02-15-2004, 10:36 AM | #1 | ||
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OT: Anyone playing Gothic II
I'm considering picking up this game. Does anyone have any impressions?
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02-15-2004, 12:12 PM | #2 |
Head Coach
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Ahem, that would be me, obviously (as one of the most vocal fanatics about Gothic). This is the one game I have been playing all year. For a non-strategy game, this is the best game I have ever played - much more challenging and larger than Gothic I, which I had played through 4-5 times. If you have any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them for you.
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02-15-2004, 12:15 PM | #3 |
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How challenging is it to pick up? I've beaten some Final Fantasy games, but my RPG experience is rather limited overall.
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02-15-2004, 12:29 PM | #4 |
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I'm still trying to pass Gothic I!
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02-15-2004, 01:17 PM | #5 |
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Buc, I think I am going to get the game today. If you could answer me this question, is it faster pace than Morrowind? It seemed to me that the slow pace of Morrowind was the biggest drawback for me.
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02-15-2004, 01:49 PM | #6 |
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I'll chime in here as well and say that Gothic 2 was easily the best RPG I played last year and ranks up there as one of the best I've ever played. This coming from a person who wasn't an overly big fan of the first one either.
Gothic 2 does a much better job than Morrowind in keeping the game moving along. It's not as open-ended as Morrowind, but I think finds about the perfect balance. Just a great game. A few quirks yeah, but I highly recommend it. |
02-15-2004, 02:13 PM | #7 |
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A better title for this thread would have been:
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR BUCC TO POST IN THIS THREAD? Answer = 1:36
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02-15-2004, 03:47 PM | #8 |
Go Reds
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I was thinking the same thing, Coug.
I haven't really thought about it, but I should pick this game up. |
02-15-2004, 04:45 PM | #9 |
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Glad to hear that this game at least moves along faster than Morrowind. Even so, I just picked up the game. Thanks for the insight.
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02-15-2004, 05:14 PM | #10 |
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Sorry, I had to lay down for a while.
Let me provide some comparisons about pace and style. I am not a big fan of RPGs even though I have always been interested in them because it is so different than what I normally play. I have tried Morrowind, DAoC and few others and I concluded that the only kind of RPGs I like are the action-adventure RPGs (not only Gothic but the underrated KQ8 as well) - as oppose to character RPGs (the most popular style) and whatever you call crap (sorry) like Diablo/Baldur's Gate. Admittedly, action-adv RPGs are probably simpler because it follows the understandable path that you start with nothing and you determine (within the scope of the game) what you want to become (through actions and deeds) and how you want to "solve" the endgame. So yes, it is faster paced because your path is determined by actions (the main purpose is to grow through experience points) and deeds (e.g., getting favors and trust) of the many quests and creatures you come across. The main criticisms of the game are the controls and fighting interface. I suppose if you are stuck on one style of interface, the differences in Gothic would seem hard to grasp at first. But I have never had any problems with them and with a short amount of practice, they have become very intuitive for me and very easy to play (unlike the more complex RPGs with its every-key-on-the-keyboard approach). In Gothics, it's just two set of keys: the ctrl for using things and the arrows for moving (and both for fighting). Of course, you can remap the keys if you wish. |
02-15-2004, 11:09 PM | #11 |
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How's the actual fighting in the game? I've heard that some people say that it's the worst part of the game while others seem to like the fighting aspect. What do you think???
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02-16-2004, 11:28 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
I like it a lot because it's so easy to fight (not to win, though). The character always stays centered with the opponent and some of the creatures (like bloodflies and goblins) really hop around. You just use the ctrl with L/R arrow keys for slashes, crtl-up arrow for thrusts and ctrl-down for parry. In fact in this new version you can set it up much more simpler than that but I kept it at the defauly Gothic I controls since that is what I am used to. The other fighting mechanisms, range weapons and magic, are very, very simple. The other thing about fighting is that you do not know the strength of the opponents, esp. in the first part of the game. It takes some trial and error to know what you can tackle and what you need to avoid (for now). As with most action-adv type games, there are quite a bit of quicksaves/quickloads (if you set it up that way). |
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02-16-2004, 01:32 PM | #13 |
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Just so this thread isn't too lovey dovey, I'll throw in a complaint about the combat. I wasn't a big fan. At first I HATED the combat, and held that feeling for quite a long time. Then I slowly started to like it until I got in the zone and then was loving it. Then I started to not care for it again, it really comes down to a matter of just figuring out patterns, and the combat is basically a cakewalk after that, just repetitive.
The thing is, I just see the combat as getting in the way of the exploring, the part I really loved in the game. All sorts of neat little stuff you can find wandering around, one thing that really sets this game apart from Morrowind in my book as well. The devs didn't just throw more areas in there to make it bigger, they fleshed them all out. Bucc, did you just lump Diablo and Baldur's Gate into the same category? I'd say those are two pretty vastly different styles of RPG's. I am very happy that they added a "normal" setup for the interface in the second one as well, I just have a problem with having to master some 3 button combination to pick up an item, and the toughest puzzle in the first game was trying to figure out how to buy/trade with merchants. Anyway, still the best RPG in years, and heartily recommend it to anyone who is a fan of RPG's, and yes..it's better than Knights of the Old Republic. Not even close. |
02-16-2004, 02:28 PM | #14 |
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You're right, Calis. I do recall in the first game taking quite a while to learn how to fight. I even spent time just practicing. I remember struggling for days trying to kill Scavengers and then all of a sudden, I found the rhythm and then it got easier after that. I haven't tried the new improved way of fighting so I'm thinking that might be better for newcomers.
