Games with great replay value?

[Peter Meilinger]

I have a tendency not to finish computer RPGs. Drives one of
my friends nuts, because he's a compulsive finisher, even of
games he doesn't like. What I do, though, is start games
over and over again. I like to fiddle with all the character
options, but after awhile I get tired of playing the same
storyline over and over again, even if my characters allow
me to deal with things in wildly different ways. My usual
MO is probably to get to about the halfway point of a game
several times, and then lose interest for at least a little
while. Sometimes I go back and play further, sometimes I
don't. One of the problems is that I played a number of
good games until I got bored on an old computer, and I
no longer have access to the savegame files I'd need to
continue playing where I left off. I don't feel like
replaying the entire game, though I'll probably get
around to it eventually.

My idiosyncracies aside, what are some CRPGs with real
replay value? I'm especially interested in games where
it's not just the exact same storyline with a different
character. I've got Diablo and Diablo II, and those are
fun, but they don't feel like "real" CRPGs to me, though
I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure what "real" means in
this context. A better story to action ratio, anyway.
And besides, the Diablos have the same story for every
character, even if it's not the exact same terrain every
time. It's a step in the right direction, I'll grant it
that much.

I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

Pete

[James Garvin]

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

NWN due to the mods, Gothic 1 and 2 (because 3 is coming), KOTOR
(because 2 is out or on its way), Planescape: Torment, and Morrowind are
the top of my list.

[w***@yahoo.com]

That's what I like about the old Sierra's Hero Quest (or Quest for
Glory) series. The story was different and the approach to problems
different depending on the class you chose (for example, as a paladin
you could get invited to stay in a house, as a wizard you would have to
transform into a rat, as a rogue you would sneak in the middle of the
night, etc). Haven't seen this since QFG4.
In a lesser way, I guess you can play Kotor as a goodie jedi and as an
evil sith. Also you could play the Baldur's Gates in a similar way,
with a good party and with an evil party.
NWN if you like the game (I didn't but probably because of how they
designed the single player game, maybe some mods out there are better).
Wizardry 8 is another good option.

[Vader des Vaderlands]

On 13 Jan 2005 16:29:44 GMT, during a voyage through the cold waters
of comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg, i happened upon the crew of Peter

Post by Peter Meilinger
I have a tendency not to finish computer RPGs. Drives one of
my friends nuts, because he's a compulsive finisher, even of
games he doesn't like. What I do, though, is start games
over and over again. I like to fiddle with all the character
options, but after awhile I get tired of playing the same
storyline over and over again, even if my characters allow
me to deal with things in wildly different ways. My usual
MO is probably to get to about the halfway point of a game
several times, and then lose interest for at least a little
while. Sometimes I go back and play further, sometimes I
don't. One of the problems is that I played a number of
good games until I got bored on an old computer, and I
no longer have access to the savegame files I'd need to
continue playing where I left off. I don't feel like
replaying the entire game, though I'll probably get
around to it eventually.
My idiosyncracies aside, what are some CRPGs with real
replay value? I'm especially interested in games where
it's not just the exact same storyline with a different
character. I've got Diablo and Diablo II, and those are
fun, but they don't feel like "real" CRPGs to me, though
I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure what "real" means in
this context. A better story to action ratio, anyway.
And besides, the Diablos have the same story for every
character, even if it's not the exact same terrain every
time. It's a step in the right direction, I'll grant it
that much.

Half the fun of Morrowind is creating new characters and seeing which
are more viable than others, particularly so if you intended to create
a custom class that is challenging to play. I never finished the
prequel Daggerfall due to always trying out different classes. The
story changes quite a bit depending on the life you decide to live
outside of the main quest. Either you'll enjoy it greatly or hate it.
I'd particularly recommend the Tribunal expansion. It has an
entertaining storyline, worthwhile treasures at the end of larger
quests, and feels much more alive.

--
best regards, mat
np: wipers - no solution

www.pdxshows.net

[Sarah]

Post by Vader des Vaderlands
Half the fun of Morrowind is creating new characters and seeing which
are more viable than others, particularly so if you intended to create
a custom class that is challenging to play.

