I figured since I've got time, I'd write a review for one of my favorite games. I will start with the bad

CONS:
- Steep learning curves EVERYWHERE, from combat, archery, even crafting, where instead of the usual UI prompt you actually have to go through the motions and steps to make a potion or sharpen a sword. Definitely will throw new players for a loop, and can make first 10 hours difficult (I didnt make a single potion until 20 hours in)

- Can get rather buggy, some places more than others, and when they do happen its not the funny kind of bugs, but rather things like broken questhooks. Can be infuriating.

- Lots of empty space, exploration is not always rewarded extrinsically. Can be a turnoff for some.

- Quest types can really clash with your character's skillset and become frustrating. Nothing like giving a mission that can only be passed with stealth to a Plate armored Sword and Board Knight with 200 pounds of Equipment(♥♥♥♥ you Hans).

PROS:
- Combat, once learned is some of the best swordfighting on the market. Varied weapons, combos, perks and strategies make investment in weapon choice not only useful, but satisfying. Even fistfighting/brawling has its place, and is more than just a button masher. I spent 3 hours learning to shoot a bow efficiently, and by god did I enjoy it.

- What is a chore? While the game requires a player to eat sleep, bathe and maintain their equipment, these aren't super boring, and can make the planning process interesting managing supply types and understanding whats available where. Hell, you cant even read books at the beginning of the game, so you have to get lessons, and in return it pays dividends.

- The game as I've played, includes loads of unique quests and activities, from dealing with a fake holy artifact seller to combat tournaments to dealing with superstitious rumors. But forget about that even Ubisoft games have ♥♥♥♥ to do. Its the fact that what you do affects the world around you, and the world breathes with you. Reputation precedes you in this game, and people figure out who you are, for better or worse. If you win the Rattay tournament, you'll figure out what I mean.

- Last point I swear, I love the dialogue this game can deliver, Voice actors are crisp, and the conversations and characters can be fondly memorable, even if they rub you the wrong way first.

Just buy it, play it and have a ball roaming beautiful fields on horseback, and optionally, running down bandits on horseback in said beautiful field.

I figured since I've got time, I'd write a review for one of my favorite games. I will start with the bad CONS: - Steep learning curves EVERYWHERE, from combat, archery, even crafting, where instead of the usual UI prompt you actually have to go through the motions and steps to make a potion or sharpen a sword. Definitely will throw new players for a loop, and can make first 10 hours difficult (I didnt make a single potion until 20 hours in) - Can get rather buggy, some places more than others, and when they do happen its not the funny kind of bugs, but rather things like broken questhooks. Can be infuriating. - Lots of empty space, exploration is not always rewarded extrinsically. Can be a turnoff for some. - Quest types can really clash with your character's skillset and become frustrating. Nothing like giving a mission that can only be passed with stealth to a Plate armored Sword and Board Knight with 200 pounds of Equipment(Fuck you Hans). PROS: - Combat, once learned is some of the best swordfighting on the market. Varied weapons, combos, perks and strategies make investment in weapon choice not only useful, but satisfying. Even fistfighting/brawling has its place, and is more than just a button masher. I spent 3 hours learning to shoot a bow efficiently, and by god did I enjoy it. - What is a chore? While the game requires a player to eat sleep, bathe and maintain their equipment, these aren't super boring, and can make the planning process interesting managing supply types and understanding whats available where. Hell, you cant even read books at the beginning of the game, so you have to get lessons, and in return it pays dividends. - The game as I've played, includes loads of unique quests and activities, from dealing with a fake holy artifact seller to combat tournaments to dealing with superstitious rumors. But forget about that even Ubisoft games have shit to do. Its the fact that what you do affects the world around you, and the world breathes with you. Reputation precedes you in this game, and people figure out who you are, for better or worse. If you win the Rattay tournament, you'll figure out what I mean. - Last point I swear, I love the dialogue this game can deliver, Voice actors are crisp, and the conversations and characters can be fondly memorable, even if they rub you the wrong way first. Just buy it, play it and have a ball roaming beautiful fields on horseback, and optionally, running down bandits on horseback in said beautiful field.