to constantly double tap around whatever you're fighting or you will die almost instantly. There is no way to defend yourself, parry does nothing as you still get hit just the same. They need to have some way to defend attacks.
  49. ToreH
    Oct 8, 2009
    9
    Five minutes ago I completed this game, of almost 5 days of intense playing, I just could not stop! All the way through the game I was amazed by the freedom, the many path and of course the story. I liked the gameplay itself so much, that I want a Risen 2! - NOW! Seriously, try out this game, even if you don't play RPG, it's definitely worth it. I give it a BIG 9 of 10.
  50. WadeG
    Oct 8, 2009
    0
    This game was flawed in every way I could think of. The graphics are way too dark. It looks like a PS2 game. Lighting in the environment pops in a random when it feel like working. There is no collision detection on various pieces of the scenery. When swing your weapon at a wall or any object other than an enemy your arms simply go through the walls. The voice acting seems like it was This game was flawed in every way I could think of. The graphics are way too dark. It looks like a PS2 game. Lighting in the environment pops in a random when it feel like working. There is no collision detection on various pieces of the scenery. When swing your weapon at a wall or any object other than an enemy your arms simply go through the walls. The voice acting seems like it was ripped out of Troma movie. The difficulty is set way too high and the controls are horribly laid out. This game makes Two Worlds look like game of the year and thats saying something.… Expand
  51. DonC.
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    Piranha Bytes is back! After the undercooked Gothic 3 failed to impress, Piranha Bytes left the series, went back to the drawing board and came up with a next gen spiritual successor to Gothic 2 called Risen. It's just as hardcore and unforgiving as the Gothic titles, but also keeps the same immaculate attention to detail, deep leveling system and immersive game world. The combat Piranha Bytes is back! After the undercooked Gothic 3 failed to impress, Piranha Bytes left the series, went back to the drawing board and came up with a next gen spiritual successor to Gothic 2 called Risen. It's just as hardcore and unforgiving as the Gothic titles, but also keeps the same immaculate attention to detail, deep leveling system and immersive game world. The combat system is a significant improvement over the mindless click-fest that was Gothic 3, and much more streamlined than the clunky system from 1+2, without sacrificing the complexity. The wide-open gameworld, the most dearly loved feature of the franchise, is back with a vengance. You can roam freely throughout the massive island without a single loading screen, indoor and out. Almost every quest has multiple ways to complete it, based on your moral compass or your character's skills. Every NPC is killable, and even four beginning-to-end playthroughs could not possibly be enough to see the many paths that are open to you throughout the game. As for the graphics, the environments are lush and gorgeous, but the character models are simply passable. I hardly noticed, however, since everything else about the game engine is top-notch and the world is filled with believable, organic exteriors and interiors. To sum it up, Risen is a godsend; a hardcore western RPG bursting with content. This may not be for everyone, but it's hands-down the best game I've played in years. If you love RPG's and are sick of the hand-holding, spoon-feeding games crowding the market lately, don't let this one fly under your radar.… Expand
  52. RyanM
    Oct 5, 2009
    10
    Quite possibly the most fun I've had in an RPG since Morrowind a decade ago. A solid, intriguing game with an absolutely jaw-droopingly crafted world that will have you exploring its every nook and cranny for hours upon hours. The amount of secrets, REAL secrets, in this game is absolutely staggering! Hidden passages abound in dungeons and treasure is tucked in the most out of way Quite possibly the most fun I've had in an RPG since Morrowind a decade ago. A solid, intriguing game with an absolutely jaw-droopingly crafted world that will have you exploring its every nook and cranny for hours upon hours. The amount of secrets, REAL secrets, in this game is absolutely staggering! Hidden passages abound in dungeons and treasure is tucked in the most out of way places. Hands down, Risen is the best PC RPG to come along in a very, very long time.… Expand
  53. VincenzoN
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    Really good and exciting experience!! Amazing adventure, full of story, mysteries tied with a huge and complex combat system! Wonderful! I loved Gothic 1 & 2 and I really love this game: the real sequel of the Gothic series! I've appreciated the great job Piranha did! The maximum expression of it! Thanks Piranha!
