Hi,

I've recently finished playing the first Mass Effect game, and whilst I enjoyed it greatly and look forward to starting the second one, I did feel slightly let down by it, mostly because I felt that, even with all the worlds and assignments you can do, its still very limited and narrow in its scope compared to games such as TES. So this has left me wondering are there any sci-fi RPG's of similar scope to TES or will fantasy dominate for a while to come. Or, even more possible I suppose, is what I'd like to see in a game just plain unfeasible?!

I have tried to search around looking for what I'm after, but I've found precious little. The closest I've come is EVE online, but I'm not really looking for MMO type games. (I've also been recommended Knights of the Old Republic by some friends but I'd rather have some alternatives)

So what am I looking for when I say a game that is a massive sci-fi RPG. What I mean by this is a game that is as massive in extent as TES titles, but takes place in a science fiction setting. For example, having dozens of planets each as unique and explorable as those in Morrowind, Oblivion and the upcoming Skyrim, with a solid lore and setting (much like bioware's Mass Effect, only bigger and better, with more character and map freedom, playable races, non-militant career paths etc) whilst also taking advantage of space to explore with a ship in a way not unlike Malfador's Space Empires: Starfury and Activision's Star Trek: Bridge Commander.

A character could do things ranging from humble farmer on a colony world, be involved in settling a world, join the military and rise the ranks from mere "away party" member to captain (at this point introducing the ship controls), being a privateer, or a mere trader or explorer, hopping from space station to space station to planet to trade ship just trying to make ends meet and get enough money for transport to the next port. They could also buy ships, upgrade them, put together their own crews of NPCs to meet their own ends which could be anything from military, piracy, diplomacy, exploration, etc. Ultimately I suppose I'd just be happy if there was a mod for something like a TES game that made a few worlds the size of, say, Vvardenfell, and some space station and ship-like objects, (even if we only see it from the interior), just to put this type of game engine in an original sci-fi setting.

I've seen elements of this in many games, (e.g., vast extent in TES, sci-fi setting in Mass Effect), but I've never seen them tied together in a way I've tried to describe here. I am a big fan of science fiction and but franchises such as Firefly, Farscape and Star Trek, even books such as those by Alastair Reynolds in the Revelation Space Universe, often leave me cold when it comes to games as there is nothing around that I can see that comes close to being able to explore such huge and amazing settings.

So I am just left wondering that if there are no games like this, why are there none. Are such games technically feasible for a company such as bethesda and just lacking demand, or is it just plain impossible / am I just being far too picky and ambitious?

So yeah, any thoughts / recommendations etc would be nice!

EVE online?

X3 Terran Conflict. Though EVE is probably larger in some respects. Then again X3 has no statistics or leveling up, unless you think your own ability to pilot and manage a personal empire qualifies as a skill.

http://www.eveonline.com/

It looks interesting, but I'm really not into MMO games...


Gamgee, cheers, I'll look into that...

Starwars galaxies?

Seems like you want to play http://www.precursors-game.com/eng/.

EDIT: This seem to be the only place where one can buy the english version; http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-PREC/precursors

But be warned, this still is only the Russian version with the translation patch. Well, I'd wanted to recommend this game, so there you are. Precursors is probably the only thing close to what you're looking for.

Still wish there was another Starflight game...

Snerg!
Or even Star Control...
Seriously, someone should at least try to make a spiritual successor. Heck, there were rumours last year that Activision planned something like this, and with the formerToys for Bob having been reduced to manufacturing smaller Tony Hawk games and movie tie-ins, they should be allowed to do something worthy once more.

Well...Freelancer Won't let you explore planets, but you can land on them, and there is a heck of a lot of systems, most of which have...I'd say as much Lore as TES...

Thanks for all your suggestions. At first glance, Precursors seems most interesting (quite annoying that just the one place sells it though...), but its all given me a lot to look into and think about. Cheers!

