[2021] AC Valhalla - Game freeze on dialogue scenes

Hi All,

Season greetings to all!

I have decided after a near 14 month hiatus to return to the game on a very mid-level PC with following characteristics:

1. Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-9400F
2. NVIDIA GTX 1070
3. 32 Gb RAM

OK, not my regular gaming PC located elsewhere but not total crap.

After some experimentation and game freezes I have placed it at High graphics settings.

Only now, every time (and I mean every time) I come across a dialogue cut-scene and after a line or two the game just freezes.

It is quite the puzzling problem, I repeat that the game runs OK while playing, only when I enter a dialogue scene do I get a freeze. Have been trying to find a solution for hours and no joy, I will go ultimately for a complete un / reinstall if suggested but if there are any gems of advice I would be very greatful