What bring us back? Spoilers.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 1:47 pm

This is mainly directed at the fan base of Black Isle games. So, for me, my favorite game produced by Black Isle would have to be the second Baldur's Gate, however, I often find myself going back to the first BG where it's so much simpler and the character interaction isn't as strong and where you're much more limited in the way you create your character. I also tend to go back to IWD, which doesn't have any party members at all, but I still enjoy it. Why do you think we go back to these older games still?

I believe it's the atmosphere and the nostalgia. I miss the first BG because of the simplicity and how "real" everything felt. The music and how everything is calm, in a way. You don't know that you're a godchild. People want to kill you for your meddling or to rob you, not to collect your divine essence. There your enemies actually pose a threat. You can't destroy an army with a single blow. Some enemies there are actually stronger than you are, they require skill, cunning and strategy to be killed. In BGII, most of us don't have any trouble with it. I still remember my first time playing that saga and I still wish I could play it for the first time again.

As for Icewind Dale, while it lacks any join able party members, I really do love the atmosphere and the music. I guess that's it there. It just takes you to so many different locations and the terrain is eye pleasing and varies a lot and even though it requires more fighting, it gives you more of an opportunity to roleplay than BG does and I'd think of it as kind of "soft". Hmm... I think I'll go play it again soon...

What brings you back to the older games?

Might Saber · Post by **Might Saber** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 7:56 pm

OFF : Did the Black Isle produce the Baldur´s Gate saga? Or just helped Bioware? I´m always confused.The games that Black Isle produced were Fallout and Planescape Torment , right?

I think some of those old games (Baldur´s Gate , Planescape Torment)were really incredible because they had to rely on storytelling , well-written dialogue and good characters to forge an imersive world.Not graphics or fully voiced dialogues.I miss strategy-based combats too.Those values are
timeless and mark a meaning to our experience making those games unique.And being unique (and good) raises the game replayability.

Ps. The infinity engine has special charm´s spell over me.I would love to see an upgraded version with more enviroment interaction and spacial puzzles added.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:18 pm

Black Isle Studios was a division of Interplay which was a division of Bioware which is a division of Atari. They're responsible for the Baldur's Gate Saga, the Icewind Dale games, Planescape Torment, the Fallout Series, the PS2 Baldur's Gates (which weren't that good in my opinion) and Lionheart, which wasn't too good either but was the last game they had released before their downfall.

Might Saber · Post by **Might Saber** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:26 pm

Crenshinibon wrote:Black Isle Studios was a division of Interplay which was a division of Bioware which is a division of Atari. They're responsible for the Baldur's Gate Saga, the Icewind Dale games, Planescape Torment, the Fallout Series, the PS2 Baldur's Gates (which weren't that good in my opinion) and Lionheart, which wasn't too good either but was the last game they had released before their downfall.

You are a generous man

Brothehood of Steel , Dark Alliance...Blasphemy

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:34 pm

Interesting topic, and one I really identify with.
I suppose part of the reason I keep coming back to these games is because I still have an old computer so I'm limited in what I can play. But, in addition to the fact that there is much I dislike about Vista, I plan to get XP for my new computer so that I can continue to return to my Black Isle games.

I have played Morrowind a lot, and I've dabbled in NWN (Diamond Pack). A heavily modded Morrowind is a good game, and I think that the last NWN expansion (HoTU) is quite good... but inevitably, after playing games such as this, I'll reinstall a BIS title, and be relieved to do so. It's the gaming equivalent of coming home.

And, indeed, why?
Perhaps it is the charm... I don't know why, but there is a certain wonder to these games. They capture a scope and magic that other titles seem to lack. I find with the BIS games, I am always immersed, no matter how much I play them, the atmosphere and the NPCs seem to live and breathe. Often with other games, there is an antiseptic sense to them, and I just don't care as much about helping some hapless NPC with their problems.

Perhaps the best way to describe it is that BIS titles pull you in and you become a part of their world... With games like Morrowind, you always remain aware that it is just a game. (Or, at least, that is what happens for me anyway

)

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 9:12 pm

I just liked the feel of the games. I don't like games like MW as much due to the lack of a party system. I also don't particularly like the first person view. Like others I prefer the quality of game play to the newer RPG syndrome of "Look, shiny!". I also don't like the dumbed down gameplay that passes for RPG's for the most part now.

I always had a soft spot for Bioware, they tended to make games I could really get into. Of course, that is a thing of the past now since the EA buyout. Most of my experiences with EA have been bad the last few years, so I am not really excited about Bioware's future now.

DesR85 · Post by **DesR85** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 9:18 pm

Crenshinibon wrote: What brings you back to the older games?

It's more like I want to finish what I have started a long time ago. I remember that I played Flashback (CD version) back in 1997 and never got around to finish it. Only finished it a few months ago. And when I finished playing them, it's a done deal. Not going to replay any of them again.

Oh, and in case if you're wondering, I haven't touched any RPGs before the year 2000, so no RPGs at that time.

BlueSky · Post by **BlueSky** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:18 am

I believe it's the nostalgia also.. the memory of first playing such a grand game....the first well done large scale RPG....
I think those of us with D&D pasts were pulled into a visual world.
Ahh the gameplay...all the quests...the many NPC's...
and the abundance of choices to make....

Tricky · Post by **Tricky** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:07 am

I didn't start playing D&D games until after SW:KOTOR, so there isn't that much for me to go back to.

However:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/e ... SHODAN.ogg

Now that takes me back.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:21 pm

What do you think The first Baldur's Gate has that the second one doesn't?

What does Morrowind have that Oblivion doesn't?

What does Icewind Dale have that the second one doesn't?

Ask yourself that about the first and the last good game of a series. (Hence I'm not going to ask about FoT. I played it but can't say I enjoyed it. I know some people like it, but I didn't.)