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Hey Dakka Dakka people, lately i've been thinking of adding some more computer games to my collection. However i'm not sure what games to add, since i'm at the moment trying to get some more RPG and Strategy games to my collection i was wonderig you guys could give me any good tips on any games to get.

Now in terms of RPG games i'm talking about the ones like Oblivion/Star wars the old republic 1-2, as for strategy well anything goes there really .

Confrontation is pretty fun... so is Unity of Command.

Civilisation series is great for a strategy game.

As far as games like KoToR, check out Dragon Age if you haven't already. Mass Effect series is also nice(but not as close to the aforementioned games gameplay-wise, particularly the last two).

XCOM.

Specifically look at Dragon Age Origins (specifically DAO is Kotor in a fantasy universe) and Mass Effect 1 (which doesn't have the same game play but does have a similar story) as they are the most like KoTOR. If you enjoy those titles, try ME2 next as it is a better reflection of what to expect from DA2, ME2, and ME3 (roughly with respect to DA2). The game play got mixed around into a more solid shooter like experience, and the story telling options were simplified slightly.

Skyrim's one of my favourite RPG's, as is Warhammer 40k: Space Marine (though not as true to RPG).
As for Strategy, my favourites are Rise of Nations, Age of Mythology, Age of Empires and Empire Earth.
Anything by Bethesda Gaming Studios is usually an awesome RPG.

For strategy for basic intro games into it I'd recommend anything from Total War, Age of Empires/stronghold, and starcraft

For Strategy? My favorites would be Stronghold and Stronghold Crusader. They're old, but they're great.

Fallout: New Vegas

 baxter123 wrote:
Skyrim's one of my favourite RPG's, as is Warhammer 40k: Space Marine (though not as true to RPG).
As for Strategy, my favourites are Rise of Nations, Age of Mythology, Age of Empires and Empire Earth.
Anything by Bethesda Gaming Studios is usually an awesome RPG.

How on earth is Space marine in anyway an RPG?

Anyway, strategy.. Company of Heroes, Starcraft2.

For a simple and free strategy game (but IMHO really nice): The Battle for Wesnoth.

Thanks for some great advices , as for the Civilization series well that's something i'm very familiar with since i have most game of that series besides the new version of Colonization and Civ5 witch both i'm not sure if they are worth getting or not.

I wasn't sure of Civ5 as well, especially after seeing how they simplified some stuff or took religion out - however, I've recently been "forced" to buy it for some online action goodness with friends, and the Gods and Kings expansion brings a lot of the missing features back. All in all, I'd say it paid off. Had loads of fun and it does look really pretty.

Other than that ... the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series have already been mentioned, and I'd pretty much consider them a must-have when it comes to RPGs at this point. Both games get progressively less complex and more consoley in their sequels, but story and character quality are retained and visuals improved.

Deus Ex Human Revolution was very enjoyable as well, if you'd like to delve into something cyberpunky for a change. For an RPG, I dislike the lack of any visual character customization, but the setting and the gameplay are still very strong and the story is just amazing.

Also, you can buy Master of Orion 1+2 on gog.com for $3 today. Imho, MoO2 is still the best 4X strategy game.

Crusader Kings 2 is pretty awesome as well, if you're into micro-management. Loads of diplomacy, economy and espionage options in addition to medieval warfare, and you need to plan your succession as well else your realm will implode into civil war as your kids struggle for dominance. Actually lets you feel like a proper king.

Lastly, if you like sandbox games, the indie product Mount & Blade Warband may not offer much of a fancy story, but you can fight or trade your way up from a lowly peasant to feudal lord, or even proclaim your very own kingdom should you happen to find sufficient support for your claims, essentially writing your own story as you go. Great "FPS" combat mechanics with realistic damage (so watch out for arrows flying your way), lots of customization, and you have a huge community supplying free mods of all sorts. There have been some funny stories around from other dakkanauts playing the game and reporting how their character fares.

Concerning Civ 5... I always kind of liked it, but it hovered behind Civ2 and Civ4 for me in enjoyment. Indeed, I had gone back to playing Civ4 a while ago. But Gods and Kings is a gamechanger. It's the first time they have made religions feel 'right' to me. Plus with Civ5 being in the Workshop I was able to grab the Civ V Unofficial Patch and Enhancement Mod which rebalances a lot of stuff and streamlines the UI.

