Vapourware RPGs that can legitimately be called masterpieces

[Theldaran]

I'm sure the old Planescape novels have to be bad as fuck. Surely Troy Denning hadn't become a good writer overnight?

 

[Bruma Hobo]

Many people unironically believe this is an RPG:
http://www.sophiehoulden.com/games/thelinearrpg/

While this is not:
https://www.playalterego.com/

But who can blame them? They have been raised on computer RPGs (which are all combat-heavy, since combat is the easiest way to offer meaningful choices to the player) without giving a thought on actual pen and paper role-playing games, why are stats there in the first place, or what made Dungeons and Dragons truly unique back in the seventies.

Then again, this may all just be the gygaxian and arnesian crowds fighting each other again, trying to impose their own interpretation of what role-playing games truly are.

 

[Tyranicon]

Many people unironically believe this is an RPG:
http://www.sophiehoulden.com/games/thelinearrpg/

While this is not:
https://www.playalterego.com/

But who can blame them? They have been raised on computer RPGs (which are all combat-heavy, since combat is the easiest way to offer meaningful choices to the player) without giving a thought on actual pen and paper role-playing games, why are stats there in the first place, or what made Dungeons and Dragons truly unique back in the seventies.

Then again, this may all just be the gygaxian and arnesian crowds fighting each other again, trying to impose their own interpretation of what role-playing games truly are.

I remember playing Alter Ego a few years back. Can't even choose to be an elf sex cultist or space frog. Hard pass. /s

On a more serious note though, combat isn't just a means to an end, it's sometimes the desired end result in itself. We can say that combat is an easy way for developers to offer meaningful choices to the player, or propel the narrative forward, but we're overlooking the fact that the player is playing the game because they desire conflict resolution by blowing goblins into bloody, pixelated chunks.

 

[Jason Liang]

JA2 can't hold a candle to Star Control 2 or SMAC(X). The only thing JA2 does exceptionally well is gun-porn. This is why no one except a few hardcore JA2fags here on Codex considers JA2 even in the top 100 of the best games of all time. So Lilura's entire premise is flawed

 

[Bruma Hobo]

I remember playing Alter Ego a few years back. Can't even choose to be an elf sex cultist or space frog. Hard pass. /s

On a more serious note though, combat isn't just a means to an end, it's sometimes the desired end result in itself. We can say that combat is an easy way for developers to offer meaningful choices to the player, or propel the narrative forward, but we're overlooking the fact that the player is playing the game because they desire conflict resolution by blowing goblins into bloody, pixelated chunks.

That may be true, but there are many other genres for simpletons like them, from tacticool games to Doom clones, while filthy storyfags could be playing adventure games or just reading fantasy novels if that's all they want. Neither of them are right, no matter how valid their reasons to play RPGs are, they're still wrong if what they enjoy goes against what this genre is all about.

 

[Lilura]

Players don't just enjoy PST because of the story but the unique settings first, the uncommon companions next and then the story, the quests and the story behind the story.

'Dexers who favor one game over another based on setting are fags, too.

Settingfags, lorefags, storyfags: they all go into my iggy bin. Such things are part of RPGs, and that's fine, but if you're the type of person to write a wall of text on them (instead of, say, a wall of text on builds, tactics and party composition), I don't want to see your posts.

At this point, even though PS:T is 1st-rated on the 'Dex, I'm still fairly comfortable posting here (since anyone was able to vote). But I'm getting suspicious.

 

[Tyranicon]

Players don't just enjoy PST because of the story but the unique settings first, the uncommon companions next and then the story, the quests and the story behind the story.

Settingfags, lorefags, storyfags: they all go into my iggy bin. Such things are part of RPGs, and that's fine, but if you're the type of person to write a wall of text on them (instead of, say, a wall of text on builds, tactics and party composition), I don't want to see your posts.

The only thing worthy of a wall of text is a gish build so OP it ends the game and the dev sends you hatemail.

