best western style rpg for a newbie?

[shadobeni]

first question would be what's the difference between a western style and a japanese style rpg (and are there any other regional styles)?

Rpgs are games I find somewhat difficult to get into although I at least know how to play some jrpgs like chrono trigger, final fantasy 7, phantasy star 4.

The one and only I guess western style rpg I think I played was Neverwinter Nights and I had a really hard time with it. Only got out of the dungeon and that was about it.

I'm wondering what's the best western style rpg that's relatively easy to get into and enjoyable for the newbie?

[crux]

The differences are pretty immense. You have a good idea of what Japanese RPGs are through the titles you mentioned. Western RPGs stemmed from Pen & Paper RPGs, which eventually evolved (or devolved, really) into Western RPGs and MMORPGs. For modern examples, look towards Elder Scrolls or MMORPGs in general. If you prefer newer titles, something like Oblivion may suit your needs. If you're ok with older titles, consider Planescape: Torment.

Err, I missed the part about you having trouble with Neverwinter Nights. I haven't played it, so I'm not really sure what to suggest to you in terms of difficulty. Practically by definition Western RPGs are never simple, but I've never heard of anyone coming away with too many difficulties in Oblivion.

[Hatta]

KOTOR.

[enderfall]

KOTOR.

This, if you are a Star Wars fan.

BTW, what platform(s) are we talking about here? PS2? PC? XBOX360/PS3?

[weasels]

there is the fallout series. the newest one being a departure from the avarage gameplay of the first two. also i dont know how newbie friendly the games are.

[Cronson]

there is the fallout series. the newest one being a departure from the avarage gameplay of the first two. also i dont know how newbie friendly the games are.

Yeah, I'm not sure if we're talking retro western rpgs here or modern but if its modern, Fallout 3 is the jam. Its almost a copout to call it an rpg because you shoot so much. But yeah I'd start there for awesome western development.

So in the same vein Fable 2 is also great.

[BoringSupreez]

there is the fallout series. the newest one being a departure from the avarage gameplay of the first two. also i dont know how newbie friendly the games are.

I don't know about Fallout 3, but I do know the first two certainly aren't newb friendly.
I would recommend KOTOR, that was my first western RPG, and I think it's a good starting place.

[shadobeni]

retro or current games are fine for this thread. I'm just curious as I'm sure everyone has at least played that one game that got them into the genre.

[darthmunky]

Fable
Fable II
KOTOR
KOTOR II
Jade Empire
Mass Effect
Morrowind
Oblivion

[Octopod]

Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale games are the shit. I liked NWN too but I played on a PW and never played through the solo game. Fallout 3 is a very good game for a more modern style. Has anyone played Sacred 2?