"Still, the game is pretty linear so far, but that will probably change in the next chapter, at least if they follow the standard Bioware pattern."
Yeah, chapter 2 is more non linear. Overall, the game does have a linear quality; but it gives a dceent amount of non linearty. It's no FO or even BG in terms of non linearty though.
"(the ox - farmer - wife triangle was very cheesy)."
Cheesy yet funny.
There's a lot of siatuations like that amongst the more serious dialogue. A good mix, I think.
Best line, imo: 'Give your pet a peanut.' R00fles!
"I haven't seen any framerate hitches or slowdowns so far"
Yeha, it runs perfectly. I do agree that while the camera is usually fantatsic sometimes it gets out of control. That said, don't forget that you can pause the game and fix it at your leisure. My biggest technical beef are the long load times. Thankfully, saving is very, very quick.
"I don't like the minigame"
I don't mind it. It surely beats the stupid spaceshooting in KOTOR, and you can also skip it every time except the first. Well, in a way it fits because of all those assassins literlaly gunning for you. Heh. But, yeah, it's notn really needed though I think there's supposed to be a hidden bonus from it..
"but I would have liked damage floaties or some other kind of feedback that would allow me to engage in number crunchin"
Me too. This was mentioned on the BIO baords,a nd BIO said it was originally in; but took it out because it cluttered up the combat scne which they didn't wnat since the game is RT it might mess people up. I'm hoping they'll add it back in for JE2 (we know it's coming) as an option.
"I guess there are gems you can use to influence these skills, but I haven't found any yet. "
Hmm.. There should be. I got one gem that gives +4 to all dialogue skills. I have focused on charm.
"It seems to be just a cheap color puzzle and gives only a few XP and a bit of silver, I somehow feel that I missed something."
It seems you missed out a technique. It "only" gives you +4 health; but every bonus cna help. heh. i forget exactly how you get that; but you just have to fool around with the statue. Did you find the alatr behind the Master's house. That has a clue...
Glad you are enjoying it.