I've played cRPG's for almost 30 years and my top-10 list is hard to crack. It's not easy to find room among titles like Ultima 6 & 7, Wizardry 7, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and Baldur's Gate. This game, however, has no trouble finding it's place among them. It is not only one of the best RPG's ever, it's one of the best games ever. Fantastic story line, great combat, non-linear 'second act' (where you can visit a number of planets in any order), wide ranging character development, unforgettable NPC's, cool gear, and on and on. Now, some might say, "you played this game ten or eleven years ago, you're reviewing it through nostalgia colored glasses." The fact is, I've played this game as recently as six months ago and it has absolutely aged beautifully. Sure, the graphics are a touch out of date--how could they not be--but they are not distracting in the least. Moreover, the number of ways you can approach combat situations never gets stale. You can try all-out blaster and grenade assaults, all Jedi assaults, use two robots whereby you're the only flesh and blood character, and everything in-between. In terms of non-combat scenarios: Dialogue choices make a difference in team chemistry, your powers and attributes unlock dialogue choices, and change how you overcome obstacles, the in-game card game is weirdly addicting, and bla bla bla, I could go on and on. Just get the game. You won't be disappointed!
These games are essentially complex tabletop games programmed into a computer. So far in Wizardry 6 I'm spending as much time with my graphing paper as I am with the computer screen. I'm okay with that! It's VERY challening, but also extremely satisfying to conquer an area. My long term plan to complete 6,7 and 8, transfering my party from game to game. I have a family, job and other hobbie so it will likely take me several years, but it will be a fun journey.
Oh man! This game is key. I just started a new party for Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant and will use Wizardry 8 on GOG as motivation to finally finish a game I've loved, but haven't managed to complete since 1992! Anyway, Wizardry 8 is a fine RPG. Very hard-core. If you're not into hand-holding, and want a challenge, get it!
I have no idea how I missed M&M. Let's just say, better late than never! I enjoyed the Eye of the Beholder series, Wizardry 7, Ultima, Daggerfall, and several others, and this title rates right up there with those. I'm currently playing World of Xeen and it's a delight. It's like a perfect combination of several games that I loved. -It's character development complexity lies between Eye of the Beholder (Basic) and Wizardry 7 (very complex). -The graphics have a certain kind of colorful charm that ages very well. -The gameplay is pretty deep. To get the most out of the game you will need a well-balanced party that covers combat, thieving, spell casting, and healing. Players can get exhausted and/or diseased,so the party must eat and sleep to stay alive. Searching all around has yielded my party extra weapons and armor to sell or keep. I'm rambling but let me just say straight out, it's a great RPG. They don't really make 'em like this anymore, an that's a shame. I would pay $60 for a World of Xeen style game with Legend of Grimrock graphics. Anyone who missed this game in the 90's must get it now. Anyone who is too young to have been playing games in the 90's must get it now as a great introduction to that vibrant era of RPG's.
Let me say this straight out, I love this game. The key words for Alan Wake are atmosphere and characters. You will get sucked into this game, and long after think about the memorable characters and scary gameplay moments! I recommend playing it in the dark with a surround sound system for full effect. The only drawbacks are weak cut-scene character models, but it does nothing to detract from the game in my opinion. The gameplay models and physics are perfectly fine for me.
I loved The Eye of the Beholder series in the early 90's and I am so glad this developer decided to resurrect the 1st person, real-time combat, grid-based RPG. I am jazzed knowing that a lot of the people playing this missed that era, and now get to experience a great old school style RPG for the first time. The updated graphics are really nice, the puzzles are mostly logical, and the combat is exciting; the battles get really pulse pounding at the end. If you are younger and never played 1st person RPG's like Lands of Lore, Eye of the Beholder, and others, make sure to get this.
I'm 35 and so have had the opportunity to play classic RPG's as they were released over the last two and half decades. This one stood out from the get-go as a classic. 1. Game Mechanics: The AD&D 2nd ed. rule-set is my personal favorite above all other D&D editions, and its implementation in this computer role-playing game was excellent. Here is a game where there was a reason for everything based on tried and true RPG mechanics. Very fun. 2. Campaign Setting: Another personal favorite is the Forgotten Realms. I prefer it to Dragonlance, or Greyhawk. Ebberon is pretty cool too, but I have a weak spot for Forgotten Realms. 3. Loot! Who doesn't love weapons, armor, spells and magical trinkets? This game has tons of great stuff over which to steal, kill, or find. The cool thing, however, is that you will not find, for the most part, ridiculously overpowered gear. The loot is balanced perfectly. I have played the game several times and have found only one +3 weapon, a +2 armor, and very few +2 swords. +1 gear is relatively common. 4. Combat: The combat in this game on "normal" is very challenging at times whenever you run into NPC groups, or 'boss' battles. Monsters are usually pretty easy though. Overall I think it strikes a good balance. You don't want every confrontation to be a protracted 30 minute real time quit/load event. You want to make progress and this game allows it. Be prepared to restart many boss/NPC party battles though. You may have to experiment several times with spell combos, and strategy. Graphics: Isometric 3/4 games are the bread and butter of my early gaming days (Ultima anyone?) so I like them. What makes this game age so well, however, is not the graphics, but the game play which is awesome. Overall: Excellent. Five Stars. 10/10. Notes: The only games I rate higher are: Ultima 6/7, Wizardry 7, and perhaps KOTOR I. Baldur's Gate I & II (this review goes for both of them) are on the short list!
