Games of the year
Nan Wang
Is it too early/late for a game of the year voting?
Anyway, FWIW, here are my nominees(sp), in no particular order, I only list
games that I have played:
Strategy: Civ2, HOMM2, MOO2, JA:DG, Syndicate Wars, C&C: Red Alert.
Comment: All sequels of some sort, hmm... Should come down to Civ2, HOMM2
and Syndicate Wars.
Action: Quake, Duke3d, Descent 2(this year?), Tomb Raider, Mech2: Mercs,
Privateer 2, Crusader: No Regret.
Comment: I would give it to Tomb Raider.
Sports: FIFA97, NHL97, Madden97, Grand Prix 2, Screamer 2, CM2(?). Comment:
GP2 by a long shot, Screamer2 and CM2 close seconds, weak field otherwise.
Adventure: LSL7 :-)
Flight-sim: haven't played any.
RPG: Haven't played any, but I'll guess Albion and Daggerfall? Comment:
guess it has not been a good year for RPG players, I am replaying MM3,4,5
and Darksun while waiting for something good(Return to Krondor, I hope) to
come out.
Puzzle/Misc: Mutant Penguin. Comment: The only game that I am aware of fits
the description.
m00se
: Is it too early/late for a game of the year voting?
:
:
: Strategy: Civ2, HOMM2, MOO2, JA:DG, Syndicate Wars, C&C: Red Alert.
: and Syndicate Wars.
The (classic game)2 wins hands down this year in my view. Both Civ2 and
HOMM2 smoke and I've got 2 unopened copies of m002 which I've not even
touched. (Warez heaven :) ) I'me not even a big fan of the others
(someone sway me if they can, tell me why I should get SW or JA (I have
C&C, too linear, neeto keen stuff blowing up however)
:
: RPG: Haven't played any, but I'll guess Albion and Daggerfall? Comment:
: guess it has not been a good year for RPG players, I am replaying MM3,4,5
: and Darksun while waiting for something good(Return to Krondor, I hope) to
: come out.
:
Daggerfall, if it worked, would rank as my all-time favorite RPG goin
back to the Apple Wizardry's), that is, if the damn game worked. Bug
city USA. But even so, it's unreal. And, it could be much better (look
for clones of this to come with the non-linear, ultra-vast worlds)
Ultimas are Ultimas and I don't call them RPG's, they all smoke, 'cept
for Mortal Comb, er, Pagan...
: Puzzle/Misc: Mutant Penguin. Comment: The only game that I am aware of fits
: the description.
:
I still dig Yahtzee and Hearts. Some games can only be jazzed up so much.
Hey, I'd like a game that'd stand here and give me a backrub after the
other half is in bed.....
I must go play more games. I must go play more games.
(Note: Crosstposted commentary when it comes to polls gets better results
if each group is addressed directly. And it's less work for me to reply)
My Best Always,
m00se
--
http:\\www.honesty.com
Henri H. Arsenault
In article <58a0dd$1...@chaos.dac.neu.edu>, naw...@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Nan
Wang) wrote:
> Strategy: Civ2, HOMM2, MOO2, JA:DG, Syndicate Wars, C&C: Red Alert.
> Comment: All sequels of some sort, hmm... Should come down to Civ2, HOMM2
> and Syndicate Wars.
>
How about Steel Panthers 2, Age of Rifles, R. E. Lee Civil War General,
Capitalism, Close Combat, Extreme Chess?
Henri
--
Henri H. Arsenault
RoyBoy
>
> Is it too early/late for a game of the year voting?
>
I only play Adventure Games but my votes goto:
Pandora Directive, TimeLapse and Amber
royboy
Scott Amspoker
RoyBoy <roy...@cris.com> wrote:
Zork Nemesis, Bad Mojo, Timelapse, Amber
Scott Amspoker | Check out my adventure
sc...@basis.com | game reviews at:
http://www.rt66.com/sda| http://www.rt66.com/sda/rv.htm
AIR_TIME
NBA LIVE 97....SPORTS GAME OF THE YEAR!! BASKETBALL GAME OF T HE YEAR!!
Susan
>>> Is it too early/late for [adventure] game of the year voting?
It is never to early or late.
>>I only play Adventure Games but my votes goto:
>>Pandora Directive, TimeLapse and Amber
>Zork Nemesis, Bad Mojo, Timelapse, Amber
I only play adventures too and vote for:
1) Amber, 2) Lighthouse, 3) Bad Mojo
I haven't played TimeLapse yet. :(
Authorized SuperMicro General User
* Susan * <Sus...@concentric.net>
* Sometimes The Dragon Wins! *
RoyBoy
> >
> > I only play Adventure Games but my votes goto:
> >
> > Pandora Directive, TimeLapse and Amber
> >
>
> Hi,
>
> I don't know Amber... Is it based on Zelazny great books? If so, who
> made it?
>
> Thanks for any reply,
>
> Gilles Goy
I'm afraid not. Here's my review and then Doug's review from OGR
Magazine. If you'd like to see it yourself here's the link:
http://www.ogr.com/reviews/amber.shtml
**********************************************
Since reviews are colored by the reviewers' experiences, I thought I'd
let you know that I'm a 42 year old male entrepreneur with a
professional dance and music background. Consequently I tend to weight
music and sound a bit more than most. I've had a little college and am
mostly self-taught being a voracious reader. I've been playing computer
adventure games since the days of my TI-99/4A, Commodore 64, and various
PC's. I have very little interest in action/arcade or role playing
games, buying any adventure game title that I can get my hands on. I
currently own approximately 200+ games.
So here goes...
"Explore an old Victorian house and unlock the secrets of the past using
the latest in high-tech paranormal tracking equipment. You will journey
into the unknown, exploring supernatural realms of extraordinary beauty
and haunting elegance. Unravel mysteries hidden within compelling
stories of heart-rending tragedy, mind-numbing obsession, and childlike
innocence." (quoted loosely from the Amber packaging)
Amber is a 2 CD Myst-like experience, using a first person view point in
a digitally rendered environment with a little FMV thrown in for
variety. The game is nonlinear in the sense that the main puzzle
segments can be completed in any order to achieve the conclusion. You
do need to complete each segment before going to another segment.
THE GOOD
Great graphics with the little touches showing thought and care (e.g., a
fleeting ghostly shadow had me jumping out of my chair and a shooting
star in the night sky was a delight to behold-or was that my over active
imagination? <g>). Extremely clever use of borders for the viewable
area added to the feel of each particular segment and kept me riveted in
the game. Moving from place to place was well done with each scene
fading into another very smoothly keeping me transfixed.
In both my 486DX100 (AMD chip, 16MB, Paradise Bahamas video & SB32 PnP)
and my P120 (Intel, 24MB, Millennium, AWE 32 non-PnP) the game ran and
sounded fine under Win 95 and I experienced no installation or running
problems. Just be sure to turnoff all background programs such as virus
checking software and installation monitoring software if you have any
trouble with the installation. It is a Win 95 or Mac title only.
