Stories with Tag RPG

• Ultima VII: Revisited

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-02-23 16:03:13

  Verbose tl;dr

  Ultima VII: Revisited is a fan-made enhancement project aimed at modernizing and improving the classic RPG Ultima VII: The Black Gate and its expansion, Forge of Virtue. It utilizes the Exult engine to deliver a smoother, more consistent experience with higher resolutions, bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and optional restored content. The project focuses on refining the existing game rather than radically altering it, aiming to preserve the original feel while making it more accessible and enjoyable for modern players. It features enhanced visuals, UI improvements, modernized controls, and various tweaks to gameplay mechanics.

  The ambitious project known as Ultima VII: Revisited endeavors to meticulously reconstruct and significantly enhance the classic role-playing game Ultima VII: The Black Gate and its expansion, Forge of Virtue, utilizing the more advanced Dungeon Siege engine. This comprehensive undertaking goes far beyond a simple graphical update, aiming to breathe new life into Britannia while preserving the spirit and narrative of the original. The developers articulate a multi-faceted approach to this revitalization.

  Visually, the game is being completely reimagined with high-resolution 3D graphics, replacing the antiquated 2D sprites and environments. This includes not only updated character models and landscapes but also re-created interiors, offering players a far more immersive and detailed experience of the world. Furthermore, the project aims to modernize the game's user interface, streamlining interactions and improving overall usability for a contemporary audience, all while retaining the essence of Ultima VII's distinctive interface.

  Beyond the graphical overhaul, Ultima VII: Revisited seeks to refine and expand upon the existing gameplay mechanics. The developers are exploring enhancements to the combat system, potentially incorporating elements from the Dungeon Siege engine to create more dynamic and engaging encounters. They also discuss improvements to the game's AI, aiming to create more believable and reactive non-player characters that contribute to a more lively and dynamic world. These changes are intended to modernize the gameplay experience without compromising the core mechanics that defined the original Ultima VII.

  The scope of the project extends to encompassing the Forge of Virtue expansion, seamlessly integrating it into the main game world. This allows players to experience the complete Ultima VII narrative within a single, cohesive environment. The developers emphasize a commitment to remaining faithful to the original storyline and lore, ensuring that this revisited version respects the established canon of the Ultima universe.

  However, Ultima VII: Revisited is not simply a recreation; it aspires to enhance and expand upon the original game in meaningful ways. While specifics remain somewhat ambiguous, the developers allude to the possibility of incorporating new content and features, potentially including additional quests, areas to explore, and interactions with the world. These additions are intended to enrich the game experience without disrupting the established narrative and atmosphere. In essence, Ultima VII: Revisited strives to be the definitive edition of this classic RPG, modernizing its presentation and gameplay while staying true to the spirit and legacy of the original. It presents a tantalizing prospect for both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike, offering the opportunity to experience a beloved classic in a whole new light.

  • Ultima VII
  • Ultima
  • Ultima VII Part Two
  • Serpent Isle
  • Black Gate
  • Origin Systems
  • computer game
  • RPG
  • role-playing game
  • Retro Gaming
  • classic game
  • Gaming
  • DOS
  • PC Gaming
  • game review
  • revisited
  • game analysis

  Summary of Comments ( 20 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43150217

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussing the Ultima VII: Revisited project generally expressed enthusiasm and nostalgia for the original game. Several commenters praised the improvements offered by the project, particularly the bug fixes, enhanced UI, and higher resolution. Some discussed the technical challenges involved in such an undertaking, with one user detailing the process of reverse-engineering the game's engine. A few expressed skepticism about playing older RPGs, questioning if they hold up to modern standards, but were countered by others who argued for the enduring quality of Ultima VII's story and gameplay. The conversation also touched upon the limitations of the project, including the inability to improve the game's dated pathfinding. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception of the revisited project, viewed as a valuable way to experience a classic RPG.

  The Hacker News post titled "Ultima VII: Revisited" links to a website showcasing a project aiming to recreate Ultima VII in a modernized engine. The comments section features a lively discussion with various perspectives on the project and the original game.

  Several commenters express excitement and nostalgia for Ultima VII, recalling it as a formative gaming experience. They praise its open world, interactivity, and depth, with some highlighting specific memories and details they cherish about the game. This nostalgia fuels a strong interest in the "Revisited" project, with commenters expressing hope that it will capture the essence of the original while improving upon its dated aspects.

  Some commenters delve into technical details, discussing the challenges involved in recreating such a complex game. They mention the intricacies of the original's scripting system and the difficulty of balancing faithfulness to the original with the desire for modern improvements. Specific technical approaches taken by the "Revisited" project are also mentioned, along with some speculation on the potential benefits and drawbacks of these choices.

  A few comments explore the historical significance of Ultima VII, discussing its impact on the RPG genre and its influence on subsequent games. They analyze elements like the game's sandbox nature, its character interaction system, and its approach to storytelling, contrasting these features with those of other classic RPGs.

  Several commenters raise practical questions about the project, such as its release date, target platforms, and the involvement of the original creators. Others express concerns about potential legal issues surrounding the use of Ultima VII's intellectual property.

  Some users discuss alternative approaches to experiencing Ultima VII today, including using emulators and fan patches. They compare these methods with the "Revisited" project, highlighting the trade-offs between authenticity, convenience, and modern enhancements.

  A few commenters express skepticism about the project's feasibility and question whether it will live up to the high expectations set by the original game. They caution against over-hyping the project and encourage a wait-and-see approach.

