What about the Ultima games, have they been entirely forgotten as well? They were certainly an important influence on Fallout.
In particular, Ultima IV pioneered the concept of a computer RPG protagonist making ethical choices. Instead of "go kill the bad guy", the game simply tasked you to excel at virtues.
Parts VI and VII were the first games to create a truly immersive RPG world. The non-player characters would have a life of their own: during the day they'd go to work, then enjoy a drink at the pub, and then go home to sleep. Static and inventory objects could be used together in inventive ways -- making bread was the classic example. The plot lines were well-developed and touched upon social issues.
(Ultima VIII and IX were developed in 1994-99, after EA had swallowed Origin. Those games are travesties that are best forgotten.)
And don't forget Ultima Underworld. Released in 1992, it sported 3D grahics and a decent amount of choice in the game. You could alienate a race by killing one of them and it would make the game much harder to finish. A nice link: http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/content/ultima-underworld-co...
Comments
What about the Ultima games, have they been entirely forgotten as well? They were certainly an important influence on Fallout.
In particular, Ultima IV pioneered the concept of a computer RPG protagonist making ethical choices. Instead of "go kill the bad guy", the game simply tasked you to excel at virtues.
Parts VI and VII were the first games to create a truly immersive RPG world. The non-player characters would have a life of their own: during the day they'd go to work, then enjoy a drink at the pub, and then go home to sleep. Static and inventory objects could be used together in inventive ways -- making bread was the classic example. The plot lines were well-developed and touched upon social issues.
(Ultima VIII and IX were developed in 1994-99, after EA had swallowed Origin. Those games are travesties that are best forgotten.)
And don't forget Ultima Underworld. Released in 1992, it sported 3D grahics and a decent amount of choice in the game. You could alienate a race by killing one of them and it would make the game much harder to finish. A nice link: http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/content/ultima-underworld-co...