Risen

Risen is developed by the same team that developed the Gothic series, due to some twist they ended losing the Gothic license so they made risen instead, Basically this is a Gothic Clone, but with a smaller scale and virtually no bugs, The game runs great on most systems, how eva you'll need a top notch system if you want to enjoy all the nice graphic perks.
The bad, Well as far as i am concerned a few lil bugs there and there none that blocked the game or anything, more like some clipping issues there and then.
Punishing combat difficulty even on easy, don't mistake risen for an easy game to play it's German and they mean you to die and hurt A lot lol, so b ready with those quick saves, even simple monster in packs can be more challenging that some of the boss battles, later in game once you get some descent armour and a good shield you'll die a lot less but until then :).

The good: Shiny and pretty Graphics, a game world smaller but finely crafted, an interesting class and levelling and faction system that helps get you immersed deeper in the lore of the game, descent story lines, the combat nice and crunchy feels just right with most weapon, the magic system is very interesting too. Difficult combat make the reward even more sweeter when you dominate your enemies. Good crafting / trade system and last but not least all path and all classes and all skill set are viable and have their own way to complete quests, Being a master lock picker and pickpocket can often be as effective as having the same amount of points in weapons, Black smith can make their own weapons that are superior to anything you can find in game till the very last high lvls, herbalism and alchemy actualy easy to master and gather.

If i had to rate this game on a scale 0 to 20 with 0 Being the worst game ever made and 20 being an instant classic, i'd rate this 18 out of 20.

Conclusion a great 80 hours ride of well polished action Rpg that will get you immersed in a Shiny looking Low magic Fantasy setting, A must by for any Rpg fan.

This is an excellent RPG! It can take a while to get used to and is very challenging, but that makes it all the more fun!
All enemies are a challenge – you can't just attack an enemy and expect to win – you have to block, attack and block again until you work out the pattern. There are loads of skills, and all of them are useful (Smithing allows you to create some of the best weapons in the game and ties in nicely with prospecting to get more ore. Lock pick is useful or you can use scrolls to automatically open most locks (scrolls are expensive!)). You will probably find your wallet to be empty most of the time.
You have to pay to learn skills, but this just makes you think more carefully about what you need – not what you think may help.
If you don't want to die, stay to the roads as much as possible, quick save often and if you see a mob of enemies or a new type of enemy play it very carefully. Armour is expensive, and there are only a few sets available, so your wits are your main defence (i.e. don't let them get behind you!)
One of my only gripes was that despite it being available on 360 the PC version does not support controllers – this does not hinder the game play though.
The graphics are amazingly beautiful. The game will likely take quite a while to complete as it has an open world which you will want to explore – many dungeons have areas that you need certain abilities to get in which means you may have to revisit areas. You have to walk most places until later in the game when you get teleport stones. Oh, don't annoy the locals – they sometimes hold a grudge and you may need to tell a joke to make them forgive you XD (play the game, it will make more sense then).

Overall an excellent game which requires a bit more thinking than usual, but one that benefits from this approach. Final score: 92/100

This game isnt bad, but it could be a lot better. It reminds me a wee bit of nehrim (oblivion conversion). The same crafting, hunting, skill gaining etc. To be honest id rather play nehrim than this. It just feels a wee bit linear.

Out of 10 id give this a 6.

This game is like a very good book – can't keep away from it. The story line is not cut and dried. You think you know whats going on then the plot changes in a completely different direction and so enticing you to find out more of why and what is happening within the world.
Risen is very much like the “Gothic” series games but it is also a game that has it's own originality and freshness.
It's set in a beautiful world of trees, hills, mountains, rivers and waterfalls and then there are the dark caves and crumbling ruins.
The creatures are very challenging for an unskilled character early in the game, but it does get easier with better weapons and built up skills.
The quests are numerous and the characters giving you the quests have all sorts of personalities. They are gruff, obnoxious, pleasant or couldn't give a hoot about you but you still do their quests as you need to advance your skills or solve their problems etc.
The game has run flawlessly so far and the only bug I've found that is noticible is a bit of graphics clipping, but it isn't often and doesn't detract from the game.
Also, the music, sounds and ambience is very fitting.
I highly recommend Risen for keen rpg fans.

Pile up on coffee, (cigs) & maybe some panadol for the incoming headaches not cause of the to-much-caffeine adrenalin no its cause your going to get your butt hammered all day long sucker. This game reminds me of the Gothic 1 and 2 games where surviving was difficult. Don't be put off by that, Risen is a brilliant game for those that want a challenge every fight encounter will make you sweat – when you get a mission to head out your going to be worried, do I have enough health potions, will my crappy gear get me through the mobs, shall I check out the merchants first to see if a better weapon is available, OMG this sword is for me! But wait! I need more strength to arm it which means I will need to level up a couple of times before I can even use the damn thing! Welcome to hardcore RPG. :)
At first I thought the fighting style was too simple just hack and slash and… Die. But I realized soon after by spamming the A and D keys makes your character do different fighting moves or combos with the weapon – It helps just a wee bit. As you level up your see more of this open up where you'll be fighting off hordes and mobs like a true fighter though you will still die often. LOL. The game really kicks in at Chapter 2, Chapter 1 can be a bit slow. Great game very hard, a true RPG. I rate it a 9 out of 10