<snip>

Post by Vader des Vaderlands
The story changes quite a bit depending on the life you decide to live
outside of the main quest.

Agreed. Morrowind is also replayable due to the constant stream of mods
being released.

[shadows]

Post by Nostromo

Post by Vader des Vaderlands
Half the fun of Morrowind is creating new characters and seeing which
are more viable than others, particularly so if you intended to create
a custom class that is challenging to play.

<snip>

Post by Vader des Vaderlands
The story changes quite a bit depending on the life you decide to live
outside of the main quest.

Agreed. Morrowind is also replayable due to the constant stream of mods
being released.

As much as Barbie is a toy you can keep playing with over and
over. A mod that adds a 3+ Sword doesn't make the game
replayable.

[Vader des Vaderlands]

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 18:50:02 GMT, during a voyage through the cold
waters of comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg, i happened upon the crew of

Post by shadows

Post by Nostromo

Post by Vader des Vaderlands
Half the fun of Morrowind is creating new characters and seeing which
are more viable than others, particularly so if you intended to create
a custom class that is challenging to play.

<snip>

Post by Vader des Vaderlands
The story changes quite a bit depending on the life you decide to live
outside of the main quest.

Agreed. Morrowind is also replayable due to the constant stream of mods
being released.

As much as Barbie is a toy you can keep playing with over and
over. A mod that adds a 3+ Sword doesn't make the game
replayable.

That is very true!

Morrowind has lots of potentional of replay value for agreeable
mindsets.

--
best regards, mat
np: wipers - no solution

www.pdxshows.net

[Nostromo]

Post by Peter Meilinger
I have a tendency not to finish computer RPGs. Drives one of

<snip>

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.
Pete

I would just love a rpg that has multiple 'mini-games' within it. You play
the main storyline, maybe it takes 10-15hrs tops, from start to finish, all
done. Then, you get to play from the supporting cast's point of view (or
radically different characters or villains, kinda like HL/Opposing
Force/Blue Shift) that changes almost the entire storyline & can completely
change the outcome. Perhaps have 4-6 of these on offer within the game &
make them entirely optional after the main game is played. For ppl with less
time like myself, I'd rather have this sort of offering with *real*
replayability, than a 60-100hr repetitive-fest so-called crpg where all you
do is grind out xp for 75%+ of the time.

[mcv]

Post by Nostromo

Post by Peter Meilinger
I have a tendency not to finish computer RPGs. Drives one of

<snip>

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

I would just love a rpg that has multiple 'mini-games' within it. You play
the main storyline, maybe it takes 10-15hrs tops, from start to finish, all
done.

I've actually been thinking about writing a CRPG like that; lots of
different places to start, ways the story can develop, etc. Not scripted,
but just a bunch of different interesting NPCs each with their own
story and issues that interact in subtle ways, allowing the player to
get on a different side in each story each time he plays.
But don't hold your breath.


mcv.

[shadows]

Post by mcv
I've actually been thinking about writing a CRPG like that; lots of
different places to start, ways the story can develop, etc. Not scripted,
but just a bunch of different interesting NPCs each with their own
story and issues that interact in subtle ways, allowing the player to
get on a different side in each story each time he plays.
But don't hold your breath.

There was an adventure game called "Journey" that played this
way. Every decision pushed your story in a different direction.

[Nostromo]

Post by shadows

Post by mcv
I've actually been thinking about writing a CRPG like that; lots of
different places to start, ways the story can develop, etc. Not scripted,
but just a bunch of different interesting NPCs each with their own
story and issues that interact in subtle ways, allowing the player to
get on a different side in each story each time he plays.
But don't hold your breath.

There was an adventure game called "Journey" that played this
way. Every decision pushed your story in a different direction.

The Longest Journey, Great Journey, Mysterious Journey, Journey to the
Centre of the Earth, or just "Journey"? :-/

[mrlg]

Post by Nostromo

Post by shadows

Post by mcv
I've actually been thinking about writing a CRPG like that; lots of
different places to start, ways the story can develop, etc. Not scripted,
but just a bunch of different interesting NPCs each with their own
story and issues that interact in subtle ways, allowing the player to
get on a different side in each story each time he plays.
But don't hold your breath.