The FMV that was used was surprisingly smooth and crisp on both my
systems. It ran so well on my 486 that I couldn't help but wonder how
it would've done on a 386! The FMV segments were appropriate to the
game and because of the terrific clarity, it aided in my total
involvement in the game keeping me immersed in the story.
The music and the sound FX were extremely well done and chosen carefully
to invoke the proper mood. It was obvious that great care went into
when to use music and when to use ambient sounds alone.
The interface was *extremely* intuitive and I knew throughout the game
where to click to make something happen or where to go. (Hip-hip
Hooray!) It was almost like the interface wasn't there at all. I also
liked that it was so small and not a fancy or colorful design, it stood
out enough for me to know where it was without being intrusive to my
gaming experience. The designers should give how-to seminars to some of
the other gaming companies!
The premise of the game was believable and presented in a suspenseful
manner with a logical story-line.
I felt that all of the puzzles were integrated well and made sense
within the environment and the story line. I stayed immersed in the
story even while trying to solve them. The puzzles were challenging
enough to be interesting without causing too much frustration. There
wasn't a single puzzle that I didn't enjoy solving or being stumped by!
I even enjoyed the variation of a slider type puzzle.
THE BAD
This game was so good that I had to do a little nit picking here but
here goes...
A little to the short side. The game isn't overly difficult, which I
personally liked, but consequently I expected at least one more segment
and ideally two more.
The ending also seemed a little short and left me wanting. Each segment
was so enjoyable that the ending seemed somewhat of a let down. At
least the ending was appropriate to the story line and game play, I just
happen to enjoy lengthy animated or FMV sequences for endings.
I would've liked an opening screen that enabled me to jump straight to a
saved game instead of having to click 3 or 4 times to the opening scene
before I could get a menu to load my saved game.
AND THE UGLY!!!
I couldn't find anything in this game that I could remotely call ugly!
CONCLUSION...
This is a great game for the beginner or intermediate player. An
advanced player would certainly enjoy the experience but be a little
disappointed in the shortness of the game and lack of difficult brain
busters. The SRSP would be the determining factor for the advanced
player. It's a must have at a street price of $25-35 dollars for any
player but I feel that at $35-50 you'd have to be a real fan of
adventure gaming or a novice or intermediate player for it to be a
worthwhile purchase.
If you enjoy adventure gaming for fun and relaxation like I do, this
game will transport you to another world and entertain you. I highly
recommend it for most players and it's a great game to play in the dark!
***************************************************************
Now here's Doug...
***************************************************************
AMBER: Journeys Beyond
Created by Hue Forest Entertainment
Released by Graphic Simulations
Graphic Simulations AMBER: Journeys Beyond Homepage * AMBER: Journeys
Beyond Playable Demo [12.1 MB] * AMBER: Journeys Beyond Slideshow Demo
[2.1 MB] * Vital Statistics
AMBER: Journeys Beyond, the new adventure game from Graphic Simulations
and Hue Forest Entertainment, will take you into the world of the
supernatural. Ghosts, astral projection, life after death; all have a
hand in creating one of the more unique and interesting adventure games
to come around in some time. In fact, AMBER delivers more creepiness
than all other horror adventures combined (Phantasmagoria, Harvester and
Darkseed 2 aren't even close). You'll be thinking about AMBER long after
you turn out the lights. Actually, you should probably leave the lights
on.
A Favor for a Friend
You've just gotten home from a long day at work and
decide to check your email before settling down for a relaxing evening.
You receive a note from a friend, Joe, who tells you he needs favor. He
says that your mutual friend, Dr. Roxanne Westbridge, is staying up at
an old house she recently purchased. Roxy, as she is known to her
friends, is doing some preliminary testing on new technology for
tracking paranormal activity. Problem is, this new equipment goes way
beyond just tracking, and Joe is worried that Roxy might be getting in
over her head. You see, Roxy is fearless, and despite the fact that the
equipment is just in the early prototype stage, she might begin testing
the equipment on herself. The favor: drive up to the old house, check on
Roxy and prevent her from doing anything rash.
Once there, you'll have to search the old house and try to determine
what has happened to Roxy. In the course of the game, you'll need to
figure out how to operate the equipment, you'll witness some very
unusual things, and you'll have to journey into paranormal worlds in
search of your friend.
Incredible Atmosphere
AMBER: Journeys Beyond excels at atmosphere. Everything about this game
is creepy. Even the things that aren't meant to be eerie, somehow, are
very much so in this game. The graphics in this first-person-perspective
game are excellent, with the usual nicely detailed, 3D-rendered SVGA.
The gameplay screen is particularly interesting. It varies between half
and three-quarters of the screen, depending on which paranormal world
you are currently in. Not only does the screen size change, but so does
the border around the screen. The effect is different and adds to the
unusual mood of the game, but unfortunately, it also reminds you that
you aren't looking at full-screen graphics. Despite the screen size,
AMBER successfully draws you in by excelling in other areas.
The biggest contribution to the excellent atmosphere is a very
impressive use of ambient sounds and music (the lack of music in certain
places is also very effective). Whereas most games eliminate most of the
ambient sounds with some moody music, AMBER takes a different road.
You'll be drawn into the game as you explore the old Victorian house,
where there is no music to drown out the ambient sounds of the creaking
floor and the hum of the power generator. Outside, you'll hear the sound
of crickets chirping and wind rustling. The "you are there" element is
quite good, and if you decide to play this game at night with all the
lights out... well, don't say I didn't warn you.
For animation, AMBER uses traditional QuickTime video. The use of
QuickTime is simple and effective, and it is employed for such things as
making a ceiling fan quietly rotate and a flag flutter in the wind. The
animation is integrated nicely and is one of the better uses of the
video format. Some video is even specifically used to enhance the creepy
factor. I won't spoil a particularly effective use for you, but just
remember to have a firm grip on your seat. The larger video segments,
such as cut scenes between worlds, are a bit grainy, though.
Naturally, the unusual story adds to AMBER's atmosphere, which will
probably have you thinking about the game long after you've switched off
your computer (my personal nightmare: Chippy, that freaky talking doll).
Without revealing too much, your paranormal journeys will take you into
the lives of some long forgotten souls. In fact, you'll become
intimately knowledgeable about what has happened in their lives (or
should I say deaths?). The story leaves many questions unanswered, and
this fits in perfectly with the strange, thought-provoking game.
So, Great Atmosphere... But What About the Game?!
AMBER has probably the most basic interface you'll ever find and is
quite reminiscent of Myst. Your cursor is very small (which is nice,
doesn't get in the way) and turns into directional arrows when moved to
the sides of the screen. If you move it over an object you can examine
more closely, the cursor changes into a question mark. Finally, if you
can interact with the object in any way, the cursor changes to a
standard Windows cursor. The interface is simple and fairly effective
and offers the usual Myst-clone interaction, with the addition of some
inventory items.
