Hellraiser789

The main plot is not just ending the epidemic but also finding out who you are (and more specifically, making what you can of an answer that doesn't fix everything for you). The companions and their quests are all thematically tied to that. KOTOR 2's best companion, in my opinion, was G0T0, who was not exactly critical to the plot, and I kind of feel like that game was Obsidian doing excellent work within Bioware's Jade Empire/KOTOR/DA:O formula for how to do companions. .....just curious, why did you like G0t0?

Note: Thanks for reading my other post Christliar! (and anyone else who did!) I know it was pretty long, and I wasn't necessarily saying you meant to imply any of that. I was just using examples from other RPGs I've played and meant to say it sounds like PoE companions are pretty much on par (or similar to) other RPGs I've played. (that's been my interpretation, at least.) Of course, I will agree that I think you make some good points, and I hope the devs use them to help make companions even better for future games. (Side note - do you like JRPGs? Some characters in those games can be really developed over time because JRPGs tend to have lots of party members who are consistently rotated in and out of your party. Some good ones I liked were Lost Odyssey, Last Story, and Enchanted Arms, but I'm getting off topic ) Yeah, I mean I kind of get what you mean. Haven't really gotten to see too much of the companions yet (real world won't let me put any time into the game lol) but from what I've read (on both sides) it seems like the companions could use a bit more reactivity and some more importance overall. I mean, they don't have to be like Kreia exactly - itd just be nice if each character brought a bit more to the table. I will admit, as much as I loved the BG2 characters, they could've been fleshed out more. Valygar, for instance, could've been so much better if the writers had developed his personality some more. Plus, as great as I felt the companions were, they didnt always have the clearest reason to join - sure they might want help with a quest or two, but as someone mentioned before (idk if it was this thread though) everyone got the standard "hey i hope you know I am going to be hunting a powerful mage" or "hey I need help looking for my sister...". And literally every single NPC was OK with that... I dont know. I would like to see them have some more impact than just soundboards to develop the Player's personality. I know someone said they like things left as open as possible so they can invent stories for themselves, but I dont really like doing that. I like when the characters have personalities of their own and can make choices for themselves (and the developers create them that way - I'm not creative enough for that ). Thats one of the reasons I like when companions disagree with you and can choose to leave or fight you. Adds more depth. And depth is always good. A general trend I've been seeing in games lately is that the PC can do no wrong - NPCs will stick with you, no matter how poorly you treat them. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Your choices should have meaning, and it should affect your relationships with other people, ESPECIALLY your companions, who spend so much time traveling with you. I dont know, I guess I can see both sides to this argument. I mean, not every single companion needs to advance the main quest, but it wouldnt hurt if they added a bit to it. I mean, that would add quite a bit to replay-ability, wouldnt it? If I missed out on potential dialogue options/quest solutions because I didnt have a particular character, wouldnt I want to make sure I had them next time? I think that would add quite a bit to the overall game, instead of just having them react to their personal quests and throw out a couple one-liners every so often. If every companion did this (at least to some extent) there would be no need to choose one specific companions to drag around all the time - you could choose from a number of them and still get more out of each companion. Basically I can agree that more companions and dialogue and companion depth wouldnt hurt. I'd love to see companions in future games be fleshed out to new levels that blow other RPGs away, personally....that'd be pretty sweet. Also, giving companions a better reason for sticking with you would be nice too. Some NPCs from BG made some sense (Viconia had nowhere else to turn, Valgar wanted to explore the world to get a better understanding of magic + himself, Sarevok had nothing else and wanted to see how you used your Bhaalspawn powers, Minsc and Jaheira wanted revenge, Yoshimo and Imoen because of Irenicus,etc). Others, however did not (Mazzy, Cernd, Keldorn, and Jan all had family to get back to, and really shouldnt be wandering after their respective quests were finished..., Anomen had proved himself and shouldve been serving with his order, Nalia shouldve been managing her keep and kingdom, etc). Others were just kinda neutral, (like Edwin who wanted a strong "minion" to follow his orders, Korgan who just wanted money, and Haer'Dalis who just interested in the Bhaalspawn, Aerie who wanted to explore the world (but shouldve gone back to the circus upon finding out how dangerous a Bhaalspawn's life could be...,etc). At some point though, I would think some of these people wouldve been like - hey Im out, this is too much for me. I mean, I can understand Jaheira and Minsc (who had seemingly traveled with you throughout BG1) because they've known you for a long time, but a lot of the others join up temporarily for a quest and end up staying throughout. If you actually develop a close friendship, that's one thing, but its kind of just assumed that they'll stick with you till the end. As much as I didn't personally like the DA method of measuring "friendship" with companions (ugh, gifts, seriously?), something should make them willing to help you and develop your friendship over time. In BG, it was usually just them chatting, which is fine, but something a little bit deeper would be nice too. I mean, sure, you saved Mazzy's life and avenged her friends, but does she owe you a life of debt because of it? Is Anomen's or Keldorn's duty to their order done after they complete their one assignment, freeing them to wander the world with you? Is Jan going to abandon his family in order to entertain you on your journey? At least in KotoR, the companions are mostly solo wanderers and loners with no real home themselves, and your ship and crew kind of become home for each of them (not necessarily with each other, sadly, but at least with the Main Character...). Not that companions shouldn't have their own backgrounds and stuff, but they really should build and develop the relationship with the main character more so that its clear that they actually have a reason to be with you as you fight countless horrors including (but not limited to) dragons, liches, drow, vampires, demons, and tons of other monsters from nightmares...(you even go to h*ll !!!). So yeah, not to dis the companions or anything - they seem great. I just think future RPGs (that want to be leaders in this genre) should really try to develop the companions more and capitalize on this area of party-based RPGs...(I'm fine with PoE, but it WAS a kickstarter, and should be considered a throwback to old games, hopefully sparking an CRPG revolution, but isnt going to necessarily introduce anything revolutionary itself...) Anyway, long post, again, but just my 2 cents.... PS: Thanks to anyone who actually reads my posts - I tend to have a lot to say when it comes to companions

