RPG's or epic stories - Where do I go next?

[WhitbyDragon]

Hello fellow Escapist's

I've done Mass Effect, I've done Skyrim, I've done Fallout, where next? I'm greedy, so I want story, characters and progression. What else is out there for me? I tried Dragon Age and the combat made me squirm, so what have you got lovely people, where next please?

In line with Jim's latest video, engagement is the key, I want to care what I'm doing, that's why ME2 wins all the prizes and cookies from me

Come at me!

 

[TheIceQueen]

The Witcher series is great, even if I'm not too big on Gestalt. Although, for me, it's his voice. Still, it's a good game series and is pretty fun with a grand story. The second you'll need to play at least twice, once for each side.

 

[Uriain]

If you liked Skyrim, you may also enjoy the Witcher series. Very good games, great story and pretty massive world. Bonus on top of that is a new one is coming out soon so you can continue the story along.

In a similar vein to Fallout, Metro 2033/Metro Last Light are also pretty darn awesome.

I haven't yet played them, but I have great things about Tomb Raider and The Last of Us.

Lastly, if you are on PS3 (as I don't know if Xbox has this) there is a Sega Genesis Pack you can buy. Its got a TON of games on it, but primarily, Shinning Force II (tied for my favorite RPG of that era, the other being Chrono Trigger). This gives you a "kick to the nostalgia" AND some fun rpg's (which will take a while to work through. Plus it has Altered Beast!!

oh, forgot to mention, again on the PS3 side, The Uncharted series is pretty fun, as is the god of war series. Not sure if "action adventure story" is in your wheel house though

Hope these help

 

[Terraniux]

I haven't played it much myself, but you could try the Divinity series. I've had a little fun with Divinity 2 and tried out Divine and Beyond Divinity but haven't really played them enough to get into the story. Ah, and there's always Two Worlds. The first one sucks, so don't bother, but the second is actually a competent game. They aren't really much in terms of story, but in Two Worlds 2 at least, you can do some crazy stuff with spells at a high enough level and the characters are fairly entertaining at points.

Also, this:

Spoiler

From Two Worlds II

 

[WhitbyDragon]

I haven't played it much myself, but you could try the Divinity series. I've had a little fun with Divinity 2 and tried out Divine and Beyond Divinity but haven't really played them enough to get into the story. Ah, and there's always Two Worlds. The first one sucks, so don't bother, but the second is actually a competent game. They aren't really much in terms of story, but in Two Worlds 2 at least, you can do some crazy stuff with spells at a high enough level and the characters are fairly entertaining at points.

Also, this:

Spoiler

From Two Worlds II

That image, just what the hell? I've never wanted to play Two Worlds 2 until now!!

The Witcher 2 was ok, not great but ok, so maybe I will check out Divinity, wished I'd known more about them in the Steam Sale, I remember them cropping up.

God of War side of things, is there any way of playing them on PC? I don't own any Playstation gubbins, just only had the pennies to go X box or Playstation and chose the one with Halo (it was a long time ago, I know I chose wrong! )

 

[Evonisia]

I've heard great things about Knights of the Old Republic, at least in terms of characters and what not. You might also want to try out Morrowind, I didn't like it much but if you like story and worlds you'll not be disappointed (my memory of the characters is fuzzy, sorry!).

Edit: Is it limited to RPGs by any chance? Because if not there's the BioShock games and the Silent Hill series (all of them except Origins, Homecoming and Book of Memories), the latter being a brilliant example of characterisation and story (OK the story of SH2 is crap but still).

 

[The Madman]

The Baldur's Gate Saga is easily the most 'epic' fantasy yarn in the gaming genre, especially if you're taking a character all the way from Candlekeep in Baldur's Gate to the Throne of Bhall in, well, Throne of Bhall. That's easily 200+ hours of gameplay where you'll be meeting characters, completing epic quests, and growing steadily more powerful.

