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[ixwin]

I'm just about to finish my (third? fourth?) replay of Deus Ex Poll Next Game Extra information which may or may not be useful:

• I own all three already (presents from my wishlist) so cost isn't a factor
• I'll be playing on a PC
• As the above list suggests, I like RPGs. I like open-endedness and player freedom, but I'm willing to forfeit a measure of them for good

Comments

[whatifoundthere]

I think both DA:O and F3 are excellent games. DA:O has some very interesting party/social dynamics, including literally the FIRST romance subplots that I have EVER encountered in a game that did not seriously fucking enrage me. Fallout is resolutely solo, which is fine by me as well, but it makes for a much bleaker in-game experience (which is appropriate for the nature of the world).

Fallout has a much better combat system IMO. Combat in DA:O can be incredibly stupid and frustrating; I am planning to write a rant about it in my own journal, but in short it is pretty much impossible to get your party members to choose targets intelligently. Fallout also has a more creative and interesting skill system, which rewards people like us who prefer sneaky/talky characters to fighters. (I really like the hacking and lockpicking minigames, but I warn you they're not for everyone.) Finally, Fallout has a really amazing world to explore; DA:O is basically a series of "maps" that you visit in sequence in order to do quests. DA:O doesn't give very good sandbox, in other words; it's much more railroady. But at least the railroad is a fun one to ride.

I like both games and have sunk a lot of hours into both. But to my mind Fallout is a marginally better game. I have only just started playing the first Mass Effect and am enjoying that too. When you pick your game, let me know what you think!

[ixwin]

Thanks for this. I agree that from what you say Fallout 3 sounds closer to my ideal game; but from the other comments it seems like playing Dragon Age now would be a good idea as there will be more people to enthuse about it with, whereas Fallout 3 can be enjoyed anytime.