I think Gothic 1 is far better, and there also might be an element of “you had to be there” as in be the right age when you discover the freedom and bigness of

I think Gothic 1 is far better, and there also might be an element of “you had to be there” as in be the right age when you discover the freedom and bigness of the game compared to other games at the time. The realism of the world is still unmatched by many titles in the way all the NPCs of the world had a routine that followed the day night cycles, and you could do whatever you want, make allegiance with whoever you want, and all be progressing the game in what was the first or best anti-linear game for many people. Much of the bigness was attributed to straying too far into the wilderness being absolutely dangerous.