The puzzles in AMBER are nicely integrated into the
storyline, particularly during your exploration of the old house, where
you will have to figure out how Roxy's paranormal tracking equipment
works. You'll find a good mix of inventory-based puzzles, object
manipulation and even a few logic-type puzzles (yes, even a type of
slider puzzle!). For the most part the puzzles work pretty well, except
for one tedious trip through an underwater roller coaster that was a
little too much like a trial-and-error maze.
AMBER isn't without its flaws, though. The interface, though simple, can
be a bit confusing at times. In one particular segment, you are given
some additional movement options, a curved forward arrow, and this makes
it a little difficult to get your bearings. Also, the game is a bit on
the short side and not overly difficult. Despite this, though,
experienced adventurers will still find much to appreciate in AMBER.
AMBER lacks the flash of some of today's other adventure titles, but it
doesn't really matter. AMBER offers an intriguing storyline, backed up
by an impressive use of ambient effects to bring the player into one of
the most engrossing atmospheres ever in an adventure game. If you want a
truly creepy experience, turn out the lights and load up AMBER: Journeys
Beyond.
Rating: 8/10
Written by: Doug Radcliffe
Date: November 27, 1996
Vital Statistics
PC Requirements
Windows 95
486DX2/66MHz (Pentium recommended)
8 M RAM (16 M recommended)
High-color (16-bit) video card
25 M of free hard-disk space
CD-ROM drive (4X recommended)
Sound card
**********************************************
royboy
,-~~-.___. <----------------------------------->
/ | ' \ -=| ROY MADRID PASCARELLA |=-
( ) 0 -=| E-MAIL: roy...@cris.com |=-
\_/-, ,----' -=| |=-
==== // -=| U S A |=-
/ \-'~; /~~~(O) <----------------------------------->
/ __/~| / |
=( ______| (_________|
Namae
Single-player of the year: Tomb Raider, Terra Nova, Grand Prix 2
Multi-player of the year: Quake, C&C
Mech2 Mercs is too slow and too buggy IMHO. Screamer2 is pretty cool
but can't be compare with GP2. Note that Quake has single-player game
but it is very poorly done. C&C single-player is good but
multi-player is so much better.
I do not play adventure games (Tomb Raider...well, that's more of
action than adventure), RPGs, flight sims and sports sims other than
racing games.
Note that we haven't seen Privateer 2 nor X vs Tie, so my opinion
might change in the next three weeks.
Gilles Goy
RoyBoy wrote:
>
> >
> > Is it too early/late for a game of the year voting?
Tero Paananen
In <01bbe48b$6dbb5040$410fb8cd@jackallt> "AIR_TIME" <AIR_...@ix.netcom.com> writes:
>NBA LIVE 97....SPORTS GAME OF THE YEAR!! BASKETBALL GAME OF T HE YEAR!!
How very typical of our EA loving friend...He's played the game for two
or so days and already NBA Live 97 is the game of the year.
I'm beginning to believe he is related to some EA head honcho.
-TPP
John F Monaco
Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
Any comments?
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu
In article <58f5ku$r...@sjx-ixn8.ix.netcom.com>, jmo...@ix.netcom.com(John F
Well I'll admit that I'm a fan of both genres (gasp). I *love* a good
thinking CRPG, and when I'm in another mood, I bust out the axe in Quake :)
I sure hope that Doom and Quake haven't mattered much to CRPG developers. I
don't think they have. Look at the upcoming Descent to Undermountain, for
example. Interplay obviously wasn't discouraged by the popularity of action
games. (Caveat: if DTU is mostly action-oriented, I may need to change my
mind, but I think it'll be a good CRPG. License with TSR, Inc., etc.).
I dunno...there are thousands of CRPG lovers out there. After much thought, I
may just get Daggerfall in spite of all its announced faults (and I guess some
are significant!), if I can get it cheap. Reason: I love CRPG's that take a
lot of time and effort to finish, and graphics aren't quite as important to me
as I thought initially (yeah I've been spoiled by Quake). I'm able to suspend
critical second-guessing and moral outrage in these games for the most part,
as much as both may be merited in DF (I hear there's quite a bit of moral
compromise involved, and no I don't approve of that).
I think it's pathetic that Bethesda released a game with so many bugs, after
working on it for so long. However, I've heard that if you delete everything
and install again using only the latest patch, the game works quite well.
Before a million people flame, obviously this is fine with me but not for
someone who's been building up a character for 2 months.
I'm beginning to get worried about some of the more vitriolic DF flames. I
agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments (I really do), but we don't want to
kill off all developer enthusiasm for CRPG's. A tough balancing act, I know.
I hope Bethesda gets the proper messge and does indeed make TES 3 ("Oblivion,"
or so I hear) a great CRPG, if they make it at all. To you other developers
out there, just make a great game with few or no bugs and we'll love you.
Easy enough, right? :)
P.S. Is it really true that DF will not work at all with Ensoniq Soundscape
VIVO? If so, my decision's easy :)
Sven
[cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu]:
>I think it's pathetic that Bethesda released a game with so many bugs, after
>working on it for so long. However, I've heard that if you delete everything
>and install again using only the latest patch, the game works quite well.
Certainly. Bought it a week ago and installed the latest patch. No
problems whatsoever. :)
Sven
slink
Git yer flamethower ready ....
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
>In article <58f5ku$r...@sjx-ixn8.ix.netcom.com>, jmo...@ix.netcom.com(John F
>Monaco) wrote:
>>
>>
>> Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
>>with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
>>speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
>>games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
>>what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
>>Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
>>graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
>>Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
>>wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
>> I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
>>essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
>>instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
>>bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
>>Any comments?
>Well I'll admit that I'm a fan of both genres (gasp). I *love* a good
>thinking CRPG, and when I'm in another mood, I bust out the axe in Quake :)
>I sure hope that Doom and Quake haven't mattered much to CRPG developers. I
>don't think they have. Look at the upcoming Descent to Undermountain, for
>example. Interplay obviously wasn't discouraged by the popularity of action
>games. (Caveat: if DTU is mostly action-oriented, I may need to change my
>mind, but I think it'll be a good CRPG. License with TSR, Inc., etc.).
When I had a very stressful job I used to come home, pick up my Doom
Shareware weapons, and kill until I was mowed to the ground. I didn't
have the energy left for anything else, and I felt lots better
afterward.
>I dunno...there are thousands of CRPG lovers out there. After much thought, I
>may just get Daggerfall in spite of all its announced faults (and I guess some
>are significant!), if I can get it cheap. Reason: I love CRPG's that take a
>lot of time and effort to finish, and graphics aren't quite as important to me
>as I thought initially (yeah I've been spoiled by Quake). I'm able to suspend
>critical second-guessing and moral outrage in these games for the most part,
>as much as both may be merited in DF (I hear there's quite a bit of moral
>compromise involved, and no I don't approve of that).
You don't have to trade in souls if you are willing to work with a
lower potential upper limit in enchanted objects. You can finish the
game without it. I did. I've also played it the other way.
Stealing is involved with the main quests. I guess it's a matter of
definition of good vs evil whether this is a moral compromise if you
consider the royalty the good guys.
