Lycaerix

Steam, because I love hoarding achievements. I'll grab it on GOG again at some point because DRM-free always wins.

As someone who occasionally enjoys watching a handful of people play games, I have to say that I've stumbled across one chronically agonising realisation: many people who stream themselves playing games rarely know what they're doing or, at least, often make patently stupid mistakes and miss blatantly obvious things. Often it's the "younger" streamers. So much so that I've begun to suspect it's a kind of modern gaming "spoon feeding" syndrome--that they struggle to think for themselves. It frustrates me to no end. Ordinarily I give it a few minutes before closing a stream and moving on to something more constructive... I also wonder if it isn't perhaps their "gimmick" -- an act to make their audience feel more involved somehow... /shrug But yeah... Many of them are really just bleugh...

The worst part is the waaaaait. What do you start playing so close to a release? Oh gief to me teh holeh, pillarly ambrosia!

Can I please have 'Curious Oddity of the Obsidian Order?" :D Thanks muchly!

Awesome! Can't wait :D

I've been going through a Dimmu Borgir phase lately... Can't... get... enough!

Honestly, I would sell my soul for modern-day remake of Planescape with all the content that "might have been" "should have been" or "wanted to have been" :D Alternatively, another game set in the Planescape universe would be wonderful, there is INFINITE potential for that universe. I don't think I'd want a Planescape 2 as such though. But I'd trust you guys to know what's best and make another legendary classic <3

First off, I'd like to draw your attention to the timestamp of my edit: This post has been edited by WulfenMortys: Yesterday, 01:05 AM Secondly, I'd like to draw your attention to the time you quoted me: Dungeon Siege 3 is the best hack n slash ever ... in your opinion. Is there a man at your home with a gun to head right now? Do you need me to call the popo? Approximately six hours AFTER I edited it. You, sir, are a hypocrite and troll of note.

Read the previous post where I quoted that exact same line. Again, I ask you: did I call it the "BEST" hack-and-slash ever or the most ENTHRALLING. Pay close attention to the words and where all of this went wrong will dawn on you, I'm sure.

How can a subjective truth be wrong? It can be wrong from a different subjective point of view. You think it is the best ARPG ever and I don't. I hope you guys understand almost all of what I post is subjective. I tend to think it is implied ... I do not think my opinions are cold hard facts. Well, isn't that where all of this has gone slightly awry? You've misinterpreted my post where I called it the most enthralling hack-and-slash game I've ever played and by far the most enjoyable because it catered to parts of what made both cRPG and hack-and-slash worlds appealing. Is it the best of either sub-genre? No, because it's neither the pinnacle of either. You are not only making a mountain out of a molehill but a mountain out a molehill (read: straw-man) you built yourself. Edit: Saying "I think this is the best hack n slash ever" is not wrong. The key words, "I think," are important. Obviously there is something about these words that confuses you, whether it is because you are ignorant, not very good at English, or both. You are at best a very persistent crusader against things other people like but you don't and at worst a very sly troll. I'm getting this stark impression as well.

Dungeon Siege 3 is the best hack n slash ever ... in your opinion. Is there a man at your home with a gun to head right now? Do you need me to call the popo? Also, quoting you, did I ever say it wast the "best" hack-and-slash ever or the most ENTHRALLING? I kind of get the feeling you're confusing me with: Edit: Actually, scratch that last bit, he posted after you quoted me.

How can a subjective truth be wrong?

