Hey guys,
I'm new around these parts and from what I've read this looks to be a pretty damn decent community. I've read penny arcade off and on for a few years, but finally checked out the topic on Mirror's Edge and decided to register.
Now I've got a very big decision to make and I haven't the first clue on how to go about it. Generally speaking I avoid RPGs and haven't played one ever since I bought a 360. With a nice holiday break approaching I'm debating between picking up Mass Effect or Fallout 3.
The last RPG I enjoyed was KOTOR, but I played the second one and found it be a glitchy substitute for the original. I've heard Mass Effect is both the greatest thing ever(!) and a glitchy pile of suck so I'm not sure whether it'd be my cup o tea or not.
Likewise, I'm not a fan of Bethesda and found Oblivion to be horribly trite. I like my RPGs with a strong central story and couldn't really care less about the myriad of side quests that most RPGs are known for.
Any advice/suggestions/mockery?
I looked through both the mass effect and fallout threads but couldn't make a decision. Any other RPGs worth a play through?
Posts
Mass Effect is a pretty strong RPG though. It has its flaws but they're forgivable, and the story is strong (if you're into space operas).
The Witcher is also a good option, as is NWN2 : Mask of the Betrayer.
Or if you want a traditional(ish) JRPG, Persona 4 is due out any day now.
Thought the OP specified 360.
Just don't touch all the planets outside of the main story. The side quests are worse than most, with horribly generic planets where you can only explore a single square segment of their surface. Also, you will learn to hate the Mako with a passion. I don't know who decided it would be a good idea to construct an APC out of papier-mâché.
Though I have to warn you, both games are fairly short if you're doing only the main quest line.
But Mass Effect is definitely, 1000x more story-driven and focused than Fallout 3. It's the closest thing to playing a movie you'll probably get on the 360, and it's fucking great. That's not to say they take you out of the gameplay a lot, though, so maybe I should scratch the movie comment, only I'm too lazy.
But yeah, judging from your post, I'm going to 100% recommend Mass Effect for you. Ignore the people who say it's buggy and shit. The only "big" problem it has is pop-in textures, and that's not even a huge deal really.
The dialogue is great - especially if you choose to be an asshole - and the story is pretty good too, if a bit derivative. I'll repeat what others have said and tell you that if you're into Sci-Fi, you'll like it. For me, Mass Effect felt a bit like Kotor 2.0, except a lot better and without all the Star Wars crap.
I hear everyone saying this, so I'm not going to bother arguing the point... though I will toss in for the OP's sake that the Mako has never bothered me at all. Seriously, I honest to god don't understand all the griping. But again, I'm in the severe minority here.
I myself don't have the Xbox, but If we're talkin' reviews of RPGs on the 360 (for '08), Fallout 3 is leading the pack with 90+, and Tales of Vesperia (which looks sweet) has a very-decent 82ish I think. It's a very pretty action/rpg.
There are a few sidequests that are pretty interesting though, especially a lot of the ones you first get at the Citadel.
I think you do the main story more justice by just focusing on that, its a really movie-like experience with an ending that ranks as my all time favourite in a video game. I think the game would've benefited from a removal of superfluous side quests in favor of enhancing the already great main campaign.
Based on your OP i recommend Mass Effect. Fallout 3 is a better game in my opinion, but im a sucker for "this is how detailed and open a game can be with the current technology." Its much better than Oblivion, and there arent really 'sidequests' so much as there are 5-10 hour missions that you can do. The main campaign is excellent, but not nearly fleshed out enough.
At least rent it or something, but yeah I think you'd enjoy Mass Effect more, its a fantastic game.
And also put me in the camp that didnt see what the big deal about the Mako was. I mean, yes, it wasnt the best handled vehicle in a video game, but for christ sake it wasnt like it raped children or something.
I think the little planets provided a distraction from the main storyline. I found a few cool planets with self-contained stories that I enjoyed. The new expansions add some content, as well. But all-in-all, regardless of what optional content you explore, the main storyline is rewarding.
Also, Mass Effect is a far better all-round RPG. There's some difference in your play type, especially if you go biotic (think force powers). Fallout 3, which is currently consuming my life, breaks down one of the following: Run and Gun, Sneak and Snipe, or MELEE SMASH! You're not going to be chucking people or things across the room with your mind.
As an Aside: Hey guys! I have a 360 and want RPG suggestions! Result: Some illiterates are suggesting PS3, PC and DS games. It's like they're just replying to see themselves in the thread.
Hear hear!
err...
Eternal Sonata?
That said, if I had to pick one, Mass Effect is a must play. Stick to the main story planets and it's awesome. Great story, solid mechanics, interesting side characters, and by far the best dialogue system of any game I've played.
LoL: BunyipAristocrat
Mass Effect is still my favorite game on the system, and I think you'd really enjoy it as well.
Go with Mass Effect first (which you can pick up at half.com for like $15 or something) and then check out Fallout 3 the next break you get.
I'll also probably give Fallout a try later, but all this talk of RPGs reminded me that i picked up a copy of Jade Empire a few months ago and have yet to even play it. Looks like I've got a nice break coming up.