Like I said (for like the 4th time now) all my examples for good companions are from games where you CAN kill or ignore companions entirely. Especially in MotB you can *eat* all your companions and they still are important. In KotOR2 you can play solo, but Kreia still interjects whenever something important happens through telepathy or in cutscenes (the dialogue with Mandalore for example) A counter to my own arguments: Planescape Torment is very well written, but the companions aren't involved in the main quest (with the possible exception being Morte) - that's because there really isn't a main quest to worry about rather than a vague "find out who you are" thing. They are drawn to you, because they see a kindred spirit in their suffering/torment. That works too, but can't be applied to PoE's companions. I think you might be wrong about Planescape - I'm pretty sure the main characters had quite a bit to do with the main plot, IIRC. Some spoilers, as I will be explaining the plots & character important to Planescape Torment, Knights of the Old Republic 2, and Baldur's Gate 2: TL:DR - KotoR2 and PoE are different types of games and have different styles. That's why they have different NPCs. Both are awesome games, but they are different. So.. sorry if you would've prefered a KotoR successor - this wasn't it.

Actually, I kind of like that. Make an image that is identifiable to each class, separately? That's kinda cool.... Don't know how much effort that would take for the art guys though - I think people would rather see them put out some new portraits, but class-specific (whether it be a weapon or whatever - just not a specific person) would be pretty neat. Also- Obsidian artists - good job! I think your portraits are great! So take some time to yourselves and don't overwork yourselves too much. We all love the work you do, so while we'd like to see more stuff don't feel like you need to pump these out like a machine - take your time and add some really nice ones . Awesome stuff overall so keep up the good work!

While I disagree that swearing needs to be removed, I think people should maybe actually read the OP's comments. Strange idea, no? Sure, the thread title is a bit misleading, but that's not what he actually meant. He just doesn't like swearing in his game, and he personally modded it out (for himself, not his kids). Better yet, you don't see him lobbying and forcing Obsidian to remove it; he did it himself. Now whether he removed it for personal preference or whatever is irrelevant - its his copy of the games and he's allowed to do whatever the h*** he wants. And don't start calling into question his child-bearing techniques - thats none of your business (plus, he mentioned that it WASNT actually for his kids, it was for HIM). So props to you OP - thanks for not making a big deal about it and taking some actual action yourself so you can enjoy the game more. Y'know, instead of whipping up a mob of people to do it for you. Good job.

Maybe try Lichdom:Battlemage? I dont know if thats what your looking for, but it seemed like a game thats literally all about the spells last time I looked into it... Also, I thought it would be great to have party-based Skyrim, although it wouldve ended up more like KotoR, ME, or DA:O rather than BG or IWD, so Im pretty happy they went with the IE style. Plus theres DA:I and the Witcher for that open world stuff.

I'd like to see some more godlikes as well, especially ones like this: More Aumaua and Orlan would be nice as well.

