I feel like the kind of "freedom" players want from an RPG is somewhat inconsistent with playing as a specific character, i.e. Geralt. For me, I want to be my own character and decide who they are and what they do. I never really got on with Geralt because I don't want to be a moody medieval jedi, I'd much rather be a whimsical wizard or something.

[–] Carighan@lemmy.world 10 points 11 months ago

Ah yeah, definitely.

As someone who personally enjoys a told story more than a lot of directionless freedom (because I get bored after a few dozen hours, so I want the game to get its thing told and then I'm ready for the next game, basically) I of course enjoyed Geralt's directed character more, but the two are definitely incompatible at a very basic level.

And honestly, none is inherently better, though I wish studios understood more readily just how different the underlying approach is. If someone creates a defined story then give me those fully defined characters. Give me a cool story through which I learn of them. With a few surprises. Make it like a book! On the other hand, if something is freeform, then go hard the opposite way. Make it sandbox-y! Allow me to create narrative myself through what I do, don't hold my hand and try to guide me back onto rails.

(That is, the main story was just about the part I enjoyed the least in CP2077 next to the bugs, and I really don't think V's character fits the gameplay and what we players do in it very well. V is an interesting character, but not for an open world do-whatever-you-want game, and the game they created doesn't fit a character that is supposed to have a specific design very well.)

[–] rishado@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Then play elder scrolls? Witcher has never been anything close to what you're describing

[–] BluesF@feddit.uk 3 points 11 months ago

I'm not suggesting it should be at all. Not sure how you got that from my comment. I liked the Witcher 3, honestly, but it isn't a game about freedom and it shouldn't be imo. It tells character focused stories well, which is harder to do the more choice you give the player.

[–] Lemming6969@lemmy.world -3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

So you don't want the R in RPG, and what you'll get for that is the same generic game over and over again.

[–] BluesF@feddit.uk 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

What? That isn't what I said at all.

[–] CrayonRosary@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

"You don't want to be forced to play a specific role, and that removes the R in RPG" is what they are saying. However, I disagree with them. Real RPGs let you choose your role, ethical alignment, and quirks of behavior. Even older video games like Fallout 3 have that. Being forced to play a specific role is almost antithetical to the concept of RPGs.

Of course, maybe that's not what they meant at all.