Looking for good RPGs of old

Ruds · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007, 09:29 PM

So, I've exhausted the 1990s - 2000s market of RPGs, and there's virutally nothing on the horizon (save The Witcher). I'm 23, and I didn't get a computer until like 1995, so I know I missed out on some stellar RPGs.

I've done my research, and I think I've heard of a lot of ancient titles, but help me out. I'm looking for old RPGs that meet the following criteria:

1. I can run them on Windows XP (DosBox counts) WITH WORKING SOUND.
2. You know where I can get them (Amazon, Ebay, free download, etc.).
3. That they have appreciable modern day value. For example, as badass and influential as some oldies are, they'd be boring by today's standards (ex: FF1, Diablo 1, Ultima Online).

My tastes:

Planescape: Torment
Arcanum
Baldur's Gate
Fallout
Might and Magic 6, 7
Arx Fatalis

Things that I know I'd like to get a hold of, but don't know how to get or run:

Wasteland
System Shock 2
Any Ultima game

Help me out, and thanks in advance!

Kipi · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 03:56 AM

Fallout 1 should work in WinXP, though you may have to use compatibility mode.

Wasteland, at least, needs program called DosBOX to be ran. Some other of the games you mentioned may also need that program, if they were designed to Dos...

DesR85 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 08:18 AM

I remember somebody ever mentioned a certain RPG called 'Magic Candle'. An 80s game or something (can't remember the date). Also needs DOSBox as well, I think.

I'm not sure if I can include 'the Lost Vikings' in there since some people mentioned that it's an RPG and others mentioned that it's puzzle/platformer title (I'd suspect the latter, though).

P.S. Both are free downloads, by the way.

fable · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 08:26 AM

I plead guilty to mentioning The Magic Candle series. They remain good, but visually very dated: icon-based, no animation, no music, limited (but interesting) dialog. I do recommend them, but only to people who enjoy that kind of thing. They can be downloaded without any legal problems (being abandonware) from Home of the Underdogs.

You might also want to see about Exult. It's an engine that allows you to run Ultima VIIa and b, with their addons, under WinXP. Of course, you already have to possess Ultima VII to use it, but the new engine actually improves the old graphics, and adds a few new features, too.

Ultima V Lazarus uses a different approach: it incorporates all of Ultima V's gameplay into a mod in Dungeon Siege I. So you don't need Ultima V to play it, but you do require Dungeon Siege I. It is very faithful to the original, and an excellent transfer.

Consider buying Might and Magic VIII. While it feels a bit rushed, a lot of it is excellent. Excellent, too, is Divine Divinity, a game that recaptures some of the character of the Ultima games. And while you're at Home of the Underdogs, be sure to download Betrayal at Krondor. Excellent 1st person, turn-based RPG, the first in 3D, too.

BuckGB · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 09:00 AM

Along with the above recommendations, I'd also suggest picking up any titles in the SSI Gold Box, Eye of the Beholder, The Bard's Tale, or Wizardry series. If you'd rather not play all the games in each series, then just start with the first title in each and see what you think. For Wizardry, though, I'd recommend skipping up to Wizardry VII (Crusaders of the Dark Savant) and then jump directly to Wizardry VIII. The rest of the series is solid, but those two are my favorites and will probably appeal to you most if you're used to modern RPGs.

DaveO · #6 (**permalink**) 06-24-2007, 02:16 AM

I'm a bit surprised that nobody mentioned the earlier M&M titles. IF you're willing to take a step back, I'd highly recommend the Worlds of Xeen game since it's the BEST of the M&M series and has one of the top 10 RPG endings.

There is the Realms of Arkania series for RPGs, and you should be able to still buy all three for $10-15. You may want to give any of the Bard's Tale games a try as well. That should keep you busy for the next 12-18 months.

alias · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 09:19 PM

the Bard's Tale I, II, and III, Wizardry 1-7, and numerous classic style rpg's from Strategic Simulations Inc. can be accessed at icestorm9999

It's got some really great rpg's there.

Kheros · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:48 AM

For a wide range of old games try:

abandonia

It has ALOT of great old games, including Wasteland. It's not restricted to CRPGs though

AvatarOfLight · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:55 AM

Ultima Underworld 1 and 2 if you can swallow the graphics.

rearviewmirror · #10 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 07:17 PM

There's so many threads here I'm afraid of making threads that people have make 100 times already. Lucky I found this one.

I'm looking for any older RPG's with decent storylines. They should run off of a 8mb graphics card, pretty much nothing. Specs along the lines of Diablo II. Max specs are like Warcraft 3s. I can run Red Alert 2 on my PC. Anything GTAIII and above= serious lag.

I'm tired of RP's with boring repetitive stories and plots. Fun when you're new to the genre, not once you've played a couple. Wish I could get the Witcher or Oblivion, but i gotta upgrade graphics soon. Anyway any help is appreciated.

fable · #11 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 07:35 PM

Planescape: Torment. Runs to your specifications, and you can't beat the plot for something original and imaginative. It helps that it's one of the best RPGs ever made--some would say, the best.

rearviewmirror · #12 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 07:59 PM

I dunno, I looked it up and I think I should just upgrade the computer. 2D graphics aren't what I'm looking for. I'll just have to wait. thanks

fable · #13 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rearviewmirror

I dunno, I looked it up and I think I should just upgrade the computer. 2D graphics aren't what I'm looking for. I'll just have to wait. thanks

Well, you did want the best game you can find, with a completely original plot. You won't find those in any 3D game I can think of, because PS:T is pretty unique in that respect. But of course, it's up to you.

rearviewmirror · #14 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 08:09 PM

I guess it doesnt have to be entirely original, just good. Morrowind wouldn't be able to run on low stats on a 8mb graphics card would it? i might be able to get a little support for 16mb, heck im not even sure what I have lol the PC was free. And yeah the story seems original. Looks like Diablo with all the skulls and death and stuff lol.

fable · #15 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rearviewmirror

I guess it doesnt have to be entirely original, just good. Morrowind wouldn't be able to run on low stats on a 8mb graphics card would it? i might be able to get a little support for 16mb, heck im not even sure what I have lol the PC was free. And yeah the story seems original. Looks like Diablo with all the skulls and death and stuff lol.

It would run very sluggishly--sorry. And the story is frankly pretty trite, though I'd have to say in all honesty that's true of 95% of RPGs. Morrowind's still a great game, especially when you figure in all the wonderful player mods (more than 8000) that have been made for it. I'm on hiatus at the moment, but my current Morrowind run-through has 260+ mods.