Best RPG for someone somewhat new to RPGs?

[CrowDog]

LOL...

Not quite what I meant, but you made it sound funny so I wont try and explain

 

[techwanabe]

<< I just picked up Balders Gate 2 for $20....screw it, couldent get PT workin . I hope this BG2 is good and I have less probs.... >>


BG2 is an excellent game. It is like BG1 in some ways, but it improves on it many ways. In BG2 there is much more dialogue (spoken), the NPCs which join your party offer spontaneous comments and dialogue, offer suggestions, sometimes in response to your conversation with a bad guy. There are 3 "romance" options if you play a male protagonist (there have been a few scripting bugs so download the latest patch), if you play a female protagonist, there is one romance option. There are a bunch of large side quests, mostly in chapter 2, and one main critical path plot. Many of the side quests are based on one of the NPCs so he/she must be in your party to do that side quest. There are some good walk throughs which you will likely need to consult since there are lots of twists and turns. If you don't mind spending the cash, Best Buy has had a nice color guide for BG2 on the shelves which you might want to pick up for around $13.

The only complaint's I've heard is that some hard core D&D folks like BG1 better because it is more like "traditional" pnp campaignes due to the large open areas you can explore. BG2 doesn't have any of that "cross country" "lawn mowing" of maps - well, very little of it anyway. Your time is spent in quest or main plot areas. BG2 is excellent and has a more polished interface, more spells, goodies, weapons etc.

There are even some mods out there: There is a script you can add which allows you to have all three romances at the same time - normally the game causes you to end up with only one depending on the dialogue options you choose. There is an add-on called The Darkest Day which was made by BG2 fans and can be downloaded off a website. Bioware did an excellent job on BG2 and it is definitely one of the best CRPGs out there. Especially if like D&D style games. The best of any genre won't appeal to everyone naturally.

PORII:

"Bottom line.....bad game."

Well, I was trying to put a good face on Pool of Radiance, but even if I am trying to be "fair" I'd agree that it was a major disappointment and yes, a bad game when you consider the alternatives out there. I can only hope that the good which will come out of it will be that it will be a learning experience of what NOT to do so the same mistakes won't be repeated. I returned copy refunded because of the bugs it had, especially the grievous bug of hosing my OS!

 

[zzzz]

Arcanum has got some good reviews.