You just have to think of it in relative terms. Even today, games are chasing photo-realism, and that was still a thing back then when the CD-ROM came out. You went from poorly rendered 3D to live people, and it was quite impressive for the time. Then every game became a B Movie and people got tired of it. Some games did it right, though, like the Wing Commander series.
But why? It's video inside of a video game. It's just always looked awkward to me. It looks like someone put a B rated movie in my video game.
Because, when the alternative is claymation early CG, seeing a person that looks like a person was pretty amazing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4YnvPetZ1E#t=2m36s
Think Reboot. That's what most game CG at the time looked like. Maybe some people's nostalgia goggles are thick enough to consider it retro or stylish, but I've always found it lame at best. FMV is guilty of bad games and, more often than not, cheesy acting, but it could be very effective if used right.
[edit] Oh, fuck off forum for trying to be smart. Until you're smart enough to take time codes into account your auto-embed can fuck right off.
it's just as easy to say your nostalgia goggles are thick enough that FMV is retro or stylish
It's not, it's cheesy, but it's better than most of the CG stuff we got at the time.
DoTEMU has a sale on too, including Soulbringer that was just released on GoG. Anyone played that yet?
Oh my God, it's like early 90's web design. I think I got a migraine just looking at their page. Or maybe a seizure.
People who love Myst-type games owe it to themselves to pick up Zork Nemesis and Zork Grand Inquisitor. These games are two of the best Myst-clones ever made.
Is Arcanum the one that was developed turn based but they were forced to add a real time mode partway through development?
I just started and set it to turn based. I think the general consensus is that it's hard as hell to make a good tech character? Any suggestions in regards to that?
Is Arcanum the one that was developed turn based but they were forced to add a real time mode partway through development?
I just started and set it to turn based. I think the general consensus is that it's hard as hell to make a good tech character? Any suggestions in regards to that?
Tech is a bit harder going than Magic, but I found it a little more interesting in the long run. If you get tech too high magic guys can't heal or buff you and your first companion is a healer. The real issue to avoid is trying to do both magic and tech. IIRC there are significant bonuses to going all in on one or the other.
Also stick with turned based combat for the most part. The real time is useful in a few instances but the game is clearly made for turn based.
It is Steampunk, but a better description is it's a standard D&D type fantasy world that enters the Industrial Revolution.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
It is Steampunk, but a better description is it's a standard D&D type fantasy world that enters the Industrial Revolution.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
Yeah Arcanum came in a little before a lot of that got really popular so I think it avoids some of the genre's eccentricities. In some ways a better way I would describe it, for those familiar with it, is a kind of retro Shadowrun. That's what it felt like to me anyway.
0
Options
MackenzierGold Star Police NinjaLurking... less than usual.Registered Userregular
It is Steampunk, but a better description is it's a standard D&D type fantasy world that enters the Industrial Revolution.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
Yeah Arcanum came in a little before a lot of that got really popular so I think it avoids some of the genre's eccentricities. In some ways a better way I would describe it, for those familiar with it, is a kind of retro Shadowrun. That's what it felt like to me anyway.
I'd call that an apt description. And I'd like to echo @Apostate 's earlier comment about going the Tech route; I also found it harder but more interesting in the end. The healing deficit will be a pain but you can find quite a few tech based healing items as you go along and there is always save/loading if that doesn't offend your gaming sensibilities.
It is Steampunk, but a better description is it's a standard D&D type fantasy world that enters the Industrial Revolution.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
Yeah Arcanum came in a little before a lot of that got really popular so I think it avoids some of the genre's eccentricities. In some ways a better way I would describe it, for those familiar with it, is a kind of retro Shadowrun. That's what it felt like to me anyway.
Good description, other than that it's retro-Shadowrun coming from the other direction. Shadowrun is a tech-world that's experiencing a rebirth (?) of magic, whereas Arcanum's a magic world that's experiencing the birth of tech.
The one thing I can not get past in Arcanum is the way it scrolls over the play area.
In a regular cRPG, you can move your cursor to the end of an invisible box and have the screen move in that direction, so you're able to click at far away places and have your guys path-find themselves there.
In Arcanum you can only move the invisible box to the limits of the screen your PC is currently standing. So if you want to move to the other side of the map you're scrolling and clicking the edge of the viewable screen again and again and again... andagainandagainandagagaingaignaigna urgh!
One of the many, many problems with that game (not even mentioning the fact that the systems inherit to the game are barely explained) that stop me from playing it any longer than 30 minutes.
