Poll: Bethesda Vs. Bioware

[castlewise]

This isn't really a thread about which is better. The two companies do have fairly different takes on the RPG genre, though. Bethesda games tend to be very open with an emphasis on exploration and creating a framework where players can do and experience a wide variety of things. Bioware on the other hand has a much tighter approach to RPGs. The games tend to be more linear with a better defined character and plot arc.

So which style do you prefer?

 

[BloatedGuppy]

I like both. It's like chocolate vs cinnamon, or hamburgers vs tacos. They're all delicious, and no matter which one I pick, the winner is always me.

 

[JCBFGD]

Bethesda for their worlds. BioWare for their stories.

I, for one, would love to see BethWare. A huge open-world sandbox with a truly epic tale. Who doesn't want that?

 

[Richardplex]

I prefer the Bioware approach, with strong characterisation, of both the people I meet, and my own character.

 

[Valthek]

I preferred biowar before EA got their greedy hands on it. Now, i'm more in favour of betheda

 

[BloatedGuppy]

Bethesda for their worlds. BioWare for their stories.

I, for one, would love to see BethWare. A huge open-world sandbox with a truly epic tale. Who doesn't want that?

No, BethWare makes linear corridor shooters with a rubbish plot and only 11 voice actors doing 7,511 characters. The developer you're pining for is BioSoft.

 

[Agayek]

I like both. It's like chocolate vs cinnamon, or hamburgers vs tacos. They're all delicious, and no matter which one I pick, the winner is always me.

What this guy said. I thoroughly enjoy both and come out satisfied with either. There's really no way to go wrong.

That said, I've been obsessively playing Skyrim for days now (I haven't been to bed before 3 AM since Wednesday last because of it) and right now I'd say it's the best RPG I've ever played.

 

[C117]

Bethesda for their worlds. BioWare for their stories.

I, for one, would love to see BethWare. A huge open-world sandbox with a truly epic tale. Who doesn't want that?

This. Bethesda's games all have wonderful environments and well thoughtout worlds, but the story is dull and the characters all feel like indistinguishable blobs. Bioware's games have welltold stories and characters that you actually root and feel for, but their worlds always feel like they're not showing you everything they can, and the places you see all feel somewhat dead.

Combined, these two companies could possibly make the best RPG of all time... or if they screw up, the worst.

 

[Camaranth]

If forced to pick I'd vote bioware, simply because I play for story and I like Biowares characterization of the NPCs and locations.

I feel like Bethesda is "come explore this incredibly rich diverse world we created" whereas Bioware is more "hey here is this great world to explore as you complete these quests to save it."

(I'm sure I could phrase that better but I'm running on sugar and caffeine here, and having trouble stringing words into structures that make sense beyond "tree good. fire hot.")

 

[distortedreality]

I'm a firm believer in character development and story being a major part of RPGs, so I'd have to say I appreciate Bioware a little more.

Having said that, I do enjoy the open world nature of Bethesda games, so I guess it really depends on what I feel like playing.

 

[AD-Stu]

Personally I prefer the Bioware way of doing things, but both approaches are certainly valid.

 

[Brentpool]

I prefer Bethesda, but their single player "I am a lone wanderer on a quest to save the world. I am a stoic, misunderstood badass whose only friend is his sniper rifle/longbow" appeals to me. Additionally, Skyrim's depth is something I thought impossible in this day and age, and it appeals to me, big time.

On the other hand, BioWare's existing franchises (Baldur's Gate, KOTOR and Jade Empire) are classics, and they deserve high golden pedestals in some proverbial RPG Mount Olympus. But other than Mass Effect, their games really haven't done it for me, and the only satisfaction I got from Dragon Age was exchanging quips with Alistair.

 

[I Max95]

i like them both
leaning more towards Bethesda now that Skyrim's out but when ME3 hits store shelves i'll probably prefer Bioware

it doesnt have to be a contest, i for one buy both developers' games, so realy Bethesda, Bioware, and myself are all winners in this senario