 

[aweigh]

Sekiro

isn't an rpg, at all, in any way whatsoever, and would never be an rpg regardless of the breadth of its combat.

different ending, so some rpg components are there

...? different endings is not unique to rpgs. lots of games have this.

Man, this shit is really getting out of hand. Worries me for the future of the codex.

 

[RRRrrr]

Mass Effect 2
Skyrim
Fallout 3




A serious answer would be VtmB. I still can't believe how good it was (except the ending )

 

[d1nolore]

Players don't just enjoy PST because of the story but the unique settings first, the uncommon companions next and then the story, the quests and the story behind the story.

'Dexers who favor one game over another based on setting are fags, too.

Settingfags, lorefags, storyfags: they all go into my iggy bin. Such things are part of RPGs, and that's fine, but if you're the type of person to write a wall of text on them (instead of, say, a wall of text on builds, tactics and party composition), I don't want to see your posts.

At this point, even though PS:T is 1st-rated on the 'Dex, I'm still fairly comfortable posting here (since anyone was able to vote). But I'm getting suspicious.

Builds, tactics, party composition? Sounds like you'd love Grimoire. Have you tried the Wizardry series?

Let's be honest; BG, Nwn, Arcanum, etc, none of these are so challenging that you must sit around trying to get the optimal party or character. It's more interesting to read about how to get a better playthrough and have more fun. Fun tactics, cool party members like that Undead guy in Arcanum, where to find other interesting stuff. How to do an Evil playthrough, stuff like that.

 

[Lilura]

Let's be honest; BG, Nwn, Arcanum, etc, none of these are so challenging that you must sit around trying to get the optimal party or character. It's more interesting to read about how to get a better playthrough and have more fun. Fun tactics, cool party members like that Undead guy in Arcanum, where to find other interesting stuff. How to do an Evil playthrough, stuff like that.

Who said anything about "optimal" builds, tactics or party composition? No one. It's you who said that.

I generally recommend balanced builds and party compositions in my prime write-ups. However, in my pro-tip write-ups I cover the ultra-optimal, campaign-crushing builds, tactics and party compositions as well as the less powerful but interesting ones.

Also, as someone who hasn't got a single write-up to their name worth reading, who are you to advise me on how to write a wall of text, such as the one in my sig?

Impudent louts these days...

 

[d1nolore]

Let's be honest; BG, Nwn, Arcanum, etc, none of these are so challenging that you must sit around trying to get the optimal party or character. It's more interesting to read about how to get a better playthrough and have more fun. Fun tactics, cool party members like that Undead guy in Arcanum, where to find other interesting stuff. How to do an Evil playthrough, stuff like that.

Who said anything about "optimal" builds, tactics or party composition? No one. It's you who said that.

I generally recommend balanced builds and party compositions in my prime write-ups. However, in my pro-tip write-ups I cover the ultra-optimal, campaign-crushing builds, tactics and party compositions as well as the less powerful but interesting ones.

Also, as someone who hasn't got a single write-up to their name worth reading, who are you to advise me on how to write a wall of text, such as the one in my sig?

Impudent louts these days...

Do you have a blog? You should have mentioned that.

You're the one who said combat is the most important part of a RPG. I do agree there are too many storyfags on here though

Arcanum is the #1 RPG though.

 

[Lilura]

Arcanum is the #1 RPG though.

An RPG with a non-committal combat system + poor combat encounter design can never be 1st-ranked.

 

[Alphard]

Sekiro

isn't an rpg, at all, in any way whatsoever, and would never be an rpg regardless of the breadth of its combat.

different ending, so some rpg components are there

...? different endings is not unique to rpgs. lots of games have this.

Man, this shit is really getting out of hand. Worries me for the future of the codex.

Yeah different ending ate common to non rpg too, just like character creation and stats allocation. That's why i called them rpg elements : alone they doesnt make and rpg, but with other rpg mechanics they do.
Rpg definition at the end is arbitrary.
Each of us has a cut off about what amount of rpg mechanics make a game an rpg. Some put this cut off at arpg, some don't consider anything other than isometric crpg as roleplaying games

 

[fantadomat]

Arcanum is the #1 RPG though.

