Leaked Project Eternity Screens Show off Isometric Goodness

[BloodSquirrel]

It wasn't exactly the isometrics that made the games, it was the setting, the plot, the characters and the tactical combat.

By focusing less on massive 3D settings and graphics they were able to focus on what really mattered - the mechanics and the writing.

Isometric game does not mean it will be good, it is a play at nostalgia. That being said... it's Obsidian and they are pretty much the masters of WRPG stories and settings.

Being isometric is an extremely important factor.

#1 Isometric environments play very differently than 3D ones. Searching and exploring a 2D map feels very different than searching a 3D one.

#2 Tactical combat works much better with an isometric view. You can see where everyone is and what everyone is doing. You can select different party members more easily. There's a reason why we don't play RTS in first person.

#3 Cost of content for an isometric game is much lower than for a 3D one. If they were trying to do this game in 3D it would probably cost ten times as much, even if they weren't pushing graphics all that much.

The idea that isometric gameplay is "a play at nostalgia" is to buy into the absurdist idea that 3D games are inherently superior. There are some things that 2D just does better.

 

[spartandude]

well its got rather pretty graphics.... but a rather boring art style tbh. it does really just look like an actual HD Baldurs Gate. while i have confidence il still love the game i wish they went a little more imaginative or atleast made it more colourful

 

[Aiddon_v1legacy]

AAA titles can keep their bloated budgets, boring art styles, and empty presentation; this is ten times more gorgeous than what any of those games could manage. Also a lot of those screens are from an area Obsidian has shown a lot.

 

[FightingFurball]

AAA titles can keep their bloated budgets, boring art styles, and empty presentation; this is ten times more gorgeous than what any of those games could manage. Also a lot of those screens are from an area Obsidian has shown a lot.

and you can still play it in 10 to 20 years without cringing

 

[neppakyo]

I have an isometric RGP boner in my pants now.

I want this. Can't wait till it's done.

 

[Ferisar]

I have an isometric RGP boner in my pants now.

I want this. Can't wait till it's done.

"This boner was rendered in 2D. Don't believe me? Well take a look... AT THIS"

OT:
I have never played the old-school(ish) isometric RPG's, so this might be a good place to start. I'm looking forward to it. Love the environments though.

 

[Beffudled Sheep_v1legacy]

Could use a splash more color but I'm still pumped for this. I love Obsidian and their products and I love me some Isometric goodness so this pleases me. I hope this comes out when I actually have money.

 

[Arnoxthe1]

Say what you will but I'm still bummed out that they didn't make it full 3D like Neverwinter Nights. Like, really bummed.

 

[mrhateful]

Isometric RPG's were never really my kind of game, but those screenshots look beautiful and atmospheric. With so many people buying old games on GOG like Baldur's Gate, Planescape and Fallout I wouldn't be surprised if this game was a smash. I will keep an eye on this one

You should give them a try, personally if only Isometric RPGs got released i would never play anything else. The trick is to get through the first 1-2 hours then the game becomes one of the greatest experiences ever.

 

[mrhateful]

Say what you will but I'm still bummed out that they didn't make it full 3D like Neverwinter Nights. Like, really bummed.

Why?? so you can look at ugly polygons, and have a game with bloated development cost. No thanks my good sir.

 

[Lono Shrugged]

You should give them a try, personally if only Isometric RPGs got released i would never play anything else. The trick is to get through the first 1-2 hours then the game becomes one of the greatest experiences ever.

Oh I played loads way back when and I did enjoy them. Just not in the market for them much anymore. This looks cool though. If it captures that spirit of freedom and exploration then I am sold.

 

[Zakarath]

I'm interested, I recently acquired the D&D collection from gog and gave the original Baldur's Gate a try, got rather turned off by the obtuse UI and the amount of micromanagement it seemed to need; polish up those areas and I'm a likely buyer. (I have played the fuck out of DA:O and neverwinter nights 2)

 

[miso2002]

While it's not to colorful, I'll hold off on my judgement until I see more of the game. It could just be early levels, where they start them off in a familiar setting and with ordinary armor or maybe it fits a general theme. Like diablo 2 wasn't super colorful but I think it was very aesthetic.

 

[miso2002]

I'm interested, I recently acquired the D&D collection from gog and gave the original Baldur's Gate a try, got rather turned off by the obtuse UI and the amount of micromanagement it seemed to need; polish up those areas and I'm a likely buyer. (I have played the fuck out of DA:O and neverwinter nights 2)

Both the Baldurs gate games had really good story but I haven't played them for awhile and do remember some spells being non-user friendly but very useful.(e.g. the ability to disrupt enemy spell casters) Try Planescape Torment. That game is a little less obtuse in the controls but consider it heavy on the RPG elements. I think you can almost pass it without any fighting.(Wisdom is the most important stat. Period.)

 

[AWAR]

Release date(s) Q2 2014

Oooh.. So that's when my social life ends.

 

[FieryTrainwreck]

Man, this looks like shit. Tetris graphics! Where is the multiplayer? Where are the guns and American flags? Do I at least get to kill some Russians or Muslims in this game?


Kiddin' of course. I can't wait to play this. It looks like they're really combining the best of old and new.

At the same time... wouldn't you play the shit out of an isometric RPG send-up of Call of Duty written by Obsidian?

 

[MrBaskerville]

I can't wait until the actual game comes out or at least more footage of it comes out. I've been looking forward to it ever since I saw this video:
I don't know about you, but that just looks plain beautiful to me.

That looks pretty nice, but it´s a shame that it has to be so small, i don´t know why pc developers are so obsessed with making everything tiny.

 

[uchytjes]

I can't wait until the actual game comes out or at least more footage of it comes out. I've been looking forward to it ever since I saw this video:
I don't know about you, but that just looks plain beautiful to me.

That looks pretty nice, but it´s a shame that it has to be so small, i don´t know why pc developers are so obsessed with making everything tiny.

Well, Its actually quite simple: If it was up close you wouldn't be able to see the enemies. Also, its the style of all the old isometric dungeon crawlers.

 

[juchmis]

Obsidian managed to finagle the extra money out of me for Beta and Alpha access . . . that's just how much I can't wait for this game.