I don't think you are required to be unarmed as a monk...you just get bonuses for fist fighting if thats what you choose to use, but I think your abilities and stuff still work with weapons. Could be wrong though, I haven't checked. Although that just makes them into retaliators whos focus on taking damage to fuel damage (which is a cool concept I guess.) Although I also didnt like them in BG2 and don't really see a need for them in D&D as a whoie, I don't think I mind them in PoE. I can go either way though really.

Maybe because they are actually human beings and not mindless, game-making robots here for your own enjoyment....?

Gotta say, I liked the original better, but I think this new one fits pretty well too. And I find it very funny how he refers to his own poem being misinterpreted. Gotta give him props, personally. Lol. O well. They'll still get my money - I just think its a shame to force everyone to remove it. I also agree they should've at least mentioned something, I could see their reasoning and understand it. Instead, its just left up to idle speculation and that's never good. O well, it their business + game - they've got every right to pull it if they so choose.

I don't absolutely HATE her.... I just find her extremely annoying. After one playthrough, it became...painful to have her around. And don't even get me started about Aerie in ToB...But yeah, it did suck that combat-wise she was so useful, but character-wise just....annoying. Still, I can't say they didnt explore her background or story at all (compared to BG1, at least). But yeah, Viconia and Aerie cannot be compared. Viconia was easily one of my favorite characters (and my favorite to romance ) although I liked Jaheira too. But Aerie? ...yeah not so much. O and anybody who says "this is cliche" or "I've done something similar a million times before...", keep in mind that lots of stories are basically the same thing just told in a different light. Generally something like this: (I'll use BG and DA:O as examples) - Protagonist A is a normal, plain person minding their own business. (Life in Candlekeep / Origin Story) - some event happens to said protagonist, causing them to have to leave their home, go on a journey, etc (Gorion wants to leave / Recruited by Duncan) - they suffer a defeat and have to find a way to become stronger, etc (Armored Figure (Sarevok) who kills Gorion (your father) / Wardens are all killed) - there's an over-arching villain or enemy they have to face (Sarevok / Darkspawn Horde + Archedemon) - they find out for some reason or another they are special (Dream + Child of Bhaal / Last Grey Warden) - problems happen, they deal with it to complete their journey and helps reinforce the cause (People Sarevok sends after you / Logan's assassins and the incoming Darkspawn horde) - final showdown with villain. Hero wins, everyone is happy! Yay! (vs Sarevok / vs Archedemon) Basically follows Joseph Campbell's monomyth or the hero's journey, which is a basic pattern that is found in many narrative from around the world and often used in literature and writing. Might not be explained the best, but if your interested here's more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth#The_Hero.27s_Journey

I wonder if the ideal isn't more like choosing in conversation what a companion's two primary stats and some of the skills are. Something like this: Eder: Eder grins. "And that's when we sprung our little surprise." 1: "You had hidden the mines in the ditches before you retreated." (Eder: INT as primary stat) 2: "Your people were just faking being broken and ambushed them as they pursued you" (Eder: RES as primary stat) 3: "You noticed that their heavy armor would just bog them down in the heavy terrain" (Eder: DEX or perhaps PER as primary stat) Etc... The game would actually give between 15-18 to the primary stats. This would give you more control than what's happening now, but you still wouldn't be able (and expect yourself to) munchkin your companions without cheating or mods. I think that'd actually be really cool...would be a LOT of effort, but personally I think it'd be cool to see in a game. Maybe not this one though (its too late to change it at this point, I'd say.)

There's a big caveat here: you're comparing two different builds. In other words, you're assuming the Aumaua build has a Might score that's two points (3 points?!) higher than the Hearth Orlan. That's an apples and oranges comparison. Your calculations are no different than comparing a 18 Might Human to a 16 Might human. Or a 6 Might human to a 4 Might human. Yes, a 2 point difference in Might is a 6% damage difference--this information is not a revelation. If your build has them both at 17 Might (after all racials and culture have been applied), then the only benefit of Aumaua is "anti stun/anti knockdown" or "extra weapon set". Which is strictly worse DPS than +10% hits to crits. Not every build will have max Might. If your build is about Deflection, or attack speed, or duration and AOE, or health--if it doesn't have max Might--then the Aumaua racials don't even move the needle (from a pure DPS perspective). Edit: Changed my mind. You were right. The poster you responded to said Aumauas are strictly better - that's NOT necessarily true, as you pointed out. My bad. Completely unrelated - does anyone know if Barbarian's Carnage attacks apply to ranged weaponry?

