Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Hi, can anyone tell me similar games to Icewind Dale & Baldurs Gate. I really like the format and gameplay. I think they are both Black Isle games.

I have played these so many times now so i think time for a new game.

Thanks for any help.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Neverwinter Nights, while different, is the logical upgrade to these games. Otherwise you could try Planescape: Torment which uses the same engine and gameplay. I am assuming you have played both Baldurs gate 1 and 2 and Icewind Dale 1 and 2. They both have sequels, basically so make sure to check them out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neverwinter_nights

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planescape:_Torment

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Thanks for the reply and the Wiki links which i've checked out. I've played every BG game going and the original ID inc HOW and ToTL. But i didn't know there was ID 2! So I may go for this one or Planescape which also looks good. Have you played these or able to give a preference?
Just one other thing, i noticed on wiki that in game description it refers to Advanced ; 2nd; and 3rd edition rules. What does this mean?
Thanks

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

IWD2 is third edition I believe, the others are second. You get a lot more character options in IWD2

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

So you have played BG2 then, good.

Yes, there is an IWD2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwd2

It is similiar to IWD1 in terms of gameplay with a brand new story. It was one of the last titles using the infinity-engine, resulting in a sleeker and more optimized combat and gameplay system. The best condition the engine has been in yet. The story is nice too. I loved both of the Icewind Dales, and played them for many hours back in the day. Multiplayer is also great fun. You could probably find it on ebay now for like $5. Or bargain bins in game stores.

Planescape Torment is supposed to be excellent. The setting is very different (obviously not Forgotten Realms) and may deter some. But the reviews and people on here rave about the storyline and roleplaying elements.

AD&D 2nd and 3rd edition are different rulesets. Basically, the mechanics work differently. Both IWD2 and NWN's use 3rd edition, which is more streamlined and simple. It is quite easy to get a hang of and with time you will grow to like it. Don't let it deter you.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Do yourself a favour and get a copy of Planescape: Torment. Made by the same folks behind BG & IWD. A great game, one of the best RPGs of all time imho.
GOG.com should have this available for digital download. There are also some great mods that make this a pleasure to play on modern day PCs, such as widescreen mods, higher res etc.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Thanks for all the replies, been a big help. I'll get both ID2 and Planescape, these should keep me going for a year or two. Next time I post is when i get stuck!

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

It IS Forgotten Realms. It just isn't Faerun. Sigil is a known port to other parts of the Planes.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

A possible option in the future is Temple of Elemental Evil - enjoyable but needs a community patch.

These games (PS:T, IWD2, NWN & ToEE) are available as digital downloads from Good Old Games (www.gog.com) and are $6.99 (ToEE is $4.19) each during the Christmas sale.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

But it takes place in the Planescape setting doesn't it? Sigil resides in the center of the multiverse according to manual of the planes.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

If you can, play Planescape first, as this is older and the modified engine of IWD2 may spoil you too much to come back.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

I may have this wrong, but to me the entire fantasy world owned by WotC is known as the Forgotten Realms... but maybe that appellation should only be used if the setting is the planet Abeir-Toril.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Right. If the planet is Abeir-Torel, then it is Forgotten Realms. If It's Krynn, we're talking the Dragonlance setting and so forth. Now, Planescape is different in the fact that people from any of these settings could technically be there in Sigil since it is a hub city, the city of doors. So a book may feature a character from FR adventuring in the Planescape setting. Or a character from Ravenloft. But usually (depending on how much takes place in Planescape setting) the title will shift to the "Planescape Setting". At least, that's how I understand it. Now, they may have changed things with 4e.

Look at it kinda like Ravenloft, where any D&D character from any campaign setting can end up there as the mists appear in their world and drag them in.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Yeah I understand what you mean about playing Planescape first. I have now ordered ID2 and will get Planescape this week but will play ID2 first then P as I will after that go back to play ID2 again.
By the way i have no idea what you two have been talking about and for me to try and understand it would be opening up a whole new world of pain for me.
Thanks again for your help.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Heh, if I read those threads before I started playing PS:T I would've been confused too. But the gamedoes an excellent job of explaining the basics through various conversations you can have with characters, so it all makes sense to me.
You should be aware though that PS:T is not your typical hack n slash like the IWD series. While there is combat, the beauty of the game is in its plot, and the excellent conversations you can have with the many NPCs that dot the game.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Yeah i was reading about Planescape and it was saying about the plot and need for conversations and need for high wisdom and intelligence. Seems totally different to ID 2 which is by alot of hack/slash. I personally prefer the more plot based games but i just love the gameplay of the ID games ie character building, spells etc. I'm sure P will be similar so i will def play it. Thanks

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

You may want to play the first two original fallout games as well if you haven't already. They share the isometric perspective but have a more pure turn based combat with an emphasis on cause and consequence in choices. I played them after all of the infinity engine games and thoroughly enjoyed them - they link up nicely with those games (the classic interplay/black isle era) and are a nice change of pace/setting.

Edit: Oh I forgot to mention Darklands (1992) as well. That's an oldie but a classic and definitely an inspiration behind the Baldur's Gate's RTwP style of combat. (Real-time with pause)

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Thanks for that - i won't mention the cricket! I'll check out fallout and darklands but you made a good point about real time play with the option to pause (mid-battle). Do you know if this option is available in Planescape & ID2 as I tend to use it alot, otherwise things get to frantic and out of control.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Yes it is, of course.

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

Darklands - is it even available?
I'm thinking also that running it on today's systems would be tough, since it was an MS-DOS game!

Re: Similar type games to ID and BG
 

You'll have to use a DOS emulator. The most popular one is DOSBox, located here... http://www.dosbox.com/ .