Games where you love the premise, but hate the genre.

[American Tanker]

I was in the same boat as you with the predecessor, XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within. But I gave it a go and I have to say, it was a masterpiece. I don't say that with hyperbole or any exaggeration, it was honestly a sublime game. I loathe turn based games for the most part, and strategy games aren't my favourites, but, and I say this sincerely, XCOM does for the genre what Deus Ex, BG2, PoP: Sands of Time and the like did for theirs. You need to play these games.

My issue is just the fact that I really can't stand "indirect" gameplay, you understand what I'm getting at?

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

I was in the same boat as you with the predecessor, XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within. But I gave it a go and I have to say, it was a masterpiece. I don't say that with hyperbole or any exaggeration, it was honestly a sublime game. I loathe turn based games for the most part, and strategy games aren't my favourites, but, and I say this sincerely, XCOM does for the genre what Deus Ex, BG2, PoP: Sands of Time and the like did for theirs. You need to play these games.

My issue is just the fact that I really can't stand "indirect" gameplay, you understand what I'm getting at?

I totally get you, and I assure you that missing a 95% shot at point blank to lose a great soldier will make your blood boil. Random chance, WTF!? But this game challenges something other than WSAD and does it like nothing else I've ever played. I personally prefer RPGs, shooters, non-ubisoft sandbox games and the like, but the mix of strategic base management (eg. research, training, resources) and the tactical combat (squad based, classes, levelling up/skill choices, positioning, objectives) works so well. At first, losing a rookie who can't hit a barn door will frustrate, but later, you will have a sniper with a plasma rifle, your high ranked assault guy, a heavy weapons guy you're levelling and just equipped everyone with jetpack armour and you beat these wonderfully crafted missions with clever positioning, optimal use of skills and a little luck, you will be joyous.

When I said the game was sublime, I meant it. The way the game progresses in terms of your skill, the challenge, gear/units, mechanics is all done superbly. There is a lot of meta game too, such as rotating in squad mates to level rookies, heal injuries or have different skill sets. The varied maps have different tactical requirements, different units appearing will you require you to react to changing conditions. It's fun, challenging, replayable, immersive and a wonderful experience that will grab you even if you normally prefer action games. It's like nothing else you've played.

 

[American Tanker]

*SNIP*

I'm sorry, but I just don't think I'd be able to enjoy any of that.

I'll let a slightly altered quote from Pitch Black speak for me: "I absolutely believe in RNG... And I absolutely hate the fucker."

 

[iwinatlife]

Dishonored

The setting really is the star of the show, but the game itself is worth playing. It isn't really a "stealth" game, tho it could be played as such. Corvo has powers that effectively make him a god among men. It is a very easy game on any difficulty with pretty much any playstyle. It is still a fun enough adventure and seeing Dunwall and NPCs react to Corvo's actions is a nice touch. Don't be deterred by skill, it's designed for you to be a supernatural assassin. You can be stealthy, or not, both work. Corvo can teleport, see thru walls and freeze time, you don't need to be amazing at stealth games to get thru this one Give it a go, it's worth it!

I have played some of it and I did do ok playing. However I dislike when games give a massive arsenal and then turn around to say you are a terrible no good jerk for using the 8 different murder tools insted of the 3 non-lethal ones.
Probably would have finished it but I sold it when I had to sell my 360 for rent a few years back
Might pick it up if it comes on steam cheap at a time I have money

 

[darkcalling]

Add another vote for Overwatch to the pile. Honestly I'd be fine with it as the FPS that it is if it had ANY of it's story in the actual game.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I don't HATE BioShock Infinite but I wonder if FPS was the way to go with it.

Dishonored is such a cool setting. I am unfortunately garbage at stealth games.

Well, it's got pretty nifty FP melee combat if you don't mind the lame-o ending.

 

[American Tanker]

Well, it's got pretty nifty FP melee combat if you don't mind the lame-o ending.

There's only one game that I think did first-person melee well. That's Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

And for me, the bigger reason I'd never touch Dishonored is because I just don't like fantasy settings in general.