During the game, you'll get to level up, as well as building up attributes such as strength, dexterity, hit points and mana, and the four weapon-based skills plus lock-picking. Words such as Xardas are enough of a clue this is a game for those who like to slay dragons and parade in armour, meaning most of the action tends to focus on strategic real-time battles, exploration and conversation with ne'er-do-wells and vagabonds.Īt the start of the game, you do get the choice of a melée fighter, ranged weapon fighter or magician - whichever particular style of fighting takes your fancy. You step into the shoes, or more likely leather sandals, of the very muscular young Xardas, who has been mysteriously selected by God Innos of the Island of Kohrinis to seek out a set of magic rune stones. This is one for the RPG fan, but for that market it's a well-realised title with plenty of intelligent design.

Based on the universe of the Gothic PC titles, it casts you back to a world of orcs and warriors, and rooms littered with barrels and chests containing gold and swords.įrom the outset you're bombarded with text, menu screens, inventories, potions and weapon upgrades, so if you're expecting constant action and immediate accessibility go elsewhere for your kicks. In fact, as mobile games go it's actually impressively large - over 50 levels - and reasonably graphically pretty, but, be warned, it is an role-playing game, and one that has the distinct flavour of a classic text adventure. To that extent, Gothic 3: The Beginning is the antithesis of the likes of Bobby Carrot, Granny in Paradise and Brain Coach.

We often characterise the mobile gaming market as being somewhat casual - ready for a couple of minutes fun but little else.

Gothic 3 review