There's very little that I can say that hasn't already been said, but I feel a need to add my support. I purchased the game a little more than a month ago and I've already clocked 376 hours. I've become so involved in the game that I can't even imagine playing something else.

This is not a game for everyone, but if you're a 'survival game' enthusiast it's the one you simply have to have. There are other survival games that are quite good, but even the best of them doesn't come close to the authenticity of this game. I really get the feeling that I've lived in this world for part of my life in the past month. Although the concept is relatively simple - settle down in a quaint little valley in medieval times, get to know the neighbors by doing 'favors', build homes and attract people from the local villages to join your settlement, establish an economy, etc. - the realism of the game really sucks you in. This isn't a 'top-down-view' game, although you can play either in first or third person view, and so the buildings you build are real houses, workshops, markets, etc. The people are real people and the animals are incredibly authentic. Believe me! Your first run-in with a wild boar will be a moment to remember.

It's not about going around and killing everone and everything in sight, although there are certainly dangers presented by many of the animals and, most particularly, the bandits. The first time I came across a bandit camp and I saw them notice me, get up and come after me left me shakin' in my boots. I survived, but just barely. But if it's blood and guts you're after, I can tell you that killing an animal, find it lying in a pool of blood and having to skin it will satisfy many of you (You can eliminate the blood and guts in the customization menu.)

The quests leave a bit to be desired (alot of running around) but they're painless and help to improve your reputation which then draws more desirable workers to join your settlement. And all the running around gives you an opportunity to observe the incredibly breathtaking scenery across the land. The graphic reality of the water and the trees blowing in the wind are quite impressive. It seems alot of research and care went into the creation of the world, right down to the detail of the various different leaves, plants, etc.

And then there's family life. Chances are you'll want to marry and bear an heir, who you can continue playing with after you die (hopefully of old age!). The wife can be a bit of a nag and the kid needs a little 'straightening out' from time to time, but in the long-run, they're worth the trouble.

Bottom line: If you're into survival games, this is the one you must have! If you're looking for hack and slash, this one's probably not for you.

Well, I guess I have more than a little to say...heh-heh.

There's very little that I can say that hasn't already been said, but I feel a need to add my support. I purchased the game a little more than a month ago and I've already clocked 376 hours. I've become so involved in the game that I can't even imagine playing something else. This is not a game for everyone, but if you're a 'survival game' enthusiast it's the one you simply have to have. There are other survival games that are quite good, but even the best of them doesn't come close to the authenticity of this game. I really get the feeling that I've lived in this world for part of my life in the past month. Although the concept is relatively simple - settle down in a quaint little valley in medieval times, get to know the neighbors by doing 'favors', build homes and attract people from the local villages to join your settlement, establish an economy, etc. - the realism of the game really sucks you in. This isn't a 'top-down-view' game, although you can play either in first or third person view, and so the buildings you build are real houses, workshops, markets, etc. The people are real people and the animals are incredibly authentic. Believe me! Your first run-in with a wild boar will be a moment to remember. It's not about going around and killing everone and everything in sight, although there are certainly dangers presented by many of the animals and, most particularly, the bandits. The first time I came across a bandit camp and I saw them notice me, get up and come after me left me shakin' in my boots. I survived, but just barely. But if it's blood and guts you're after, I can tell you that killing an animal, find it lying in a pool of blood and having to skin it will satisfy many of you (You can eliminate the blood and guts in the customization menu.) The quests leave a bit to be desired (alot of running around) but they're painless and help to improve your reputation which then draws more desirable workers to join your settlement. And all the running around gives you an opportunity to observe the incredibly breathtaking scenery across the land. The graphic reality of the water and the trees blowing in the wind are quite impressive. It seems alot of research and care went into the creation of the world, right down to the detail of the various different leaves, plants, etc. And then there's family life. Chances are you'll want to marry and bear an heir, who you can continue playing with after you die (hopefully of old age!). The wife can be a bit of a nag and the kid needs a little 'straightening out' from time to time, but in the long-run, they're worth the trouble. Bottom line: If you're into survival games, this is the one you must have! If you're looking for hack and slash, this one's probably not for you. Well, I guess I have more than a little to say...heh-heh.