  Finally, some comments offer constructive feedback and suggestions to the project's developers, ranging from specific gameplay mechanics to technical implementation details. They offer their insights and expertise in an attempt to contribute to the project's success.

• The CRPG Renaissance, Part 3: TSR Is Dead

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-02-21 17:16:16

  Verbose tl;dr

  The death of TSR in 1997, while seemingly a blow to computer RPGs, actually cleared the way for a new era of CRPG innovation. No longer constrained by TSR's often restrictive licensing practices and focus on D&D, developers were free to explore original settings, mechanics, and stories. This paved the way for titles like Planescape: Torment and Fallout, which diverged significantly from established D&D tropes and helped redefine the genre. The removal of TSR as a gatekeeper allowed for greater experimentation and ultimately fostered the growth and diversification of the CRPG landscape.

  This blog post, titled "The CRPG Renaissance, Part 3: TSR Is Dead," delves into a specific period in the history of computer role-playing games (CRPGs), exploring the impact of the decline and eventual demise of TSR, the then-publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, on the genre's evolution. The author posits that the loosening grip of TSR on the D&D license, coupled with the company's internal struggles and eventual bankruptcy, created a fertile ground for experimentation and innovation within the CRPG landscape. This period, characterized by the rise of independent developers and the diversification of game mechanics, is presented as a pivotal moment in the genre's trajectory.

  The author elaborates on how TSR's increasingly permissive licensing practices, initially intended to bolster revenue streams, inadvertently opened the floodgates for a multitude of developers to create D&D-inspired games. This influx of new titles, unburdened by TSR's direct creative control, led to a broadening of the CRPG genre, moving beyond strict adherence to established D&D rulesets. The article highlights how this newfound freedom allowed developers to explore different gameplay mechanics, storytelling approaches, and thematic elements, ultimately enriching the CRPG experience and contributing to its resurgence.

  Furthermore, the post emphasizes the significance of TSR's decline as a catalyst for the emergence of original intellectual properties within the CRPG space. As TSR's influence waned, developers were less inclined to rely solely on the D&D license, leading to the creation of unique game worlds and systems. This shift towards original content is portrayed as a crucial step in the maturation of the CRPG genre, fostering greater creative diversity and paving the way for the emergence of innovative and influential titles that were not beholden to the established conventions of Dungeons & Dragons. The author argues that TSR's downfall, while undoubtedly a significant event in the history of tabletop role-playing, paradoxically served as a liberating force for computer role-playing games, enabling a period of unprecedented growth and experimentation that shaped the genre into what it is today. This period of creative ferment, fueled by the vacuum left by TSR, is presented as a crucial chapter in the ongoing narrative of the CRPG renaissance.

  • CRPG
  • RPG
  • Computer Role-Playing Games
  • TSR
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • History of CRPGs
  • gaming history
  • Game Development
  • Renaissance
  • PC Games
  • Retro Gaming
  • Baldur's Gate
  • Neverwinter Nights
  • Planescape: Torment
  • Icewind Dale

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43130155

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the decline of TSR and the rise of indie CRPGs. Several commenters express nostalgia for older D&D editions, lamenting the perceived shift in focus from gameplay and world-building to brand management and monetization under Wizards of the Coast. Some discuss the impact of the Open Gaming License (OGL) and its various iterations on the CRPG landscape, with some praising its role in fostering creativity and others expressing concern about its potential misuse. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of CRPG design, including the rise of real-time combat and the influence of games like Baldur's Gate and Diablo. Several commenters recommend specific indie CRPGs, reflecting a broader appreciation for the innovation occurring outside of the mainstream.

  The Hacker News post titled "The CRPG Renaissance, Part 3: TSR Is Dead" has generated a moderate number of comments, discussing various aspects related to the decline of TSR, the rise of Wizards of the Coast, and the evolution of Dungeons & Dragons and the CRPG genre. While not an overwhelming discussion, several insightful comments stand out.

  One commenter highlights the inherent tension between the open, collaborative nature of early D&D and the later desire for corporate control and monetization. They point to the shift from a hobbyist-driven, adaptable system to a more rigid, product-focused approach under TSR and later WotC. This commercialization, while leading to wider reach, potentially stifled some of the creative energy that initially propelled D&D's popularity.

  Another comment focuses on the impact of TSR's legal battles and internal struggles, suggesting that these issues diverted resources and attention away from game development, ultimately contributing to the company's downfall. They also touch on the perceived disconnect between TSR's management and the evolving desires of the player base.

  Some discussion revolves around the changing landscape of tabletop RPGs and the role of computer games in shaping player expectations. One commenter notes that CRPGs, with their real-time feedback and visual representation, may have influenced players to desire a more streamlined and less interpretive tabletop experience, which TSR struggled to adapt to.

  A few comments delve into the specifics of TSR's business practices, such as their handling of licensed products and their approach to game design. Some suggest that TSR's rigid control over its intellectual property hindered innovation and alienated potential collaborators.

  Others discuss the legacy of TSR, acknowledging its foundational role in the RPG industry while also criticizing its later missteps. There's a sense that TSR's decline was a complex process with multiple contributing factors, rather than a single, decisive event.

  Finally, some comments offer personal anecdotes about their experiences with TSR products and the impact of D&D on their lives. These comments provide a more personal and nostalgic perspective on the topic.

  While there isn't a singular dominant narrative in the comments, they collectively offer a multi-faceted perspective on TSR's downfall, touching upon the challenges of balancing creative freedom with commercial success, adapting to evolving player expectations, and navigating the complexities of intellectual property management in a rapidly changing industry.