You are murdering every time you gun ... er, chop down an enemy.
That's pretty standard, isn't it?
You can use childguard on your installation if partial or (very
rarely) complete nudity bothers you. At no time are genitals or
sexual acts displayed. I read more explicit stuff off the drugstore
"family grade" book stands 26 years ago than is in this game. Much
more. <happy grin>
>I think it's pathetic that Bethesda released a game with so many bugs, after
>working on it for so long. However, I've heard that if you delete everything
>and install again using only the latest patch, the game works quite well.
>Before a million people flame, obviously this is fine with me but not for
>someone who's been building up a character for 2 months.
I updated each patch and never discarded a single character for those
reasons. I briefly considered discarding my most recent because she
was created under the most recent patch (which ironically purports to
support your sound card) but I found she works OK under the last patch
after all. (I reverted.)
>I'm beginning to get worried about some of the more vitriolic DF flames. I
>agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments (I really do), but we don't want to
>kill off all developer enthusiasm for CRPG's. A tough balancing act, I know.
>I hope Bethesda gets the proper messge and does indeed make TES 3 ("Oblivion,"
>or so I hear) a great CRPG, if they make it at all. To you other developers
>out there, just make a great game with few or no bugs and we'll love you.
>Easy enough, right? :)
>P.S. Is it really true that DF will not work at all with Ensoniq Soundscape
>VIVO? If so, my decision's easy :)
191 is supposed to support that sound card. Tell us if it does. :)
Sandra
Ben
Gilles Goy wrote:
> I don't know Amber... Is it based on Zelazny great books? If so, who
> made it?
It is not actually based in Zelazny's Amber setting, nor is it even
vaguely related to asny of the Amber books, but it one hell of an
adventure game- easily the best I have played for quite a while. If you
like adventure games at all, get it. It can be had for the PC (W95 only)
from a company called Graphic Simulations (http://www.graphsim.com), but
is pretty difficult to find in stores. I just finished it last weekend,
if you need any hints... ;)
Regards,
Benjamin E. Sones
feld...@sprynet.com
Ben
Gilles Goy wrote:
> I don't know Amber... Is it based on Zelazny great books? If so, who
> made it?
It is not actually based in Zelazny's Amber setting, nor is it even
vaguely related to any of the Amber books, but it one hell of an
Sébastien Décarie
John F Monaco wrote:
> I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
> essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
> instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
> bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
> Any comments?
Consider that I have only been playing computer RPGs since 1993, and
here goes my list:
1. Ultima VII (complete, Black Gate and Serpent Isle)
This was the 1st CRPG I played and still the best one in my heart.
2. Ultima Underworld (1 & 2)
Proof that 3D games like DOOM CAN have great story and interactivity.
And that's all. Everything else is not good enough to enter my list. And
I have played Arena and Daggerfall..
--
Regards,
Sébastien Décarie
Sean Betouliere
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
>
> In article <58frhl$3...@insosf1.netins.net>, sl...@netins.net (slink) wrote:
> >I have to backpedal on the Ensonique card statement. I can't find
> >where I thought I saw it. Sorry for the misinfo.
> >
> >Sandra
>
> I think you were right. On the Bethesda page in the patch section, there's a
> text highlighting what's in the latest patch. Says something like "Ensoniq
> Soundscape VIVO no longer requires reboot." Funny, I saw in a FAQ that the
> game didn't work, period, with the card previously (much less work with an
> annoying reboot)..
>
> Oh, also, I downloaded the European demo (two zipfiles, 6.5 and 6.8 megs),
> which is supposedly better than the original one from early (November?). It
> basically sucks, just like the earlier one. Freezes up completely if I try
> character generation. If I go straight to dungeon, it works at least
> occasionally with the following qualifications:
>
> 1. Movement feels terrible (very tough not to overcompensate on turns, etc.
> Well, P Pro200 and fastvid, but you'd think they could code for fast video
> speed).
>
> 2. the whole thing is just blocky pixels. Looks worse than the Underworlds
> if you want my opinion. I do think the few screenshots I've seen of
> buildings at a distance are pretty, but up close . . . Booo.
>
> Well, time to start pestering Interplay about a playable demo for Descent to
> Undermountain :) And sure, let's bug Bethesda (no pun intended) about
> getting their butts going on TES 3, maybe it'll be worthwile. If it comes out
> before summer 1999. I would *love* a game with the size of DF, SVGA, etc.
> etc. I've said it before and won't again (whew).
>
> No offense, I know you've played and apparently liked DF. I feel really bad
> that I can't myself. I just can't stomach pixelated VGA graphics anymore.
> The monsters, walls, everthing look *terrible* up close!! What a shame. :(
I wouldn't hurry Bethesda with TES 3, that's kind of what went wrong with
Daggerfall. I'd much rather they take their sweet time about it and turn
out a really good quality product. Perhaps even get rid of the Xngine and
all it's hidieous clipping problems.
-Sean
Sean Betouliere
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
>
> In article <32AB6A...@total.net>, ruff...@total.net wrote:
> >John F Monaco wrote:
>
> >Consider that I have only been playing computer RPGs since 1993, and
> >here goes my list:
> >
> >1. Ultima VII (complete, Black Gate and Serpent Isle)
> >
> >This was the 1st CRPG I played and still the best one in my heart.
> >
> >2. Ultima Underworld (1 & 2)
> >
> >Proof that 3D games like DOOM CAN have great story and interactivity.
> >
> >And that's all. Everything else is not good enough to enter my list. And
> >I have played Arena and Daggerfall..
>
> were the best). Wait until Ultima IX (June '97). . . landmass four times the
> size of Ultima 7's. Also, Ultima Online will "rule." Heh there's the little
> kid coming out in me again. I wasn't excited UOL initially, but having read
> more, sounds great so long as they don't charge $30 per month for it (I've
> heard that nasty rumor, and it is a *rumor,* but in my experience those
> usually don't come out of thin air).
>
> Meanwhile, 3 words: DESCENT TO UNDERMOUNTAIN!!
>
> I'm praying this'll be a great one. I wasn't the greatest Descent fan, but
> the engine has great potential for a polygon-based CRPG. Hope they don't make
> it "99% shooter, 1% interaction and use-your-head." January release, I think?
> February at latest? Let's all give Interplay a buzz! :P
I think it will probably be a lot like Stonekeep. All dungeons and no
outside interaction is not my idea of fun. Personally I'm waiting for
Shadows over Riva and maybe U9 (as long as they don't use the terrible U8
engine).
-Sean
D Rapp
John F Monaco wrote:
>
> Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
> with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
> speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
> games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
> what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
> Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
> graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
> Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
> wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
> essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
> instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
> bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
> Any comments?
Sadly, I can't disagree. I'd guess the only newer game I would add to
your list would be Albion. Even it is not a "true rpg", in that you
have a completely pre-generated character. I can't speak to Might &
Magic; since I never played it. You will also get Ultimas added to
your list by many.
