I tried playing 3 first and was happily going all over the map collecting tons of plants and fighting monsters, occasionally advancing the story line, Then I got frustrated that I couldn't find trainers in any of the other cities. I think they are contingent on completing parts of the story line. I got so pissed that I couldn't get the skills I wanted, like collecting skins from lizard types or cooking or picking impossible locks (I ran into several chests I couldn't pick and no way to mark where they were to go back later) so a lot of effort for nothing. got to a point I can't advance the story even. no idea what to do.

so, no trainers anywhere. no ability to make anything worth a damn or even for fun. while I had a blast wandering the countryside and even a bit taking out mobs, I eventually had nothing to do. oh yes, I was prevented from entering main character hq's. dunno why. dunno what to do about it. so, stuck on main quest somewhere, and nothing to do.

tried playing gothic 1 and it has a HUGE learning curve. had to consult wiki's and other pages to even get going. like 3, found lots of things to pick up which were all but useless. no cooking or potion making. what do i DO with all this crap? can't find xardas' tower, o maybe i did. found a tower after running past a stone golem, an ice golem, and a fire golem, none of which I could beat, but no xardas anywhere. need more points to be able to cast undead spell, but I Can't beat fire drakes either, so I am left with a few small time beasts to slay to get points. tiresome.boring. It DID kill some time, though frustrating. oh. I cheated and got teh magic armor, which was the only way I could even survive long enough to DO anything, but even that doesn't work at teh point of the game I Am in. I don't like using two handed weapons, but I think the game wants to force me to. would love a shield. hell, I'd just like to USE all teh herbs and stuff I have to MAKE things. I love crafting.
just had to vent. any ideas welcome.