New PC, what games should I get?
New PC, what games should I get?
I loved BGII but have not been able to play many new games due to my PC limitations. I now have a new PC. What RPGs have I missed that capture the freedom and complexity of BGII?
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JackOfClubs
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The only serious rival to BG2 on those terms in Planescape: Torment. It doesn't have the same feel as the BG series -- it is grittier and slightly more existential (in the Sartre sense, not the Kierkegaard one) -- but it certainly allows for a great deal of non-linearity (which I assume is what you mean by freedom) and is arguably more complex than the BG series in terms of plot. At least the plot is more sophisticated, which may or not be to your taste.
I would also recommend the Neverwinter Nights series. It is a step down from the Baldur's Gate games in some sense that I have never been able to define, but is still quite enjoyable. The official campaigns are somewhat linear but there are vast numbers of user-created modules that are quite good. One problem with all of these modules, including the official ones, is that it tends to be much more lonely than the BG series. You only have one or two henchmen and there isn't the sense of camaraderie. But since party interaction isn't part of your original question, perhaps this isn't an issue for you.
I personally think Bioware hit the peak in the BG series and the achievement isn't likely to be surpassed. Which is why I keep replaying this game rather than buying a bunch of others. But the two mentioned above are worth looking into.
I would also recommend the Neverwinter Nights series. It is a step down from the Baldur's Gate games in some sense that I have never been able to define, but is still quite enjoyable. The official campaigns are somewhat linear but there are vast numbers of user-created modules that are quite good. One problem with all of these modules, including the official ones, is that it tends to be much more lonely than the BG series. You only have one or two henchmen and there isn't the sense of camaraderie. But since party interaction isn't part of your original question, perhaps this isn't an issue for you.
I personally think Bioware hit the peak in the BG series and the achievement isn't likely to be surpassed. Which is why I keep replaying this game rather than buying a bunch of others. But the two mentioned above are worth looking into.
Resistance to Tyrants is Service to God.
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Rurokenrox91
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It depends a lot on what types of games you like. If you enjoy solid plot driven RPGs - I'd recommend KoTOR 1 & 2 (great stories, albeit easy combat), and Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines (while more adult in content and containing an "action" combat system, VtM: Bloodlines is a remarkably subtle game with a variety of useable skills and an engaging plot). . Likewise, Fable: Lost Chapters is a bit more fluff, but you'd probably find entertaining for a short RPG. It's not out yet, though.
In terms of purely expansive games, Morrowind may be worth your time. The story and NPC interaction is weak, but the world is expansive and you have a lot of control over your character's development.
Likewise, for more traditional D&D style titles, NwN is probably worth your time. It and its expansions are solid games, though they lack some of the nuanced story of the BG titles.
If you missed them, some other pre- or contemperous BG titles are still enriching (and remain some of the best RPGs ever). For instance, the Planescape Torment title is great as well. It's story surpasses BG's own. Though it lacks some of the expansiveness. Likewise, the Fallout titles are both brilliant games that, despite having some dated graphics, still hold up fairly well. Finally, Arcanum has a fairly substantial fan following as well. These games all balance story, character development, and expansiveness fairly well.
In terms of purely expansive games, Morrowind may be worth your time. The story and NPC interaction is weak, but the world is expansive and you have a lot of control over your character's development.
Likewise, for more traditional D&D style titles, NwN is probably worth your time. It and its expansions are solid games, though they lack some of the nuanced story of the BG titles.
If you missed them, some other pre- or contemperous BG titles are still enriching (and remain some of the best RPGs ever). For instance, the Planescape Torment title is great as well. It's story surpasses BG's own. Though it lacks some of the expansiveness. Likewise, the Fallout titles are both brilliant games that, despite having some dated graphics, still hold up fairly well. Finally, Arcanum has a fairly substantial fan following as well. These games all balance story, character development, and expansiveness fairly well.
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Grimar
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Diablo II 
great game
Planescape Torment is 100% worth the money, but i bit hard to get. but i highly recommend that game
Arcanum: Steamworks & magik abscure is a good game
I also recommend Wizardry 8. not a well known game, but entertaining in my wiew.
Icewind dale II is also ok.
great gamePlanescape Torment is 100% worth the money, but i bit hard to get. but i highly recommend that game
Arcanum: Steamworks & magik abscure is a good game
I also recommend Wizardry 8. not a well known game, but entertaining in my wiew.
Icewind dale II is also ok.
I once had a little teaparty, this afternoon at three, twas was very small, three guests in all; I, myself, and me. myself ate up the sandwhiches, while i drank up the tea. twas also i that ate the pie,and passed the cake to me
Yes, i really reccomend both Planescape: Torment as well as Fallout 2, those are the best RPG's i've ever played
(I bought PS:T from a norweigan online auction site, like eBay, if you don't have the game, that's the most likely place you'll find it, it went out of production)
when comparing NwN and KotOR to those games, NwN and KotOR comes out really weak, still, they are okay games, albeit a bit shallow...
