Recommend me a RPG, please!

[Glorian]

Hello guys, I just finished Dragon Age (fantastic game) and I dont know what to play next during the Holidays :-)

Please, recommend me RPG games, considering the type of my favourite RPG games that I've played so far :

Gothic 1,2,3
Risen
Witcher
Divine Divinity, Beyond Divinity, Divinity 2
Arcanum
Planescape: Torment
Deus Ex
Deus Ex : Invisible War
Might & Magic IX
Fallout 1 & 2
Fallout 3
TES 3: Morrowind
TES 4: Oblivion
Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines
Arx Fatalis
Eschalon: Book I

It would be great if your suggestions are games released after 1999 ;-)
I kinda have a problem with totaly obsolete visuals :-/

Thank you in advance and… Merry Christmas! :-)

Cheers!

[Moriendor]

I'd recommend Drakensang if you liked Dragon Age. The Dark Eye is a much lighter (no !dark! and no !gritty! stuff in there) setting and has a special kind of charm with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. It's a game and a setting that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's lots of fun and a pretty epic game. There's a demo available that covers the (unfortunately a bit slow) start of the game so you might want to check that out to make up your mind.

The second game I'd recommend and don't see on your list is The Witcher. Steam is currently selling the Enhanced Director's Cut edition for EUR 10.19 (not sure about the price in US$ I'm afraid). There is also a demo available for The Witcher so you might once again want to check that out first.

[Corwin]

If you liked the terrible M&M 9, then you'll love M&M 6-8!!

[Glorian]

@Moriendor
Thank you for your well described suggestions Moriendor :-)
I actually played Witcher and I love it, but I forgot to put it in my list.
I tried Draken Snag few months ago but may be the slow start prevented me from feeling the fun in the game and the setting. I might give it a second chance, however.

@Corwin
It crossed my mind Corwin. The thing is that I might not feel comfortable with the obsolete visuals anymore :-/.. Yeah shame on me.. since I consider myself a veteran gamer.. but that's how I feel :-) ... On the other hand I might install M&M 6-8 on my EEE PC , if it works ok on DOSbox..

Cheers

[JDR13]

I tried M&M 6 for the first time just last year and I didn't think the visuals were that bad at all, and I'm sort of a graphics whore most of the time.

[DeepO]

Since you liked Dragon Age I´d also recommend Baldur´s Gate 2 and NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer. Both share quite a lot of similarities with DA.
BG2´s is just a very complete package of an RPG and I doubt Infinity Engine´s visuals will ever get obsolete.
Mask of the Betrayer is rich on C&C, has somewhat similar party mechanics to DA and while being quite short, it´s highly replayable.
Of course, to play it you need to get the original campaign as well. The OC offers a solid entertainment for one playthrough if you manage to get through its abysmal first chapter. MoTB is a pretty self-contained game however and you don´t need to play the OC to get most out of it.

Other good games not present on your list are Wizardry 8 and System Shock 2.
Wizardry 8 has great combat, character development and atmosphere and it´s probably last truly "hardcore" party based non-indie title. It´s also very combat heavy.
System Shock 2 is an action RPG quite in the vein of Deus Ex, set in space. Contains a well told story and tons of atmosphere. It doesn´t offer as many ways how to play through it as Deus Ex but it´s a great game nevertheless.
Some of its obsoletish graphics can be upgraded via mods.

[Fezzik]

DeepO has already mentioned the main ones. But if you're willing to accept graphics that are slightly below the level of Fallout, then I'd recommend Jeff Vogel's Geneforge games and Avernum 5 — I haven't played Avernum 4 and 6 so I can't recommend them. Also, I highly recommend giving Dark Sun: Shattered Lands a shot. It's somewhat old and itt doesn't look as good as Baldur's Gate 2, but I've never thought it looked bad graphically and the game itself is fantastic.

Also, if you're willing to put up with very frequent crashes, it doesn't get much better than Prelude to Darkness, which you should be able to find a link to somewhere at the rpgcodex.net subforum for the game.

