The positives:

*Pretty vast character creation with tons of options

*Compelling story so far in a huge, sprawling world... and I cannot stress enough that choices DO matter, and there will be consequences that will alter the plot in meaningful ways. Be very, VERY careful with your choices... or play "fast and loose" and just roll with whatever may happen. Beyond this, I can say no more to avoid spoiling.

*Lots of options in dealing with situations... including the "nuclear option" to wipe everyone out

*Excellent gameplay with loads of depth

*Great audio and voice acting

*Great graphics (that are actually well-optimized... shocking for a modern game's initial release, I know)



The negatives:

*D&D 5e Rules are a bit lameduck

*A few annoying bugs here and there... but not many, and less than expected for such a massive game

*No automated auto-sort function for inventory. (Must be done manually... any/every time there's a change in inventory)

*Character creation presents some very... unnecessary... options. Some of which can really be a detriment to immersion and encourage creating "joke" characters that will likely be common in multi-player (prepare yourself for Pink haired, Pigtailed, hermaphroditic Half-Orc Bards).

*Romance options for the characters is either broken or not well thought out. It feels tacked on at the last minute and very underdeveloped. Party members who barely know you and certainly don't trust you will give you their life story too readily. In addition, the vast majority of the characters, regardless of how they approve of you, will "hit on" you constantly like hormonal teenagers. There is no option for friendship, there is only "We'll bang, OK?" or "Get the hells away from me." There is no nuance or complexity, which is a big shame considering how very well done the rest of the game is.

Overall, despite a few minor annoyances, it's an excellent game that puts other AAA games to shame... and well worth the release delays and extra time in development.

EDIT on 8-16-23 to reflect further experience with the story

The positives: *Pretty vast character creation with tons of options *Compelling story so far in a huge, sprawling world... and I cannot stress enough that choices DO matter, and there will be consequences that will alter the plot in meaningful ways. Be very, VERY careful with your choices... or play "fast and loose" and just roll with whatever may happen. Beyond this, I can say no more to avoid spoiling. *Lots of options in dealing with situations... including the "nuclear option" to wipe everyone out *Excellent gameplay with loads of depth *Great audio and voice acting *Great graphics (that are actually well-optimized... shocking for a modern game's initial release, I know) The negatives: *D&D 5e Rules are a bit lameduck *A few annoying bugs here and there... but not many, and less than expected for such a massive game *No automated auto-sort function for inventory. (Must be done manually... any/every time there's a change in inventory) *Character creation presents some very... unnecessary... options. Some of which can really be a detriment to immersion and encourage creating "joke" characters that will likely be common in multi-player (prepare yourself for Pink haired, Pigtailed, hermaphroditic Half-Orc Bards). *Romance options for the characters is either broken or not well thought out. It feels tacked on at the last minute and very underdeveloped. Party members who barely know you and certainly don't trust you will give you their life story too readily. In addition, the vast majority of the characters, regardless of how they approve of you, will "hit on" you constantly like hormonal teenagers. There is no option for friendship, there is only "We'll bang, OK?" or "Get the hells away from me." There is no nuance or complexity, which is a big shame considering how very well done the rest of the game is. Overall, despite a few minor annoyances, it's an excellent game that puts other AAA games to shame... and well worth the release delays and extra time in development. EDIT on 8-16-23 to reflect further experience with the story