Yes I have played, and completed, Planescape Torment - as many others have said a great game. Shame they didn't bring out any more in that series as it was really well done. Although I recall taking quite a while to get into it, in fact I think I played some other games and went back to it as initially I found it a bit confusing - so maybe its popularity came later - too late to prompt a sequal?
The Witcher looks good - might give that a try. I like the idea of moral ambiguity.
I definately like Witcher. Also like Knight of the Old Republic, which is an older game. If you're a star wars fan, I'd recommend it.
Personally, I'm mostly interested in seeing how Dragon Age turns out. It'll be released in a few months, and that's what I'm waiting to check out.
Mass Effect was also pretty good, but the side missions were kinda dull. Also has a sort of FPS feel to some of the action, so that might turn off some people, but overall, I liked the game.
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
CoolKiwiBloke wrote:Hows does "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion " rate/compare?
You should read my review on this site. In essence, I find it more of a kiddie game than Morrowind, in which you're spoonfed everything. Nice graphics, but it's an inferior title to Morrowind. There are some excellent mods that up the stakes, but the main quest system just doesn't measure up.
To the Righteous belong the fruits of violent victory. The rest of us will have to settle for warm friends, warm lovers, and a wink from a quietly supportive universe.
My own personal opinion is that Oblivion is heavy on the "shiny" and light on the game play. A couple of the quest lines are ok, but for the most part, I can't play Oblivion for all that long. If you're looking for depth of gameplay, similar to Planescape of BG series, it simply isn't there in my opinion.
There was very much a feeling of having my hand held through most of the quests. The world after awhile seemed pretty bland to me, the leveling system as released is severely messed up IMO, and, well, I just thought it was altogether weak.
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Right now the only fantasy RPGs with a good story and good character interaction that come to my mind are the Baldur's Gate series and Planescape: Torment, but you have already played them. If there are others, I don't recall them right now.
If you don't mind changing your requirements, I could suggest other titles that are considered "must play".
Since you have played the Ultima games, it's a sign that you don't mind outdated graphics, so I would suggest one of my favourite series, the Might and Magic games. The games are not centered on story and character interaction, but on quests and exploration. The games are party-based and combat is turn-based. My favourites are M&M IV and V, which can be played together as one title: World of Xeen. You can get them for free at Abandonia.com
You could also have a look at Fallout. The first two are excellent non-linear RPGs, but they don't offer much in terms of character interaction.
I might also suggest the Vampire the Masquerade games. The first one, Redemption, is linear, but it's story-driven and playing a vampire adds an original touch, so you might like it. The second one, Bloodlines, is considered much better, but I can't comment because I have not played it.
I suggest that you go to the Mobygames website and have a look at all the titles that have been given to you, it will help you make a decision.
Dr. Stein grows funny creatures, lets them run into the night.
They become GameBanshee members, and their time is right.
- inspired by an Helloween song
The fact that a game has "RPG" plastered next to it's title or name, doesn't mean it is one.
Most of the game you mentioned don't really have the roleplaying elements. Most people are convinced (for some reason) are convinced that the classifications of an RPG are controlling a single character and being able to level up.
Take WoW for example, sure, it lets you play as a character from the Warcraft universe, but that's about it. Most of the game all you do is complete quests as well as hack and slash to be better than the next guy. It's very very one sided and uninteresting. This is a quality of all MMORPGs. The grinding and the single sided quest choice. There is no room for improvisation, no room to make your own choice or to have a part of your personality take over.
The GTA series doesn't give you ANY choice in how you do your quests with the exceptions as to what cars and weapons you use. Sure some might argue that these games let you play a "role" of a certain character, but really, that's not enough, as it would make almost every single game an RPG. It's more of about how you, as your character, interact with the world and how that world interacts with you.
“The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.”
Just a reminder to all to keep the discussion here on topic. The original question asked for rec's based on the users criteria for what he looks for in a game. Please keep comments here relevant to that topic. I am aware that such rec's often involve commentary on the specific games involved in the posts, but lets try to keep this thread clear of general arguments about what constitutes a good RPG experience and what doesn't.
As always, if anyone wishes to discuss what is or isn't RPG, or anything along those lines, you are more than welcome to do so by either posting in a relevant thread or , if none is available, starting your own topic.
Thanks,
BS.
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
No mention of playing Neverwinter Nights 2, so that would be my recommendation. The more modern Might and Magic games may be up your alley, and there are character specific quests involved. I'd only recommend 6-8 since the earlier ones have no party interaction.