Oh, sorry, you're talking to me? I didn't realise Well, I've made it clear from the onset that I don't like the hack-and-slash sub-genre of RPGs (I find it tedious, mundane, repetitive, monotonous and flat-out boring): I completely understand that hardcore cRPG fans will find fault with DS3, I also completely understand that hardcore hack-and-slash fans will find fault with DS3. That was my point--it's an attempt at pleasing too many people at once (spreading themselves too thin) and thus not pleasing anyone at all. However, some of us see past it and see how much went into it and that's what makes it stand out--that it is a genre that we probably never would've even looked at had Obsidian not developed it. I've played and owned all the Diablo games, I've played and own Titan Quest, Sacred, that ghastly Silverfall game amongst others. The problem isn't with my taste in hack-and-slash games so much as the fact that they just hold absolutely zero appeal to me. The fact that I own so many of them attests to the fact that I have TRIED liking them and failed. I consider myself an RPG gamer first and foremost because of the depth and non-linearity involved. It feels a lot like reading a book but instead of reading another's story, you shape a story around yourself. There are, of course, linear games that I play to enjoy the stories of as well as certain mechanics implemented. However, the hack-and-slash sub-genre of RPGs is nothing but bland. I completely understand and appreciate that there are people who play and enjoy those kinds of games, I also understand that there is money in those kinds of games (hell, look at WoW) and I have no problem with people who like those kinds of games. The fact of the matter is simply that I don't. So when I say that DS3 is the best hack-and-slash game I've ever played, it is said as an opinion, as a matter of subjectivity and relies, heavily, on the reader to use their comprehension to understand that it is the first hack-and-slash game that has ever successfully appealed to me as an individual who is primarily attracted to story-driven games.

I would actually be quite happy to be a kind of subscriber to Obsidian, paying a monthly fee, getting exclusive "Thanks for supporting us" goodies every so often, DLC, whatever if it helps them stay independent and do what they love. I would be quite happy knowing that I can contribute to a developer I love on a more regular basis if it means they always make games that THEY love to make. Maybe I'm just odd? *shrug* Troika became legends and their games will be remembered forever. When GOG upped their games, I was happy to buy them all over again. I hope that, at some point, they up ol' Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines so that I can once again support it. Unfortunately I believe Activision (the devil incarnate) own that IP and are unlikely to ever allow it to go DRM-free. Troika were a fantastic developer and, as I said, too great for their time. I firmly believe that if they had to come back, it would be as a phoenix rising from the ashes--one helluva sight to behold. Regardless, I do, fully, agree with you--even DS3 with all its consolisation remains a far more enthralling experience than ANY hack-and-slash game ever, because it had a really, incredibly talented developer design it. If I said this anywhere else, I'm sure that I would be royally flamed, but Obsidian is a better RPG developer than BioWare and a VASTLY better RPG developer than Bethesda (seriously, have Bethesda ever actually made a single REAL RPG, or just an action adventure romp with a few hack-and-slash RPG mechanics while offering no tangible choices, consequences, etc? Think about it. The best thing that happened to the Fallout franchise since its revival is when Obsidian worked on New Vegas). BioWare just has better marketing, but they sold their souls to EA and it's been starting to show quite a bit recently. Obsidian needs to remain as independent as they possibly can, and I would love to do anything in my power to keep them that way. Also, if I ever win the lottery (seriously), I'm going to come knocking on Obsidian's door and ask if I can help them make the games they want to make. I honestly wish Obsidian the best and I never, ever, want to have happen to them what happened to Troika. But I truly, honestly wish that they would go back to their roots. Even small developers like Piranha Bytes have their fame and loyal cult followers, even a game as "hardcore" (I hate using that word) as the first Witcher game, made by a completely unknown developer at the time, became famous because it stuck to what it believed in--they didn't try to please ANYONE but themselves. I kind of wish I could just give Obsidian a hug and tell them that they have some really die-hard fans out there, that we love their games but we know that there's the mother of all gems just waiting to be put together that will show the world what a REAL developer can do. Obsidian, the devs who gave me a character like Kreia, none have matched some of the experiences you've given me over the years (Planescape & KotOR2, specifically). Remember what made you GREAT! It's time for a revolution, kids

