Old School is still awesome

[Hawkzombie]

So, I bought Stonekeep during GoG's RPG half-off sale this last weekend. I'd never had the pleasure (I was born a console gamer, and didn't discover the utter joy of OC gaming until I was 17 and Dungeon Keeper broke my cherry) of playing it when it came out, though I recall seeing the badass box for it at Software Etc when I was younger, but since it was for the PC I passed on it.

My god, what I've been missing. The gameplay is pretty in-depth and I've always loved those first person dungeon crawlers. And the fact that it's live-action seamlessly integrated with the game world...I dunno, I'm really enjoying this title a LOT.

So, who else here has had experiences with that? Knew of a game years ago, but never tried it for whatever reasons only to finally bite the bullet long after it went past its prime to discover it is just as awesome now as it was back then?

[Banacek]

Stonekeep is one of my favorite games ever. I was so sad when Stonekeep 2 never came out. I would love to go back and play it again, but I just don't have the time.

[Hawkzombie]

Stonekeep is one of my favorite games ever. I was so sad when Stonekeep 2 never came out. I would love to go back and play it again, but I just don't have the time.

Have you heard about the possible Stonekeep for WiiWare? I don't know any real details (whether it's set in the universe, or a port, or what) but it's supposed to be coming Q3 this year.

[Kelegacy]

I forgot about picking this up during the 50% off sale. I should kill myself. I've played it before, but I never owned it myself.

[Hawkzombie]

Even at 5 (or is it 6?) dollars, it's a steal for the the amount of fun I'm having. But I'd recommend getting the secret 'Sharp Dagger' from the start in case you have some trouble. I didn't and this game can be HARD.

[Banacek]

Have you heard about the possible Stonekeep for WiiWare? I don't know any real details (whether it's set in the universe, or a port, or what) but it's supposed to be coming Q3 this year.

I didn't know that. I'll buy it no matter what it is (which would make it my first WiiWare game).

[Hawkzombie]

I didn't know that. I'll buy it no matter what it is (which would make it my first WiiWare game).

Yep, I didn't even know about it until I looked on wikipedia and checked out the GoG forums about the game.

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/interplay-resurrecting-stonekeep-on-wiiware/

Given the info in the article...I'm not exactly having high hopes for this. But I'll probably make it MY first WiiWare purchase as well.

[Panthera]

Oh, man. I don't want to break up the nostalgia party, but Stonekeep was shallow as fuck and the definition of a game based around eye candy. Even at the time it was reviled. Kind of fun for the first level or two, but it gets old fast. There are so many better dungeon crawlers.

That said, I wouldn't mind a re-imagining with the Wiimote for combat.

[Hawkzombie]

Panthera....what is it like to have no joy? :p

Seriously though, what other old school games would you recommend? I'm in an old school kick all of a sudden, and I'm personally really liking Stonekeep so :p on you!

[Panthera]

Don't let me spoil your fun. I guess it's not a bad intro.

Keeping to the first person crawler theme, here's the good stuff. ;)

http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/193/Ultima+Underworld+-+The+Stygian+Abyss.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/24684/System+Shock.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/428/Albion.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/208/Betrayal+at+Krondor.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/98/Eye+of+the+Beholder.html

[Kelegacy]

Betrayal at Krondor is one of my all time favorite games and keeper of a good portion of my gaming memories (even got me into fantasy books Freshman year in high school by discovering who Feist was). I doubt it holds up well today though.

I can't believe it's been about 15 years since I last played that game. Fuck I'm getting old. I wish I could stop the clock and play all these awesome games again.

Oh well, I guess that what Heaven is for. I hope.

[Panthera]

Betrayal at Krondor is one of my all time favorite games and keeper of a good portion of my gaming memories (even got me into fantasy books Freshman year in high school by discovering who Feist was). I doubt it holds up well today though.

BaK still holds up surprisingly well. Not the graphics, mind - digitized photography just does not last - but the story and world exploration are still enthralling.

[Hawkzombie]

Don't let me spoil your fun. I guess it's not a bad intro.

Keeping to the first person crawler theme, here's the good stuff. ;)

http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/193/Ultima+Underworld+-+The+Stygian+Abyss.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/24684/System+Shock.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/428/Albion.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/208/Betrayal+at+Krondor.html
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/98/Eye+of+the+Beholder.html

I'm not new to FP Dungeon Crawlers :p...I'm just new to Stonekeep. Still think it's a great game.

System Shock was ok, but I liked SS2 much more. Sadly, it sort of spoiled Bioshock for me as I saw the twist coming a mile away.

The other ones I've actually played and enjoyed, but for some reason Stonekeep seems to be really something I'm enjoying. Dunno why.

[Banacek]

The other ones I've actually played and enjoyed, but for some reason Stonekeep seems to be really something I'm enjoying. Dunno why.

Because it's a fun game. Don't listen to the naysayers.

[Savok]

Panthera I'm the only joyless asshole around here, go enjoy something.

[J Arcane]

The best first-person old-school RPG is, and ever remains, Dungeon Hack. (http://www.mobygames.com/game/dungeon-hack)

[Banacek]

The best first-person old-school RPG is, and ever remains, Dungeon Hack. (http://www.mobygames.com/game/dungeon-hack)

Great game. There seems to be a small market for these games on the DS. I hope they make a comeback.

[Hawkzombie]

Hey, I think I've actually got a copy of that somewhere around here....sweet!

