In a gaming rut...

[draconiansundae]

Dear fellow Escapists, as of late I've been feeling very uninspired. I played an replayed every game I own multiple times, and it's time for something new. Alas, I can't seem to choose which game to buy next.

For reference I mostly play Xbox 360 and am a gigantic Bioware fangirl. I'm also quite partial to the Elder Scrolls series. In addition, I was about to beat Catherine last night when the game froze. I've never played many Atlus games before, but I found Catherine to be very enjoyable. As for genre, I'm generally too big of a wuss for horror games, but anything else is fair game.

Any suggestions would be welcome!

 

[Gitty101]

A list of what you have played would be useful, but it's safe to say you've played all of BioWare's offerings yes? Sounds like - since you like BioWare and the TES series that you may enjoy the Fallout series as well, unless you already have that is.

Since you're mostly an Xbox 360 gamer, unless you also have a gaming PC as well, you may wish to wait for the Witcher 2 as well, unless you can play it now of course. Imagine BioWare's depth and immersion, but with a hands-on style combat system, with branching story/choices etc etc...

If you want any further suggestions, you may want to say what you've already played ^_^

EDIT: Just occurred to me that you may not have played 'Jade Empire' - an older BioWare title. Nice RPG with an oriental theme - can be found on the XBL marketplace.

 

[Burst6]

Try a few free MMO's. Thats what i do when i run out.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Wait until The Witcher 2 comes out on 360, and then enjoy your time with Geralt.

 

[weker]

PC gaming with its very unique exclusive are a good place to look, as they tend to be at the forefront of innovation.

Console game wise I can suggest... Deadly Premonition: A great game with a very unique style, (PC) PlaneScape Torment: meant to be the best RPG ever and is very similar to baulders gate I am told.

El Shadai is also on the way which looks great.

 

[theonecookie]

If your in to old bioware as well as new bioware I can suggest arcanum steamworks of magick obscura and planetscape torment not made by bioware but very much the same style if you havent played anything by old bioware I recommend Balders gate if your not into old bioware im out of ideas

also I should point out that Catherine is nothing like most gameplay wise as its more of a puzzle game for the most part and most atlus games are hardcore JRPGs that have a difficlty level so high it has its own page on tvtropes

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/ThatOneBoss/Atlus

but if you liked it for its story telling I can recommend both persona 3 and 4

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Persona3
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Persona4

if you do get them get 3 for the psp as thay did a remade version that in my opinion is much better

 

[Magicmad5511]

Yep. I've been up in that rut. I suggest playing the game demos on the game marketplace. It should keep you entertained for a while and might reveal a game you might want to buy. Give it a go and if it fails just try to keep up with current game coverage.

 

[genericusername64]

If you like Bioware so much, have you played they're best series ? (when they used to make rpgs) Baldurs Gate ?

I wouldn't suggest it, the bar for entry in baldur gate is a bit too high for console owner.

Try dead rising or portal 2, the first is fun, and the second is extremely unique

 

[genericusername64]

Edit: Double post sorry

 

[Catchy Slogan]

Maybe you could give gaming a break for a while? Maybe read a book (There are several about Bioware games if that's any consolation.)

This happened to me a couple times, didn't paly anything for like a month or two.

If you like Bioware so much, have you played they're best series ? (when they used to make rpgs) Baldurs Gate ?

I wouldn't suggest it, the bar for entry in baldur gate is a bit too high for console owner.

Try dead rising or portal 2, the first is fun, and the second is extremely unique

It's not that difficult. She may play a console, but it doesn't automatically mean she's stupid.

Also, if you do decide to play Baldur's Gate, and you also get BG2, here is a link to a mod that allows you to play BG1 in the BG2 game engine.

http://usoutpost31.com/easytutu/

 

[mireko]

I would like to second the recommendation for the Persona games (esp. 3 & 4), if you can get them on any console available to you. They were made by the same team that made Catherine (as in, a team within Atlus), so you'll find plenty to like in there. Don't worry about continuity, you can easily jump in anywhere in the series.

Without exaggerating, I would say that all of Atlus's games range from good to transcendent and life-changing. Be warned, however, that some of their work has a lot less dialogue and characterization. Nocturne, while a great game, may not appeal to you if you want something more like Catherine. Digital Devil Saga.. maybe. This is a matter of taste, but I'd suggest playing Persona 4 and Persona 3 (possibly in that order) before moving on to the other games in the series (unless you should decide you want something much darker, in which case ignore this advice).

The Baldur's Gate games are fantastic as well, highly recommended. There's also Planescape: Torment, which is kind of like BioWare's older RPGs but with a much larger focus on story and dialogue. Great stuff.

EDIT: Oh, and if you want something that isn't an RPG.. give Bayonetta a shot. Yes, I know she's extremely over-sexualized and campy. Even if you find that boring, the gameplay mechanics will be worth it. That's where the brilliance of the game lies.

 

[Speakercone]

If you like narrative in games as a primary part of the experience, then I'd recommend picking up Bastion. It's like a masterclass in how narrative should work in an interactive medium. Also pretty damn fun.

 

[Chromanin]

You haven't played many Atlus games? Get a PS2, and hit up Amazon/eBay. Problem solved.

 

[ZeroMachine]

Try out the new Deus Ex. It has a hint of BioWare in it.

That is, of course, if you don't mind a first/third person shooter rpg hybrid.

 

[Thomiroth]

To be honest, I've been in a gaming rut for years now (which I can't seem to shake for some reason...) and in my darkest moments of it I tend to find that taking a break from games is useful.

My solution is always to vanish for a week or so, go hang with friends, or go travel. Do something that isn't what you normally do, and you'll feel a good bit better for it.

I would also say that you should try games you wouldn't normally try, that can sometimes prove useful.

 

[aescuder]

If you like fantasy RPGs then Skyrim is coming up soon enough. I would just save up cash for that.


...and Diablo III...so very close...

 

[Cridhe]

I've been feeling the rut myself, but lately they've been coming out with some very nice XBLA download games. For $10-$15 USD you really can't go wrong. Shadow Complex and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet are SO worth it.

 

[Kurai Angelo]

Try out the new Deus Ex. It has a hint of BioWare in it.

That is, of course, if you don't mind a first/third person shooter rpg hybrid.

Where's the bioware hint?