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Lemmy · 09-05-2003, 02:49 PM

Ar-Cunin:
Or perhaps we should get used to the idea that everybody aren't Bhall-children with uber-stats. ... I mean, It is limited how many times it is fun just to take the 'best' NPC's (Kivan, Kagain etc. though the game)

Or perhaps you can admit that, no matter how many times you've been through the game, some NPCs aren't just boring, they suck too. A character with poor stats can be made interesting, but BG1 largely didn't do that. Rather, they seemd to attach even more repulsive characteristics to the "poor" NPCs.

Who the hell would want to use a brat like Skie? Her personality alone is enough to drive one to murder, but adding insult to injury, she's a crappy thief, too! That's a problem with all late-game thieves: pre-distirbuted thief skills.

If you happen to need a pickpocket late game, well, you've got Alora. But isn't pickpocketing more useful at low levels, when you generally don't have the money to buy things? Maybe it's not; I never liked pickpocketing at any level.

If you happen upon Tiax, you'll probably snag the Level 5/6 version with Open locks 55, Stealth 45, Pickpockets 45, Find Traps 50. Jack-of-all-trades distribution. Yuck. Just what is he supposed to be used for? (Skie suffers from the same problem.) He'd be a spiffy backstabber if his strength was better and if he could actually hide in shadows. Alright, we can live with buffing, but we can't backstab without stealth: you've gotta slap the Stealth Armor/Boots on the laddie before he gets rolling. That's awful design.

Bottom line: BG1 has NPC excess: they made a lot but they didn't do much with them. BG2 did a much better job with NPCs, and Planescape: Torment did a simply outstanding job with NPCs. PS:T-quality NPCs are my ideal. Tons of interaction, fun abilities, and whatever else they care to throw into the mix.

"Get used to it."? I'll keep my standards, thank you.

-Lem

[ 09-05-2003, 02:51 PM: Message edited by: Lemmy ]

09-05-2003, 02:49 PM	#29
Lemmy Manshoon Join Date: October 20, 2002 Location: Montgomery, AL Age: 40 Posts: 157	Ar-Cunin: Or perhaps we should get used to the idea that everybody aren't Bhall-children with uber-stats. ... I mean, It is limited how many times it is fun just to take the 'best' NPC's (Kivan, Kagain etc. though the game) Or perhaps you can admit that, no matter how many times you've been through the game, some NPCs aren't just boring, they suck too. A character with poor stats can be made interesting, but BG1 largely didn't do that. Rather, they seemd to attach even more repulsive characteristics to the "poor" NPCs. Who the hell would want to use a brat like Skie? Her personality alone is enough to drive one to murder, but adding insult to injury, she's a crappy thief, too! That's a problem with all late-game thieves: pre-distirbuted thief skills. If you happen to need a pickpocket late game, well, you've got Alora. But isn't pickpocketing more useful at low levels, when you generally don't have the money to buy things? Maybe it's not; I never liked pickpocketing at any level. If you happen upon Tiax, you'll probably snag the Level 5/6 version with Open locks 55, Stealth 45, Pickpockets 45, Find Traps 50. Jack-of-all-trades distribution. Yuck. Just what is he supposed to be used for? (Skie suffers from the same problem.) He'd be a spiffy backstabber if his strength was better and if he could actually hide in shadows. Alright, we can live with buffing, but we can't backstab without stealth: you've gotta slap the Stealth Armor/Boots on the laddie before he gets rolling. That's awful design. Bottom line: BG1 has NPC excess: they made a lot but they didn't do much with them. BG2 did a much better job with NPCs, and Planescape: Torment did a simply outstanding job with NPCs. PS:T-quality NPCs are my ideal. Tons of interaction, fun abilities, and whatever else they care to throw into the mix. "Get used to it."? I'll keep my standards, thank you. -Lem [ 09-05-2003, 02:51 PM: Message edited by: Lemmy ]