Dan
GJulian
John F Monaco wrote:
>
> Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
> with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
> speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
> games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
> what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
> Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
> graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
> Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
> wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
> I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
> essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
> instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
> bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
> Any comments?
I tried Star Trail and couldn't get past all of the herbs and
ingredients to make potions, etc. I might as well been running a copy
of Betty Crockers Potions. But, I still have it and maybe should give
it another go...
As far as favorite RPGs, EOBIII and Wizardry 7: Dark Savant. Both have
good plots, lots of things to do and play with.
BTW, is Nemesis a sequel to Dark Savant or is a sequel planned?
James Doles
Debbie Hertzog <lady...@cris.com> wrote:
>Overlord wrote:
>>
>> GJulian wrote:
>> >
>> > John F Monaco wrote:
>> > >
>> > > Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
>> > > with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
>> > > speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
>> > > games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
>> > > what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
>> > > Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
>> > > graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
>> > > Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
>> > > wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
>> > > I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
>> > > essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
>> > > instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
>> > > bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
>> > > Any comments?
Well, even though I've not played much of any CRPG, from what I've seen with games like daggerfall is that the companies
are trying to make "The ultimate interface". With the new tech out now, there are many other choices besides the Might
& Magic look. The biggest thing right now is real-time. The only real-time demos I've played tho are Diablo and
Daggerfall. Each has their own way of fighting, neither one intersting me. Diablo is just a click-fest and Daggerfall
is just not complex enough to make fighting fun. Niether of these 2 games have much of a story. Diablo is just go kill
the Bigbaddude and Daggerfall seems more like a puzzle game than an RPG. Come to think of it, the best RPG I've played
would have to be Final Fantasy 3. Doom has caused quite a few companies to move resources to first-person shooter
games. But these first person shooters are bringing more resources and attention to computer gaming. Maybe after the
doom craze completely dies out, RPG's will get a boost.
Marco Verhoeven
John F Monaco wrote:
> Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
>with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
>speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
>games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
>what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
>Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
>graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
>Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
>wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
> I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
>essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
>instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
>bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
>Any comments?
I think you should have a look at the upcoming Diablo. It has a lot of
RPG elements as well as free Internet multiplayer. Check it out at
www.battle.net
Marco
--
'Right on Commander'
slink
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu
I think you were right. On the Bethesda page in the patch section, there's a
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Old Salt
On 8 Dec 1996 19:41:18 GMT, jmo...@ix.netcom.com(John F Monaco) gave
us this view on RPG's (Suffering Genre):
>
>
> Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
>with the computer technology of the past few years.
<snip>
>Any comments?
Yes, don't spam this. Half the newsgroups you sent it too are
off topic.
___ ___
_____ | | | | _____
======/ | | | | | | \======
----------------------------------------------------
\ |
\ Old....@worldnet.att.net |
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
David Broome
Don't usually respond to off-topic cross posts, but just had to say that
absolutely no game ever made in any genre will match the sheer joy I felt the
first time I beat the original Bard's Tale on my good old C64. The only thing
close was maybe 'Telengard' (yes it's spelled like that) on the same machine.
Had no plot, but I played it for hours just trying to get to the next level.
Okay, I'm dating myself. Anybody else remember playing those on thier C64's?
Matt Staroscik
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
> Meanwhile, 3 words: DESCENT TO UNDERMOUNTAIN!!
>
> I'm praying this'll be a great one. I wasn't the greatest Descent fan, but
> the engine has great potential for a polygon-based CRPG. Hope they don't make
> it "99% shooter, 1% interaction and use-your-head." January release, I think?
> February at latest? Let's all give Interplay a buzz! :P
Sorry to rain on your parade, but DTU will be mostly action. I spoke to
Bill Church at Interplay about it a couple of weeks ago. I'm supposed to
be getting a beta version RSN, too, and I'll post more when I see it.
We'll also cover it in more detail in Shadis Magazine.
I agree they could turn Descent into a great CRPG, but that's not the
current plan. Still, from what I've heard about it it should be a lot of
fun since you get to run around the Undermountain and hack up a lot of
polygon monsters. On the bright side for CRPG fans Interplay will be
doing an AD&D-licensed RPG, but no release date has yet been set.
Regards,
Matt Staroscik
Shadis Magazine
star...@sowest.net
Overlord
GJulian wrote:
>
> John F Monaco wrote:
> >
> > speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
> > games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
> > what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
> > Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
> > graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
> > Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
> > wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
> > I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
> > essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
> > instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
> > bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
> > Any comments?
>
IMHO, the only good RPG to come out in the last 3 years
(barring the Ultima and Might & Magic series...) was Lands of Lore.
overlord
David F
naw...@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Nan Wang) wrote:
>Is it too early/late for a game of the year voting?
>Anyway, FWIW, here are my nominees(sp), in no particular order, I only list
>games that I have played:
>Strategy: Civ2, HOMM2, MOO2, JA:DG, Syndicate Wars, C&C: Red Alert.
>Comment: All sequels of some sort, hmm... Should come down to Civ2, HOMM2
>and Syndicate Wars.
<SNIP>
My top ten list is <drum roll>
1. Civilization2
2. Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games
3. Master of Orion 2
4. Mission Force: Cyberstorm
5. Close Combat
6. Wages of War
7. Steel Panthers 2
8. Lords of the Realm 2
9. Wooden Ships and Iron Men
10. Conquest of the New World
Some may wonder why SP2 is so low, its a great game but Im more of a
tactical fighting game lover.
David Finn
Maxim H. Weinstein
In article <58gba7$l...@news.structured.net>, dbr...@iar.net (David Broome)
wrote:
Not on a C64, but yes, The Bard's Tale series was my favorite. Second best
would have to be Might & Magic: World of Xeen.
What the genre has really lost is the concept of an adventuring party, with
several characters each having different abilities. Everyone wants the "first
person" 3-D perspective. <groan>
Here's my fantasy: an Internet-playable RPG, sort of like Ultima Online, but
limited to 6-8 players. Thorough character generation. A developed plotline
which requires the characters to work together to reach their eventual goals.
During realtime combat, the players have to cooperate, and be careful not to
get in each others' way (don't want to stand in front of your magicuser friend
when he casts that fireball). At times, the characters can split up to
explore different areas.
This doesn't seem unrealistic considering the current state of gaming and
network play. Who knows? Maybe by Christmas '97...
slink
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
No offense taken. Not everybody has to like the same things. One of
my problems with some games is the fast reaction time required. I had
a space game (I can't remember the name of it) that opened every new
game with an immediate space battle. "Calibrating" is what they
called it. I just wound up spinning around helplessly in space and
then throwing my mouse across the room in frustration. I finally even
bought a joystick, to my husband's amusement. No go. So the joystick
is in the closet and if the game says "real-time space battles" I have
to skip it no matter how good it looks otherwise.