  54. Jamie
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    It's been ages since I've liked an RPG this much. I loved Gothic 1 and 2 (BOTH of which are much better games than Oblivion - Oblivion just looked prettier) but Gothic 3 was completely broken. Risen is what Gothic 3 should have been. The engine is unbelievably smooth, even on my 2 year old rig with all the settings on high - no pauses before combat, and no loading or unloading It's been ages since I've liked an RPG this much. I loved Gothic 1 and 2 (BOTH of which are much better games than Oblivion - Oblivion just looked prettier) but Gothic 3 was completely broken. Risen is what Gothic 3 should have been. The engine is unbelievably smooth, even on my 2 year old rig with all the settings on high - no pauses before combat, and no loading or unloading when entering / leaving dungeons. The world looks great. There's lots to do and collect. Everything just works simply - see something highlighted? Left click to pick it up. Middle click to toggle combat. Right click to block. It just seems to do everything right. Looking forward to playing this for a LONG time because, unlike Oblivion, everything in a piranha bytes game is hand designed, no computer generated lego-block dungeons here - therefore, you never know what you will find, or where a dungeon will take you. On a technical note, even the shaders are spot on this time... none of the weird artifacts they had in G3, everything looks wonderful and performs flawlessly, no crashes or freezes or even slowdowns... THANK YOU piranha bytes!! Glad to have you back !!!… Expand
  55. BenjaminL
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    great RPG and adventure. I was pretty much thinking that Piranha Bytes were done after Gothic 3 but i gotta say this is one of the most stable games i've played coming out of Germany. The engine is not really the best and brightest of them all but it delivers definitely on the atmosphere front. If you're into RPGs and adventures and like to explore and quest, Risen might very great RPG and adventure. I was pretty much thinking that Piranha Bytes were done after Gothic 3 but i gotta say this is one of the most stable games i've played coming out of Germany. The engine is not really the best and brightest of them all but it delivers definitely on the atmosphere front. If you're into RPGs and adventures and like to explore and quest, Risen might very well be better than Dragon Age.… Expand
  56. TravisL
    Oct 3, 2009
    10
    It's an amazing multiplayer game , the maps are well detailed , and the controls are easy to use and learn , i recommend this to any person who enjoys playing First Person Shooters.
  57. CraigB
    Oct 3, 2009
    9
    Awesome game. One of the best RPGs in the last few years. Great to see that PB are back into making beautiful game experiences. Gothic 3 might not have received good reviews, but hopefully Risen gets the praise that it surely deserves.
  58. DanM
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    Great RPG. with an unique and impressive fighting gameplay... you can kill much higher level enemies just by being able to control your character and avoid their attacks, block or counter attack in semi combos; the world is a joy to explore and the graphics are a real work of art. Story is captivating and even though I haven't finished the game, I can't wait to start over again Great RPG. with an unique and impressive fighting gameplay... you can kill much higher level enemies just by being able to control your character and avoid their attacks, block or counter attack in semi combos; the world is a joy to explore and the graphics are a real work of art. Story is captivating and even though I haven't finished the game, I can't wait to start over again and take a different path for my character.… Expand
  59. StuartC
    Oct 2, 2009
    3
    Another sub par game filled with glitches, horrid 360 controls and a bizarre menu system. Think Two worlds with no multi-player and slightly better voice acting, thats about it. Who knows it could be your thing, I would still wait till the bug are sorted out though.
  60. [Anonymous]
    Oct 2, 2009
    8
    Graphics overall are decent,with plenty of colours(not just brown) and trees and bushes in the screen to make it look like a jungle island, but arent anything that would make your jaw-drop in awe, and most obvious reason for this is that the character models could be better and more detailed. The gameplay is quite good. Combat requires you to dodge, parry , and you cant just keep clicking Graphics overall are decent,with plenty of colours(not just brown) and trees and bushes in the screen to make it look like a jungle island, but arent anything that would make your jaw-drop in awe, and most obvious reason for this is that the character models could be better and more detailed. The gameplay is quite good. Combat requires you to dodge, parry , and you cant just keep clicking the mouse and expect to win. Which is a good thing. However controls could be bit more accurate and fluid, but they arent bad, nor are the controls a major issue. Skill system COULD use few more skills, like a shield skill for an example, and the skill system doesnt have anything revolutionary in it, but it is sufficient and pretty solid. Improving skills requires you to get training and PAY for it. It fits the overall game quite well, even though it might seem unforgiving to people accustomed to easier games, its not a bad thing. Atleast the game doesnt pamper you too much. Writing is sufficiently coherent and well written, but it isnt amazing nor will it win any prizes for it. Also the voice overs could be better, at times they dont sound all that good , but otherwise sounds are again, good. UI is well done, and there is really nothing to complain here. Overall, its a good action RPG, but it isnt great nor a isntant classic. It manages to be actually challenging and entertaining, and is worth buying if you like WRPGs. It reminds me of better days , days where games werent pleasant strolls with no challenge.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best PC Game of 2009
19
#19 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
21
#21 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Meristation
    80
    Fun, large and with many things to do, Risen is a good game for medieval RPG lovers. It has its flaws, specially due to technical issues, but overall it's a great experience, where every choice has its consequences. The great storyline and the different paths that we can follow are the strongest points of this game.
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  2. SpazioGames
    80
    While Gothic sails away to other developers, Piranha Bytes turns the tide with this return to the origins of true RPG. Deep, polished, compelling, Risen is an RPG for RPG true lovers. Some small glitches and a general lack of accessibility make it step down a little bit on the score, but it's still THE game to have if you love RPGs.
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  3. Everyeye.it
    80
    An old-fashion RPG, with an impressive number of quests and NPC, and a deep level-up system.
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