I've never been much interested in RPGs or FPSs. I don't usually want to hurt anyone, or fight for my life. I like to wander, get the lights turned on, the water flowing, the machinery running, solve puzzles and codes, open doors - you get the idea. I like games that take place in real places, cities especially. But I am also a sucker for excellent graphics.
For about 5 years now I have been reading posts about FPS/RPG games here (well, at FFC), lately I've looked at screenshots of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Fallout3. The graphics look fantastic. I'm thinking about losing my FPS/RPG virginity, and thinking that Fallout3 might just be the game to do it.
A question: keyboard controls, or mouse, or some of both? Anything I should be aware of before I take the plunge? I'm nervous.
"…you just keep on trying 'til you run out of cake."
Some of both, Spike, and Fallout 3 is a good place to start thanks to its sort-of turn based combat system, which allows you to slow things down and think about your actions until you're ready to take them. While the STALKER games are great for all, they are extremely unforgiving even at the easiest levels, so a little comfort with the first person mouse+keyboard approach is recommended.
Keep us posted on your adventures! We have a new Fallout 3 Bollocks thread going, so join us there.
Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.
Definitely Fallout 3 over S.T.A.L.K.E.R. F3 isn't a classic RPG gameplay style but close to it in the sense that it's got turn-based elements that let you stop the action and figure out your next move. It's an action RPG so the fighting is hilighted more than say in KotOR which if I remember is all turn-based, i.e. you get a "turn" and then your foe gets a "turn". There are a lot of older RPGs, like Fallout 2 that are pure turn-based but the graphics are kinda dated.
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At first you may think your head will 'slode due to learning curve. Stick with it.
What helped me is knowing if a misspelling grammar-challenged tweener (as evidenced by forum posts at other sites where you're lurking for enlightenment) can play a game, than surely I can too. As long as said game is not based on fast reflexes.
All it takes is ooooone game to call your name (mine was Morrowind) and it's boy-howdy, down the slippery slope. Just ask the rest of us who started out as left-mouse-clicking node-bound adventure gamers.
Thanks for the comments, all. I may not get F3 for a few weeks. I've got too many games "in progress", but I'll let you know how it goes, and I bet I'll have to ask for technique help from time to time. I really HATE keyboard controls.
Yapette, I'm not sure if your hair styles are getting better or worse with time. I would have expected a style like that from Toger, what with her love of zombies, and all.
"…you just keep on trying 'til you run out of cake."
Spike said:
Thanks for the comments, all. I may not get F3 for a few weeks.
The “few weeks” turned into a few months, but I just made a GTZ agreement to trade for an unopened copy of Fallout 3 (Thanks!) I checked the Fallout 3 web site to make sure that my graphics card is supported, and it is. Yapette suggested the Prima Guide, which I will now order and start reading before the game arrives. Sweaty palms, pounding heart. Don't know if I'm ready, but here goes!
I just replaced my obsolete analog “big square thing” TV with a gorgeous HD TV. With its mini DVI port I'm thinking about finally mating TV to computer, something I've avoided considering in the past. Maybe Fallout 3 would be a great game to play on a huge screen.
I know console players do this (I used to play Nintendo games with my son in the early days, but it's a “whole nother” world now.), but has anyone played PC games on a TV, especially HD? Does it suck you right in, or is this kind of connection problematic in any way?
"…you just keep on trying 'til you run out of cake."
I've never done it. TVs, even HDTVs, have a slightly lower resolution than hi-res monitors, but the size of the screen itself can easily offset that. I'm eager to hear about your experience, both with the tech and in the world of Fallout 3.
If you do choose to visit STALKER after this, Spike, know that we here at Tap have a large subculture of STALKER lovers, myself included. It's much more action-oriented than F3 and much more unforgiving, but the support system is there if you need it. 🙂
Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.
Thanks Steerpike. The graphics in Stalker look very good. I intended to buy it for my seldom-gaming son, after I attempted it myself. He is so busy that gaming hours would be limited. If Stalker is more unforgiving than F3, then I've made the right choice of 1st RPG. I'm a sucker for graphics.
Prima Guide ordered. I wanted a bargain on a used copy (bought 7 other books yesterday). When I found out that many used copies had missing maps, I had to go new. Fun reading, I think.
"…you just keep on trying 'til you run out of cake."
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