GB Feature: Gothic 3 Review

We bring you a detailed review of JoWooD and Piranha Bytes’ Gothic 3, based on how the game plays with the latest v1.6 community patch installed.

Each main faction has opposing objectives and goals. Orcs enslave humans and are using them to achieve what may be described as a higher aim, but they also seek out and crush Rebel opposition. Unlike Gothic II where they could be identified as monstrous, in Gothic 3 the Orcs operate as an intelligent and organized race, even employing human Mercenaries. It is within the ranks of these very Mercenaries that the nameless hero joins if he sides with the Orcs. The Rebels support King Rohbar and aim to re-capture those cities taken by the Orcs, therefore freeing the slaves. This is achieved by instigating uprisings. Yet the Rebels are prone to infighting and steal from the farmers. The Hashishin are desert traders who enslave Nomads, providing the Orcs with human fodder for their mining works and excavations. For this faction, skill in trading, gold, and artifacts are the ultimate goals and Nomads a commercial commodity.

Each of the 3 minor factions opposes the Orcs and plays a role in moving the story forward. Resultantly, the nameless hero has to interact with all factions. Reputation is crucial here as it is how access to important areas, information, and artifacts needed for the main quests are gained. In addition, armor can only be purchased once a certain level of reputation has been achieved. It is worth noting that even the choice of armor appears to affect how NPC’s speak and interact with the nameless hero. When in the desert cities, dressed in plain leather armor the nameless hero is the (stranger), in armor from Nordmar he is the (warrior from the North).