Thank you very much Not at all :3 Remakes of Planescape (Black Isle) and Arcanum are two games I would go utterly nuts for. Planescape's world and lore, especially, had so much potential for sequels, stories or new adventures based on it all. Planescape is my all-time favourite game and occasionally I still feel nostalgic and a little sad when I think of it and the Nameless Hero's story <--- certified goof True, true. Which is exactly why I feel a developer should be true to themselves and their own vision; that they should first please themselves before trying to please others. There are a multitude of examples of games gaining scores of fans by sticking to their guns (most recently, The Witcher 2); basically letting the market come to them, rather than trying to approach the market. Imagine if some of the greatest authors (Pratchett, Gaiman, Rowling, Gibson, etc) tried to write what people wanted instead of what they envisioned. It would be a copy-paste smattering of monotony. It would be the equivalent of Mills & Boone--the same base story but just different characters. (I don't read Mills & Boon, just to clarify <.< I do, however, have a mom who's quite fond of them ) It's like I just want to tell Obsidian that the kids who were their fans back when they worked for other companies have grown up, we can finally support your games to the fullest so please, come back to us and show the new generation of gamers what made the 90's and early 00's so great :D

hehe... And this is where what I said in the opening post becomes relevant: you can please some people some of the time but you can't please everyone all of the time. DS3 is definitely a hybrid between cRPG and hack-and-slash. I actually don't know what I would've done differently... I suppose I would've preferred a full-blown cRPG with co-op or a fullblown hack-and-slash with story but yeah, the hybridisation is very bitter-sweet although, over-all, as someone who was never a big fan of hack-and-slash, I enjoyed it. *nod* *nod* Feeling is mutual

Funny that you mention that and that's actually a really good point. The one sub-genre of RPG I've never been able to stand (hack-and-slash) they've managed to wow me with (Dungeon Siege III). They're an insanely gifted developer. However, while I enjoyed all of those games, some of them felt sot of... half-baked. As though they wanted to do more but settled for "okay."

Totally agreed. I still remember the er... flamboyant pirate in Temple of Elemental Evil. Awesome character :3 I have no problem with multi-platform games, quite the opposite in fact. I believe that the more people a game (especially a good one) can reach the better. My problem is when games are simplified to the point where it's a hair's breadth from automating everything for you; or when developers use underhanded tactics to give the illusion of choice when there really isn't. Or ambiguous three-word dialogue options that don't really give clear indication of what your character will say. But this thread wasn't really about that. More that I see Obsidian, a fantastic developer, trying to emulate those tactics to appeal to a bigger market. It's like asking Picasso to draw a stick-figure or Beethoven to whistle: brilliance cannot be simplified without offending the brilliant and the simple (there is no middle-ground).