Sandra
rbag...@hiwaay.net
>Don't usually respond to off-topic cross posts, but just had to say that
>absolutely no game ever made in any genre will match the sheer joy I felt the
>first time I beat the original Bard's Tale on my good old C64. The only thing
>close was maybe 'Telengard' (yes it's spelled like that) on the same machine.
>Had no plot, but I played it for hours just trying to get to the next level.
>
>Okay, I'm dating myself. Anybody else remember playing those on thier C64's?
>
Yep, Bard's Tale was great. I also liked Wasteland a lot.
///////////////////////////////////////
//
// Randy Bagwell
// rbag...@hiwaay.net
//
//
Bob_in_Fla
uhh, excuse me but this is the "comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.flight-sim" newsgroup.
That's "F-L-I-G-H-T S-I-M". Please take your discussion somewhere else.
Thanks.
Seppo Kutvonen
In article <32AB6A...@total.net>, ruff...@total.net says...
>
>John F Monaco wrote:
>
>> I think, in a way, that Doom killed computer games. Doom
>> essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
>> instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
>> bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
>> Any comments?
>
>here goes my list:
>
>1. Ultima VII (complete, Black Gate and Serpent Isle)
>
>This was the 1st CRPG I played and still the best one in my heart.
>
>2. Ultima Underworld (1 & 2)
>
>Proof that 3D games like DOOM CAN have great story and interactivity.
>
>And that's all. Everything else is not good enough to enter my list. And
>I have played Arena and Daggerfall..
>
>Regards,
>
>Sébastien Décarie
guess why they make these idiotic shooting games? Because people buy them!
Money talks, bullshit walks...
Debbie Hertzog
Overlord wrote:
>
> GJulian wrote:
> >
> > John F Monaco wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
> > > with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
> > > speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
> > > games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
> > > what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
> > > Personally, when it comes to RPG's, I don't give a rats ass about fancy
> > > graphics and sound. I just want a good game. I vote for Star Trail,
> > > Might and Magic, The old SSI D&D games (Although you would probably
> > > wretch if you saw them now), and that game The throne of Chaos.
> > > essentialy said "Hey, and idiotic shooting game will sell". And now
> > > instead of well constructed RPG's, we get techno-junk. All kinds of
> > > bells and whistles but nothing in terms of good CRPG play. (Shrug)
> > > Any comments?
> >
>
> (barring the Ultima and Might & Magic series...) was Lands of Lore.
>
> overlord
I agree. I loved Lands of Lore. Any word on the sequel that is
supposed to be coming out soon?
Lady Hawke
Paulius Stepanas
In article <58gba7$l...@news.structured.net>, dbr...@iar.net (David Broome) writes:
> <relevant stuff snipped>
>
>Okay, I'm dating myself.
You are?! Have you bought yourself dinner and taken yourself to a movie, yet?
> Anybody else remember playing those on thier C64's?
>
But, of course! Elite, Ultima IV and Bard's Tale II were what got me into
gaming, though I never actually finished the last.
Paulius
--
~|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|~ These musings from:
~|~ It's a mistake trying to cheer up camels. ~|~ Paulius G Stepanas
~|~ You may as well drop meringues into a ~|~
~|~ black hole. ~|~ Melbourne, Australia.
~|~ Terry Pratchett (Pyramids) ~|~
~|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|~ p.ste...@trl.oz.au
Ray Untalasco
All the best RPGs I played were on my old C-64 (Ultima 1-V, Questron 1 &
2 from SSI). In the nineties it was the Ultimas again (with exception
to U8) that lead the way. The last great RPG I played was Betrayal at
Krondor. I wasn't to crazy about Lands of Lore but I did enjoy it. Now
Daggerfall is absolutely boring. Too much technology, no SUBSTANCE.
Robert Merritt
Computer
Top Strategy: HOMM 2
Runner up: Civ2
Worst strategy:BC3KAD
Runner up:Deadlock
Top Action: Duke3d
Runner up:Quake
(my opinion, please lets not start another flame war)
Worst Action game: Mega Race 2
Runner up:Time Commando
(no good RPGs this year)
Worst RPG: Dagger Fall
Best Sports: Links Ls
(didn't play any other sports games)
Best Adventure:Larry7
Worst Adventure:Harvester
Best Playstation game: Crash Banndicoot
Rob Merritt
Might and Magic lives at http://www.jagunet.com/~robertm/homm.html
"If you got to have delusions, you might as well have the really satisfying ones.", Marcus - Babylon 5
Lee Donnell Burress
I read an earlier post that discribed the location of the glenmorial
witches with a 1 in 4 chance that a npc would be there to offer quests
can anyone give any more descriptions to other covens or non official
guilds?
I allowed baltham greyman to live on a quest an he turned out to be a
good connection to wealth and info ( he gave me the location of direnni
tower very early on and sends me a letter every few months to offer a
new adventure.
Anyone else playing daggerfall w/o following the main quest?
lb
matt
All time best RPG?
The old Forgotten Realms game for my Apple IIE 'Pools of Radiance'. I
really wish someone would make a game with that sort of character creation
and combat engine again.
Jerry Caveney
In <58kj6n$l...@dfw-ixnews5.ix.netcom.com> ra...@ix.netcom.com(Lee Donnell
I've played one character to level 24, and my current character maxed out at
level 30, and haven't done the main quests yet. Guess I fear I'll
loose interest if I do, as with Arena. Who is Baltham Greyman, or what
type of quest does he appear in?
Jerry
Stephen Wilkinson
In article <58krln$5...@sjx-ixn2.ix.netcom.com>, jcav...@ix.netcom.com(Jerry Caveney ) wrote:
[snip]
>I've played one character to level 24, and my current character maxed out at
>level 30, and haven't done the main quests yet. Guess I fear I'll
>loose interest if I do, as with Arena. Who is Baltham Greyman, or what
>type of quest does he appear in?
He's a "rogue mage" you are sent to kill by the Mages Guild. You can
talk to him before you kill him to act as the previous poster
noted.
BTW, no need to post to the flight sim or sport groups for this :)
Cheers,
Stephen Wilkinson "Programming is like pinball.
Software Engineer the reward for doing it well
Interactive Creations Inc. is the opportunity to do it
wi...@airmail.net again." (anon - Wizards Bane)
RNDM in Warbirds http://www.icigames.com
D Rapp
If you have an interest in this type of game, go to my wife's page at
http://home1.gte.net/drapp/frua.htm
This contains information about Forgotten Realms Unlimited Adventures.
A quick description:
It's essentially the Gold Box game engine repackaged to allow people to
make their own adventures. A number of people have, and placed them on
ftp sites for downloading by anyone who wants to play them. Sites also
have graphics, music, tools, etc.
Dan
BTW, I clipped some of the other newsgroups out that weren't relevant.
Sorry if I left any in that still aren't. Just thought there might be some
interest in the ones still listed.
Skeksis
Ray Untalasco wrote:
> Now Daggerfall is absolutely boring. Too much technology, no SUBSTANCE.
