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One of the best RPG's to ever hit the gaming world... For true fans of role-playing games who are tired of linear worlds where actions are determined by the no-choice plots of profit-minded programmers, there is good news. Like Gothic (1) before it, Gothic 2 invites the player on a journey into a gaming world where NPCs actually care what happens. Unlike most RPGs, the path of the game is not easy to see from the beginning. From the start, there are decisions to make that will alter the way the world reacts throughout the game. When the character rises in the ranks of a guild, instead of the dull "Yes Guildmaster" that many gamers have come to know and despise in RPGs, the world actually seems to notice that he is still alive. Among Gothic 2's major victories, players will find the no-nonsense gameplay to be refreshing. The controls have been much improved over the controls of Gothic (1) though the option to stick with the original controls is left to the player. When the character draws his sword in town, he better have a good reason. The locals get very upset. When a player enters someone's house whether innocently or to rob them blind, they notice and come on the war-path promptly. The player will sigh with relief even at the beginning of the game. Instead of spending needless time trying to decide what race and class to choose for maximum punch, the player is thrown nameless and immediately into the world not knowing if they can kill the bandit attacking them or the wolf close behind. There are no natural abilities in this game. Skills, of all sorts, must be learned and refined. Gothic 2 can take anywhere from 30-40 hours to beat and offers great replayability with different quests depending on the player's choices. It is well worth any gamer's time to find this game and give it a few spins. At an average cost of $20 (US) this game is a bargain and though a few years old, the graphics still amaze anyone with a decent system. If the gaming world is truly lucky, Gothic 3 will not be too many years away from becoming a reality. This game earns 5 out of 5 stars.