All told, 5 is now my favorite, and has drawn close to Alpha Centauri for levels of awesome. Nothing like playing the Byzantines and spreading my religion across the world. I played a game where outside of a small war in the classical era I never went into overt conflict with anyone, but spent the whole game gradually overwhelming every other religion on the planet until Pastafarianism reigned supreme.

RPG:
Baldurs Gate 1 & 2 - Oldies but goodies.
Neverwinter Nights - same vein, its also almost exactly the D&D version of KOTOR....
The above are available (with all of their expansions) for a ridiculously low price on gog (as Lynata mentioned)
Mass Effect as mentioned
Fallout 3 & NV (mentioned)
I will second Deus Ex: Human Revolution even though i got bored of it very quickly (i can see how its good, but its ridiculous that you can end up getting stuck right at the beginning if you dont pick the exact right upgrades...had to restart my game and that killed it for me)
I will second Company of Heroes


Strategy: Wow, broad category...
Total Annihilation
Supreme Commander (TA is better IMO)
The Heroes Series is great for turnbased strategy
Total War Series
Recently got the whole Stronghold Series on Steam (Christmas sale FTW!) and am enjoying every bit of the first 3 (have yet to play the others as i wanted to work my way through them)
Civilisation as mentioned above
the Settlers Series is also fairly epic
Age of Empires Series (a personaly favourite)
Dungeon Keeper (purely because i found both of them on the gog sale and they are every bit as fun as i remember, and for only $3!!or something thereabouts)

Thats all i can remember off the top of my head...but these are my favourite 2 genres for Video games, so i have a long list...

You could combine the two genres, something like Fallen Enchantress or the Might and Magic series.

Strategy games range from games like Starcraft with its build orders and timing to 4X turn based games like Endless Space to hex wargames like Unity of Command. What interests you in this particularly broad genre?

Revenent Reiko wrote:I will second Deus Ex: Human Revolution even though i got bored of it very quickly (i can see how its good, but its ridiculous that you can end up getting stuck right at the beginning if you dont pick the exact right upgrades...had to restart my game and that killed it for me)

Hum, what upgrades were those? I don't recall anything that was actually a must-have as there always seemed to be more than one way to pull stuff off.
The only thing you were really forced into were the boss fights - which many fans complained about, for that went against the statement that you could choose to avoid all fights if you wanted to.

Well if i have to specify the type of Strategy that i'm looking for,then it would be the kind of games that are like either C&C or more like Civilization/the settlers.

Looks like i need to grab a pen and some paper to write down all the good ideas you guys are giving me by the way.

 Lynata wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:I will second Deus Ex: Human Revolution even though i got bored of it very quickly (i can see how its good, but its ridiculous that you can end up getting stuck right at the beginning if you dont pick the exact right upgrades...had to restart my game and that killed it for me)

Hum, what upgrades were those? I don't recall anything that was actually a must-have as there always seemed to be more than one way to pull stuff off.
The only thing you were really forced into were the boss fights - which many fans complained about, for that went against the statement that you could choose to avoid all fights if you wanted to.

Spoilered just in case:

RPG :
Baldurs gate 1& 2
Icewind Dale 1& 2
Heroes of Might and magic series

Strategy
Total war series, in particular Shogun 2
Company Of Heroes, even if I do not particular like these games anymore I can not deny how well made they are.
Age Of Empires
Wargame European Escalation

Revenent Reiko wrote:Spoilered just in case:

Spoiler:

Sneaking in to the Police Station. Without either immunity to electricity, strong legs/arms, upgraded hacking, or possibly the one that helps convince people to do as you want (cant remember if that is given to you or not as it were) then you cant break in without going through a (admittedly easy) fight. But without the upgraded hacking, im pretty sure you cant get back out without fighting everyone.....

Dont get me wrong, i may be wrong, but it annoyed me and i have yet to build up the necessary enthusiasm to play it again...

