PC RPGs - Time To Man The Lifeboats?

Thanks to GameBanshee for their editorial, written by former Black Isle designer Damien Foletto, discussing how PC RPGs can survive the console role-playing game's popularity surge. He explains that console-originated RPG successes such as Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic are a boon: "There is no denying that SW:KOTOR's open-endedness, character creation, and story are heavily influenced by PC RPG development." This, he suggests, helps everyone out in the long run: "When these gamers are exposed to the deeper intricacies of RPG game play, and if they enjoy it, then they are more likely to pursue similar gaming experiences. This may eventually lead them to PC RPGs, or it might just make them more demanding for deeper console RPGs." Elsewhere, the rise of the console RPG is backed up by a new 'GameSpotting' editorial naming their favorite RPGs of 2003, all of which originated on consoles.

Comments

Re:PC vs RPG consoles?

[Washizu]

"Then again the very western game Planescape Torment had a small number of party members wich you interacted with strongly and strong story with relativly few subquests. It is widely thought by pc users to be the best rpg ever. Perhaps a happy hybrid could emerge."

In Torment there were a lot of choices you could make for your character, including his class (fighter, mage, theif), which you could change during the course of the game. You could also join one of the many factions which brought along its advantages and disadvantages.

Although the core of your party is primarily the same, there are a few characters that if brought in (or not brought it) can greatly affect the outcome near the end of the game.

It's not as open ended as Baldur's Gate, but I really think it's the hybrid you're looking for.

I probably would rate it as the best PC RPG I've ever played, followed by Baldur's Gate (I and II) and Darklands.