Neverwinter Nights 1 and 2 can also be very epic in scale. NWN1's base campaign is pretty shitty but the expansion Hordes of the Underdark is definitely epic in scale and well done to boot. There's also a massive library of player made campaign for NWN, some of which are arguably better than Bioware's own work with the game. Meanwhile NWN2's main campaign might take forever to get going but does eventually pick up and have some memorable moments that make it worth playing, but it's Mask of the Betrayer that's the star here. In typical Obsidian style Mask of the Betrayer takes a look at the Forgotten Realms setting from a different, and often disturbing, perspective. Plus NWN2 also boasts a ton of great player campaign to boot, making it and the original NWN some of the best value rpg out there.

Spoiler: Both series also have some fantastic orchestral scores if chest thumping grand fantasy adventure is what you're looking for.

 

[Savo]

Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2 are classics as far as story goes. The gameplay may be a bit dated compared to more modern RPGs, but the characters and story are still fantastic. Just make sure you get the restored content mod for KOTOR 2, it'll help smooth over some of the rougher parts.

I don't know if you like JRPGs, but Persona 3 and 4 are arguably the most well-written modern JRPGs around, if you ask me. Likable characters, boatloads of character development, and some mighty compelling stories make them very fun for the story-oriented gamer. I'd describe them as the perfect JRPG for people who don't generally like JRPGs due to the cliche and poorly written narratives.

 

[Jazoni89]

I haven't played it much myself, but you could try the Divinity series. I've had a little fun with Divinity 2 and tried out Divine and Beyond Divinity but haven't really played them enough to get into the story. Ah, and there's always Two Worlds. The first one sucks, so don't bother, but the second is actually a competent game. They aren't really much in terms of story, but in Two Worlds 2 at least, you can do some crazy stuff with spells at a high enough level and the characters are fairly entertaining at points.

Also, this:

Spoiler

From Two Worlds II

Divinity: Dragon Knight Saga is probably the one to go for in the Divinity series, which is a much improved version of Divinity 2.

Kingdoms of Amalur, is also a good RPG to sink your teeth into, just don't expect it to be the best thing ever, it's kinda bland and uninspired in places, due to it's MMO style origins.

Also, whatever you do, above all else, Get System Shock 2, right now! Best Action RPG ever made.

 

[WhitbyDragon]

Hello fellow Escapist's

I've done Mass Effect, I've done Skyrim, I've done Fallout, where next? I'm greedy, so I want story, characters and progression. What else is out there for me? I tried Dragon Age and the combat made me squirm, so what have you got lovely people, where next please?

In line with Jim's latest video, engagement is the key, I want to care what I'm doing, that's why ME2 wins all the prizes and cookies from me

Come at me!

Something that's an actual RPG.

Baldurs Gate, Planescape: Torment, Dues Ex (The original) Neverwinter Nights, Neverwinter Nights 2, things of that nature. Morrowind, Oblivion, Fallout 1 and 2.

Play those. And if you said the combat in dragon age origins made you squirm? You're not into RPGS.

Go play some other genre, you obviously don't like RPGS. You like action games with RPG elements.

You don't like games either, you like trash.

Well, thanks for the recommendations anyway, Deus Ex 1, Baldur's Gate and the original Fallout's were all part of my teenage years, great games, am going to look into Neverwinter now.

Why the agro at the end of your post though? Not cool. I just didn't enjoy the combat in the Dragon Age games, a little too click and watch what happens.

I'll take the positives, will check out Neverwinter.

 

[WhitbyDragon]

I haven't played it much myself, but you could try the Divinity series. I've had a little fun with Divinity 2 and tried out Divine and Beyond Divinity but haven't really played them enough to get into the story. Ah, and there's always Two Worlds. The first one sucks, so don't bother, but the second is actually a competent game. They aren't really much in terms of story, but in Two Worlds 2 at least, you can do some crazy stuff with spells at a high enough level and the characters are fairly entertaining at points.

Also, this:

Spoiler

From Two Worlds II

Divinity: Dragon Knight Saga is probably the one to go for in the Divinity series, which is a much improved version of Divinity 2.

Kingdoms of Amalur, is also a good RPG to sink your teeth into, just don't expect it to be the best thing ever, it's kinda bland and uninspired in places, due to it's MMO style origins.

Also, whatever you do, above all else, Get System Shock 2, right now! Best Action RPG ever made.