If you haven't played through the breadth of amazing cRPGs that work excellently today with over a decades worth of fan-patches such as Fallout 1/2, Baldur's Gate 1/2/Expansions, Planescape Torment etc. I'd recommend playing those over Arcanum
You can, though to go great distances you need to plot down a few waypoints. Doesn't take too long to get the hang of how far apart you can space them without breaking the pathing.
You can set the distance to let you scroll as much as you want. One of the first things I did. Set -scrolldist:0 after the target executable in the shortcut. Because yeah, that was driving me nuts.
Corpekata on
0
Options
Sir CarcassI have been shown the end of my worldRound Rock, TXRegistered Userregular
You can set the distance to let you scroll as much as you want. One of the first things I did. Set -scrolldist:0 after the target executable in the shortcut. Because yeah, that was driving me nuts.
....wow. I never knew that. Urge to reinstall rising
It is Steampunk, but a better description is it's a standard D&D type fantasy world that enters the Industrial Revolution.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
Yeah Arcanum came in a little before a lot of that got really popular so I think it avoids some of the genre's eccentricities. In some ways a better way I would describe it, for those familiar with it, is a kind of retro Shadowrun. That's what it felt like to me anyway.
I'd call that an apt description. And I'd like to echo @Apostate 's earlier comment about going the Tech route; I also found it harder but more interesting in the end. The healing deficit will be a pain but you can find quite a few tech based healing items as you go along and there is always save/loading if that doesn't offend your gaming sensibilities.
Tech is more interesting, but Arcanum is one of the few games I really feel did magic right. You start out fairly weak, but later on you are basically a god. So much cool stuff you can do.
The scrolling thing might only work with the fan patches. I learned of it when I installed the widescreen resolution mod (check the sticky in the GoG forums for the game) so I don't know if it'll work unpatched.
It is Steampunk, but a better description is it's a standard D&D type fantasy world that enters the Industrial Revolution.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
Yeah Arcanum came in a little before a lot of that got really popular so I think it avoids some of the genre's eccentricities. In some ways a better way I would describe it, for those familiar with it, is a kind of retro Shadowrun. That's what it felt like to me anyway.
Good description, other than that it's retro-Shadowrun coming from the other direction. Shadowrun is a tech-world that's experiencing a rebirth (?) of magic, whereas Arcanum's a magic world that's experiencing the birth of tech.
A closer RPG example is the awesome "Castle Falkenstein" pen and paper RPG. It's some of the best Victorian Age gaming you can play, even though it's basically FUDGE with playing cards. It's rules-light and the sourcebooks are all great material on how to actually play your character in the Victorian Age and immerse yourself in the setting, while pointing out various inspirations in film and literature to help you set the feel of the game.
Sir CarcassI have been shown the end of my worldRound Rock, TXRegistered Userregular
Arcanum is one of those games I recommend using the save editor on. The setting and story are awesome enough (imo) to be worth cheating your way through the combat. It's definitely up there as one of my favorite game worlds.
0
Options
OrcaAlso known as EspressosaurusWrexRegistered Userregular
Arcanum is one of those games I recommend using the save editor on. The setting and story are awesome enough (imo) to be worth cheating your way through the combat. It's definitely up there as one of my favorite game worlds.
I agree with this statement.
After the first 1/4 of the game I'd had more than enough of the silly combat, so I cheated myself some sick stuff and had fun with the rest of it. It's well worth your time if you blow past the combat IMO. Kind of like Planescape: Torment
You can set the distance to let you scroll as much as you want. One of the first things I did. Set -scrolldist:0 after the target executable in the shortcut. Because yeah, that was driving me nuts.
... You son of a bitch, do you know what you've DONE!? *reinstalls*
0
Options
BlackDragon480Bluster KerfuffleMaster of Windy ImportRegistered Userregular
Posts
Steam: Elvenshae // PSN: Elvenshae // WotC: Elvenshae
Wilds of Aladrion: [https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/43159014/#Comment_43159014]Ellandryn[/url]
Whenever I go back and play those games now though, it seems horribly hackneyed.
But at the time it was groundbreaking.
Excellent. Just be aware there is a steep learning curve and the UI is not very intuitive. Get past that and it's pretty much gold.
Oh my God, it's like early 90's web design. I think I got a migraine just looking at their page. Or maybe a seizure.
People who love Myst-type games owe it to themselves to pick up Zork Nemesis and Zork Grand Inquisitor. These games are two of the best Myst-clones ever made.
