User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 894 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 72 out of 894
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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. [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!!!
  20. Aug 20, 2014
    10
    This game is very odd, they are a lot of characters that are doubles and voices are re-used often too, the game even seems to acknowledge this with a quest to help the identical triplets. A lot of people in the game are very rude and curt when you try to talk to them and they don't have a mission to give. It's such a bizarre game, a lot of things don't seem to connect. For me thisThis game is very odd, they are a lot of characters that are doubles and voices are re-used often too, the game even seems to acknowledge this with a quest to help the identical triplets. A lot of people in the game are very rude and curt when you try to talk to them and they don't have a mission to give. It's such a bizarre game, a lot of things don't seem to connect. For me this generates a lot of humour and I think there's a lot of value in that.
    Also the combat is great.
    Expand
  21. 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?..
  22. 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
  23. Aug 20, 2013
    10
    Risen is the RPG I've been dreaming of. You have complete freedom in the open world, but there's a strong story and never a moment where you've run out of quests to pursue. It has fun combat and no grinding.

    Some people might not like that character advancement is at the whim of story-unlocked trainers (e.g. to even start learning magic skills, it can take up to 10 hours to get to the
    Risen is the RPG I've been dreaming of. You have complete freedom in the open world, but there's a strong story and never a moment where you've run out of quests to pursue. It has fun combat and no grinding.

    Some people might not like that character advancement is at the whim of story-unlocked trainers (e.g. to even start learning magic skills, it can take up to 10 hours to get to the trainers and pass their initiation trials), but I see this as a bonus. It adds to the immersion quite a bit (access to magic is strictly controlled by The Order), and unlike Morrowind/Oblivion, it's a lot harder to build an overpowered min/maxed character.

    Also, the graphics/art are amazing. It has the most attention to detail I've ever seen in an open-world RPG.
    Expand
  24. Aug 5, 2011
    10
    Best RPG since it's release so far. Piranha Bytes keeps my hopes alive that RPG genre didn't died out yet. And the graphich is really amazing for a 2009 game. Managed to get 30 FPS medium, 1024*768, Radeon 5750.
  25. Mar 21, 2012
    10
    Risen is one of the best RPGs ever. Its behind Gothic 2, because it is shorter an with less choices and dialog and the end boss is just not right for the game. But the combat is amazing, the world is beautiful as always with PB games. Their games are extremely involving and engaging and has a unique atmosphere. Piranha Bytes are the real kings of RPG games. Hope Risen 2 will be as good asRisen is one of the best RPGs ever. Its behind Gothic 2, because it is shorter an with less choices and dialog and the end boss is just not right for the game. But the combat is amazing, the world is beautiful as always with PB games. Their games are extremely involving and engaging and has a unique atmosphere. Piranha Bytes are the real kings of RPG games. Hope Risen 2 will be as good as Risen, that would give me a new chance to keep up playing games. I am extremely disappointed about games like Skyrim, Dragon Age 2 etc.. They made me thinking about quit playing games for ever. Sorry for my bad english, Im a north with an arrow to my knee.. Expand
  26. Apr 30, 2012
    10
    Risen 1 is the best RPG i have played in my life. ( except some japanese rpg)
    Its really better than skyrim, even witcher 2 that i love, dragon age...
    BECAUSE the STORY, the characters, the quests, the items, magic, the worlds, the difficulty in battle, ARE AT THEIR BEST !!! no game can beat that. Risen 1 is a game like no other. its the only game that i feel im really living in
    Risen 1 is the best RPG i have played in my life. ( except some japanese rpg)
    Its really better than skyrim, even witcher 2 that i love, dragon age...

    BECAUSE the STORY, the characters, the quests, the items, magic, the worlds, the difficulty in battle, ARE AT THEIR BEST !!! no game can beat that. Risen 1 is a game like no other.

    its the only game that i feel im really living in that world. i played 30 hours without sleep the first time i played. Try it for yourself, its really better than any other rpg if you have patience.

    i played both the PC and xbox 360 version. the xbox 360 version is not beautiful VS PC, but its still the same game. RISEN 1 is the best !
    Expand
  27. Nov 3, 2013
    10
    This is by far the best single player RPG i've played in a long while. I really love how you start off with little more than a branch in your hand and a lungfull of seawater, and essentially claw your way up until you're an unstoppable god. The game has the right level of difficulty (every time I got an upgrade I breathed a sigh of relief), great story, great conversation with NPCs, and isThis is by far the best single player RPG i've played in a long while. I really love how you start off with little more than a branch in your hand and a lungfull of seawater, and essentially claw your way up until you're an unstoppable god. The game has the right level of difficulty (every time I got an upgrade I breathed a sigh of relief), great story, great conversation with NPCs, and is all around so enjoyable. There are a few glitches (don't try jumping up ledges or you might fly into space and have to close your game) but I can overlook that because I had more fun with Risen than all the last 3 elder scrolls games combined. Expand
  28. Mar 6, 2014
    10
    Gothic 2 remake? One of the best games Ive ever played and I dont understand a metascore from 77/100 o.O Nice Soundtrack, Nice open world, a really good story and last but not least gothic feeling and this is exactly what we want!
  29. Mar 22, 2014
    10
    Words cannot really describe what a masterpiece this game is. It's the best game I ever played after 2009, nothing comes close. Today I'm not really into gaming (tight schedule/engineering student) but I always remember THIS game....I tried to play some other RPG's but I uninstalled them immediately because after Risen almost everything felt crap...
  30. Jun 21, 2014
    10
    Gra chociaż swoje najlepsze lata ma już za sobą, nadal jest bardzo wciągająca, także graficznie nie jest najgorsza przy najwyższych ustawieniach, polecam każdemu kto ma słabszy sprzęt a oczekuje jak najwięcej z rozgrywki. Osobiście jestem fanem serii "Gothic" a "Risen" To godny następca tej serii.
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. An old-fashion RPG, with an impressive number of quests and NPC, and a deep level-up system.