Lord_Potato
Arcane
Definitely play those you mentioned, Lord_Potato !
I differ from the Codex general consensus™ in finding Risen 3 an atmospherically good game too. If you can bear weak mechanics and a shit ending, but enjoy good exploration and atmosphere, try Risen 3 as well.
On Risen 2 however, the Codex general consensus™ is right: Avoid at all costs!
My only problem is that the little completionist in me protests against skipping parts of a series. So if I am to play Risen 1&3, 2 also has to be finished inbetween.
I guess I will see what happens when I complete the games I listed. Perhaps I will be exhausted with the PB formula by then. Or perhaps I will need more and then the next Risens might seem as worth a try.