I absolutely agree with you about Morrowind. I have posted here a few times about my dislike for Morrowind (which I played after I got into Gothic I). The main reason I thought the world was very, very ugly, barren and boring. It seems like 90% of Morrowind was harsh, barren rocks - compared to Gothic with its medieval English forest and meadows and hills landscape. But the main criticism was between places in Morrowind, there were very few of anything - creatures, people, items, etc. I love exploring (and tackling things along the way), Morrowind was terrible in that respect (except when you get to a city or a cave). |
02-16-2004, 03:34 PM | #15 |
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Just my luck, I purchased the game and the game will not install. The autorun splash appears and I click on install and the CD simply spins and autorun then crashes into "not responding". None of my other games have any problems so it's not the CD drive. I guess I'll have to return for another copy. Oh well...
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02-16-2004, 04:05 PM | #16 |
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This is a dumb response but there are 3 disks, one is the install disk. I made that mistake once when loading onto another machine. Also, it does take a little while to load. It's German remember.
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02-16-2004, 04:35 PM | #17 |
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There is 3 disks and I, just for fun, tried all 3 and only the 1st disk actually "starts" the installation. I've restarted the machine 3 different times just to make sure there wasn't a conflict. I also believe that the installation disk is defective but the CD drive makes a few "strange" sounds while trying to retrieve the file after I select the install now button.
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02-16-2004, 06:18 PM | #18 |
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Regarding Gothic I, was a patch ever released for the english version? I don't recall any sort of patches applied to this game; especially since I have an early Radeon version. I notice, sometimes I'll get a CTD - which is thoroughly annoying, but it's sporadic...and I'm guessing it's due to my high resolution. Nevertheless, figured I'd ask here!
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02-16-2004, 06:55 PM | #19 |
Head Coach
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No, it's just the usual quip about having the latest drivers and such.
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02-16-2004, 07:26 PM | #20 |
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Usual quip, eh? Guess the latest catalyst still doesn't do it for me then. Again, of course, I'm using a very antiquated version of the Radeon card in any case, so I guess it's bound to happen.
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02-16-2004, 07:40 PM | #21 |
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Forgive my ignorance but what's a CTD? I'm also using the Radeon but it's a 9600SE so it's pretty new.
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02-16-2004, 07:42 PM | #22 |
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The recommended requirement is at least a 32mb card with loads of RAM.
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02-16-2004, 07:47 PM | #23 |
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Just for fun, I tried to install it again. Still no luck. I let it spin for close to 5 minutes after I clicked on the install button with no luck. I'll have to exchange it tomorrow.
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02-16-2004, 07:49 PM | #24 |
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Sorry to hear that.
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02-16-2004, 07:51 PM | #25 |
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02-16-2004, 08:08 PM | #26 | |
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Quote:
Oh, short for: "Crash To Desktop". Your Radeon's more late model than mine - I pretty got one of first incarnations of the Radeon, a 64 meg 'supposed' DDR memory with video in, video out. Essentially, the new catalyst stuff deciphers my card as being '7200' or the like. It's pretty old and antiquated I guess.
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02-16-2004, 08:17 PM | #27 |
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I just got a GeForce FX 5200 128mb for $90 for one of the boys' PC and downloaded the latest ForceWare 53.03 driver. It seems that for many games, this is the most importance piece of hardware and I have seen too many folks get frustrated and mad with older video cards and drivers that it pays just to get an upgrade to eliminate the hassles.
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02-16-2004, 08:20 PM | #28 | |
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Quote:
True - the CTDs for me aren't that big of a deal, as it's usually after long periods of playing and the like. Still though, I was thinking of 'upgrading' to a GeForce 3 or something, since the architecture of my entire system is beginning to seem relatively 'old' compared to what would be 'standard' for most folks out there. I figure, so long as my system can run games alright (no fancy graphics, I'm sure), then I'll hold out until I buy the parts to make a new machine. Or, if I'm uber-lazy (which sadly seems to be the case), I might just very well buy a system. I hope it doesn't get to that, but...well. All these computer threads here are beginning to get me thinking!
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02-17-2004, 10:57 PM | #29 |
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I just started playing and I must admit that learning how to move is going to take some time. I think I'm going to use the normal the arrow keys to move the picture and try to limit the mouse. It appears that the mouse is a bit "jerky", but I'm so early in the game. Do you use the first or third person perspective?
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02-17-2004, 11:08 PM | #30 |
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Always third (which is just a modified over-the-shoulder first person view). I only use true first if I need close look at something or making my way through some trees. I grew up always using the arrow keys to move in games so that part was easy for me.