[JemyM]

Too bad you said after 1999, because I see neither Baldur's Gate nor Icewind Dale on your list. The Baldur's Gate series from the first game up to Throne of Bhaal is really the pinnacle of great RPG's and should be played by everyone serious about cRPG's.

Jagged Alliance 2 was released 1999 and is one of the best tactical RPG's out there, but if you can't handle the 2d graphics I guess you won't be able to handle JA2 either.

I would definitely recommend Neverwinter Nights 2 "Mask of the Betrayer" which is one of the deeper modern RPG's storywise. Perhaps you should play the main campaign first as an introduction though.

Like NWN2, the expansion "Hordes of the Underdark" was better than the main campaign. While it does have some returning characters from the main campaign it's real prequel is the first campaign "Shadows of Undrentide" which isn't as good but is still better than the main campaign.

If you enjoyed Divine Divinity you might wish to check out Dungeon Siege 2. The first game is a straight hack-n-slash game, but the second game have a lot more depth to it, with more fleshed out characters, far more quests, a huge amount of lore for a flehed out world, a lot of hidden areas and subquests to explore on the side. The combat is like a partybased diablo but the RPG content is there. Unfortunally the expansion (Broken World) isn't as good.

Freedom Force and Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich are really great and often missed strategical RPG's. It's a 60'ies comicbook style of game with super-good justice-seeking superheroes and really evil supervillians. You will just love the characters, they were designed by Robb Waters who also worked as artist on System Shock, Thief and Bioshock.

Jade Empire and Mass Effect are pretty poor mechanic wise, but the story depth and deep characters make up for it.

No serious RPG gamer should miss KOTOR and KOTOR2 is still pretty good despite being released in an unfinished state. KOTOR1 is at position #48 as best game ever made according to gamerankings.com (based on the average of 102 reviews) and have THE best twist in a game ever.

Like DeepO said, Wizardry 8 is from 2001 and was one of the last "hardcore" RPG's out there, and System Shock 2 is one of the best first-person RPG's ever made which plays very similar to Deus Ex.

Finally the leftovers...
If open world exploration like Gothic and Oblivion is your thing, perhaps you should check out Two Worlds. It's in some ways worse and in other ways better than Oblivion.

Given you play both Arcanum and Vampire: Bloodlines, you might wish to check out Temple of Elemental evil too, even if it's the worst out of the three games Troika did.

Finally, Vampire Redemption from 2000 might be an interesting title to check out. It's not near as good as many of the other titles mentioned here but when you are running out of titles it might be worth having a look. Same with Fable that isn't a great RPG but it can be quite fun if you are lighthearted about it.

[azraelck]

What are "obsolete visuals?" Early 3D games?

If you liked M&M IX, you owe it to yourself to play the games in the series that are not just shameful slights on the series' name. Might and Magic World of Xeen still looks good, runs perfectly in DOSBox, and can be grabbed on GoG along with 1-3 and 6.

Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 (+expansions) are still outstanding; I actually shoved DA:O to the backburner because I reinstalled these. Now I'm playing BA1 through the BA2 engine with TuTu, and having a blast.

Wizardry 8 is also another you owe it to yourself to play, if you like RPGs in general. IIRC, it also came out post 2000. Going back further, Wizardry 7 is also an outstanding early RPG, with clean and attractive graphics. It isn't all that easy, making Wiz8 seem like a cakewalk in comparison.

Don't short yourself just because of a game's age!

[Glorian]

Wow, Thank you guys! :-)

These are lots of great suggestions.

My most favorite games are open-exploration-Gothic-lke RPGs, but I would definately consider Wizardry 8, Baldurs Gate II and Mask of the Betrayer, since most of you seem to like them.

I would also try System Shock 2, but I was not able to run it under WIn Xp for some reason. As for the indies... I simply love Eschalon:Book I and I haven't try any Avernum yet.

[Gorath]

Jeff Vogel offers long demos for all his games. Just give one of the latest a try.

[DeepO]

I would also try System Shock 2, but I was not able to run it under WIn Xp for some reason.

