The Mass Effect, erm, Effect!

[Pulsar_t]

I kept looking for RPGs similar to ME but the closest titles all have fantasy settings that I don't fancy much. Does anyone else share my frustration? Oh and tried KOTOR but it seemed so clunky and outmoded compared to ME. Bioware really outdid themselves with ME for us sci-fi fans.

[Xeogred]

I'm sorry to hear that. I think KOTOR completely outclasses ME in terms of being more of an RPG and actually being able to play a neutral character/role. lol... that said I love ME.

Another obvious one, but tried Jade Empire?

And there's Alpha Protocol which I liked, most hate it though and it is riddled with bugs.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Alpha Protocol is decent. I actually got it because I thought it was a JRPG (saw the SEGA logo), but it's a decent western RPG with espionage elements and a modern setting.

I didn't like KOTOR either.

[Pulsar_t]

Oh forgot to mention AP was one game I enjoyed thoroughly. In fact I even have the PC version which I intend to patch to play the game all over again.

Too bad they ditched KOTOR3 in favour of an MMO project.. That certainly might have proved interesting.

[Runefaust]

Funny I find this thread now 'cause just a couple days ago I read an article stating the founders of Bioware want to do another Jade Empire... which would be frickin' awesome!!

Another obvious comparison (RP-wise) would be Bioware's own Dragon Age.

[Pulsar_t]

I now have The Witcher Enhanced Ed. and Dragon Age II both installed.. which one to play first?

[isiolia]

I now have The Witcher Enhanced Ed. and Dragon Age II both installed.. which one to play first?

Depends on what you want.

Do you want the Bioware RPG experience streamlined to a fault? DA2. It has its flaws, but it's still enjoyable on the whole, and easy to get into if you like other Bioware titles. Essentially, DA2 is heavy on the characters/interaction, very limited in terms of scale/scope compared to DA1.

The Witcher, on the other hand, is quite different. Rather complex, fairly difficult, but (to me at least) harder to get into. It's one of those games I want to like, but seem to tire of playing quickly (as opposed to Bioware stuff that I tend to power through voraciously).

You're also looking at a party based game compared to one that really isn't. So it may depend on what you'd prefer there. DA2 has a more limited main character choice, but it's still relatively custom compared to the Witcher. In that you play Geralt, just Geralt, and he's a bit of a douche.

IMO, try the Witcher. DA2 is kind of a known quantity if you're familiar with Bioware's stuff. It sets up DA3...so you could just as well wait on it until that's impending. The Witcher, on the other hand, is a clear labor of love (IMO) that should at least be given a chance - and if you like it, the sequel is already out.


Also, a new Jade Empire would be great. Fun game if you like KoTOR/etc. The Factions campaign for Guild Wars is reminiscent of it, but not as big.

[fastbilly1]

The Witcher is deep. Planescape Torment deep.

[Pulsar_t]

Thanks for the input, I decided upon DA2 first.. The Witcher now costs $5 on GOG btw

[Retrozoa]

If you want to go retro, there's always Starflight for the sega genesis. That's more similiar setting and themes than gameplay though.