An RPG with a non-committal combat system + poor combat encounter design can never be 1st-ranked.

Nah,it is just that the majority of rpg fans are not autistic mechanofags that polish the sword when they see a few numbers,like you. RPGs are made for storyfags and moderates,not for outdated mechanofags .
And yes,Arcanum is the best RPG ever made,shame that you lack.....certain something...to appreciate it.

 

[Nines_Anarch]

Everything after finding Vhailor and up to the Fortress is eh.

After that, the campaign is rubbish.

I liked the audioporn that is whoever voiced TTO.

"You have come."

And so have I.

 

[aweigh]

that DMC 4 song completely rips off rob zombie's Dragula's main riff.

i hate myself for noticing that.

 

[Theldaran]

that DMC 4 song completely rips off rob zombie's Dragula's main riff.

i hate myself for noticing that.

Translation for modern kids:

Things from the late 90s, duh.

 

[Martyr]

after spending yet another week doing nothing else but binge-playing Kenshi, I really need to say: Kenshi is a masterpiece.

Lilura have you played that game?
it should be right up your alley,

Masterpiece:
- Warband (PC)
- Darklands (PC)

since it's basically M&B on steroids. and yes, the combat is RTwP, but so is Darklands'.

 

[Lilura]

since it's basically M&B on steroids. and yes, the combat is RTwP, but so is Darklands'.

If I want to play Warband on steroids, I'll play:

With:

For:

 

[Martyr]

I have to admit I've never played that mod, but I know of its existence. normally I only play unmodded games and in that regard Kenshi beats Warband, imo. Kenshi is more challenging and has more variety in literally every aspect.
really, take this as a well intentioned advice: the next time you're burnt out on Warband or if you want to try something different, give Kenshi a chance. you're in for a pleasant surprise.

 

[Darth Canoli]

'Dexers who favor one game over another based on setting are fags, too.

Settingfags, lorefags, storyfags: they all go into my iggy bin. Such things are part of RPGs, and that's fine, but if you're the type of person to write a wall of text on them (instead of, say, a wall of text on builds, tactics and party composition), I don't want to see your posts.

At this point, even though PS:T is 1st-rated on the 'Dex, I'm still fairly comfortable posting here (since anyone was able to vote). But I'm getting suspicious.

I think people who play cRPG only for numbers are autistic.

A cRPG masterpiece should be a perfect mix of mechanism, character creation, combat, good enough UI, OST, sound effects, quest design, NPC design but also settings and story.
I don't need everything to be perfect to enjoy it, a terrible combat system often ruins everything but sometimes it stands out so much it doesn't, that's PST.

I'm alright with a generic settings if everything else is done skillfully but with a great settings, it can turn the game into a masterpiece.

And i'm writing walls of text for neither, there's enough of these already.

 

[Lilura]

I think people who play cRPG only for numbers are autistic.

I never said I only played RPGs for NUMBAZ.

A cRPG masterpiece should be a perfect mix of mechanism, character creation, combat, good enough UI, OST, sound effects, quest design, NPC design but also settings and story.

As I said, I prefer 80% combat-related and 20% misc. other.

I don't need everything to be perfect to enjoy it, a terrible combat system often ruins everything but sometimes it stands out so much it doesn't, that's PST.

This sentence makes no sense.

I'm alright with a generic settings if everything else is done skillfully but with a great settings, it can turn the game into a masterpiece.

Setting is of secondary importance. Could make RPG set in realistic setting with only humans, and it could be masterpiece. You don't need edgy shit like cyberpunk, steampunk or post-apocalyptic.

 

[S.torch]

I think people who play cRPG only for numbers are autistic.

There are people with gambling problems, so theres that.

 

[Deleted Member 22431]

Lilura deserves some special tags at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions?