Can anyone recommend an RPG with pre-rendered graphics?

[Terramax]

I like games like Final Fantasy 7 or Silver (for the Dreamcast and PC) for either PC or consoles. I tend to find pre-rendered games have more character. Any recommendations?

 

[thenamelessloser]

Shadow Hearts one I think did that. (not sure...), Final Fantasy 9 (but that you obviously knew about.) The Longest Journey (not an RPG but a sweet game. It is like Monkey Island/King's Quest gameplay wise), and Legend of Dragoon (didn't like this game though you may).


This may be changing though. Watch some of the videos of gameplay in the Witcher 2. (haven't played it yet, waiting for the PC [edit I should have said console... sorry for the total brain fart] version) Not prerendered but may be one of the only 3d games I seen that has as much character in the backgrounds.

Also, you may want to try out some older completely 2d games such as Chrono Trigger and Planescape: Torment. Both games have beautiful graphics at least to me.

 

[Gildan Bladeborn]

Watch some of the videos of gameplay in the Witcher 2. (haven't played it yet, waiting for the PC version) Not prerendered but may be one of the only 3d games I seen that has as much character in the backgrounds.

Indeed, The Witcher 2 is gorgeous, and you can really tell the environments were a labor of love - the first real open explorable area isn't actually all that large but walking out into it it feels like you're walking through this massive untamed forest you're liable to get hopelessly lost in, such is the care and level of detail that has gone into its construction.

Why exactly are you "waiting" for the PC version though? There isn't another version (yet) and it's been out since the 17th of this month, you could be playing it now if you were so inclined.

 

[thenamelessloser]

Watch some of the videos of gameplay in the Witcher 2. (haven't played it yet, waiting for the PC version) Not prerendered but may be one of the only 3d games I seen that has as much character in the backgrounds.

Indeed, The Witcher 2 is gorgeous, and you can really tell the environments were a labor of love - the first real open explorable area isn't actually all that large but walking out into it it feels like you're walking through this massive untamed forest you're liable to get hopelessly lost in, such is the care and level of detail that has gone into its construction.

Why exactly are you "waiting" for the PC version though? There isn't another version (yet) and it's been out since the 17th of this month, you could be playing it now if you were so inclined.

Sorry, I had a total brain fart I meant console version. I think the game is probably going to be coming out for consoles...

 

[The Wooster]

Shadow Hearts one I think did that. (not sure...), Final Fantasy 9 (but that you obviously knew about.) The Longest Journey (not an RPG but a sweet game. It is like Monkey Island/King's Quest gameplay wise), and Legend of Dragoon (didn't like this game though you may).


This may be changing though. Watch some of the videos of gameplay in the Witcher 2. (haven't played it yet, waiting for the PC [edit I should have said console... sorry for the total brain fart] version) Not prerendered but may be one of the only 3d games I seen that has as much character in the backgrounds.

Also, you may want to try out some older completely 2d games such as Chrono Trigger and Planescape: Torment. Both games have beautiful graphics at least to me.

Try a fairly obscure title called "Septera Core" for the PC. It's a surprisingly solid JRPG style game.

 

[Cowabungaa]

Pre-rendered? You mean like, hand-drawn or something? Because if so, Planescape Torment might be something for you. Old, but it's art is all hand drawn. Love it myself.

Watch some of the videos of gameplay in the Witcher 2. (haven't played it yet, waiting for the PC version) Not prerendered but may be one of the only 3d games I seen that has as much character in the backgrounds.

Indeed, The Witcher 2 is gorgeous, and you can really tell the environments were a labor of love - the first real open explorable area isn't actually all that large but walking out into it it feels like you're walking through this massive untamed forest you're liable to get hopelessly lost in, such is the care and level of detail that has gone into its construction.

Why exactly are you "waiting" for the PC version though? There isn't another version (yet) and it's been out since the 17th of this month, you could be playing it now if you were so inclined.

Just wondering; do you really have to play the first Witcher to get 2? Because I can barely work myself through that one, but the second one seems to deviate from the first one enough to peak my interest.

 

[Archangel768]

Adding to Shadow Hearts 1 is the sequel Koudelka which was on the PS1. Also, Shadow Hearts 2 which uses 3D environments, I found had a whole lot of character in it's graphics.

Also, Final Fantasy VIII hasn't been mentioned even though you probably know of it.

I also suggest looking into games like Odin Sphere. It's 2D but it uses pictures as backgrounds and so on. It's a PS2 title and it has TONS of character (Well I think so anyway) It's also an action RPG, just so you know.

While 2D as well, Might and Magic: Clash of heroes is available on PSN, DS, Xbox Live. I only played the demo so far (since the PSN store is down I haven't been able to get the whole thing) but, I found the battles in the demo addictive and very fun.

The Monkey Island games aren't RPGs but they're very good. The first 3 use 2D backgrounds. The first 2 have been remade in HD and look very nice. The third one is my favourite and worth looking into. 4 and 5 use 3D environments.

 

[Gildan Bladeborn]

Just wondering; do you really have to play the first Witcher to get 2? Because I can barely work myself through that one, but the second one seems to deviate from the first one enough to peak my interest.

No, not really - you'd have a better idea of the recent history that led up the beginning of the game, and probably a much better grasp on the setting and Geralt's history with some of the various returning characters, but the story itself is separate from that of the original game.