I cannot comment on Daggerfall since the CRPG that I played was Dungeon
Master on my venerable A1000. I find that I have absolutley *no*
interest in any CRPGs for the reason that when I want to play an RPG I
will get my regular gamers together and play a game. Currently we have
a Lace and Steel campaign going (I am the referee) and while I am not
sure I can call it thriving beause I am usually so tired from all the
overtime at work, we have a lot of fun and that is what I find missing
from every single CRPG. Where is the pleasure from directing the
actions of four or more CRPG characters that all think alike in all
aspects? The most enjoyable aspect of any RPG (for me) is the
interaction of the players and how the game evolves and grows. Is there
a single CRPG that can provide this when *one* player is the driving
force for all of the PCs? Without the interaction of different people
*any* RPG whether it is Daggerfall or Tunnels and Trolls (the only RPG I
know of designed for solitaire play) is barren and sterile and little
more than mental masturbation.
--
Skeksis
417th Royal Petard Hoisters Naval Auxillary
"Where sleeping with the fishes isn't a cliche, it's an aspiration"
AMB
> Since reviews are colored by the reviewers' experiences, I thought I'd
> let you know that I'm a 42 year old male entrepreneur with a
> professional dance and music background. Consequently I tend to weight
> music and sound a bit more than most. I've had a little college and am
> mostly self-taught being a voracious reader. I've been playing computer
> adventure games since the days of my TI-99/4A, Commodore 64, and various
> PC's. I have very little interest in action/arcade or role playing
> games, buying any adventure game title that I can get my hands on. I
> currently own approximately 200+ games.
I'm very pleased to see that at least some reviewers recognize the
filters, biases and imaging that affects their reviews and perceptions.
As I've said many times before, persons shouldn't review what they don't
like. I will not review an action/arcade game because I'm not an
action/arcade-type person. It's not to say I don't like a few, like
X-Wing or Aces of the Pacific, it's just that those are more diversions
for me than true interests. I prefer strategy games, such as Master of
Orion, Civilization, etc. I don't care for computer FRPs, even though
the graphics , sound and AI are quite excellent on some. I also like
some, limited, sports games, especially football and hockey.
I hope eveyone who reviews stuff in the future will give such a good
preview of their background before leading us into oblivion. For 1996,
I thought the most hyped and worst stratgy game was Conquest of the New
World. As for the best, unfortunately, two new ones have me drooling -
Red Alert and Master of Orion II. I haven't had the time to truly
assess these two 1996 late-breakers fully, but from what I've seen,
they're very good.
AMB
John Morgan
If you've never played Wizardry 7 then you're in for a treat! I've
played em' all & its my all-time fav! (don't get WizGold!)
George K. Psaroudakis
Susan wrote:
>
> >>> Is it too early/late for [adventure] game of the year voting?
>
> It is never to early or late.
>
> >>I only play Adventure Games but my votes goto:
> >>Pandora Directive, TimeLapse and Amber
>
> >Zork Nemesis, Bad Mojo, Timelapse, Amber
>
> I only play adventures too and vote for:
> 1) Amber, 2) Lighthouse, 3) Bad Mojo
>
> I haven't played TimeLapse yet. :(
>
> Authorized SuperMicro General User
> * Susan * <Sus...@concentric.net>
> * Sometimes The Dragon Wins! *
> >
> > Hi..
My choice of the year is : Gabriel Knight 2 , Sherlock Holmes 2 and
Pandora Directive .
Good morning from Greece..
Hal Bouma
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
>
> In article <58frhl$3...@insosf1.netins.net>, sl...@netins.net (slink)
>wrote:
> >I have to backpedal on the Ensonique card statement. I can't find
> >where I thought I saw it. Sorry for the misinfo.
> >
> >Sandra
>
> I think you were right. On the Bethesda page in the patch section,
>there's a text highlighting what's in the latest patch. Says something
>like "Ensoniq Soundscape VIVO no longer requires reboot." Funny, I saw
>in a FAQ that the game didn't work, period, with the card previously
>(much less work with an annoying reboot)..
>
No. Thats not it either. The new Ensoniq VIVO 90 card's software
violates some VCPI specifications that cause Causeway to reboot when the
program terminates. No doubt this also helps cause the game to crash
quicker as well.
As for all the Ensoniq not working. Thats not true. I have old
Soundscape that runs with Daggerfall fine on this hunk o' junk AT&T P120
system here. (Don't buy AT&T computers, a tip from your Uncle Hal) Thats
not saying it will work in all cases, but the card does work. The new
VIVO 90 card also runs fine on my computer now too. It even works with
the Watcom debugger. And nothing likes that...
> Oh, also, I downloaded the European demo (two zipfiles, 6.5 and 6.8
>megs), which is supposedly better than the original one from early
>(November?). It basically sucks, just like the earlier one. Freezes
>up completely if I try character generation. If I go straight to
>dungeon, it works at least occasionally with the following
>qualifications:
Well, the only difference between the USA and European version
is that the European version (if its what I think it is) is a build
older than the USA version. We had to do some changes at the last minute
(like change the female to a guy) for the USA version.
Hal - Daggerfall Programmer
h...@bethsoft.com
Fotis Kokkoras
.................
.....................and my vote goes to :
MASTER OF ORION 2
Fotis
PS: Good morning from Thessaloniki / Greece also
NAPS
My solid vote for adventure game of the year is The Sacred Mirror of Kofun.
It takes some patience but what a game!
Michael Huemer
>> > John F Monaco wrote:
>> > >
>> > > Hi. I think the Computer Role Playing titles have become crappier
>> > > with the computer technology of the past few years. Amazing clock
>> > > speeds, more memory and better video cards haven't made for better RPG
>> > > games. Isn't is strange? Or..am I wrong? I wanted to ask you guys,
>> > > what do you think is the best CRPG game ever made (2 or 3)?
You're right, and it is strange. Well, maybe not so strange - as
technology advances, it becomes easier to make a game that's visually
impressive but deficient in game concept. It's really easy to
conceive of a new adventure game or Doom-takeoff (they're all the
same).
My favorite CRPG game was Wizardry 7. I also liked Darklands a lot,
and the old SSI gold box games, especially Death Knights of Krynn.
--
^-----^
Michael Huemer <o...@rci.rutgers.edu> / O O \
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~owl | V |
\ /
Tim Johnson
Pandora gets my vote.
Tim
Karen L. Woys
NAPS wrote:
>
> My solid vote for adventure game of the year is The Sacred Mirror of Kofun.
> It takes some patience but what a game!
I don't recall seeing much about this game. Would you care to post a
review? Do you know if there's a demo available? Thanks, K.
slink
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu
>> Well, the only difference between the USA and European version
>>is that the European version (if its what I think it is) is a build
>>older than the USA version. We had to do some changes at the last minute
>>(like change the female to a guy) for the USA version.
>
>>Hal - Daggerfall Programmer
>>h...@bethsoft.com
>
>Huh? I'm intrigued. Change what female to a guy? Why?