I'm glad you got going. It's funny, in the hundreds of games I have bought, I have never had a defective CD. Please ask any questions, regardless if you think it's"dumb" or not, I and others would be glad to help. Steve |
02-18-2004, 08:27 AM | #31 |
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I've only ever had a defective CD one other time (and I as well had purchasesd hundreds of games in my day) but I really thought that this was going to be my second.
Thanks Buc...and I will post if I have any questions. |
02-18-2004, 09:40 AM | #32 |
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It seems I'll be able to run Gothic II on my system...won't be extravagant or anything graphic wise, but I think it'll at least run. Still, are there any special deals out there for Gothic II right now? Or is it $39.99 at your usual game shops?
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02-18-2004, 09:46 AM | #33 |
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I looked around but could only find it for $39.99. Although, last week I did check BestBuy.com and they were listing it on the website for $29.99. I just checked, it still lists for $29.99 but it's sold out. I didn't want to wait anyway so I was willing to pay the extra $10.
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02-18-2004, 10:03 PM | #34 |
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Buc,
You mentioned that it was ok to ask "dumb" questions so I think I need to ask one. I'm having difficulty trying to equip my character. I know pressing the tab key brings up all of your objects but how do I assign weapon to my character? I expected to see a character cutout in this game why you essentially click and drag an item into a certain spot, but I don't seem to see this in in this game. What am I missing? Thanks |
02-18-2004, 10:05 PM | #35 |
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I'll probably pick up this title regardless. Seeing as I've got Gothic I and all, I'm always one to follow up on games. Still, I have to be curious as to whether or not the game is linear, or non-linear..
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02-18-2004, 10:24 PM | #36 | |
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That's a good question. To equip, hit TAB, move the arrows around to highlight the desired weapon (make sure you have the strength points for such weapon - being early in the game, it shouldn't be a problem), hit CTRL (like you would to pick or grab ANY object in the game, whether inventory or on the ground). Swords are in slot 1, bows in slot 2 and magic in everything else. If you have just a sword equipped, just hit SPACE to bring it up to attack and hit SPACE again to put it away. Advice: As you move down a trail, LOOK AROUND EVERYWHERE for stuff to pick up and PICK UP EVERYTHING. Walk (or jog) through every shrub, bush, grassy area, around trees and rocks, behind crates and in out of the way places. Also, SAVE VERY OFTEN. I usually reserve the first save slot for 'quicksave' because when you hit ESC and then SAVE GAME, it's the one that is automatically highlighted. |
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02-18-2004, 10:26 PM | #37 | |
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Quite non-linear but nothing like MMORPG though. There are several different paths to the same goal in the game and the order you do things (quests) is completely up to you, or even the choice of doing them or not. There are some you have to do though if you want to progress through the chapters. |
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02-18-2004, 10:29 PM | #38 | |
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Ah. I know you don't like Morrowind much, in your posts above, but I'm assuming that Gothic II has the same approach in terms of the storyline like Morrowind, where there's 1 ending, but a variety of different paths you can take in order to reach said ending? It's rare these days to find a game with different endings I suppose; probably a bit more too much work to incorporate into a game, but so long as there's variety, I can dig it. I'll probably pick this title up sometime next week or so, depending on how my funds are after bills!
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02-18-2004, 10:36 PM | #39 | |
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Quote:
Yes. |
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02-18-2004, 10:38 PM | #40 |
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Sweet.
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02-20-2004, 10:31 PM | #41 |
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Buc,
I just leveled up my character and have 10 learning points, but I can't figure out just how to allocate them. One would think that it should be obvious, but apparently I am missing it. It's early in the game, but I'm liking it so far. I like how everyone actually talks and it's not all reading like most RPGs. To me, it makes the world seem more alive. |
02-20-2004, 11:38 PM | #42 |
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It all depends where you want to allocate your points. Hit C and you can see your character screen and all of the places you can allocate. But...you must find an appropriate person that can train you in any one of those attributes. If you wandered around the City talking with everyone, hit L, go to Information and then arrow over to Train in Khorindis. Hopefully you will see a growing list of those that can train you in Strength, Dexterity, Sneaking, One-Handed Weapons, etc. Since you are now at Level 2, I would strongly suggest that you add +10 to Strength. That way you can buy a much better sword that requires 20 in Strength (from one of the merchants). Hint: the best person to train you in Strength early in the game is Carl. He's a smithy down in the Harbor district behind one of the many shacks towards the left side as you face the sea.
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02-21-2004, 07:02 AM | #43 |
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Now I see...
What I was expecting was the traditional "level up" button and then I would allocate my points. I guess I'm using too much traditional RPG knowledge in this game. I'm still over at the farm but I'll take your advice when I get there. Thanks again Brian |
04-05-2004, 10:18 AM | #44 |
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Buccanneer,
I want to thank you for your recommendations on an enjoyable game. I just finished the game last night. I will mention that this is not a short game. According to the game clock, I logged 68 hours of gameplay. Add another 5 for reloads which makes it a 70+ hour game. I would recommend the game to others. Thanks |
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