I want to get this settled once and for all. I just looked at the article for 'Soulslike' on Wikipedia and noticed how there is nothing of the sort available for Gothic (that I am aware of, anyway). I have the ever stronger creeping suspicion that the reason why we don't get more Gothic-like games is because no one has any bloody idea what makes the Gothic series so great.

You read about some people mentioning their own impressions and ideas here and there (especially HERE, on this sub), but nothing decisive or hands-on.

I am absolutely positive that there is a way to describe and rebuild a Gothic game from the ground up - Archolos is a prime example.

Just what exactly are the factors you need to get right to make the magic happen?