Okay, so not so much an open letter as a forum post directed primarily at the developers, but bear with me. I fell in love with Obsidian the moment I played Knights of the Old Republic 2, basically from the moment I met Kreia. I realised that here is a developer who knows how to make a character feel real, feel alive and above all, important to you. I loved Black Isle and, to my knowledge, I own every game ever released by them. Similarly, I'm proud to say that I own every game ever released by Obsidian and although I have been a little disappointed by certain aspects of Alpha Protocol and Dungeon Siege III, there isn't a game released by Obsidian which I haven't fallen in love with. You have some of the most brilliant writers, programmers and artists working for you and I see you as visionaries teeming with ambition and creativity. Dungeon Siege III is yet another Obsidian game that I was unable to put down until I'd finished it. I played it in co-op with my other half and we fell in love with it. It was a rough start--the co-op camera that forces both characters to be on the same screen drove us mad with irritation and frustration but we loved it. We played as Anjali and Reinhart and we were drawn in by both characters. I feel that Reinhart had a rather unfortunate last-minute voice-actor but you can't always have everything. There is one thing I can say about every Obsidian game I've ever played and that is that your games always feel as though a lot of passion went into them: sometimes chaotic but always masterful. While playing Alpha Protocol and, especially after playing Dungeon Siege III I find myself wondering if the old adage of "You can please some people some of the time but you can't please everyone all of the time" isn't relevant. I say this because it feels as though you are spreading yourselves too thin, trying to please too many markets simultaneously only to result in upsetting them all to one extent or another. I wish that you would first try to please yourselves, make a game that YOU want to make, that YOU want to play and let the gamers flock to you. You are by far the most creative and ambitious and passionate developer out there. I keep wanting to relate you to Troika, a developer that lives on in my game collection and in my heart and will always be remembered by me as being too great for its time. However, I feel that in just making that comparison I'd be jinxing you. Regardless, Troika made games that they loved (at least that is what I believe), they had their hurdles and their issues but they made games that were unlike any other, that had characters you would never forget, worlds you'd always wish would come back. Even their "worst" game, Temple of Elemental Evil, found its fame and its own cult-following who love it. I am a disillusioned gamer, tired of unimaginative worlds, simplified gameplay, lifeless characters and bland, simple worlds. Tired of so-called "RPGs" without tangible choices and consequences that hope the player buys into the illusion of their "choices" having any real impact. To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm trying to say to you... I just want you to be the developer you want to be, to be true to yourselves because I don't believe that you are being who you want to be, making the games you want to make. I want to see you develop the next Dungeon Siege game, I want to see you develop the next Fallout game. I want to see whatever other games you've imagined take life and knock the socks off the naysayers. But I don't believe you'll ever do that unless you first make the games you want to make. Until then, I worry that you'll live in the shadows of other developers. Long ago, my other half and I promised ourselves that we will always support your games from the start, that we will always pre-order them and that they will always be day-one purchases. Maybe I'm crazy (and I've been called worse) but I know that you can do better and be better. I suppose what I've been trying to say is... Never lose faith in yourselves and remember that your fans will always stand by you. So reach for the bloody skies so that regardless of the future, you will be immortalised by your legacy. Thank you for all the games you've made, I look forward to seeing what you guys have in store for the future

It's the damn co-op camera that gets me... Can't see mobs in front of you, occasionally get cornered and stuck, get completely disoriented in combat when co-op partner runs around to get a better vantage... Seriously, I could cry...

Indeed. The frustrating thing is that I'm loving the gameplay but holy hell in a handbasket what they were thinking with the co-op camera is beyond me. During combat, if partner moves to better position themselves to attack mobs, you lose your "centre" and become confused as to where you are in relation to the camera's position. It's so, so, so frustrating... Honestly, as much as I am enjoying (read: loving) the gameplay, story and characters the camera just ruins the experience. I will always support Obsidian, they're one of my absolute favourite devs which is exactly why this stupid camera is just so disappointing... How did this get through Quality Assurance?

Oooh yeah... I bought DS3 (PC) for the co-op but... my word... that fixed-character camera is going to make me tear my eyes out. If I want to go forward and my co-op partner wants to go back to check if we got all the treasure... *TWANG* the rope that binds us reaches its limit and neither of us can go any further until one of us is closer. I have no idea who thought this was a good idea, ESPECIALLY for online co-op but he should receive a firm talking-to >.<' Personally, I love Obisidan's games and I support them all on release but what the hell, guys? *sad panda* Please remedy this in a future update, please?

I don't personally mind achievements. I think some might make a certain aspects to a game more frustrating than they're worth but they do give a certain air of accomplishment once you get them. Also, sometimes the harder-to-get ones give an incentive to try (especially if friends have them) and in a bizarre way add to the longevity of a game. But yeah, they're nice if you want them and you can just as easily ignore them if you don't :3

Artbook and fluffy toy = win

GIEFS GAME TO ME NAO! I mean, really. Who needs voice-overs? You can add them in later! I'm not picky! It'll add replay value! I'll be fine with subtitles! Who do I have to sleep with to get more juicy details about DS3? Obsidiaaaaaaan! Stop torturing me!!! Pratchett has been quoted as saying, "Multiple exclamation marks are a sure sign of a diseased mind." Are you going to wilfully permit one of your loyal, devoted, loving fans to... to... use multiple exclamation marks?! Surely not! Such a travesty is unheard of! Insane! Ridiculous! So where's the local information portal? I need my fix and I need it now! Thankyouverymuch /bows Edit: Oh... Right, and while I'm at it--can we expect a collector's edition?