I´m using Xp as well and it runs fine, most probably thanks to SS2 Kolya SS2Tool v2.8 (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php?topic=392.0).
Give it a try, maybe it will work for you too.
After that you can install SS2 Modmanager (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php/topic,527.0.html) plus the combo of SS2 SHTUP (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php?topic=22.0) and SS2 Rebirth Complemented (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php?topic=8.0) which should do the trick at bringing the game graphically a bit more up to date.

[VPeric]

You could also try Evil Islands, I always get a sort of "Gothic" vibe when playing it. Otherwise, I can second most, if not all, the above-mentioned suggestions.

[txa1265]

I tried M&M 6 for the first time just last year and I didn't think the visuals were that bad at all, and I'm sort of a graphics whore most of the time.

I think M&M6 looks quite nice ... but while I am brutal about the graphics of newer games I am very forgiving on older stuff.

[Glorian]

I think M&M6 looks quite nice … but while I am brutal about the graphics of newer games I am very forgiving on older stuff.

Hmm , you made me curious about M&M 6.. I tought it was uglier than M&M 9

I have never heard of Evil Islands, I will google it right away.

[RivianWitch]

I´m using Xp as well and it runs fine, most probably thanks to SS2 Kolya SS2Tool v2.8 (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php?topic=392.0).
Give it a try, maybe it will work for you too.
After that you can install SS2 Modmanager (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php/topic,527.0.html) plus the combo of SS2 SHTUP (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php?topic=22.0) and SS2 Rebirth Complemented (http://www.strangebedfellows.de/index.php?topic=8.0) which should do the trick at bringing the game graphically a bit more up to date.

I've never played SS2 either, because of the fact I couldn't get it going on the XP I still cling to with a death grip - thanks for that tip, I'm going to give it yet another shot, once I'm done with Div 2. Thanks!

[txa1265]

I have never heard of Evil Islands, I will google it right away.

I'm writing up a 'netbook gamer' review of this ... it isn't awful but not great either ... so it is yet another 'depends on the price' things.

[magerette]

Hmm , you made me curious about M&M 6.. I tought it was uglier than M&M 9

I have never heard of Evil Islands, I will google it right away.

Actually, I think the graphics are marginally *better* in M&M 6-7. At least that's what I remember from back in the day when I first started up 9 and hated it. Compared to modern games they're a bit pixelated, true, but after an hour so so you don't even notice.

I second the rec for Evil Islands--good, challenging game. The graphics are old, but not any worse than Eschalon IIRC.

[HiddenX]

Some more:

Outcast
Good reviews for Outcast at SharkyExtreme (http://www.sharkyextreme.com/games/reviews/appeal/outcast/) and at Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/outcast/review.html).
Summoner
Soulbringer

[Glorian]

@txa1265
'notebook gamer' reviews is a great idea!
How about EEE PC review as well? ;-) It's easy to take it with you anywhere you go and play the good old classics that we missed in the years.

@HiddenX
Ha! You managed to surprise me! Soulbringer sounds like a game that I should have played so far :-)

@DeepO
Great tips for SS2! How does the game feel in comparison to Deus Ex, lets say?

@magerette
Thanks, mate, I will check if I can find the M&M 6 at GoG

[Dark Savant]

@Moriendor
On the other hand I might install M&M 6-8 on my EEE PC , if it works ok on DOSbox..
Cheers
You don`t need Dosbox for these. Just install latest Grayface patches and all three will work wonderfully on EEE.:)

Actually, I think the graphics are marginally *better* in M&M 6-7. At least that's what I remember from back in the day when I first started up 9 and hated it. Compared to modern games they're a bit pixelated, true, but after an hour so so you don't even notice.
Even if part 9 is by far the worst in the series you can`t seriously think it has worst graphics than M&M6. Graphics in IX are far superior than ugly sprites in Mandate of Heaven. M&M6 does not support 3D acceleration and acceleration in M&M7-8 look worse than software mode imho.

[magerette]

You don`t need Dosbox for these. Just install latest Grayface patches and all three will work wonderfully on EEE.:)


Even if part 9 is by far the worst in the series you can`t seriously think it has worst graphics than M&M6. Graphics in IX are far superior than ugly sprites in Mandate of Heaven. M&M6 does not support 3D acceleration and acceleration in M&M7-8 look worse than software mode imho.

