[Wsib] Games where I can fuck off in a tavern.
More specifically, a single player (or multi-player, I guess) RPG with a living world around you, where you can just chill and watch the world play out.
The things that I've played that come closest are Fable (1 and 2, never really got into 3) Skyrim (and the predecessors, though for this exact request I feel that a modded out Skyrim works best. If you have good mod suggestions for any of the games, I'll happily take those too) and... actually, that's about it.
PC is preferable. Dwarf Fortress adventure mode comes really close to scratching that itch, but npcs don't really do anything in that game, unfortunately. I haven't played Dragons Dogma, Amaleur, or most of the Witcher (briefly played the first) but I'm under the impression that these are more traditional "you're the only important character" rpgs.
Posted Jun 18, 2016, 10:29 AM UTC
Shadow of Mordor? Little bit left of field, but the nemesis system is as good as it sounds, if not better. Not only does it lead to emergent gameplay, it also lends itself to a dynamic, constantly shifting heirarchy. Shit happens, whether you're there or not, often times I've run into multiple captains, and they've started duking it out because...coincidence.
I also recommend Fallout 4 for the world happening bit. Loathe the game personally, but it's remarkable how you'll be doating along, and hear gunshots and lasers in the distance. Then a loud explosion as the Brotherhood Vertibird is shot down...for the umpteenth time in the area. Near diamond city especially, DC guards get into fights with the super mutants all the time.
Red Faction: Guerilla is pseudo-RPG, but the world most definitely happens, and sometimes in a hilarious fashion. Bit of a minor entrant in all honesty.
STALKER is a big one I think. Everyone else is basically like you, just another STALKER off doing shit. Can't say much about this because I'm not really far into it, and only the first one. Buuutttt...there are factions (at least in the later ones i think) which are constantly warring. You can be asked to come help defend shit. But the world happens with or without you.
Something which isn't quite "fuck off in a tavern" (or even terribly good imho) is State of Decay. The player character can literally be ANYONE from your settlement. If they die, no big deal, you have other characters at home. Of course, there's skills and what not, so dying matters, but I think it's a neat idea. You can also direct your "agents" to pick up supplies you've found, and sometimes they get in trouble which requires you to unfuck their situation.
Just Cause 3 is hilariously unstable even without user input. By unstable, I mean you can literally stand off the side of the road, wait approx. 2 minutes, and there will be explosions, gun fire etc. How do I know? Youtube video of this very thing happening in Just Cause 3. Probably not what you're after in an ideal sense, but it's nicer to watch than GTA's shenanigans.
X3:Terran Conflict is also another (strong) contender, just set in space. Everyone has shit to do, you have shit to do, not really universe hinging shit to do, choose what flavour of shit you do indeed "do". I hear bad things about X:Rebirth, but whatevs, you'll find out what works.
STALKER is a really good example. The world simulation is pretty remarkable. X3: Terran Conflict (or Albion Prelude) is pretty grand too, although the game itself isn't for everyone.
Haven't played State of Decay, although you make it sound like a good choice. I may have to pick it up myself.
Shadow of Mordor did it for me for a bit, but it grew old pretty fast. It got to the point where I had to start influencing the AI because they were too incompetent to take down my dominated orcs. Plus, "resting" million times got old.
Stalker and X3 are almost perfect. I keep trying to play X3 but, shit, seems like it takes a while to get into. Still, it seems perfect, and I also love the idea of running a trade empire. Maybe I'll give it another shot.
I've been watching my buddy play fallout 4 and I have to admit, it seems pretty fun exploring Downtown and all the chaos that unfolds. I'll probably wait for some overhaul mods to come out before I pick it up though.
I'll also check out state of decay. I hadn't heard of this one at all. Thanks!
Ok out of the last four games you mentioned what is the best in your opinion. Not really sure what x3 is about anyway but I've been looking at these for a while.
X is like a single-player EVE. Bit less spreadsheety though, it's very interesting.