I'd give good money for Kindom's of Amalurs combat to be introduced into a true single player campaign, something with a great story. So sad the only thing that has been picked up is an MMO style.

I'm only an hour into System Shock 2, going back to that kind of game where you don't know if you are doing the right thing is somehow scary. We don't half get our hands held now eh?

 

[IllumInaTIma]

If you don't mind JRPGs then I would recommend Persona 3 and 4. They are quite linear and long, have a very unusual setting, awesome story and cast of incredibly compelling characters! Plus, gameplay is kinda reminiscent of Pokemon with the whole turn-base and fusion mechanics.

King's Bounty: The legend and King's Bounty: Armored Princess are both amazing turn-based strategy/RPG games with some humor elements.

 

[JonnyHG]

Hello fellow Escapist's

I've done Mass Effect, I've done Skyrim, I've done Fallout, where next? I'm greedy, so I want story, characters and progression. What else is out there for me? I tried Dragon Age and the combat made me squirm, so what have you got lovely people, where next please?

In line with Jim's latest video, engagement is the key, I want to care what I'm doing, that's why ME2 wins all the prizes and cookies from me

Come at me!

I'd have to suggest Lost Odyssey, which is a JRPG with turn based combat. One of the most unique aspects of this game are the VERY well-written 25 or so short stories that are unlocked throughout the game in the form of dreams. The way they are presented on the screen in terms of the actual text as well as the background is an experience unlike any other. I don't cry easily, yet most of them brought tears to my eyes.

Also, don't listen to the guy who slammed you for not liking the combat of Dragon Age. I love RPGs but I couldn't finish that game due to that combat.

 

[josemlopes]

snip

You are really going to enjoy your stay here with that attitude.

And I loled at the fact that if a person doesnt like the style of combat of Dragon Age then they dont like proper RPGs and yet you say Deus Ex is an RPG.

Get your shit together if you are that devoted to insult other people

 

[broca]

Planescape Torment. While it is an older game and even 15 years ago didn't have the best graphics or combat mechanics, it's still the benchmark for story and characters in wrpgs. And believe me, it will make you care about your choices.

If you wan't something more modern, i would recommend the second Witcher. Great graphics and atmosphere, epic lore and interesting characters, deep and meaningful choices. Only downside for me is the okay combat. Also, be warned, the world is as dark and morally gray as it gets

 

[ShinyCharizard]

I'm pretty sure JRPGs fit the bill for what you are after. All the story, characters and progression you can ask for without the horrendously bad controls and UI of 90's and early 2000 era PC RPGs

Look into Persona 3, Persona 4, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Tales of Xillia, Final Fantasy X and many many more.

 

[Crowns18]

Dark Souls is great. The story is a bit complicates as you have to put things together by yourself, but once you grasp most of it is actually pretty cool, Plus you feel like a bad ass after killing a boss.

 

[Ruzinus]

Epic Story... Fun Combat... Engagement...

You want Borderlands 2.

Don't get the first one, you will find no epic story there. Read a plot summary if you must. Do get the second.

 

[MysticSlayer]

I'm assuming this is PC?

If that's the case, The Witcher games seem right for you. They're loaded with problems, but they still have an appealing character to them, even if the characters themselves are a hit or miss. Just be warned that the combat is a little different than most of the games you've mentioned, but it is still decent, especially as you begin to learn more and face a greater variety of enemies. Just be prepared to wear your mouse button to death.

Also, though I haven't played them, I hear the Neverwinter Nights games are really good.

As a final side note too, how far did you get in Dragon Age (I'm assuming this is Origins)? The combat really doesn't get remotely interesting until the game starts opening up and giving you choices on where to go and what to do, and even then I still had to rely on some DLC missions to keep my interest up. It's no fun when the game is easy, but when you start getting into tougher battles it really shines. Also try a different class, as I find the rogue boring to play as while the mage is a blast. Maybe that will help. Of course, I do understand the quality of Dragon Age's battles is highly contentious, but I'd figured I'd throw that out there as Dragon Age: Origins would be my first recommendation if you can find a way to tolerate the combat.