Quest for a new game

[Megatomic]

Ok I am to the point where I want to justify my computer to myself and I want to do it with intense graphics and audio in a game. I have been playing 3d games since Doom and Unreal came out but FPS games are losing their appeal for me.

I want a challenging game with lots of time to think about what I am gonna do rather than running around frantically fraggin other players and bots. I also want panoramic vistas, immersive audio, and detailed character graphics. High fps is not key, just as long as the game doesn't skip and drag.

Is there such a game out there now or in development? Maybe you guys can tell me about games you are playing that fit what I'm looking for even if just partially. I will be getting a faster graphics card later this year but I feel the rest of my system is ready for a high bandwidth game now. Talk to me.

Pertinent system specs for the curious:

ECS D6VAA 1.1 with bios 1.2E
2x PIII 1GHz FC-PGA
1GB Siemens/Infineon PC133 CAS3
Maxtor 45GB ATA100 7200RPM
MSI GF2 Pro 64MB DDR
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz
WinXP Pro

 

[TheVrolok]

Try Deus Ex, Max Payne, or even System Shock 2... all three have very decent graphics on maximum settings... nothing that'll choke your system but still very nice. All three are nice FPS/RPG mixes with interesting plots.

 

[Valhalla1]

u looking for a FPS that is slow paced and not run-and-frag ? try MOHAA or Ghost Recon

 

[CubicZirconia]

I second deus ex. It's getting old, but its hard to beat.

 

[rjcoolpix880]

I second Ghost Recon. You have to plan out tactics and cannot just run or even walk around a corner without getting killed. It took my 2 days to beat the first level!

 

[exp]

Deus Ex and System Shock 2 are classics. No One Lives Forever and Clive Barker's Undying are also great.

Serious Sam 1 & 2 have the "panoramic vistas, immersive audio, and detailed character graphics" you want but boy, if ever there were games that embodied "frantically fragging" it would be them.

 

[Megatomic]

<< Serious Sam 1 & 2 have the "panoramic vistas, immersive audio, and detailed character graphics" you want but boy, if ever there were games that embodied "frantically fragging" it would be them. >>



Hehe, I love Serious Sam FE. That game had the visuals and audio I am looking for but you are right, it's nonstop fraggin. I have seen several votes for Deus Ex, I'll look into that game. I am also looking at Dungeon Siege and Morrowind.

 

[exp]

<< I am also looking at Dungeon Siege and Morrowind. >>

Ah, you are looking at RPG's as well...I didn't realize that. LOL, I guess when you said FPS's were losing their appeal I should have got the hint.

Morrowind and Dungeon Siege both have good graphics but Morrowind may have some extra oomph in that department--if you get ahold of a good enough video card (GeForce 3 or 4, Radeon 8500) the water in Morrowind is simply amazing...wow, the ripple effects when it rains are incredible. :Q It has some cool weather effects as well, plus sunsets that should all be great eye candy.

Neverwinter Nights is another good-looking upcoming RPG to keep your eye on.

 

[CPA]

Dungeon Siege will give that system a workout. My oc'd GF3 Ti200 bogs down everyone once in awhile (outside scenes with many characters fighting). I do have all of the games visual settings maxed, though. The weather effects, particularly then snow, is awesome. Game uses a lot of fog also.

 

[viperbri]

I put my vote in for Operation Flashpoint. It is an excellent mix of action, strategy, and variety. Has large environments, an excellent editor to build your own missions and user add-on galore. I have been playing it for 5 months now...the replay value is great!

vip

 

[Stutz]

Worth considering also is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. Large, highly-detailed levels, extremely well-engineered sound effects, editable soundtrack, quick tactical decision-making, well-animated and detailed skaters and superb gameplay make this one of the most enjoyable and engaging games I've played. Large on-line community as well at Planet Tony Hawk. I never would have believed I would so throughly enjoy a skateboarding game ? but I do.

Best,

Stutz

 

[exp]

<< I put my vote in for Operation Flashpoint. >>

Yeah, that is a great one. I do find that it is a "love it or hate it game", though (like Thief 1 & 2 were). It's so different from most shooters that a lot of people can't adjust to the unique style of gameplay. Oh well, their loss...now I need to get my hands on that Red Hammer expansion.

 

[Megatomic]

Thanks for all the input everyone. The RPGs are looking like the most promising prospects right now but I will look into the Tony Hawk game. Funny thing is that I met him a long time ago (mid 80s) when I too was a hardcore skater and I would never have guessed this for him.

 

[spartacuskzm]

Seeking,

I must put in a vote for Day of Defeat - a Half-Life mod that can be found at www.dayofdefeatmod.com. While it does have a fair share of running and fragging, it is VERY realisitic in terms of the weapons, stamina, etc. For instance:

1.) If you try to "run and gun" it works better with certain guns - those that in real life one could do it with. Trying to run and gun with a machine gun is almost worthless. If you're the sniper when you're looking through the scope it gently sways as if you were breathing.
2.) It's a capture the flags type of game. You sometimes need squads of people (up to 3) at one flag at the same time to capture it. Can use Mic's and voice commands to communicate w/ your teammates.
3.) It is set in WWII and comes w/ Allies vs. Axis. You can download skins to turn your regular army grunts into British forces or Rangers w/ different looking guns. You can also put some sweet trench-coats on some of the axis players.
4.) You can sprint and lay down. However you can only sprint for a few seconds before you get winded and slow down (no choice) in order to get your strength back. Again, different classes have different levels of stamina.

I honestly love the game. I say give it a look.

Good luck