When did I ever say I wasn't enjoying the game? And you seem to have a misconception of why people complain. Most of them aren't trying to achieve anything outside of themselves, it's a natural response to frustration when they feel alone with a problem. Why do you expect people not to complain? Because that's the only jump I can take for how reactive you are to the mere concept. On the topic of what would help, first off, don't tell them to stop doing what they're doing and that they're not accomplishing anything. Be civil and maybe swallow your self image and imagine why they're unhappy before attacking them for it. I think it's unreasonable to assume they're arriving here with the idea that their complaints are going to fix everything. They're coming here because this is one of the only places they know they can. And yes the internet sucks. Terribly. But again, they're not coming here with the concept that, 'well let's go to the internet and see what they have to say!' They're coming here because it's the official forums. Yes there are trolls showing up as well, but carrying that suspicion around to every interaction is no better than being one yourself. One of the reasons the internet sucks as much as it does, is that people seem unable to approach complaints without the need to educate the person on why they shouldn't be complaining. This would be fine and well if everyone knew how to approach such a situation, knew how to communicate properly to pass on information when the other side is emotional or being told they're wrong. But the greater majority of us don't. It usually starts at condescending and just turns into insulting. So, what should people do? Make less assumptions about a person who's made a complaint. Realise that in most cases, it was purely personal that they need to say something in this forum. And realise that in most cases, you don't need to respond to them unless you have a solution. One thing that isn't a solution is telling them that they don't understand something or they don't have a grasp of how fortunate they are. The most important thing though, don't use them as a punching bag for your own self righteousness on being content. Entitlement can very well be an issue, but you're making a mistake lumping together emotional responses from hundreds of people and lumping them all together as a single entitled whole. They're alone on the other side and they feel more alone than they usually do because of their issue with this game. If you don't know what helping them would amount to, then maybe you should take that as a cue to not involve yourself. Valid point. I tend to be rather unemotional and have a hard time relating to that I suppose. I generally don't go to the internet to find solace or solve my problems. Maybe I've been on here too long reading about complaints and problems with the game and how people are never satisfied and nothing is good enough for people (not saying anyone is doing that here, but in other threads and places, perhaps). Maybe I'm taking my real life problems out on other over the internet. I don't know. Obviously I'm not being helpful, and I can't honestly say I was trying to be. So maybe I'm just an a**. Maybe I need to get some sleep. I apologize for upsetting you if I have. Apparently I wasn't considering your feelings and let my own selfish thoughts get the best of me. Who knows? Regardless, I'm out. Hopefully someone can solve your problems or make you feel appreciated or something. (or whatever you're looking for, if you're looking for anything at all.) Have a good day!

So what's your reasoning as to why they would release the game with bugs? Do you really think they are that stupid that they'd risk their reputation like that? Do you think that they just said "aw to h*** with it, we'll just release it with bugs and be done."? Like, what logical, rational, reason could they have to not releasing it a month from now, completely (or mostly) bug free. Tell me why if you're such an expert? Because they can "get away with it?" How? Rather, it just forces them to be in a mad rush to get the bugs fixed ASAP so they can appease their fanbase. I can't think of one good reason they would chose to release it, knowing they'd have a buggy release, unless they couldn't help it. Here's my list of possibilities. Let me know if you think of any: a) Budget - they ran out of cash and needed the new income. Seems likely, especially since they already delayed it earlier in the year (if they were willing to do it once, why not again, if it makes the game better and they have the resources? Simple. They probably didn't have the resources. b) Their testers (the QA guys) are just terrible and Obsidian really needs to invest in new testers because they've been consistently bad. And any business as large and successful as Obsidian knows that bad testers should be rehired to do another bad performance, right? Cause that just makes sense. c) Somebody got lazy or missed something major, unintentionally. These things happen. Its human nature to make mistakes. How we fix them is what is important. Plus, as you mentioned, if EVERYONE simply MUST have these bugs just like you, but they are simply too unobservant or simply not as smart as you or some other BS, how can you possible expect a professional to find the bugs that got past thousands, if not millions, of people? That just sounds unreasonable to me. d) Obsidian just doesn't care. Which I highly doubt. As you mentioned, from a business perspective, it makes no sense to just release it for no good reason. So there has to be a reason. So which is it? Does Obsidian hate their fans? Was it a mistake? Are they incompetent? Or do you have some other solution? Maybe I'm just not observant enough or too stupid to realize it, so please enlighten me. Since you're an expert and all.