If you're okay with waiting 150 years for it's development

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7eREddMjt4&feature=related

All worlds in the totally playable galaxy start blank. Players have to build on them and use their resources. You can WALK AROUND ONBOARD YOUR SHIP WHILE IT IS IN MID FLIGHT WE'RE NOT MESSING AROUND NOW SON LET THE BODIES HIT THE FLOOR.

If i'm honest, walking around onboard a battleship, mid battle, is what sold it for me.

EDIT: And then I read the OP correctly and realized he said he's not looking for MMORPGS.

Not so fast though, looking at the FAQ bit on their website, http://www.infinity-universe.com/Infinity/index.php?option=com_easyfaq&task=cat&catid=16&Itemid=28#faq31



If that actually comes to fruition, that would be awesome. The whole game looks intriguing, so thanks!

In anycase, since it looks like it might be a while, and quite amazing, I'll keep an eye on it anyway. By the times its out I might have an interest in MMORPGS...

The game you want is Space Rangers 2 (http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/spacerangers2dominators/index.html)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/46330/

Made in 2006, it's set in a sector of a (randomized) galaxy where 5 different races (including humans) coexist and compete peacefully. That is, until a long forgotten races of robotic aliens comes from darkspace to kill everyone. Oups.

The game begins when the war has been going on from some time. A large chunk of the sector (how much has been conquered is decided by you in the beginning). The 5 races allied navy just pooled all of it's forces in an almost desperate attack on what was taught to be the "brain" of the robots. However, it was a crushing defeat, but the broken allies at least discovered that there were in fact 3 different "command computers" that each command a third of the robot horde.

You begin as a newly recruited "space ranger", your job? Do whatever you can to help the war effort and ultimately take part (or not) in the war against the machines. Or you can do nothing, and the war might win itself, or maybe you'll be killed in the last stand of Earth, before you are all exterminated.

Everything is randomized, and many things can be chosen, from the speed of allied war research, how badly the war is currently going, etc.... And you're thrown right in the action, the world will keep going on, whatever you do (trade, participate in war operations, work as a diplomat, fight pirates, etc, etc.....).

It has 2 main game modes: Top down 2D ship control mode, and 3D RTS army command mode.


I highly recommend it!

Suffers from horrible translation... Trying to get a grip on my nation? Still enjoyable though.

Also recommend EV Nova.

I heard the newest (reboot) version I've linked on steam doesn't. So it shouldn't be a problem.

That still has some translation problems since that is the one I've been playing a few weeks ago.

It's certainly the best open-world sandbox sci-fi RPG.

I wouldn't recommend SWG when SWTOR is coming out here *supposedly by the end of this new year*. EVE online is a HUGE massive world of Sci-Fi with a mix of RPG, but it is difficult to get into. Got a nice 30 day trial as a thankyou from the EVE people while doing a contest which really let me experience the game. It has alot of immersion as a game however that immersion can overwhelm your average player looking for a new game to try out. Wasn't able to get into it myself due to that depth but it might be right for you if you want.

Borderlands might be up your alley since it has Sci-Fi elements with a good amount of roaming space. Best part is how they interweave the FPS style with the RPG style of leveling up, gaining new diverse items, etc... .

Indeed, I've been thinking of resubscribing along with a friend of mine. I've been gone a couple of months and am getting the itch to play again.

TOR won't have half the level of freedom that Galaxies has. Especially not when it comes to space combat.

Tabletop RPG


Yes, I know. It is not console or PC game. But it offers more than any console or PC game can.
If you can find group to play with that is.

That requires a) friends B) who would be willing to spend time playing c) a tabletop game.

You pretty much just discribed EVE online to me, which I think I'm the only member on this forum which plays it. And even though you may not like MMOs you might want to give it a try. After all the first 2-3 weeks are free and now is a very good time to join as well, since today is the big expansion day, with the invasions and new avatars. You should give it a shot, also pm if you do, I'll help you get through the first few days.