I'm probably thinking of 8 then. The one with the volcanos and lava. I remember loading it up and getting a headache after fifteen minutes. I may not ever have bothered with 9.

AFA the earlier games I just don't find the graphics much of a problem, probably because I first played them when they were acceptable and the nostalgia factor is kicking in. :)

[Relayer]

I agree with some of the replies:

- NWN & NWN 2 are worth it for the expansion packs Hordes Of The Underdark and Mask Of The Betrayer (I've also read good reviews regarding the 2nd NWN2 expansion pack, but haven't played it.

- I just got M & M 6 a few weeks ago (all first 6 M & M games actually) and graphics don't look bad at all. Certainly aged but they have a clean look that is pleasant and not headache inducing like many 3D games of its time. As for gameplay, haven't played it much yet, just tried it out (haven't played ANY of the M & M games yet but...)

- I just got Heroes of Might & Magic III and am LOVING it. It's a strategy game but naturally it has some RPG elements and it's of course set in the M & M universe.

- Try Drakensang. I just started playing it recently and am really enjoying it. More than I enjoyed the original campaign in NWN 2.


- Wizardry 8 is an excellent game, very challenging with a great skill/class system and interesting setting.

[txa1265]

@txa1265
'notebook gamer' reviews is a great idea!
How about EEE PC review as well? ;-) It's easy to take it with you anywhere you go and play the good old classics that we missed in the years.

That is what I am talking about - I didn't want to link to them as they aren't done for RPGWatch but for another site, though they have been linked for news items.

I use my Lenovo s10, which falls pretty squarely in the current standard settings for a netbook.

Evil Islands is really tough - and huge.

[Fezzik]

I haven't seen Ultima V - Lazarus (http://www.u5lazarus.com/) mentioned yet. I haven't played it myself, but I've heard very good things and given that the Ultima games are kind of the grandparents of the Gothic games and Lazarus updated the graphics of Ultima V, you might dig it. You'd need a copy of Dungeon Siege to play it.

[Corwin]

Don't forget that U6P is also about to be released and it's even better than Laz.

[azraelck]

M&M7, IMO had the best graphics of the series, though relative to their eras, World of Xeen wins out.

8 was just bad, in all ways. At that time the engine was getting seriously dated, and it lost a lot of the charm and character of the prior games. IIRC, JVC also had no part in M&M after 7, so that may be why.

[Glorian]

That is what I am talking about - I didn't want to link to them as they aren't done for RPGWatch but for another site, though they have been linked for news items.

I use my Lenovo s10, which falls pretty squarely in the current standard settings for a netbook.

Evil Islands is really tough - and huge.

Hmm , where are these links, may I see your reviews? :-)

[Dasale]

I could not have quote well but it seems those hasn't been quoted yet and they worth the play:

Prelude To Darkness: For some weird reason I never finished this game but played enough to know it has plenty qualities making worth the play, mainly deep story contents and background, full RPG system, party based. But despite it's a 2002 release the graphics are out dated. But in my opinion it don't feel much more dated than a game like Arcanum, my feeling could be wrong.
Baldur's Gate 1: It's before 1999 but its graphics are more modern than those of Arcanum and I strongly suggest playing it before the BG2 full series.
Dungeon Lords Collector's Edition: Take care to get the Collector's Edition only, because the standard edition is incomplete. It's a game not fully finished/polished and not the perfect game around but this action RPG have charms, some people get it and some other don't but it really worth the try. It's a sort of Diablo but with much more RPG mood than the Diablo series. The class system and fight system are both rather interesting and despite the area and dungeons aren't so big the game still know build an interesting RPG exploration mood.


EDIT: I often forget it because few people mention it, not the best CRPG around but I really enjoyed it quite a lot:

Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader: It's another action RPG, another one between Diablo and Dungeon Siege but with a slighter deeper RPG mood than Dungeon Siege and better designed area. It isn't party based but companions you can get play an important role for the fights.