The Gothic series may not be the most popular role-playing game series, but its impact on more successful games is undeniable. Without the rough edges and janky gameplay of the franchise developed by Piranha Bytes, some all-time classics like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt would never have existed.
With its undeniable cult classic status, it wasn't surprising to see many excited about experiencing the game that started it all with modern visuals and updated gameplay. However, the development of the Gothic 1 Remake was far from being smooth, with multiple delays and changes based on player feedback.
Having experienced a hands-off demo myself during Gamescom 2025, I couldn't help but feel that the game had some hard times ahead. While the rough performance was not a major cause for concern so far from release, it was the gameplay that made me a doubter. Although much of the jankiness of the original was addressed, the game still felt dated, with unexciting combat and rough animations that didn't make me particularly excited. The team's desire to stay true to the original experience and offer no mini-map or handholding, however, still made me somewhat interested.
For the past few days, I had the chance to try out a small portion of the first chapter of Gothic 1 Remake. Although my four hours spent in the Old Camp confirmed some of my earlier misgivings, it also made me appreciate what Alkimia Interactive aims to do, which I feel will still make the game a hard sell for anyone who hasn't played the original.
A New Old Camp
As widely reported, the Gothic 1 Remake will follow the original plot faithfully, adding content rather than replacing it. As the preview build confines the nameless hero within the boundaries of the Old Camp, I only saw little of the Valley of Mines. The first impressions weren't terribly positive; while writing and voice acting are fine, the typical euro-jankiness was on full show, especially a certain floatiness to movement, although the menu system feels way more functional than some other modern games.
The first combat encounters weren't much better. Employing a system that replicates the original's directional combat, fighting scavengers felt really unwieldy and not very enjoyable. However, the nameless hero is completely incompetent at the start, and by spending Learning Points obtained by leveling up, it is possible to improve his skills with the help of masters scattered all over the Valley Mines. The game also features a combo system much like the original, and there is an accessibility option for those who want to press attack buttons without having to worry about combos, though their damage will suffer.
However, the biggest turn-off was the visuals. Although it uses Unreal Engine 5, the game doesn't look very advanced, with a look reminiscent of fan-made remakes. While I understand the gritty aesthetic serves the world well, a little more vibrancy would have helped make the first few hours more pleasant for newcomers.
The Soul of Gothic, Cherished and Preserved
If there's one thing the remake gets right, it is capturing the magic of the Gothic world. Roaming the Old Camp are multiple named characters representing different factions, each with their own motivations. Through their actions and by completing quest, ranging from basic fetch quests to complex endeavors like stealing items or fighting in the arena, the nameless hero can get closer to any of them, changing how the adventure proceeds.
What makes this world feel extremely alive are multiple features, including NPCs have their own schedules, and the ability to complete quests on your own terms. For example, you can find a supposed traitor before the related quest is even accepted by looking around. To make another, some guards will ask you for protection money, and refusing can make your life difficult in the camp. But if you manage to defend yourself, you can get some extra money and items that will make the beginning of the game more enjoyable.
All the above is made even better by the lack of handholding and quest markers. You are on your own to figure things out, and maps are only available if you purchase them. This approach does wonders for immersion, as it forces you to experience the world rather than just checking boxes like in so many other open-world role-playing games.
Light and Shadows
Despite a difficult onboarding, the more I acquainted myself with the Gothic 1 Remake's unique quirks, the more I wanted to explore the Old Camp and its vicinities and discover the secrets hidden inside. While it is undeniable that the experience does feel a tad dated and clunky, there is a heart of solid gold beneath the dirt. Getting there will be the main challenge many will face, but after these 4 hours with the game, I can say that my previous opinion of the game has been flipped. Now, I am really looking forward to experiencing the nameless hero's story again when Gothic 1 Remake launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on June 5, 2026.
Tested on PC. Preview access provided by the publisher.
About the author: Francesco De Meo has been covering video games and technology since 2012, starting his career at small outlets like Gamersyndrome and GeekSnack. After joining Wccftech gaming section in 2015, he quickly expanded his video gaming coverage with in-depth reporting, interviews with iconic industry figures such as Grasshopper Manufacture founder and No More Heroes creator Goichi "Suda51" Suda, Resident Evil series creator Shinji Mikami, Team NINJA's president and Nioh series director Fumihiko Yasuda, and Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, reviews and on-the-ground coverage of major industry events such as Gamescom and E3. When he's not reporting or reviewing, Francesco can be found playing the genres he loves most, spending time with his six cats, reading, writing music, playing guitar and drumming for his progressive rock band.
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