Diablo II is also fun, if you are into that thing.
I'd recommend WoW, but that's not an RPG, that's a MMOG...
(I bought PS:T from a norweigan online auction site, like eBay, if you don't have the game, that's the most likely place you'll find it, it went out of production)
when comparing NwN and KotOR to those games, NwN and KotOR comes out really weak, still, they are okay games, albeit a bit shallow...
Diablo II is also fun, if you are into that thing.
I'd recommend WoW, but that's not an RPG, that's a MMOG...
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Deadalready
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But still, important to be given the heads up on general, quality gaming . Important games have gone by
I add my vote to the Planescape Torment ballot. Another classic to try would be Deus Ex. I haven't really found any decent RPGs over the past year or two. Although there are a few hopefuls coming up, namely Dragon Age by Bioware and TESIV:Oblivion ofcourse
. Important games have gone by I add my vote to the Planescape Torment ballot. Another classic to try would be Deus Ex. I haven't really found any decent RPGs over the past year or two. Although there are a few hopefuls coming up, namely Dragon Age by Bioware and TESIV:Oblivion ofcourse
"I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!"
Maybe you like some really old classics... Eye of the Beholder-series, Nethack. You can download patches to adjust your clocking-speed so the games won't flip.
There's no knowledge that's not POWER!!!!
"Power is the ability to control the actions of others, regardless of their wishes" et al, Cohen
-and right you were, mate!
"Power is the ability to control the actions of others, regardless of their wishes" et al, Cohen
-and right you were, mate!
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fable
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[QUOTE=ilkilkus]I loved BGII but have not been able to play many new games due to my PC limitations. I now have a new PC. What RPGs have I missed that capture the freedom and complexity of BGII?[/QUOTE]
Freedom and complexity. Planescape: Torment leads my list. I'd add King of Dragon Pass, a remarkable RPG/strategy hybrid (with almost 500 randomly shuffled plots) that you can find at http://www.a-sharp.com. Ultima VI and Ultima VII: The Black Gate (especially now that the Exult engine lets the latter play on Windows).
Freedom and complexity. Planescape: Torment leads my list. I'd add King of Dragon Pass, a remarkable RPG/strategy hybrid (with almost 500 randomly shuffled plots) that you can find at http://www.a-sharp.com. Ultima VI and Ultima VII: The Black Gate (especially now that the Exult engine lets the latter play on Windows).
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.
[QUOTE=fable]Freedom and complexity. Planescape: Torment leads my list. I'd add King of Dragon Pass, a remarkable RPG/strategy hybrid (with almost 500 randomly shuffled plots) that you can find at http://www.a-sharp.com. Ultima VI and Ultima VII: The Black Gate (especially now that the Exult engine lets the latter play on Windows).[/QUOTE]
It's kind of sad that we're all suggesting older games that the original poster could have played prior to upgrading his computer. It probably says a lot about the present state of RPGs.
It's kind of sad that we're all suggesting older games that the original poster could have played prior to upgrading his computer. It probably says a lot about the present state of RPGs.
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fable
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[QUOTE=Faust]It's kind of sad that we're all suggesting older games that the original poster could have played prior to upgrading his computer. It probably says a lot about the present state of RPGs.[/QUOTE]
I've commented over in SYM that this is standard for forms of marketable entertainment. Pioneers lead, coming up with interesting ideas. New people settle in as well, sometimes following formulas, but making more elaborate games. Finally, corporations perceive the entertainment form as a way of turning a large buck, take over the small fry, and churn out clones out slick, expensive clones. Jazz on record? Television genres? Rock on record? Film genres? Now, gaming. It stands to reason that if you simplify, stratify and dumb down RPGs in many respects you'll broaden their mass appeal, catching a much younger player. This is precisely what has occurred in games like the KotoR series, or the emphasis seen in nearly all modern RPGs on first person, single-character realtime action. There are exceptions, of course, but the developers I've spoken with indicate that they can't sell an idea to the corporations that now control the market unless they produce simple action titles.
I've commented over in SYM that this is standard for forms of marketable entertainment. Pioneers lead, coming up with interesting ideas. New people settle in as well, sometimes following formulas, but making more elaborate games. Finally, corporations perceive the entertainment form as a way of turning a large buck, take over the small fry, and churn out clones out slick, expensive clones. Jazz on record? Television genres? Rock on record? Film genres? Now, gaming. It stands to reason that if you simplify, stratify and dumb down RPGs in many respects you'll broaden their mass appeal, catching a much younger player. This is precisely what has occurred in games like the KotoR series, or the emphasis seen in nearly all modern RPGs on first person, single-character realtime action. There are exceptions, of course, but the developers I've spoken with indicate that they can't sell an idea to the corporations that now control the market unless they produce simple action titles.
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.