There was an adventure game called "Journey" that played this
way. Every decision pushed your story in a different direction.

The Longest Journey, Great Journey, Mysterious Journey, Journey to the
Centre of the Earth, or just "Journey"? :-/

Journey: The Quest Begins
http://www.the-underdogs.org/game.php?gameid=580

[Nostromo]

Post by mrlg

Post by Nostromo

Post by shadows

Post by mcv
I've actually been thinking about writing a CRPG like that; lots of
different places to start, ways the story can develop, etc. Not scripted,
but just a bunch of different interesting NPCs each with their own
story and issues that interact in subtle ways, allowing the player to
get on a different side in each story each time he plays.
But don't hold your breath.

There was an adventure game called "Journey" that played this
way. Every decision pushed your story in a different direction.

The Longest Journey, Great Journey, Mysterious Journey, Journey to the
Centre of the Earth, or just "Journey"? :-/

Journey: The Quest Begins
http://www.the-underdogs.org/game.php?gameid=580

1989 IF text adventure with static screens - ouch! And the blurb says it's
'frustrating' & unbalanced...hmmm...tx anyway! ;-)

[shadows]

Post by mrlg

Post by Nostromo

Post by shadows

Post by mcv
I've actually been thinking about writing a CRPG like that; lots of
different places to start, ways the story can develop, etc. Not scripted,
but just a bunch of different interesting NPCs each with their own
story and issues that interact in subtle ways, allowing the player to
get on a different side in each story each time he plays.
But don't hold your breath.

There was an adventure game called "Journey" that played this
way. Every decision pushed your story in a different direction.

The Longest Journey, Great Journey, Mysterious Journey, Journey to the
Centre of the Earth, or just "Journey"? :-/

Journey: The Quest Begins
http://www.the-underdogs.org/game.php?gameid=580

That's the one. I played it on the Amiga back in the day.

[Arcana Dragon]

Post by mrlg
http://www.the-underdogs.org/game.php?gameid=580

Interesting. DL'ing as we "speak".

[John A.]

Post by Nostromo
I would just love a rpg that has multiple 'mini-games' within it. You play
the main storyline, maybe it takes 10-15hrs tops, from start to finish, all
done. Then, you get to play from the supporting cast's point of view (or
radically different characters or villains, kinda like HL/Opposing
Force/Blue Shift) that changes almost the entire storyline & can completely
change the outcome. Perhaps have 4-6 of these on offer within the game &
make them entirely optional after the main game is played. For ppl with less
time like myself, I'd rather have this sort of offering with *real*
replayability, than a 60-100hr repetitive-fest so-called crpg where all you
do is grind out xp for 75%+ of the time.

I think Fallout 1 was like this. You could complete the primary mission
quickly and then continue playing the game your own way.

I am like the OP... I rarely finish computer games. I *did* just finish
Dungeon Siege 1 after having started it 2 or 3 times and letting it sit for
a year or so. I then started from the beginning and went all the way through
to the end... it was quite an accomplishment for me!

In any case, I guess I like the novelty.. and once it wears off, I move on
to another game. I've probably only seen 5 or 10% of all of the artwork in
the games I've bought over the years! A few games keep me coming back to
play again, but those are mainly turn-based strategy games.
John

[Filip van den Bergh]

RPG's with replay value to me:

Diablo
Fallout
Planescape

[Tom Meyer]

Post by Peter Meilinger
My idiosyncracies aside, what are some CRPGs with real
replay value? I'm especially interested in games where
it's not just the exact same storyline with a different
character. I've got Diablo and Diablo II, and those are
fun, but they don't feel like "real" CRPGs to me, though
I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure what "real" means in
this context. A better story to action ratio, anyway.
And besides, the Diablos have the same story for every
character, even if it's not the exact same terrain every
time. It's a step in the right direction, I'll grant it
that much.

