Look Ahead to the RPGs of 2005

RPGDot.com is running a series on Upcoming RPGs for the year 2005. The first part covers major releases from US developers, while the second piece concentrates on European and Russian games that haven't had as much press coverage. From the article: 2004 was widely considered to be one of the best for PC gaming in years, with a number of highly anticipated titles generally hitting the mark. From Rome: Total War to Sims 2, City of Heroes to Half Life 2, 2004 put PC gaming back in the gaming headlines for all the right reasons. Unless, that is, you were a fan of single player cRPGs."

Re:BEST GAME EVAR!

[Vaevictis666]

I think I'd term Stalker more a FPS than an RPG.

The genre's kinda split right now.

[Anonymous Coward]

As eventually happens with most "enthusiast" genres (i.e. simulations, strategy), it's kinda split right now between the uber-realistic (Morrowind, Gothic) and the simplified (Neverwinter).

Personally, I tried and tried, but ultimatley couldn't get into Morrowind. Not because of the depth and size, but I think that it's currently *really* hard to tell a cohesive story with that kind of depth and freedom in the game world. Time sink was a factor, but not the deciding one.

Games like Morrowind are pushing the limits and are definitley creating the "higher" art of PC RPGs. Once those developers figure out how to tell a more cohesive, emotional story with that medium then we will see a watershed year in RPGs.

The last game, to my mind, that acheived that kind of synergy was Ultima VII.

Re:Good list.

[chrish]

Welcome to the new consolidated and risk-averse gaming industry. Pray for the small developers and independants to deliver us from rehashes.