Let me just say i've recently seen the light in all the hype that surrounds the D&D CRPG genera. I grew up in the 90's with my N64 and Playstation, so i never had the chance to experience these amazing isometric games. For a long time, I did a little ♥♥♥♥ talking here and there when I seen your average fedora tipper come onto the forums and make edgy comments about why these games are the best.

I never quite understood why games like these generated so much praise back in the day..

Well about a month ago, I purchased Pillars Of Eternity because of the reviews I read and watched, heard it was a spiritual successor to BG & BG2, though i had never played them, this title had a more modern look than the games it was trying to follow, so I thought I'd give it a go. Well, I'm closing in on the finish of POE, and I've got to say, I've never been more impressed with story writing, and RPG elements, and choices in a game since Morrowind. I had a slow start at first because I found the difficulty a little overbearing, but once I got used to the RTwP combat system, i soon learned to adore my encounters as I scouted ahead.

The Role Playing elements in this game are top notch in my opinion, unlike most i've played. While this game lacks in graphical depth, it's art direction is superior to most title's I've ever played. And again, the story is fantastic, while the plot seemed a little generic at first, it's grown to be something quite sophisticated in it's own right.

POE has paved the way for me, so I've purchased both enhanced editions of Baldur's Gate, I've also purchased the famous Planescape: Torment and modded it in advance, because that's probably my next title I'll be getting into if I can't make up my mind. And I've purchased Divinity: Original Sin.

I DO LIKE TURN BASED COMBAT IN GAMES AS WELL! So don't let that effect your opinion on what I should or shouldn't play. I've seen lots of mixed opinions about Wasteland 2 over the internet, so I decided to give my side of the story to get a better opinion.

Thanks!

Planescape: Torment ^_^

Definitely keep an eye out for when the D&D bundle comes around. It usually goes on sale 1-2 times per year for 80% off, and includes the Baldur's Gate series, Icewind Dale series, Neverwinter Nights series, Planescape Torment, Dragonshard, Demon Stone, and Temple of Elemental Evil. Very great value if you like the genre and old-school doesn't bother you. I particularly like the Neverwinter Nights series, which has a huge number of awesome fan-created adventures to play.

"Yes, I figured as much. I haven't even played it yet, and i've been watching the videos for Torment: Tides Of Numenera, and I'm already hyped!

You've already bought Baldur's Gate, Planescape & Divinity? That's great! You step on the right track! :)

Also check out the following:

- Fallout 1 & 2
- Arcanum
- Icewind Dale 1 & 2 (lot's of combat in these)
- Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2
- Temple of Elemental Evil (not a big story but great combat in here)
- Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2 (even if you aren't a SW fan)
- Drakensang (not the online browser game!)
- Dragon Age: Origins
- The Witcher

How is the main campaign in Neverwinter? I heard the first installment in the series falls a tad short.

A Pillars fan talking shit about "fedora tippers." I'm just drowning in it!

*passes snorkel

Gonna need a 100 cubic foot tank for this one! ;)

I was never able to get into Baldur's Gate or any of the other Infinity engine games, but the closest I've come to liking one of them was when I played Planescape Torment.

If you're looking for some further recommendations:

Fallout 1.
I'm not really big into RPGs, but that's one of the few I actually finished. It has a nasty tendency to insta-kill you, especially later on, so I'd recommend saving as many times as possible, but it's a genuinely engaging experience with a lot of depth and interesting characters.
Fallout 2 might actually be superior to the original in many ways, but it's incredibly unforgiving right from the get-go and will kick your arse for the first few hours of gameplay (essentially until you get decent gear and one or two companions).
And yes, their stories are much, much better than those in the Bethesda games.

If you're not afraid to go a bit more old-school, I would recommend taking a look at Worlds of Ultima: The Savage Empire or its "sequel", Ultima - Worlds of Adventure 2: Martian Dreams. Both of them are free, so checking them out can't hurt.
They're spin-offs of the famous Ultima series, which was one of the most influential series for the entire RPG genre (alongside Wizardry and Might & Magic), but these two are largely unrelated to the overall story of the franchise's "main" games. Both games use the same engine as Ultima VI, so they utilize a point & click interface and turnbased combat.
They do have quite unique scenarios and Martian Dreams in particular may feature one of the most awesome premises in the history of CRPG.

I was also quite impressed with the game Darklands recently.

Thank you for your recommendations and much appreciated detail on them. I'll definitely give Fallout 1 & 2 a go eventually, most likely after Torment.

PS:T Is a great choice, but I suggest you play it without any mods at least the first time(you'll play it more than once, trust me) . Other than that - Fallout 1&2 , the rest of the D&D games, Original Sin and Gothic .

Also - be sure to check out Sacrifice. It's not a RPG, but it's a really great game.

Torment it is then! Gotta get ready for Tides Of Numenera anyways ;) Thanks!

Go for Planescape Torment, Fallout 1+2, Baldur's Gate 2.

Baldur's Gate 1 has aged quite a lot and isn't that much worth playing today anymore, Icewind Dale pure hack'n'slash - I like it, but it's probably not what you are looking for. NWN is just bland. Arcanum is a great game in theory, but even more bugged than the Fallout games and unfinished, it was rushed too early, unfortunately. Give it a try if you liked the Fallout games.