Hmm, I don't know whether you are right or wrong, but even if that's correct - it still means there is a way. Just not one you would have liked. And one that I admit sounds a lot tougher. I've tried that myself.
For the approach you were apparently aiming for, however, I'm surprised you did not activate those augmentations. A good trick is also to always keep a point in reserve until you get to one such tough spot, so that you can spend it on where it's really needed.

And I strongly recommend you go back and try it again. I thought the game was awesome, and it only gets better from that point onward, too. Brilliant cyberpunk/sci-fi theme. Kickass ending.
The only thing I still dislike about this game is the inability to customise one's player character. FFS, their explanation for removing the ability to change gender - which did exist in Deus Ex 1 and 2 - was borderline mysoginistic. Though I have to admit, I still grew to like the character they forced me to play. Just took a bit of time.

Here's something that should help you get back in the mood ... and possibly infect others.

 Lynata wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:Spoilered just in case:

Spoiler:

Sneaking in to the Police Station. Without either immunity to electricity, strong legs/arms, upgraded hacking, or possibly the one that helps convince people to do as you want (cant remember if that is given to you or not as it were) then you cant break in without going through a (admittedly easy) fight. But without the upgraded hacking, im pretty sure you cant get back out without fighting everyone.....

Dont get me wrong, i may be wrong, but it annoyed me and i have yet to build up the necessary enthusiasm to play it again...

Hmm, I don't know whether you are right or wrong, but even if that's correct - it still means there is a way. Just not one you would have liked. And one that I admit sounds a lot tougher. I've tried that myself.
For the approach you were apparently aiming for, however, I'm surprised you did not activate those augmentations. A good trick is also to always keep a point in reserve until you get to one such tough spot, so that you can spend it on where it's really needed.

And I strongly recommend you go back and try it again. I thought the game was awesome, and it only gets better from that point onward, too. Brilliant cyberpunk/sci-fi theme. Kickass ending.
The only thing I still dislike about this game is the inability to customise one's player character. FFS, their explanation for removing the ability to change gender - which did exist in Deus Ex 1 and 2 - was borderline mysoginistic. Though I have to admit, I still grew to like the character they forced me to play. Just took a bit of time.

I havent played it in a while, so i cant remember if im making up some sort of BS or not either True, there is a way, but opening up on the police at the beginning of the game isnt exactly a good idea....

Yeeeeeeah, realised this (keeping a point in reserve) after having to check a walkthrough for how to get out of that blasted place and just had no enthusiasm for it anymore, not after having to restart just to get a beginning where i havent declared solo war on the much-better-equipped-than-you-are Police...TBH i thought there were much better upgrades for where i wanted to take the character at the time, and it just so happens that where i wanted to take it wasnt a valid choice, which mightily pissed me off (can you tell? lol). As ive said, i will go back to it eventually, but i appreciate the recommendation, im often more inclined to replay something/try a new game if it gets a good recommendation.....

Im sure i will go back to it at some point, as ive pretty much only read good things about it (and the first game). Personally, i think the character is an absolute badass and only gets cooler once he is effectively able to punch through walls!

EDIT: Wow, i had NO idea there wasa live action trailer.....fething epic!

 SneakyMek wrote:
Well if i have to specify the type of Strategy that i'm looking for,then it would be the kind of games that are like either C&C or more like Civilization/the settlers.

For RTS game you can't really go wrong with Company of Heros, Dawn of War, Homeworld and Starcraft. They are all 'RTS' games but each is quite different.

For Civesque games you could try Fallen Enchantress, Galactic Civilisation 2, Sins of a Solar Empire, Hearts of Iron or Age of Wonder. SImilarly these are all 'grand strategy games but they are all distinct from each other.

Palindrome wrote:For Civesque games you could try Fallen Enchantress, Galactic Civilisation 2, Sins of a Solar Empire, Hearts of Iron or Age of Wonder. SImilarly these are all 'grand strategy games but they are all distinct from each other.

Sins never really appealed to me ... it just looked so "random and distant" when you're throwing thousands of ships at other people every 20 seconds. But I'm sure it depends on the level of "hands-on" you want to experience from 4X games. GalCiv2 and Fallen Enchantress I too think are cool, though.
GalCiv2 even allows you to build custom space ship visuals using a sort of 3D toolkit with hundreds of different parts ... you can build all sorts of crap like TIE Fighters or the Enterprise if you want.
What I loved about Fallen Enchantress was how you can customise the units by taking a template and adding weapons, armour and specific traits etc. I really love customisation in games as it allows you to better tweak whatever realm you're ruling more to your personal preferences, and to exert your creativity.

