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seclists · 01-16-2004, 07:35 AM

I'm an old geezer who only very rarely plays CRPGs. Although, in general, I will admit that CRPGs have gone a long way from the 1980s (even though Ultimas IV & V can still stand proudly against almost any modern CRPG), the sad part is that I no longer have much time for computer games and I also find that I have become much more selective than I used to be. A good few games that would have been the fulfillment of my dreams in the 1980s simply fail to impress me today.

So here's what I want from a CRPG today:

1. Game mode: single player, with a *user-created* party. This one is essential, non-negotiable. A game that fails this criterion is simply out of consideration. A *major* part of the fun, for me, is in planning and building my "ideal" party (in terms of strategic effectiveness as well as character personalities). I want to play a party of my *own* characters. If I can import pictures for my characters, even better.

2. Combat: turn-based, not real-time! This one is a must, too. I want to *plan* my next move carefully. In the "click-as-fast-as-you-can" breed of games, strategic subtleties tend to go down the drain.

3. Lots of different strategies (character classes, spells, etc.) to experiment with.

4. A large world to explore (hopefully NOT in a linear, railroaded fashion!) : lots of *different* areas and lots of *different* monsters to encounter.

Here are a few fairly recent CRPGs that I already am familiar with and what I think of them:
-Diablo II: Failed just about all of the above criteria, but I somehow managed to plod through it. Not going back to it, though.
-Ultima IX: Failed several criteria. Too many controls, too confusing. Tried it, not going back.
-Baldur's Gate: Failed #1 - a key issue for me. I eventually "cheated": I created a "multiplayer" party so I could have my own characters in my party. This was the *only* way I could bear the game.
-Baldur's Gate II: Again, failed #1. Started playing it, but got bored as soon as I escaped the prison where you start the game.
-Icewind Dale: Ok, this one fit the bill nicely. I completed it and liked it so much that I bought the expansion as soon as it was released.
-Planescape Torment: Seriously failed #1. Started playing it, and quit as soon as I got out of the first building. Not going back.
-Wizardry 8: Currently the strongest contestant in all 4 categories (except for game world SIZE, I guess). However, I realize that I will soon have completed it, and will probably want more. If I cannot find a suitable replacement, I will probably start Wizardry 8 again with a new party. Heck, I just might do it anyway... [img]smile.gif[/img]

I have also bought the following games (bargain bin finds) but have not tried them yet: Pool of Radiance (Ruins of Myth Drannor), Might & Magic VII (Blood and Honour), Icewind Dale II. At least IWD2 should play ok for me. Hmm, maybe too many games with the AD&D rule system. I played (heck, even DM'ed) pen&paper AD&D games in the 1980s and am fairly familiar with the system, but not very fond of it. The hybrid level/skill system of Wiz8 plays much better.

I am currently considering Temple of Elemental Evil. Can you recommend this game for me?
Also, based on the preferences listed above, is there some other (currently available) CRPG that you believe I would find very interesting? My deepest gratitude if you can find such a game for me..!

[ 01-16-2004, 07:38 AM: Message edited by: seclists ]

01-16-2004, 07:35 AM	#1
seclists Dungeon Master Join Date: December 18, 2003 Location: NA Age: 54 Posts: 57	I'm an old geezer who only very rarely plays CRPGs. Although, in general, I will admit that CRPGs have gone a long way from the 1980s (even though Ultimas IV & V can still stand proudly against almost any modern CRPG), the sad part is that I no longer have much time for computer games and I also find that I have become much more selective than I used to be. A good few games that would have been the fulfillment of my dreams in the 1980s simply fail to impress me today. So here's what I want from a CRPG today: 1. Game mode: single player, with a user-created party. This one is essential, non-negotiable. A game that fails this criterion is simply out of consideration. A major part of the fun, for me, is in planning and building my "ideal" party (in terms of strategic effectiveness as well as character personalities). I want to play a party of my own characters. If I can import pictures for my characters, even better. 2. Combat: turn-based, not real-time! This one is a must, too. I want to plan my next move carefully. In the "click-as-fast-as-you-can" breed of games, strategic subtleties tend to go down the drain. 3. Lots of different strategies (character classes, spells, etc.) to experiment with. 4. A large world to explore (hopefully NOT in a linear, railroaded fashion!) : lots of different areas and lots of different monsters to encounter. Here are a few fairly recent CRPGs that I already am familiar with and what I think of them: -Diablo II: Failed just about all of the above criteria, but I somehow managed to plod through it. Not going back to it, though. -Ultima IX: Failed several criteria. Too many controls, too confusing. Tried it, not going back. -Baldur's Gate: Failed #1 - a key issue for me. I eventually "cheated": I created a "multiplayer" party so I could have my own characters in my party. This was the only way I could bear the game. -Baldur's Gate II: Again, failed #1. Started playing it, but got bored as soon as I escaped the prison where you start the game. -Icewind Dale: Ok, this one fit the bill nicely. I completed it and liked it so much that I bought the expansion as soon as it was released. -Planescape Torment: Seriously failed #1. Started playing it, and quit as soon as I got out of the first building. Not going back. -Wizardry 8: Currently the strongest contestant in all 4 categories (except for game world SIZE, I guess). However, I realize that I will soon have completed it, and will probably want more. If I cannot find a suitable replacement, I will probably start Wizardry 8 again with a new party. Heck, I just might do it anyway... [img]smile.gif[/img] I have also bought the following games (bargain bin finds) but have not tried them yet: Pool of Radiance (Ruins of Myth Drannor), Might & Magic VII (Blood and Honour), Icewind Dale II. At least IWD2 should play ok for me. Hmm, maybe too many games with the AD&D rule system. I played (heck, even DM'ed) pen&paper AD&D games in the 1980s and am fairly familiar with the system, but not very fond of it. The hybrid level/skill system of Wiz8 plays much better. I am currently considering Temple of Elemental Evil. Can you recommend this game for me? Also, based on the preferences listed above, is there some other (currently available) CRPG that you believe I would find very interesting? My deepest gratitude if you can find such a game for me..! [ 01-16-2004, 07:38 AM: Message edited by: seclists ]