I don't think there are any RPGs with different storylines, just different
character, NPCs and side quests.

Tom

[Knight37]

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

World of Warcraft. Best. RPG. Evar.

[Nostromo]

Post by Knight37

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

World of Warcraft. Best. RPG. Evar.

Heh. Yo mean mmog, right? I hear there's not much 'R'ing, as per most
mmo*r*pgs ;-)

[Knight37]

Post by Nostromo

Post by Knight37

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

World of Warcraft. Best. RPG. Evar.

Heh. Yo mean mmog, right? I hear there's not much 'R'ing, as per most
mmo*r*pgs ;-)

You must not be playing WoW then.

There's far more 'R' in WoW than there ever was in EQ, AO, or DAOC. UO
might have beaten it when UO was young.

I'm on an RP server btw.

BTW, there's far more actual opportunities to play a ROLE in a game like
WoW than in a game like Ultima, BG, or Gothic. In those, you're limited by
what the designers thought up. In an MMORPG you can actually make up your
own online persona, interact with other online personas in-character, and
of course, participate in the story of the game world via the quests (which
are EXCELLENT in WoW).

[Nostromo]

Post by Knight37

Post by Nostromo

Post by Knight37

Post by Peter Meilinger
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, and if
I haven't, I know others have. I'm going to go Google
past discussions, but I figured this would be a nice
non-Steam discussion that some people wouldn't have
seen before.

World of Warcraft. Best. RPG. Evar.

Heh. Yo mean mmog, right? I hear there's not much 'R'ing, as per most
mmo*r*pgs ;-)

You must not be playing WoW then.

I'm only my $100 EB gift voucher that I got for my birthday away >:-)

Post by Knight37
There's far more 'R' in WoW than there ever was in EQ, AO, or DAOC. UO
might have beaten it when UO was young.
I'm on an RP server btw.
BTW, there's far more actual opportunities to play a ROLE in a game like
WoW than in a game like Ultima, BG, or Gothic. In those, you're limited by
what the designers thought up. In an MMORPG you can actually make up your
own online persona, interact with other online personas in-character, and
of course, participate in the story of the game world via the quests (which
are EXCELLENT in WoW).

Cool. Wish there was a demo - I never made (or was eligible) for the beta.
I'm still waiting on someone to confirm that Blizzard will keep all my chars
for X months if I close my account to go back & forth between CoH & WoW.
Anyone?

[Knight37]

Post by Nostromo
Cool. Wish there was a demo - I never made (or was eligible) for the
beta. I'm still waiting on someone to confirm that Blizzard will keep
all my chars for X months if I close my account to go back & forth
between CoH & WoW. Anyone?

I wish i knew also (not that i'm planning on dropping any time soon but it
could a possibillity in the future). WoW is so hot right now it's almost
impossible to find it in the stores (at least, not around here). Blizzard
knows they don't need a demo. Gamespot gave WoW their Game of the Year
award. It's not for everyone certainly, but to me it's "MMORPG for the
Casual Gamer" and by "casual gamer" i mean someone who has to work for a
living and can't dedicate 60 hours a week to an MMOG to make progress.

[Allan C Cybulskie]

Post by Knight37

Post by Nostromo
Cool. Wish there was a demo - I never made (or was eligible) for the
beta. I'm still waiting on someone to confirm that Blizzard will keep
all my chars for X months if I close my account to go back & forth
between CoH & WoW. Anyone?

I wish i knew also (not that i'm planning on dropping any time soon but it
could a possibillity in the future). WoW is so hot right now it's almost
impossible to find it in the stores (at least, not around here). Blizzard
knows they don't need a demo. Gamespot gave WoW their Game of the Year
award. It's not for everyone certainly, but to me it's "MMORPG for the
Casual Gamer" and by "casual gamer" i mean someone who has to work for a
living and can't dedicate 60 hours a week to an MMOG to make progress.