He means that in the European demo, your character is female. It's
interesting, the web page where I found the Euro. demo said that it came out
*after* the US version and so was slightly better :) Oh well. I never was
able to get the most recent demo anyway; too big to download with my "two
hours until forced to reconnect" account.
What Hal just said about the VIVO 90 pretty much confirms what I suspected
earlier. There are two versions of the VIVO. The VIVO 90 came out in August,
but there's an earlier VIVO (I have it). No reboot problems for me, but
Soundblaster support may not be quite as compatible overall. :< Even further
back, there was the regular Soundscape (I suspect that's what Hal had).
Anyway enough about sound cards. Heh one final exam down, one to go :)
Rico Laguna
naw...@lynx.dac.neu.edu (Nan Wang) wrote:
>Is it too early/late for a game of the year voting?
>
I think its a toss up between Grand Prix 2 and NHL 97 for sports game
of the year
Both these games set new standards in what to expect in a pc sim of
their respective sports.
NHL broke further ground with its breathtakingly realistic depiction
of true motion and action, while Grand Prix set new standards for AI
and options in a driving sim. They both should be honored
respectively.
AIR_TIME
NBA LIVE 97 Is double the game that NHL 97 is... NBA LIVE 97 deserves
sports game of the year...its the best game I have ever pl ayed and TOTALLY
bug free for me so far,....I have played 25 games about.
Rico Laguna <sile...@cybernex.net> wrote in article
<32b25958...@news.tiac.net>...
Desslock
cbar...@darkwing.uoregon.edu wrote:
>
>snip
>
> What Hal just said about the VIVO 90 pretty much confirms what I suspected
> earlier. There are two versions of the VIVO. The VIVO 90 came out in August,
> but there's an earlier VIVO (I have it). No reboot problems for me, but
> Soundblaster support may not be quite as compatible overall. :< Even further
> back, there was the regular Soundscape (I suspect that's what Hal had).
>
> Anyway enough about sound cards. Heh one final exam down, one to go :)
--
When Hal was talking about "rebooting" while using a Soundscape, did he
mean:
a) Ensoniq cards caused the game to reboot? or
b) You had to reboot your computer to play Daggerfall with the Ensoniq?
I have an Ensoniq Soundscape Elite - have never had a problem with a),
but still have the problem described in b) (using 191 patch).
Very annoying, but manageable. I certainly have never had that problem
with any game -other- than Daggerfall (including the Daggerfall demo).
I like Daggerfall quite a bit, but it is far from a "polished" product.
Charles D Centrelli Jr
I AGREE 100 %..........
AIR_TIME <AIR_...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
<01bbe97f$0443ef20$510fb8cd@jackallt>...
Jeffrey Golds
In article <32B2F9...@interlog.com>,
I seem to have the same trouble you do... I have the Ensoniq Soundscape
and I can run Daggerfall ONCE from Windows 95... then I have to boot into
DOS mode to play again... or reboot I guess. From DOS mode I can play many
times without trouble, but something strange happens in Windows 95...
I get an error stating the sound drivers could not be loaded.
slink
jgo...@math.ohio-state.edu (Jeffrey Golds) wrote:
> Jeff
> jgo...@math.ohio-state.edu
I wonder if this isn't partly the fault of Windows. I have
Soundblaster AWE32. Going into Windows always makes my DOS programs
play sound strangely, when I come out, if I don't cold boot first.
This isn't limited to Daggerfall.
Sandra
Michael Derek Ho
Jeffrey Golds (jgo...@math.ohio-state.edu) wrote:
: >b) You had to reboot your computer to play Daggerfall with the Ensoniq?
: >I have an Ensoniq Soundscape Elite - have never had a problem with a),
: >but still have the problem described in b) (using 191 patch).
: and I can run Daggerfall ONCE from Windows 95... then I have to boot into
: DOS mode to play again... or reboot I guess. From DOS mode I can play many
: times without trouble, but something strange happens in Windows 95...
: I get an error stating the sound drivers could not be loaded.
Hmm... I see a trend. I also have this problem. When I set the game to
Soundblaster, it doesn't have a problem. But when I set it to Ensoniq
(which I have), it gives that error. However, I don't have to reboot my
computer. I just have to restart Windows95 (ie. go into dos, come back).
--
-Mike Ho- | E-MAIL: mik...@umich.edu <\ =GOKURAKU=
>Motoslave< | or moto...@umich.edu >\ University
-=====================================<||((*)\/\/\/\/]*
ANIMANIA Japanese Animation Film Society >/ of
-=Kanzaki Sumire Fanclub=- </ Michigan
"It's all right, it's just a cute girl with big eyes."
Justin Bahk
dbr...@iar.net (David Broome) writes:
>Don't usually respond to off-topic cross posts, but just had to say that
>absolutely no game ever made in any genre will match the sheer joy I felt the
>first time I beat the original Bard's Tale on my good old C64. The only thing
>close was maybe 'Telengard' (yes it's spelled like that) on the same machine.
>Had no plot, but I played it for hours just trying to get to the next level.
I remember playing Telengard on CMB PET!!!! That was over 10 years ago!!!!
It was one of the most fun game I played. It also was an amzing piece of
program as it was written in BASIC and took only 32Kb.
>Okay, I'm dating myself. Anybody else remember playing those on thier C64's?
Yeah, those good old days. Good bye to all that.....
------
Justin Bahk gol...@intac.com
Shawn Albright
God yes. Those were the days. I loved all three Bards games but Number one
was the best. Tha anticipation of finding a new magic item or piece of
armor or weapon. Remember Hawkblades, The Sword of Pak (Which summoned a
Demon for your party). Those were the days for sure. Nothing compares today
with all the flash and gameplay worth a shit today.
--
Shawn Albright
Shaw...@gte.net
Justin Bahk <gol...@intac.com> wrote in article
<59eb9f$6...@nile.intac.com>...
William Tanksley
Shawn Albright <shaw...@gte.net> wrote:
>God yes. Those were the days. I loved all three Bards games but Number one
>was the best. Tha anticipation of finding a new magic item or piece of
>armor or weapon. Remember Hawkblades, The Sword of Pak (Which summoned a
>Demon for your party). Those were the days for sure. Nothing compares today
>with all the flash and gameplay worth a shit today.
I dunno -- I really like Civ and MOO. They're modern classics.
However, I do spend far more time playing ADOM and Angband. I HIGHLY
reccomend ADOM; the intricate plot and freedom of action (i.e. NOT a
one-dimensional plot) is superb, and it's free.
It is character mode only, but in many ways that's good -- my imagination
does better than any but the very best animated graphics, and those would
be hugely expensive.
Check it out on http://users.aol.com/ADOMDev/.
It's not exactly a strategy game, since it's from the perspective of a
single character rather than an army leader, so it's probably best to
keep discussion on it confined to rec.games.roguelike.misc (it's a little
too new to have its own NG). It does, however, have most of the elements
of many of the good strategy games.
I just noticed how many NGs this is crossposed to -- well, I kept them
all, but I'm redirecting followups to r.g.r.misc.
>Shawn Albright
-Billy