Nonek

Personally i've always been far more invested in turn based systems than the average joe (I suspect,) two hit points away from oblivion, wondering whether that attack of opportunity will breach my armour class. That edge of the seat nervousness, leading to furious obscenity or relieved hilarity has always been for me the very definition of having fun in combat. Meld this with the ability to develop new tactics, and in depth knowledge of your characters strengths and weaknesses, and i'm caught, hook, line and sinker. Then again a fine real time combat system such as Severance can be equally as rewarding, when every blow counts, your chosen characters are unique and their methods of attack and weapons each have their own pro's and cons. Even more importantly for me however are smart, challenging and unique foes. Whom I have to be wary of, and adapt my tactics to cater to rather than just follow a set pattern off the usual menu. Throw endless waves of fodder at me that are too easily dispatched and all too easily forgotten, with the odd exception having a bloated skin of hit points to grind through, and i'm bored senseless.

It wasn't just the areas of Orzammar that were superior to me, but the fact that Criers stood on the street corners, many dwarven phrases were used during conversations and there was a lively vibrant society represented independent of the protagonist. The culture of the dwarves was well represented, and distinctive whereas the rest of Dragon Age was, for all intents and purposes the usual rennaisance fair simulation, without any distinct cultural mores being shown only told of in the journal. The Qunari and dwarven nations were the only things that really intrigued me within the entire setting, the fade might have been interesting if if was more than just a blurry set of levels, but it didn't take advantage of the premise and so like the rest was fun for a while but in the end dull piffle.

I'm fine with the usual Obsidian npc's, potent and distinctive characters who have a logical reason for following the protagonist, and reasonable goals based on their backstory. Boone, Kreia, Daakon etcetera. This is not an area I worry about, Obsidian have the best characters in the business, and positively seem to shy away from the lifeless one liner spewing caricatures of other developers. Compare the porno pirate girl of Dragon Age 2, bound for no good reason to the protagonist for years, neither doing anything or showing any initiative, to the slow manipulations and interventions of Kreia throughout the Sith Lords. I'm as usual almost giddy at the thought of meeting the cast of Eternity, whether in mechanics or narrative I know they'll be pleasingly awesome.

Torment should remain untouched as the gem that it is (I wouldn't even want a supposedly enhanced edition re Baldurs Gate to be released,) but a stylistically exuberant, philosophically thought provoking and deeply personal games made by the Black Isle/AD&D stalwarts is something that i'd kickstart without hesitation. Following the release of Wasteland/Eternity might be an ideal time for such a project to gain funding and notice, though one has to pity Mr Avellones writing arm faced with such herculean labours.

Personally I prefer more intricate detailing such as the above fine examples in this thread and its previous incarnations, enamelling, carvings and more subtle designs that add to the piece without limiting its utility whether through weight or the the limiting of freedom of movement. If you can't use those spike in battle then they are just unnecessary added weight, fine for ceremonial and parade armour but ridiculous to use in the heat of battle, when you need as much protection as possible at the lightest weight, and as much freedom of movement at all times. I suppose it's a matter of taste, personally i'd prefer something subtle rather than ostentatious and hindering. For fantasy to make sense it needs to be grounded in the mundane, otherwise there is no point of reference for anything and the fourth wall becomes all too apparent, spoiling our belief in the otherworld.

Anthony Beevor, or on a more fantastic note perhaps Michael Moormalechicken.

So long as it's not the adolescent Joss Whedon-esque humour used in Dragon Age 2 and others then i'm fine with it, that painfully infantile supposed "wit" really needs exterminating in a blast furnace. I believe it's called "snarky."

Thinking about it the enhanced edition of Assassins of Kings is probably the standout for myself in 2012 as well, nothing really stood out as vividly or immersed me so completely in terms of the lore, characters, subtleties and choices offered.