And one of the worst. Not only is the acting terrible and script terrible (a million pounds of tube steak..wtf) but the game is awful as well.
Also the combat is pure distilled liquid shit, but eh, so's the realtime combat in all RPGs so no surprise there.
EDIT: I am angry at vidya games
I just started and set it to turn based. I think the general consensus is that it's hard as hell to make a good tech character? Any suggestions in regards to that?
Tech is a bit harder going than Magic, but I found it a little more interesting in the long run. If you get tech too high magic guys can't heal or buff you and your first companion is a healer. The real issue to avoid is trying to do both magic and tech. IIRC there are significant bonuses to going all in on one or the other.
Also stick with turned based combat for the most part. The real time is useful in a few instances but the game is clearly made for turn based.
Yes, it is.
Steam: Elvenshae // PSN: Elvenshae // WotC: Elvenshae
Wilds of Aladrion: [https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/43159014/#Comment_43159014]Ellandryn[/url]
And stop making me want to buy Arcanum.
Steam profile.
Getting started with BATTLETECH: Part 1 / Part 2
The only way to stop wanting to buy Arcanum is to buy Arcanum.
Yeah, which is how I think they managed to avoid the usual "GOGGLES AND RANDOM USELESS GEARS AND SHIT" steampunk bullshit. I mean, I like the steampunk aesthetic as much as the next person but it gets retarded sometimes.
Yeah Arcanum came in a little before a lot of that got really popular so I think it avoids some of the genre's eccentricities. In some ways a better way I would describe it, for those familiar with it, is a kind of retro Shadowrun. That's what it felt like to me anyway.
I'd call that an apt description. And I'd like to echo @Apostate 's earlier comment about going the Tech route; I also found it harder but more interesting in the end. The healing deficit will be a pain but you can find quite a few tech based healing items as you go along and there is always save/loading if that doesn't offend your gaming sensibilities.
FFRK: 9rRG
Good description, other than that it's retro-Shadowrun coming from the other direction. Shadowrun is a tech-world that's experiencing a rebirth (?) of magic, whereas Arcanum's a magic world that's experiencing the birth of tech.
Steam: Elvenshae // PSN: Elvenshae // WotC: Elvenshae
Wilds of Aladrion: [https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/43159014/#Comment_43159014]Ellandryn[/url]
In a regular cRPG, you can move your cursor to the end of an invisible box and have the screen move in that direction, so you're able to click at far away places and have your guys path-find themselves there.
In Arcanum you can only move the invisible box to the limits of the screen your PC is currently standing. So if you want to move to the other side of the map you're scrolling and clicking the edge of the viewable screen again and again and again... andagainandagainandagagaingaignaigna urgh!
One of the many, many problems with that game (not even mentioning the fact that the systems inherit to the game are barely explained) that stop me from playing it any longer than 30 minutes.
If you haven't played through the breadth of amazing cRPGs that work excellently today with over a decades worth of fan-patches such as Fallout 1/2, Baldur's Gate 1/2/Expansions, Planescape Torment etc. I'd recommend playing those over Arcanum
Steam: Elvenshae // PSN: Elvenshae // WotC: Elvenshae
Wilds of Aladrion: [https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/43159014/#Comment_43159014]Ellandryn[/url]
You can, though to go great distances you need to plot down a few waypoints. Doesn't take too long to get the hang of how far apart you can space them without breaking the pathing.
FFRK: 9rRG
....wow. I never knew that. Urge to reinstall rising
Tech is more interesting, but Arcanum is one of the few games I really feel did magic right. You start out fairly weak, but later on you are basically a god. So much cool stuff you can do.
also found out just how many people you can kill in the name of collateral damage
then I got bored at literally the exact same point and haven't touched it since
See, I thought that too. Then I played it and realized I didn't actually want to buy it. But my past self had done so already! The fool!
It turns out Planescape Torment and Fallout 2 are about as hardcore as I want my RPGs, and Arcanum is way more hardcore then they are.
I agree with this statement.
After the first 1/4 of the game I'd had more than enough of the silly combat, so I cheated myself some sick stuff and had fun with the rest of it. It's well worth your time if you blow past the combat IMO. Kind of like Planescape: Torment
... You son of a bitch, do you know what you've DONE!? *reinstalls*
Spycraft would be great, I played that game over and over again when I was 12-13.
Ripper would be another good FMV game for them to try and pick up. Illogical adventure game puzzles + Christopher Walken = awesome.
~ Buckaroo Banzai