Poll: Inventories: Weight vs. Space

[Taneer]

Most games, specifically RPGs, have an inventory mechanic. However, one thing changes a fair bit. How this mechanic works.

So, do you prefer an inventory system that limits you based on how much weight you can carry, how much space you have, both or neither?

For me, I feel that RPG-heavy games do better when they use a weight system, and combat- or other genre-based games do better with a space system. However, if I had to choose, I'd definitely go with weight.

 

[Blue Musician]

I prefer space limit to be honest, as I am tired of weight limit on real life!

 

[BlumiereBleck]

Why can't we just have a limitless inventory like in the .....well I can't think of a game with a limitless one....but still limitless!

 

[Souplex]

Depends on the game. If it's a survivalish game like Fallout, or a realistic game you want to put in as many restrictions as possible inventory-wise. Otherwise limits are bad.

 

[BehattedWanderer]

Weight is more realistic, but a space limit is so much more gaming-friendly. Weight is alright, but spaces are much easier to deal with, though make no sense. How one can carry twelve sets of armor in their pockets are, well, strange. But it means more playing, less logistical management.

 

[Amalith]

Space is cool if it's like Neverwinter Nights, or Baldur's Gate, or Diablo, where different things take different space, and you can organize it. Borderlands "you can hold 20 stuffs" was kinda lame.

Weight is a fine system to use, though I prefer the visual that space restrictive games give you. It also has math involved, so some people might not like it as much. Games that want to be realistic really need both.

 

[Sacman]

I don't mind either as long as you can upgrade them...

 

[Tenkage]

I like the weight limit though I do admit that I could carry 244.5 before hitting the 245 mark and keep running normally but literally hand me a baseball and I fall to the ground under the weight.

 

[Walkchalk]

My favorite is when you have to do it kinda like a puzzle. Each item takes up a certain amount of blocks and you have to organize them so they fit in. I cant for the life of me remember what game used this system though =/

 

[Last Bullet]

I think Stalker did it best.

Every object occupies it's own space and has it's own individual weight dependant on condition.

You can carry a certain amount of weight without becoming over encumbered and your backpack only has so much space. Combining certain items reduces space taken but you don't lose any weight.

How much more realistic does it need to be?


Well maybe only being able to carry 3-4 weapons before having to hold them manually. XD

I agree, I loved STALKER... well, for various reasons, but the storage system was one of them.

 

[fer1wi]

My favorite is when you have to do it kinda like a puzzle. Each item takes up a certain amount of blocks and you have to organize them so they fit in. I cant for the life of me remember what game used this system though =/

You mean Resident Evil 4. They did that kind of inventory.

that1guy rescues another fellow commentator! Away I go! *Insert superhero music of you choice*

OT: Limitless. I've dealt with space (Dead Rising, Resi 4), although I can't remember a game I played with weight. But I will always love the limitless inventory that was introduced to me in GoldenEye 007. Seriously, a PP7 (PPK), KF7 Soviet (AK-47), AND a Tank cannon? Hell yes!

 

[NeutralDrow]

Huh. I voted weight limit, but I think I may have misunderstood what "space limit" means. I'd assumed a space limit was one that took away your hyperspace inventory for what you can realistically carry...as in, no carrying two rocket launchers in your backpack, even if you're strong enough to duel-wield them.

Leaving me in favor of a weight system, ala Soulbringer.

[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.178061-Off-Topic-Reviews-Soulbringer]

 

[2fish]

If you must have one make it weight please. Space never made much sense as I can always add more pockets. Ok really it always bugged my why my sword took up say 4 slots when a knife took up one. I always figured I had room for all of them as they all go in different places. So weight makes more sense as it is the most you can carry, where slots assume it is all in my backpack (why are my swords in my backpack?).

 

[mikespoff]

Limitless, just like in real life!

 

[Dango]

It depends on the game, if you're playing a game where managing your inventory seems intuitive and fitting, then go with weight, if you're in a game like Borderlands with lots of loot, just make a space limit.

I still love Resident Evil 4's inventory system, though.

 

[Flying-Emu]

Weight and space. I want to be punished, dammit. I'm sick of these lily-livered games that let you carry practically as much shit as you want.

 

[SillyNilly]

My favorite is when you have to do it kinda like a puzzle. Each item takes up a certain amount of blocks and you have to organize them so they fit in. I cant for the life of me remember what game used this system though =/

You mean Resident Evil 4. They did that kind of inventory.

that1guy rescues another fellow commentator! Away I go! *Insert superhero music of you choice*

OT: Limitless. I've dealt with space (Dead Rising, Resi 4), although I can't remember a game I played with weight. But I will always love the limitless inventory that was introduced to me in GoldenEye 007. Seriously, a PP7 (PPK), KF7 Soviet (AK-47), AND a Tank cannon? Hell yes!

I enjoyed the space system that RE4 offered, especially the awkward space the Chicago Typewriter and the PRL took up. The strange grid arrangement of these special weapons took up 3 vertical spaces and always made it difficult to fit other 2 vertical squared objects such as a large group of grenades or standard firearms.

No other game but GoldenEye 007 makes me wonder how so many guns fit into a watch!

Especially with cheats and enabling all guns.

(I'm looking at YOU Double Rocket Launcher. How can anyone reload rockets that fast anyway? Bond moves the guns below eye level and presto! Ready to fire! I assume he pulls ammo out of his pocket.)

OT: I can tolerate any system of inventory balancing, but I mostly prefer weight because I am not so limited in how many knick-nacks I can carry with me before I encounter something hefty, like a large gun, or a piece of armor.
As I recently acquired Fallout 3, I can best describe the system as another great obstacle, although not entirely realistic (Eventually, bottle-caps WILL weigh you down in real life, especially if they numbered in the thousands. Those things have a weight value of 0, for those who don't know.) I would have liked a space system as well. The weight system adds a good challenge to the game, another obstacle, so to speak. When you start running out of room for more objects, then item management skills are put to use, as always.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

My favorite is when you have to do it kinda like a puzzle. Each item takes up a certain amount of blocks and you have to organize them so they fit in. I cant for the life of me remember what game used this system though =/

Diablo.

OT: I like space more I think.

 

[Kortney]

The inventory system in Dragon's Age gave me the shits. I didn't mind it in Fallout 3 because you could put stuff in your house and the gameplay suited a weighting system.

 

[Azure Sky]

Neither, yet both at the same time.

I am a fan of the Diablo/Diablo 2 inv system.