[Xydarc]

GoG.com is selling Betrayal at Krondor for $5.99.

[Kelegacy]

Betrayal at Krondor is freeware these days though. I guess if you want to just simplify it and have DosBox work instantly AND support GoG, $6 is still a good price. But you can freely download the game at any abandonware site legally.

[Panthera]

Betrayal at Krondor was free for a brief time to promote the release of Betrayal in Antara, but that's no longer the case.

[roboninja]

The best first-person old-school RPG is, and ever remains, Dungeon Hack. (http://www.mobygames.com/game/dungeon-hack)

Come on GoG, let's get this game out there.

[Banacek]

Come on GoG, let's get this game out there.

GoG needs to get Thief 1 and 2 running first :)

[Hawkzombie]

Betrayal at Krondor is freeware these days though. I guess if you want to just simplify it and have DosBox work instantly AND support GoG, $6 is still a good price. But you can freely download the game at any abandonware site legally.

I'd buy it simply because I like supporting GoG.

[MagGnome]

I need to get more games on GOG. Then again I probably wouldn't play them. :o

I'm glad you're enjoying this Hawk!

[Hawkzombie]

Yeah, like I need MORE to my backlog as well..I have unopened PS2 games for christ's sake...

But GoG and Steam are my go-to places for PC gaming. I'll admit I pirate older stuff, but once it's on one of those two places, I delete what I've got and buy it there. It just feels...right.

[MagGnome]

I have unplayed PS1 games. :p

[Savok]

I have an unplayed SNES game, I win!

... seriously though, I do.

[Panthera]

Fuck you guys, I've got an unplayed Pong cabinet.

[J Arcane]

Come on GoG, let's get this game out there.
The licensing issues would be a nightmare, especially with Wizards' current policy of refusing to acknowledge the existence or merits of pre-4e D&D.

[muddi900]

Fuck you guys, I've got an unplayed Pong cabinet.

I have an oscilloscope and I've never played Tennis for Two on it!

[MagGnome]

The licensing issues would be a nightmare, especially with Wizards' current policy of refusing to acknowledge the existence or merits of pre-4e D&D.

You're right. Sadly, many gaming classics are never again going to see the light of day, as many companies are sitting on a treasure trove of IP that they seem loathe to share with the public. EA is a good example.

[Panthera]

Though, Knights of the Chalice was released through the OGL loophole, so I guess not all hope is lost.

[Hotcod]

Ok guys, i want recommendations of old school RPGs to get my hands on that are falloutish and i can pick up from places like GoG. I have to admit to having never really played some of the classics like boulders gate and planetscape (ya i should hang i know) but given there not on GoG (unless i'm missing something) I've been drawn to arcanum (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/arcanum_of_steamworks_and_magick_obscura) since it seems like a cool world and the reviews seem to imply a very open way of playing. Only thing is they also say the combat is a bit broken which sucks

[Panthera]

Boulder's Gate and Planetscape may be a bit hard to find but Baldur's Gate (http://www.amazon.com/Baldurs-Gate-4-1-Boxset-Pc/dp/B000FGA1US) and Planescape: Torment can still be found in some places.

Though Planescape you'll probably have to torrent.

[Hotcod]

yes point out the dyslexic kid spells names wrong :P x

[J Arcane]

Though, Knights of the Chalice was released through the OGL loophole, so I guess not all hope is lost.
Which is a great game, and perfect if you like 3.5, and like old school RPGs. It's sort of like Ultima meets Dark Sun with 3rd edition rules.

Incursion also uses the OGL to make a pretty nifty roguelike: http://www.incursion-roguelike.net/

Problem with those is the OGL specifically prohibits mentioning D&D or it's trademarks by name, or any content that isn't explicitly laid out by the SRD (some of the monsters are considered trademarked and not included, including big ones like Beholders and Illithid).

Great for making your own fan game, not so great for actual licensed material.

[Savok]

Arcanum was a mess when it came out, a lots been done to fix it, including community patches (I don't know if GoG includes those).

It's unbalanced in that magic is rather more powerful then technology (from what I've read), but it seems to be a difference of "really easy" and "stupid easy" if you know what you're doing.

[MagGnome]

Arcanum is still apparently a classic despite the issues that the game had. I've heard great things about it. A friend of mine bought it when it came out and sang the game's praises for years afterward.

[Savok]

I played it once, hated it with a passion, but this was pre-patches so maybe now that shit works I'd love it.

On that note I really wish GoG would let me buy shit without asking for non-existent CC passwords.

[Hotcod]

Well having looked at the forums there's patches that seem to do a huge load of both fix and reintroduce cut content along with some higher quality upgrades to bits as well as a high rez fix for the game it's self I decided to pick it up. It's cheap as hell so I won't be upset if I don't enjoy it. With the game running in my native rez with no real problems other than some small graphic glitches and the UI being a tad smaller than I'd like it honestly don't look that bad and is other wise running well. Think I may need to read the manual before I dive in any more but ya so far there's nothing painful in the playing of it so we'll see how things go

[Hotcod]

I'm having fun but I'm not sure i've got my head around the system as a mage. I'm quickly out of fatigue when using magic and it kind of leaves me with out anything to do but try and hit things which isn't exactly useful. So i'm devouring pots to make up for it but I have no idea if that's what i'm meant to be doing or not or if i'm missing a trick