Non-magic RPGs?

storker

I've only recently discovered the computer RPG via Fallout 3, and found it immensely more satisfying than the standard FPS. On the strength of that fine experience (which I'm still enjoying), I obtained Oblivion. Had great fun with it for a while, then got fed up and went back to Fallout.

The main reason, I think, is the whole magic thing...I have too much trouble getting my head around it. For me, it's just too much of a jump away from reality. I realise of course that no RPG or even FPS is likely to stand up well to an analysis of its realism, but somehow magic is that little bit too much in-your-face unrealistic for my taste - and i do emphasise the word "taste" because that's all it is (like preferring brown sauce to ketchup); I'm not making any kind of value judgement.

So my question is, what RPGs that don't feature magic would people recommend?

Stork

Nevyn

Deus Ex

Sarky

I just found Oblivion to be very bland.

Thaed's right on the money with Deus Ex, it's extremely well-crafted cyberpunk conspiracy theory stuff, with an impressive attention to detail. I can't remember another game that chastises you for going into the ladie's toilets.

If you have a console, you might give Too Human a look. It doesn't have magic, it has "sufficiently advanced technology". And a rather bitchin' Norse theme to it. The controls are very wierd at first but there's definitely something there worth playing.

RCNPhotos

I remember renting Deus Ex cause I was bored. Never heard of it before. One of the best decisions I ever made (along with renting FFVII which I had never heard of either. I had never even heard of RPG's, life changing stuff right there haha)

DeVore

God yeah Deux Ex (the first one)... awesome game. Nothing like taking out bad guys from miles away with a poisoned wrist dart.

Fable for the XBox is a bit magic-based but you can play all the way as a warrior if you want plus the magic is fairly easy going and not too hardcore. It is the perfect game for a winter break!

Mass Effect is awesome, it has Psyionic (like telekinisis and mind control etc) but mostly its Run-N-Gun and quite like Fallout in that respect. Awesome sniping too (you might have noticed I like to take out my enemies from a good while away... saves me getting my hair all mussed up...)

DeV.

Nevyn

I have heard the merits of Mass Effect being heralded but unfortunately I still have not gotten to grips with fps on the xbox, damn kids still pwning me at halo on it.

Sarky

Get it for the PC, avoid paying for the DLC like a sucker

InReality

I was going to say the witcher , but it has some magic in it I think. Has had good reviews and has an "adult" theme shall we say.

I've liked games that you can kinda rpg yourself.

silent hunter 3 for example is very immersive although not a conventional rpg at all.

& How about stalker : shadow of chernoble ?
I found it very atmospheric .

BigDuffman

Deus Ex +1 there is also rumours of Deus Ex 3 in the pipes!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoteS17NnGE

Captain Chaos

If you can find it, System Shock 2 on the PC, its kind of a FPS RPG but it has great atmosphere. It was a master piece back in 1999. That and Deus Ex would have to be my all time favourite PC games.

Coriolanus

How has bioshock not gotten a mention? :mad:

Sarky

Because System Shock 2 did it better, really. Has far more of a sci-fi tone to it, it's much more challenging, and there's more depth to the RPG elements. The only appreciable improvement Bioshock made to the game was a prettier graphics engine. Everything else is pretty much identical or "lesser".

Coriolanus

Sarky wrote: »

Because System Shock 2 did it better, really. Has far more of a sci-fi tone to it, it's much more challenging, and there's more depth to the RPG elements. The only appreciable improvement Bioshock made to the game was a prettier graphics engine. Everything else is pretty much identical or "lesser".

I've never played it, must try and track it down so! Still, the OP was looking for practical suggestions.

Noxin

Nevore wrote: »

How has bioshock not gotten a mention? :mad:

There was something about Bioshock that really annoyed me. I just couldn't keep playing it. Wasn't difficulty or anything. Can't really put my finger on it but I know a few others who said the same. Just... something....

Siegfried

That is strange, i tryied to play bioshok but i dunno why i didn't like it. I recognize it is a good game, but i dunno why a dislike it so much.

A good non magic rpg is Earth Bound, it is retro, but it is the kind you want.

LinHaX

You can try Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2 (although you have the force instead of magic skills) or Hellgate : London. The second one is bloody ^^

Lemming

Funnily enough there's also Fallout 1 & 2 as well


Fallout Tactics isn't really an RPG; more a combat system for RPG so I don't count that.

Whybin

I think you were talking about PC games, but in case you've also got a major console, there's a game coming out this year called Alpha Protocol. It's a modern day, military espionage RPG. Think Mass Effect but the Bourne Identity. Looking pretty good so far.

finalfantasist

If you have a DS there's Infinite Space, it's coming out on friday. It's a sci fi rpg.