Revitalized 2001 RPG Phenomenon Unleashes Thrilling Gameplay on Nintendo Switch

Highlights

Gothic, the iconic 2001 RPG, is getting a Nintendo Switch port called Gothic Classic with notable improvements and new dialogue and loot placements.

The game's distinctive blend of atmosphere, expansive open-world, and authentic skill system propelled it to the status of a cult classic, offering a challenging start but a satisfying endgame. The impact of Gothic can be observed in titles such as The Witcher 3, and Piranha Bytes remains influenced by its own rich heritage, even though they have no intentions of revisiting the franchise.

THQ Nordic has announced Gothic Classic, a Nintendo Switch port of Piranha Bytes' iconic RPG Gothic. Originally released in 2001 exclusively for PC, Gothic gained a devoted following and prompted THQ Nordic to greenlight a Gothic remake in early 2020. This decision came after the release of a popular playable teaser for the game, which generated mixed opinions among gamers.

Piranha Bytes' first-ever game had a significant impact on the RPG genre and served as inspiration for numerous successful titles, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In a 2018 documentary, a CD Projekt Red official referred to the Gothic franchise as a "legendary" series and expressed the studio's aspiration to capture the atmosphere and gameplay elements of Piranha Bytes' influential RPG in The Witcher 3. While Piranha Bytes currently shows no interest in returning to the Gothic franchise, the legacy of Gothic continues to shape their future games.

In the meantime, Piranha Bytes' parent company appears eager to revive the series. They recently announced that a version of Gothic for the Nintendo Switch is set to be released on September 28. While the publisher is calling it a port, the game will come with several notable improvements, resembling a full-fledged remaster. These enhancements include a new control scheme, along with hundreds of fixes addressing various issues such as AI problems, quest bugs, graphical glitches (like missing textures and incomplete animations). Additionally, Gothic Classic for the Switch will feature new dialogue and revised loot placements.

Similarly to the Gothic remake undertaken by Alkimia Interactive, it is likely that Gothic Classic was developed without the involvement of Piranha Bytes. However, THQ Nordic has not disclosed which of its nearly two dozen subsidiaries was responsible for porting this classic CRPG to the Nintendo Switch.

Gothic's cult following is attributed to its combination of an intense atmosphere, meticulously crafted open-world, and immersive mechanics that were ahead of their time. The game's notable innovation lies in its realistic skill system. Players initially begin as weaklings with limited weapon proficiency, but as they gain experience and receive training, their skills improve, granting access to new combos and faster animations. This progression applies to magic usage, potion-making, hunting, as well as stealth, lockpicking, pickpocketing, and bartering.

While this approach to leveling can be unforgiving in the beginning, it ultimately allows players to create powerful builds capable of overwhelming enemies in the endgame, resulting in a uniquely satisfying experience. The only modern game to successfully replicate this realistic character progression is the 2018 hit Kingdom Come: Deliverance by Warhorse Studios. Interestingly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was also announced for release on the Nintendo Switch in mid-2021. However, since the Switch port still lacks a release date, it appears that Gothic Classic is poised to launch before it.

Gothic Classic launches September 28 for Nintendo Switch.

Source: Dzieje Khorinis / YouTube