Did you ever try CoH? That seems to me to be a very good game for the
casual gamer. The atmosphere is simple and easy to get into/understand, the
powers make sense and are pretty good at telling you what they do, there are
a ton of archetypes so that if you are feeling a grind you can always go
back and take the first levels again with a new archetype and a new feel,
and there's no real "equipment" or items to deal with so that grinding for
items is eliminated.

[Knight37]

Post by Allan C Cybulskie
Did you ever try CoH? That seems to me to be a very good game for the
casual gamer. The atmosphere is simple and easy to get
into/understand, the powers make sense and are pretty good at telling
you what they do, there are a ton of archetypes so that if you are
feeling a grind you can always go back and take the first levels again
with a new archetype and a new feel, and there's no real "equipment"
or items to deal with so that grinding for items is eliminated.

The fact that there is no equipment is why I do not play CoH.

[Damien Neil]

Post by Nostromo
Cool. Wish there was a demo - I never made (or was eligible) for the beta.
I'm still waiting on someone to confirm that Blizzard will keep all my chars
for X months if I close my account to go back & forth between CoH & WoW.
Anyone?

One of the Blizzard reps on their forums has stated that they have no
plans to ever delete characters. Might change in the future, of
course, but you're pretty safe for now.

Good luck finding a copy of the game, however; it seems to be sold out
everywhere, and Blizzard isn't releasing more copies until they get
additional servers online.

- Damien

[Nostromo]

Post by Damien Neil

Post by Nostromo
Cool. Wish there was a demo - I never made (or was eligible) for the beta.
I'm still waiting on someone to confirm that Blizzard will keep all my chars
for X months if I close my account to go back & forth between CoH & WoW.
Anyone?

One of the Blizzard reps on their forums has stated that they have no
plans to ever delete characters. Might change in the future, of
course, but you're pretty safe for now.
Good luck finding a copy of the game, however; it seems to be sold out
everywhere, and Blizzard isn't releasing more copies until they get
additional servers online.

They're piled knee-deep & a dime a dozen in most EB stores down under. We
must have less sheep than the US & NZ combined it seems. >;-p

[Damien Neil]

Post by Nostromo

Post by Damien Neil
Good luck finding a copy of the game, however; it seems to be sold out
everywhere, and Blizzard isn't releasing more copies until they get
additional servers online.

They're piled knee-deep & a dime a dozen in most EB stores down under. We
must have less sheep than the US & NZ combined it seems. >;-p

Well, if shipping costs don't kill you, you should be able to make a
killing on eBay. :>

I've got one friend who has been hunting high and low for a copy here,
without luck.

- Damien

[Nostromo]

Post by Damien Neil

Post by Nostromo

Post by Damien Neil
Good luck finding a copy of the game, however; it seems to be sold out
everywhere, and Blizzard isn't releasing more copies until they get
additional servers online.

They're piled knee-deep & a dime a dozen in most EB stores down under. We
must have less sheep than the US & NZ combined it seems. >;-p

Well, if shipping costs don't kill you, you should be able to make a
killing on eBay. :>
I've got one friend who has been hunting high and low for a copy here,
without luck.
- Damien

Perhaps Blizzard should sign a deal with Valve to use Steam to distribute
their kiddie-ware online...?

*duck* >8^D

[Knight37]

Post by Nostromo

Post by Damien Neil

Post by Nostromo

Post by Damien Neil
Good luck finding a copy of the game, however; it seems to be sold
out everywhere, and Blizzard isn't releasing more copies until they
get additional servers online.

They're piled knee-deep & a dime a dozen in most EB stores down
under. We must have less sheep than the US & NZ combined it seems.

Post by Damien Neil
;-p

Well, if shipping costs don't kill you, you should be able to make a
killing on eBay. :>
I've got one friend who has been hunting high and low for a copy here,
without luck.

Perhaps Blizzard should sign a deal with Valve to use Steam to
distribute their kiddie-ware online...?

The problem is that they are holding back because demand is outstripping
their infrastructure. I fail to see how making it even easier to get online
is going to solve that problem. :)

[Arcana Dragon]

Post by Knight37
World of Warcraft. Best. RPG. Evar.

- if you're into online gaming. I ain't.