.. Thx for
Wizardry for Apple II (1981) is perhaps the most influential of the early sandbox-style computer RPG games. There was no plot to speak of, but the gameplay mechanics were revolutionary compared to earlier computer adventure games. I got a serious nostalgia overload while watching a youtube clip of the gameplay.
The almost complete lack of a plot was an integral part of the charm of this game. There were no walk-throughs available at the time and every new encounter with a new monster sent my blood rushing through the veins. Like a drug addict, I find myself looking for that same buzz on all the new games I try, but somehow it is precisely all the bells and whistles that make them a bit too predictable for me. Somehow a lot of the modern games seem like a scripted rides through the ghost train. A tutorial level makes me feel like I’m at a driving school, not in some faraway imaginary world.
Shadow of the Colossus and We Love Katamari are great examples of the kind of games that provide a background setting and sandbox-style environment to explore, but still leave a lot of room for the imagination of the player. I wish there were more games like that available. For me, a true sense of curiosity and discovery is a really essential element of an immersive gameplay experience. I’d be happy to hear any recommendations of modern PC game titles to try out and satisfy the explorer in me.
Posted by api at 11:20 - No Comments »