Author: alagner
Date: 09-03-10 09:11
>But personaly, I doubt a game such as Ultima 7 is possible anymore. Back then games were relatively simple so devs could take their time perfecting evreything.
I doubt that any modern game has the complexity of Black Gate, at least in the field of simulating a living world. And that's why I like the game so much.
Second thing, that caught my attention to Ultima series, is the fact, that most parts of the series dealt with a real social problem - U5 - totalitarism, U6 - racism, etc.
What's more - such games still can be done. The best example here is U5 remake Lazarus - scheduled npcs, 3d graphics and the real Ultima feel. ;)
And, judging from some other topics on this board, "Baldur's Gate style" notebook/journal is also possible to implement in U7, which means a perfect cRPG is yet to come ;) As long as the devs still have passion for creating it, of course.
For me the only game, that could compete with Ultima is Fallout (1&2, mostly 2). It's also really complex, plot and quests are interesting, and (a very important thing to me, as a RPG player): there always is a choice. Hypothetically: if you are to get one's watch, you can buy it, threaten the owner, ask for it kindly, kill the guy, pick his pocket or break to his house while he's asleep. And sometimes even hire someone to do it for you. ;)
Of course, the world is not 'so alive' as in Ultima, but I can live without it having so much freedom. And what's more - you are not punished by the game mechanics for being a bad guy (which is quite popular in many top-rated games - like, for instance, Baldur's Gate).
I can understand why that was not possible in Ultima (you're 'by design' the savior), but on the other hand - in Lazarus we have an option of playing as an evil Avatar and I think (and hope;) this tendency will continue in other remakes.
At the moment I'm doing a "Infinity games playthrough", so when I'm done with second Icewind and Torment, I'll probably start with Archon (as you could already notice, I generally enjoy remakes - can't wait to play Archon least as good as Laz, I'll have many hours taken out of my life).
>Sticking to the most interesting part of Seregorn's question, and the not-so-discussed one until today, too - I think that there would definitely be a niche for a new Ultima title today.
There IS such niche. But the problem is, that it's not profitable enough (like every niche, not mass) for big producers, so we have to depend on 'indies', otherwise we're out of luck.
A.M.Miera
vel. Alagner Dragon
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