Revenent Reiko wrote:True, there is a way, but opening up on the police at the beginning of the game isnt exactly a good idea....

I actually feel bad for how silly I exploited the AI in the building.



That was pretty much the only major glitch I experienced throughout the game, tho. I was as miffled as you to reload an earlier save, but as the game progressed it quickly sucked me back into that awesome story with all the cool futuristic visuals and compelling plot, so I just forgot about that minor throwback.

Revenent Reiko wrote:EDIT: Wow, i had NO idea there wasa live action trailer.....fething epic!

They even made actual augmentation TV ads. I wonder how many people thought that stuff would be real!







Also pretty awesome:

 Lynata wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:True, there is a way, but opening up on the police at the beginning of the game isnt exactly a good idea....

I actually feel bad for how silly I exploited the AI in the building.

Spoiler:

I tried to sneak in by the backdoor, so I was in a zone where I'd be pretty much shot at sight. Crawling through the air ventilation shafts, I then engaged in a little game of playing Predator by sneaking up on patrolling cops, taking them out with my armblade and dragging their corpse back into the ventilation shaft to hide them and myself. Someone would come investigate (or I'd hack the alarm) and things would go quiet again. Rinse, repeat. Half an hour later I had like 20 bodies stacked in there like in a slaughterhouse...

...and then I read on the internets that I was actually supposed to go through the front door. It's just that the game bugged out on a dialogue, so I had to re-load at an earlier stage.

That was pretty much the only major glitch I experienced throughout the game, tho. I was as miffled as you to reload an earlier save, but as the game progressed it quickly sucked me back into that awesome story with all the cool futuristic visuals and compelling plot, so I just forgot about that minor throwback.

Heh,
I will admit to a few other glitches (mainly caused by me tbh) i originally tried playing with a graphics card that wasnt quite good enough to run it, so ended up getting peeved with it before i even got to play....but that did mean that when i eventually got a new card i was superhyped! Which meant that when i got done over by not picking the skills they wanted me to pick i was double annoyed...im getting more interested in it (and have been for a little while) but im not quite there yet

 Lynata wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:EDIT: Wow, i had NO idea there was a live action trailer.....fething epic!

They even made actual augmentation TV ads. I wonder how many people thought that stuff would be real!

Holy crap! Theres dedication for you....and done really well, i can imagine people trying to call in or find it on the internet!

Revenent Reiko wrote:im getting more interested in it (and have been for a little while) but im not quite there yet

Let me help, then.










Just imagine to visit all those amazing locations yourself ... the addictive story, the surprising twists, the breathtaking fights ...

I almost feel tempted to give you the different ending videos as well, because ... damn, sooo~ good. But, too much of a spoiler, so just regard this as yet another little incentive to check it out for yourself.


By the way, I just noticed Civ5 is part of Steam's holiday sale now. GO GET IT! :O

 Macok wrote:
For a simple and free strategy game (but IMHO really nice): The Battle for Wesnoth.

That looks interesting. Ill have to check that out

 Lynata wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:im getting more interested in it (and have been for a little while) but im not quite there yet

Let me help, then.

Just imagine to visit all those amazing locations yourself ... the addictive story, the surprising twists, the breathtaking fights ...

I almost feel tempted to give you the different ending videos as well, because ... damn, sooo~ good. But, too much of a spoiler, so just regard this as yet another little incentive to check it out for yourself.

By the way, I just noticed Civ5 is part of Steam's holiday sale now. GO GET IT! :O

*narrows eyes* why would you do that.....?!!.....

They really did make some good videos for this game didnt they....great finds Lynata!

I have Civ 5....assuming that wasnt aimed at me?

I've been looking at getting Heroes of might and magic 4 and mabey 5 as well, however i also noticed that the Kings bounty games seems very simular and i'm not sure if i should pick them instead over Heroes of M&M 4/5.

Also has anyone ever played Submarine titans?..its supposed to be like Starcraft 1 but underwater.