Just finished this for the first time (~50 hours). I don't think I've ever encountered a more philosophically intriguing story. The morality was generally less inspired since it all traces back to a well-known alignment system. As far as overall stories go, I don't think I've ever been so fascinated outside of the Mass Effect trilogy.Truly an outstanding game for the thinking anon. Thanks for the recommendation, /v/.
>>748989725The alignment stuff is still fun because of the way it ties into the structure of the outer planes in great wheel cosmology. The factions of Sigil far more philosophically nebulous deliberately. I like how that and the Lady of Pain keeping powers out of Sigil creates sort of separation between the mortal and immortal.
*burp*COME ON, MORTE!
>>748992437Yes, moral alignment as a function of the Great Wheel/planar separations certainly worked. It helps tell a great story about the endless Blood War, as well as Trias's pain and betrayal. It makes for fun interactions as well between the various races and factions. I did not mean to suggest it was anything other than well done. It gives a very nice texture to the underlying philosophical and narrative intrigue that keeps you playing.Totally agree that Sigil is fascinating and that its mysteries are far from exhausted keeps it a very interesting locale. I thought the entire time that there would be an ultimate reckoning with the Lady of Pain, so to keep her mostly out of the story is another choice that worked out really well to keep the fascination with Sigil alive.The only thing I wish we could have gotten a little more time with was the end. I tried basically all the endings, and found my original inclination - merger - the most satisfying. Even then, however, I wish we could have shared more words with these lifelong companions who gave so much of themselves to help The Named One find himself. I really wanted to discuss the implications of the Practical TNO's forgery of the Unbroken Circle with Dak'kon, and how he would choose to move forward with his beliefs as a free man.Also, Grace is so sexy.I can't believe a sequel has never been made! At least a spiritual one. Then again, I'm not super familiar with CRPGs. This is only the second one I've played through after BG3.
>>748992990>I can't believe a sequel has never been made!It's a really hard setting to wrangle because it's so metaphysical and has so many moving parts. It also doesn't have the immediate broad cultural resonance and appeal that elves, dwarves, dragons and castles does. If you haven't yet you should play Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer. Base NWN2 is fine if rather unremarkable, but it's expansion MotB is excellent and thoughtful.
>>748993426Thanks, I'll have to do that. I figured I might as well work through Chris Avellone's projects after playing this lol. I'm pleased to see he's been involved in so many celebrated games.The base NW2 game is strongly reviewed. I imagine I should play through it before doing the expansion? Interesting that it's as well-received as Planescape despite likely being an inferior story (according to your judgment, which I don't doubt).
>>748989725this game doesn't take 50 hours. i think you are afk nodding off
>>748993820haha nah, I just tend to be meticulous. I comb every nook and cranny for interactions, and I talk to people multiple times to try and exhaust all dialogue branches. I'll revisit NPCs after major events as well to see if anything has changed. I constantly question my companions. all that kind of stuff adds upmy BG3 playthrough took over 180 hours
>>748993585>I imagine I should play through it before doing the expansion?Sure. It works well as a prelude. If nothing else. And again it's not bad, its writing is just unremarkable. For most people PST suffers in being a pre-BG2 Infinity Engine game when Black Isle were still figuring how the combat and mechanics should work out.
>>748989725>I don't think I've ever encountered a more philosophically intriguing story.Check out pic related. A masterpiece of philosophical writing. (gameplay is outdated and kinda sucks)
>>748994069yeah, the combat in Planescape is tedious, even after unlocking god-tier spells. the pathfinding was rage-inducing in the Fortress of Regrets. the beauty is almost completely within the writing. the music was also quite good, if spare.oh, and the loot management was frankly horridthanks for the tip on NW2. if you have time, I'd be very happy to take any other RPG recommendations you can make under consideration
>>748994276awesome, thank you, anon. I actually came across this before I started Planescape. very much appreciate you stirring my memory.
>>748994283MotB was the main RPG I wanted to point out on the strength of the writing. There are other good Crpgs but, usually the writing isn't as standout.
>>748994669I'm sure it'll keep me busy. took me around a month to get through Planescape. I'm the equivalent of a "wine sipper" when it comes to gamingthanks again, anon. hope you have a nice rest of your weekend
Did you find and speak with the blind archer? He's pretty hard to find.
>>748994902no, I missed it! I only heard about him from Morte and Dak'kon before going through the portal. I imagine he's somewhere in the antechamber?
>>748995559He's on the bottom floor of the Mortuary. You can Stories-Bones-Tell him after you've learned about him and his name.It's also kinda interesting to go back and reread all the Sensorium and Yves stories now knowing they're almost all about The Nameless One's previous incarnations.
UPDATED MY JOURNAL
>>748989725I like Annah
>>748997541the combination of her acting like a 15 year old, having a tale, and a brash scottish accent was too much for me. also kinda useless beyond the first stealth backstab
>To your surprise, there's one more line. One that Morte didn't read to you in the mortuary.>"Don't trust the skull"
>>748993426I loved MotB but I was dissatisfied with the endingThere should have been a way to dismantle the wall of the faithless, even if it has catastrophic consequences
>>748997673fucking kino moment. made me paranoid af
>>748997664
>>748997808what an angry little elf
No matter what people say, KotOR 2 is NOT the same as Planescape: TormentKreia is not RavelNordom is not HK-47Annah is not MiraAtton is not MorteFall-from-Grace is not Visas Marrand Dak'kon is not Bao-Dur
>>748997976so which 1 is better
>>748989725>I don't think I've ever encountered a more philosophically intriguing storyJust play Disco Elysium already, you pretentious faggot
>>748999643DE's story was incredibly basic, it's the presentation and meshing with gameplay elements that made it kino.
Updated Myfitnesspal
>>748999643I played it for around 3-4 hours; it didn't grip me. I might try it again down the road, but I was turned off by how blatantly it pushed particular political ideology. I also found the internal dialogue to be zany rather than thought-provoking or profound.Regardless, I'm glad you've enjoyed it well enough to rate its writing above Planescape's. I hope I can find games that give me that feeling as well.
>>748996817Thanks, anon. I ended up reading the wiki segment about that encounter. And yes, I thought the sensory stones related to TNO while experiencing them. I really enjoyed the "intellectual brother." Fun concept with some memorable side characters.>>749000227What a mensch.
>>748998132PlanescapeKotor 2 is sporadically good but is mostly incoherent. The start on the asteroid mining base is the best section
>>749002196thanksi was kind of looking for a new crpg to play and had my eyes on the kotor gamesbut changed my mind
>>749002196>The start on the asteroid mining base is the best sectionfirst time i've read this opinion. impressive
>>748989725If you want another similar gem from that era try Sanitarium, Intriguing story as well.
>>749002196>Kotor 2 is sporadically good but is mostly incoherent.Gibberish sentence.
>>748989725Just do yourself a favor and don't read the RPG books. You'll be tempted, but don't. The game basically ignored how shit D&D is and treated it with way more care than the IP deserved.
