- Rewardingly extensive exploration in gameplay.
- Enjoyable and immersive pirate-themed gameplay experience.
- Abundance of quests and character progression options.
- Poor combat mechanics and lack of challenge.
- Weak storyline with repetitive elements.
- Technical issues, bugs, and performance problems.
Emotions
Players are frustrated primarily due to the game's combat mechanics, which are described as clunky, difficult, and poorly balanced. Additionally, technical issues such as bugs, glitches, and performance problems contribute significantly to this frustration. Repetitive quests, lack of meaningful progression, and poor optimization further exacerbate the negative experience.
Disappointment stems from the game's shallow execution and lack of depth compared to previous titles in the series. Players are particularly disappointed with the story, ending, and character development, which feel rushed and uninspired. The combat system and repetitive gameplay mechanics also contribute to this sentiment.
Players enjoy the game's atmospheric world design, engaging storyline, and character development. The variety of quests, exploration, and unique RPG elements contribute to a positive experience. Improved combat mechanics and the freedom to explore a detailed world also enhance enjoyment.
Nostalgia is evoked by the game's classic RPG elements and references to previous titles in the series. Players appreciate the return of familiar characters, locations, and the connection to the Gothic series. The game's atmosphere and humor reminiscent of classic RPGs also contribute to this feeling.
Satisfaction comes from the game's visuals, music, and story, which players find engaging and well-executed. Improved graphics, smooth character movement, and a detailed combat system contribute to a positive experience. The variety of quests, replayability, and enjoyable casual gameplay also add to player satisfaction.
Verdict
Mixed
Summary
Positive 61% · Negative 39%. Score: 39 / 100
Verdict
Tinkering Required
Summary
The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with the Steam Deck experience, particularly in the areas of control and stability. Users have reported sluggish, imprecise, and cumbersome controls, especially in the combat system. Additionally, there have been reports of the game crashing to desktop, indicating stability problems. These issues suggest that the game requires considerable tinkering and may not provide a seamless experience out of the box. Score: 50 / 100
Top points
- Control Issues - High
- Stability Issues - High
Positives:
- The game offers a vast world filled with hidden treasures, quirky NPCs, and a variety of terrains, making exploration a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
- Players find the gameplay experience to be enjoyable and immersive, with solid combat mechanics and a variety of activities to engage in.
- The game has received updates to its graphics, including better lighting, details, and visual effects, enhancing the overall visual experience.
- The game offers a large number of quests, including many interesting side quests, providing players with plenty of content to explore.
- The game embraces a pirate theme, with elements like ships, cannons, and pirate motifs in the music, creating a swashbuckling adventure.
Negatives:
- The combat system is widely criticized for being clunky, dull, and overly simple. Players find it frustrating and lacking in challenge and innovation.
- The story is criticized for being boring, lacking depth, and being poorly executed. It is described as incoherent, formulaic, and abrupt, with a disappointing ending.
- The game features repetitive sea battles, environments, and quests, leading to a monotonous experience. Many quests are described as fetch quests, adding to the repetitiveness.
- The game is criticized for being too easy, even on the highest difficulty settings. Combat and overall gameplay lack challenge and threat.
- The dialogue is described as terribly written, stupid, and dull. Voice acting is inconsistent and varies in quality, adding to the overall poor experience.
Gameplay:
- The game emphasizes open-world exploration with islands, quests, and hidden loot. Players appreciate the freedom to explore and the beautiful scenery.
- The game includes a faction system with different story paths and unique abilities. Players' choices affect the main story and gameplay.
- The game offers multiple combat styles and mechanics, including melee, ranged, and magic options. Players enjoy the variety in combat moves.
- The game features a progression system with skill learning and character development. Players can advance their characters through a Glory experience system.
- The game includes ship-based combat and battles with sea monsters. Players can engage in sea battles against ships and sea creatures.
Performance:
- Many players report various graphics issues, including outdated graphics, texture glitches, and performance problems. These issues are frequently mentioned across multiple clusters.
- Several players experience game crashes, freezing, and stability issues. These problems are noted on different platforms and systems.
- The game has several bugs and glitches, ranging from minor issues like clipping errors to more severe problems that significantly impact gameplay.
- Players report performance issues on modern systems, including FPS drops and stability problems on high-end PCs and specific hardware like the ROG Ally.
- Players report various audio issues, including voice output problems and sound mix problems, particularly noted in specific game areas.
Recommendations:
- The game is considered worth playing for RPG fans, despite some flaws, due to its unique setting and fun gameplay.
- The game is highly recommended for fans of open-world RPGs, particularly those who enjoy engaging stories, varied gameplay mechanics, and improved combat mechanics.
- Fans of the Gothic series are likely to enjoy this game, as it shares similarities in style and gameplay.
- The game is recommended for purchase when on sale, especially for those who are fans of the series or enjoy open-world RPGs.
- Players are advised to play the previous parts of the series before starting this game to fully appreciate the storyline and gameplay.
Miscellaneous:
- Players have expressed a strong desire for additional downloadable content, specifically focusing on popular characters like Godzilla and Superman.
- Players appreciate the unique character options available in the game, such as being able to play as a parrot or a pirate, adding a fun and diverse element to gameplay.
- The game has been compared to other titles such as Gothic and Risen 1, indicating that players are drawing parallels between the gameplay or style of these games.
