Swiss site GBase sends in their German review of Fall of Setarrif, with a score of 5.0 (out of 10?).

We recently mentioned the German review of Fall of Setarrif from GameStar but the actual text is now available. According to my Google-fu, they say it is "an empty world (almost) devoid of quests" and "monotonous, continuous battles".

Thanks, Sir_Brennus!

Alistair points out ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif has been released on Steam (and presumably any other digital vendors):

Fall of Setarrif, an all-new standalone expansion for Arcania: Gothic 4, is now available on Steam!

A new threat casts its shadow over the Southern Isles. A mysterious demon, consumed by hatred, terrifies the population and pools his force against the coastal city of Setarrif. Experience a new, compelling part of the chronicles of Argaan. Face the last challenge - determine your destiny!

Actually, looking at GamersGate, they also have a Gold Edition for $29.99.

Sir-Brennus writes the print edition of GameStar magazine in Germany has a scathing review of ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif. Apparently calling it "Fail of Setarrif" or "Fall of Arcania", the score is 58/100. We'll bring you online review links as soon as we find any.

Nordic Games sends along this press release announcing ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif is alive and well and will be released October 25th "from all major digital etailers":

NORDIC GAMES TO PUBLISH ARCANIA: FALL OF SETARRIF

Nordic Games GmbH’s first release will hit the digital shelves on October 25th 2011

Vienna, Austria, 21^stSeptember 2011: Nordic Games GmbH, part of the Nordic Games Holding AB group, is proud to announce that its first release will be “ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif” for PC.

The stand-alone expansion pack, is the next installment of the ArcaniA 4 Gothic storyline and  will be available for download on October 25^th2011. It is the first game to be released by the recently established company Nordic Games GmbH, based in Vienna, Austria.

“We are glad that ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif happens to be the first release of our company. There are still a lot of background activities taking place, but I could not think of a better way to break the ice and get our communications started than with this product announcement”, comments Lars Wingefors, CEO, Nordic Games GmbH.

“ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif”  has an estimated playtime of between 4 and 8 hours, will retail at EUR 14.99, and will be available from all major digital etailers.
Further game assets and other product related information will be released in due course.

"Indefinite delay" is usually code for "cancelled" but we'll hold judgment until the details are clear. At any rate, several sites are reporting JoWood's Arcania expandalone is on hold because of legal issues. Undoubtedly one of those issues is that JoWood is once again at death's door. From Rock, Paper, Shotgun (thanks, Roi Danton):

JoWood are being pretty cryptic about the reason for the axe falling, merely revealing that some sort of legal tussle has led to an indefinite delay. “The legal background of the official add-on to “ArcaniA – Gothic 4” is unclear and diverse legal positions with the BVT fund that financed the main game are present.”

JoWood let us know they have a new website for Arcania: Fall of Setarif. There's also a new trailer, which you can check out at VoodooExtreme. The press release from JoWood:

Vienna, Austria, March 2nd 2011; The official trailer of ArcaniA – Fall of Setarrif is online now and offers first insights into ingame footage. Further information can be found on the official  website of the game.

About ArcaniA – Fall of Setarrif
A new threat casts its shadow over the Southern Isles. A mysterious demon, consumed by hatred, terrifies the population and pools his force against the coastal city of Setarrif. The dramatic situation exacerbates after a volcanic eruption in the mountains nearby. Thereupon the nameless hero joins forces with his strongest allies and courageously faces the new menace. Especially exciting: The new adventure provides the possibility to experience the compelling storyline from a different character’s point of view for the very first time!

Features

• Standalone Add-On


• Experience and fight as your famous allies and use their unique skills


• Battle all new enemies & monsters


• New environments such as jungles, the volcanic mountains and the coastal regions


• Import your character from the main game or choose a predefined archetype

According to Worthplaying, Arcania: Fall of Setarrif will be released on March 25th, which seems a fairly fast turnaround for a struggling publisher.  Head over for two new screenshots.

Edit: Here's the PR.

Vienna, Austria, February 14th 2011; JoWooD Entertainment and Spellbound Entertainment announce that the official AddOn for ArcaniA - Gothic 4 will be launched on March 25th 2011. „Fall of Setarrif” brings an all new adventure to the ArcaniA Universe - for the very first time players can experience the compelling storyline from a different character’s point of view!

Game Overview
A new threat casts its shadow over the Southern Isles. A mysterious demon, consumed by hatred, terrifies the population and pools his force against the coastal city of Setarrif. The dramatic situation exacerbates after a volcanic eruption in the mountains nearby. Thereupon the nameless hero joins forces with his strongest allies and courageously faces the new menace.

„We will be releasing some exclusive assets earlier on our Facebook page the next few weeks“, says Manuel Karl, Community Manager JoWooD. „Fans on our page will get a sneak preview and can provide me with direct feedback or ask me any questions they have. Especially the possibility to experience the story from up to four of your allies’ point of view makes it an exciting experience and has already caused many fans to get intrigued by the Add-On.“

Features

10+ hours of new compelling game play

Experience and fight as each of your famous allies, utilising their unique skillset

Battle all new enemies & monsters and hone your combat skills with new items & weapons

Discover new environments such as jungles, the volcanic mountains, Setarrif & the coastal regions

Import your character from ArcaniA - Gothic 4 or choose a predefined archetype

Standalone Add-On

According to German site GameStar, Arcania: Fall of Setarrif will definitely get released, despite the bankruptcy of publish JoWood. According to the Google translation, GameStar asked JoWood and while there was no other detail, they were assured the game will be completed.

Omega points out screens for Arcania: Fall of Setarrif at German site GamePro.de.  These are the first screens I've seen and, according to a translation of the article, we can expect videos in January.  They also quote JoWood in saying this is just the start for the Arcania franchise.

The new JoWooD CM M.Venom introduced himself by announcing the unavoidable Arcania add-on, ArcaniA - Fall of Setarrif.

Update:

Here's his full post. Three pics can be found in this thread in the JoWooD forum.

Hi Community,

as i have taken response for Megalomaniacs community tasks, here the first news about the ArcaniA - gothic 4 Add On!

Spellbound Entertainment und JoWooD announce "ArcaniA: Gothic 4 – Fall of Setarrif":

A mysterious demon roams Argaan, focusing all his devastating powers on the destruction of the coastal city of Setariff. Unaware, the nameless Hero returns to the court for an audience with the now sane King Rhobar III, who tells him of the dire events which have befallen the land and the urgent need of a worthy champion.

For the first time gamers can play other famous characters from the Gothic series! Use the unique skills of your allies to meet the challenges ahead.

Players will also find new locations, including new cities, coastal regions, jungles and volcanic mountains.

[screenshots]

Kind regards,
M.Venom