The God in the Cup: Somewhat of a trickster deity born from the discovery and consumption of alcohol, his/her remit includes revelry, lust, fertility, inspiration and the health that comes from using alcohol to purify water. A very ancient and pervasive being who might actually look kindly upon the drunkard, and whose worship though frowned upon as rude and uncouth by the more moralistic and city born, is heartily embraced by country folk. Beer/cider/mead/wine blessed in his name is proof against poison and is commonly used at sowing time to annoint the fields and wish them strength and vigour as they grow. A more natural Dionysus.

Ideally i'd like the elves to be non existent, much prefer different cultures, races and creeds of humanity.

One has found that chopping people up with axes in reality leads to a certain amount of disgruntlement, thus the need for escapist virtual homicide. Joking aside, for oneself it's probably a certain desire for escapism, necessitated by disillusion or perhaps boredom with the modern world. Life sometimes seems a little too easy and regimented, then again "may you live in interesting times" and all that.

Looking at the Celtic illustrations I wouldn't really mind if there were Glenfathan runes/tattoo's of warding or somesuch that protected the body like armour, though dispellable perhaps, like when Arnie storms Thulsa Dhooms lair in Conan the Barbarian. Something that's not in any way as good as stout plate harness but has the advantages of aiding stealth and being not so expensive, the poor barbarians choice I suppose when he can only afford an old padded vest or whatever as protection.

Which reminds me I thought the "beat with the ugly stick" trait in Arcanum was quite fun, nice mechanical advantages and disadvantages. Only work if we have seperate charisma and beauty stats however.

Never minded the companion timed quests in BG2, thought they were well handled in the main. I suppose you could have the big quests only activating once certain other objectives have been completed, like dispelling the eternal battleground in the Witcher 2 essentially opening up the endgame of chapter 2, before which you're free to come and go as you wish. Or you could have certain quests and dungeons only be attempted once, and if you fail or retreat there are consequences and potentially other questlines open.

I really liked the tutorial in Temple of Elemental Evil, sometimes boot it up now and again just for fun. Would be fun to meet tutorial guy later as an npc or companion.

Never was much of a fan of Dragons Lair.

For more nuanced antagonists try Fallout, Torment, Arcanum, the Sith Lords, Mask of the Betrayer, Alpha Protocol, New Vegas and Dungeon Siege 3. They're all made by the folks at Obsidian, so I personally have no fears regarding this issue. Indeed when they did present such antagonists in the persons of the King of Shadows and Darth Nihlus, they were still a far step away from what you describe. The King of Shadows was the perverted guardian of a long dead empire still trying to fulfill his now twisted purpose, while Nihlus was a pathetic addict, easily betrayed and outplayed by his former master.

The protagonist witnessed a life changing nay world shattering event, some fool poured the milk before the tea, and thus was wiped from existence by the gods. Rightly bloody so.

It's not that bad.

As a sideline venture they can pursue a career as a bouncy castle?

Maybe they could have specific enemies, for instance when approaching the sea they could be assaulted by peaceful Druids trying to roll them into the waves, or angry one legged sailors weilding harpoons when they have naval adventures?

I didn't realise that the Little Britains Got Talent television program was so popular as to have a community.

I'd agree that the humanocentric focus of Dragon Age 3 is a mistake, Both Ferelden and the Free Marches were not shown to have any interesting cultural significance, though told by the journal we were not shown any degree of Ferelden cultural uniqueness, which stood out all the more obviously when put in contrast against the fascinating Dwarven and Qunari species. Then again this is probably forced upon them by player feedback and their "cinematic" approach trumping gameplay or features, and considering the highly acclaimed response to the Mass Effect trilogy who can blame them. I doubt EA would peremptorily close all of their Bioware studios, if in decline they will slowly be whittled down and die out like all the other studios that the publisher has closed down over the years.

Erm wouldn't the old Buff coat be gaining popularity around this time period?

I'm afraid that I couldn't play something that looked like that, too childish in concept (that's not meant to be insultive, I just find that art style extremely unappealing) sorry. Most jrpg's i've played i've found to be quite adolescent and simplified, certainly not as nuanced or subtle as say Dead Money or Njal's Saga, they seem to prioritise style over substance. Only my opinion however, may be wrong.