 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anxiously Awaiting: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011) |
|
Dragon Age (Series), Bioware Dragon Age: Origins (2009) Dragon Age: Sacred Ashes [Video] Dragon Age II (2011) [Website][Wikipedia] Both of these are good games. I believe that the second one took a great step forward in character development, however it was a bit short and the setting became repetitive. The gameplay in Dragon Age II was also an improvement. I hope that Bioware builds on this system for character development and dialog, but should put a bit more work into the plot and setting for future games. |
|
Mass Effect (Series), Bioware Mass Effect (2007) Mass Effect 2 (2010) [Website][Wikipedia] This ongoing science-fiction series has been very well received. Between this series and Dragon Age, Bioware has shown itself to be very accomplished at developing supporting characters. In addition to both games, I also recommend the Mass Effect 2 DLC "Lair of the Shadow Broker." |
|
The Elder Scrolls (Series), Bethesda The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994) The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996) The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) [Wikipedia] This is a long series of games that take place in a rich and complex world. They have been very well received. Each game is stand-alone, so feel free to start anywhere. I often think of this series as an example of how developers push the current capabilities of hardware and software. I hope that the technology will be available soon for Bethesda to create the game world they truly want. |
|
The Longest Journey (Series), FunCom The Longest Journey (1999) Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (2006) [Wikipedia] The first game is an example of everything that was right about classic adventure gaming. The setting, which takes place in the near future, is my favorite example of the melding of science fiction and fantasy into a single world. The second game is also good, but it has stood for the last six years as a testament to why you should never end a story with a cliffhanger unless the next story is in the works. |
|
Quest for Glory (Series), Sierra Quest for Glory: So You Want to be a Hero (1989/1991) Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire (1990) Quest for Glory III: Wages of War (1992) Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness (1994) Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire (1998) [Q4G2 VGA Remake] Classic series made by Sierra. The entire series is smart, funny, and worth playing through. The second game is the best, and was recently remade by AGD Interactive. |
|
Betrayal at Krondor, Dynamix/Sierra Betrayal at Krondor (1993) Return to Krondor (1998) [Wikipedia] The original is widely accepted as one of the best fantasy role-playing games ever made. The game is based on the work by author Raymond Feist and the narrative is on-par with that of a good novel. The sequel was not as well constructed, however both games were turned into novels by Feist and incorporated into his fantasy series. |
|
Star Control (Series), Accolade Star Control (1990) Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters (1992) Star Control III (1996) [Star Control II Open Source] Star Control II is widely celebrated as a classic, and I consider it one of the best science fiction adventure/role-playing games ever made. I highly recommend playing the open-source version. Star Control I is a small 2D space combat game that sets the stage for the series. The third game was not created by the original writers and was not well received. |