The Republic of Heaven

My knowledge of recent games is appalling, but you like a clever bunch. *peers closely*

I want a game. PC preferably, but PS2 is an option. What would you recommend?

• * I like fantasy. A *world* like Baldur's Gate, or Final Fantasy 7-thru-10. In a nutshell, a world that isn't futuristic, has elements of magic, and lots of creatures like elves, etc, but definitely not space-based.
  
  * I like huge, open worlds. And big, open-ended story-lines.
  
  * Top down, world display. No FPS.
  
  * Emphasis on adventure and quests, rather than endless fighting.
  
  * Either controlling one person, or a party of characters isn't really a problem. As long as there's some storyline, but you're able to wander off at your own free will and do "other things".
  
  * I've never played anything online, so don't want a subscription-based game. Not just yet, anyway, but I'd definitely consider it if the game is THAT good! The idea of playing for 20 minutes and then having my Level n00b being zapped by some illiterate level 40-brazillion party fills me with dread.
  
  * English text.

Soooo, what is there worth checking out?

x

Oblivion. Definatly.

This?

http://www.elderscrolls.com/games/oblivion_overview.htm

4th in a series, right? Are the stories related? There won't be any "oh, but in game 1, he helped you find the Lost Shoe Of Nagatharr, so why did you murder him?" moments will there? =]

Olbivion is FPS

I'd say Neverwinter Nights, or wait for - http://www.atari.com/nwn2/

If you want an online game where you wont get ganked, wait for Lord of the Rings Online. http://lotro.turbine.com/index.php

Neverwinter Nights. It prawns Oblivion.

Edit: Oblivion is not a first person shoter. It can be played in the first person perspective if you choose to do so but it's an rpg. Scoll the mousewheel backwards and you can play it from the 3rd person perspective.

NWN it looks like it is then. Part of the D&D world, so I'm pretty familiar with basic gameplay.

Couple of questions as I hunt around the web:

Any expansions? When's NWN2 due out?

Well, some versions of Sims 2 fit that description... Especially number four. Sims 2 Game Boy advance really fits that. But heck, they all go under different ones! *frustration* I'd probably have to ask my...little brother. (again)
Let the truth be known...yes, I do have sims 2 for every games console imaginable. In my defence, they are all different!

Tried Sims... My bloke broke the TV, pissed himself then missed the pizza delivery guy cos he couldn't get the door to open.

Admittedly... that was very realistic but not quite what I was looking for. I like storylines, however much I want to be able to deviate from them.

Try Sims GBA. There are plot lines plot lines plot lines, they can get pizza, break the tv and whatnot...whilst being filmed for a secret popular sims tv show*! It's a winning idea. *Nods in annoying way.*
*Of, course, your sim knows about it. The others don't. Teehee.

Naaaaaaaah.

Elves, spells, gauntlets of icebane +2, caves, pointy hats. These things good.

Small versions of me that I can't control living in a house which looks bigger than my own = infuriating.



(I'll hijack your Sims thread to ask more though)

There are giant rats, irritable aliens and ice caves as well as mini games to break up tension of filming episode after tedious episode. But no elves, sorry.

Currently winning an eBay bid for NWN. About 5 minutes left.

Considering trying to bring down the entire interweb so I win it.

Edit: Less than 4 quid including postage. GET IN!

nah, oblivion is completely free standing, and belive me, NWN sucks

nah, oblivion is completely free standing, and belive me, NWN sucks

Do not believe him. You will get bored of Oblivion after about a week if you have the sense to realise it's boringly spectacular.

Although if you fancy an older game then Planescape Torment is the best ever.

NWN2 will be released some time in the 4th quarter of this year. It was meant to come out a few months back but it got delayed. It is not being made by Bioware this time however, it is being made by Obsidian (They made KotOR2...yawn) so I will remain pessimistic about it. Bioware are currently developing Mass Effect which looks ace.

NWN has two expansions. Shadows of Undretide and Hordes of the Underdark.

NWN sucks, in my opinion. I haven't gotten bored of Oblivion, and I've been playing it for a few months now. There's just so much to do. And if you have a good graphics card Oblivion's graphics are amazing. The world is massive, it's miles and miles. People talk to each other, they have lives, you can poison people by leaving poisoned apples on tables... I love it. I spent an entire hour following a guy around and watching his life.

It's not out yet but worth a look

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 0420559198

11 years on, I have to report that NWN was absolutely bloody awesome.

Did treat myself to Baldurs Gate Enhanced Edition too, nice to see Boo go for the eyes in slightly higher-def.