Your favorite game with Dwarves!

[The Code]

Any of the Elder Scroll games, really.
...
Wait...

No, you're right. Granted the dwarves are more coloquially known as Dwemer and are completely absent save for one Corpus-infested bloat bag... but there are Dwarves.

reCaptcha: nylanda antelope
wtf is a "Nylanda Antelope" and where can I find one? It sounds either really pretty or really mean...

 

[The Madman]

Dwarf Fortress is the proper answer, but Dwarves in general are just awesome.

Take for example this Dwarf from Arcanum:

Badass! Wont see any pansy-ass Elves with flamethrowers, guarantee you that.

 

[Dimitriov]

I personally do love the dwarves in WoW.


... Also is it just me, or is it both surprising and kind of offensive that the escapist is telling me that 'dwarves' is spelled wrong?

 

[ImperialSunlight]

Probably Dragon Age: Origins. I really liked Dwarves in DA.

 

[Ieyke]

Actually, Arcanum:Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura was the correct answer.

 

[baddude1337]

Can we include mods? If so, I say Lord of the Rings: Total War for Rome.

Best units in the game, an army of 1000 dwarfs is unstoppable.

 

[GameMaNiAC]

Actually, Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura was the correct answer.

Yeah. Arcanum has the best dwarves in any universe. EVER.

 

[Malk_Content]

I'm sorry you had to repeat yourself. It's still my favorite Drawf game. Doesn't matter that it's a "dumbed" down version of Drawf Fortress. Still fun.

Maybe...but something just snaps in me when I hear people saying, that this thing is the best game with dwarfs when it's basically Dwarf Fortress with a single layer and pretty much all of the fortress management cut out and with fancier graphics. Being able to carve out a skull-shaped castle [sub](okay, you won't see too much of it's shape unless you use one of the 3rd party programs that show the game in full 3D, but the point is you can do that)[/sub] surrounded by an ocean of lava is one of the things that make DF so great (along with the fact, that building such fortress would take RL months and propably end up with the whole fort flooded with lava from inevitable leaks), while in this thing all you can do is watch those midgets dig around. Each and every single fort in DF has it's story. You get attached to those little drunk guys...

Are you really trying to compare a simple puzzle game to Dwarf Fortress. Dwarfs!? is not a dumbed down version of Dwarf Fortress. They are two games of entirely different genres, like saying the Dynasty Warrior games are just dumbed down Total War games, sure they both feature samurai, but that is that.

You can argue that DF is the better game (and it is up for arguement, the fact that to make the game playable people need to download 3rd party programs like Dwarf Therapist are not points in its favour) and the Dwarfs!? is dumber, but it is not a dumbed down version of DF.

 

[Takuanuva]

I'm sorry you had to repeat yourself. It's still my favorite Drawf game. Doesn't matter that it's a "dumbed" down version of Drawf Fortress. Still fun.

Maybe...but something just snaps in me when I hear people saying, that this thing is the best game with dwarfs when it's basically Dwarf Fortress with a single layer and pretty much all of the fortress management cut out and with fancier graphics. Being able to carve out a skull-shaped castle [sub](okay, you won't see too much of it's shape unless you use one of the 3rd party programs that show the game in full 3D, but the point is you can do that)[/sub] surrounded by an ocean of lava is one of the things that make DF so great (along with the fact, that building such fortress would take RL months and propably end up with the whole fort flooded with lava from inevitable leaks), while in this thing all you can do is watch those midgets dig around. Each and every single fort in DF has it's story. You get attached to those little drunk guys...

Are you really trying to compare a simple puzzle game to Dwarf Fortress. Dwarfs!? is not a dumbed down version of Dwarf Fortress. They are two games of entirely different genres, like saying the Dynasty Warrior games are just dumbed down Total War games, sure they both feature samurai, but that is that.

You can argue that DF is the better game (and it is up for arguement, the fact that to make the game playable people need to download 3rd party programs like Dwarf Therapist are not points in its favour) and the Dwarfs!? is dumber, but it is not a dumbed down version of DF.

1. No, you don't need 3rd party programs to make the game playble. Dwarf Fortress operates on 2D graphics and multiple layers of world. If you want to see the game in 3D (but not exactly PLAY it, since you have to use the basic interface anyway), you have to use a 3rd party program. Most of the people don't do that though, because there is no point in seeing DF in 3D, unless you want to show your fortress to people. Actually, one can argue that seing the game in 3D makes it unplayable.
2. ...have you even PLAYED Dwarf Fortress? I really can't tell from your post, since you don't clearly state that you did. Yes, you can compare those games. Take Dwarf Fortress, reduce it to one layer, cut out pretty much all of the fortress management and story, add fancier graphics and viola: that-other-game [sub](yes, I purposely avoid using it's name, because it annoys me)[/sub]. Unless you can prove me otherwise (using a rational argument of course), that game IS dumbed down Dwarf Fortress, at least to me.

 

[Malk_Content]

I'm sorry you had to repeat yourself. It's still my favorite Drawf game. Doesn't matter that it's a "dumbed" down version of Drawf Fortress. Still fun.

Maybe...but something just snaps in me when I hear people saying, that this thing is the best game with dwarfs when it's basically Dwarf Fortress with a single layer and pretty much all of the fortress management cut out and with fancier graphics. Being able to carve out a skull-shaped castle [sub](okay, you won't see too much of it's shape unless you use one of the 3rd party programs that show the game in full 3D, but the point is you can do that)[/sub] surrounded by an ocean of lava is one of the things that make DF so great (along with the fact, that building such fortress would take RL months and propably end up with the whole fort flooded with lava from inevitable leaks), while in this thing all you can do is watch those midgets dig around. Each and every single fort in DF has it's story. You get attached to those little drunk guys...

Are you really trying to compare a simple puzzle game to Dwarf Fortress. Dwarfs!? is not a dumbed down version of Dwarf Fortress. They are two games of entirely different genres, like saying the Dynasty Warrior games are just dumbed down Total War games, sure they both feature samurai, but that is that.

You can argue that DF is the better game (and it is up for arguement, the fact that to make the game playable people need to download 3rd party programs like Dwarf Therapist are not points in its favour) and the Dwarfs!? is dumber, but it is not a dumbed down version of DF.

1. No, you don't need 3rd party programs to make the game playble. Dwarf Fortress operates on 2D graphics and multiple layers of world. If you want to see the game in 3D (but not exactly PLAY it, since you have to use the basic interface anyway), you have to use a 3rd party program. Most of the people don't do that though, because there is no point in seeing DF in 3D, unless you want to show your fortress to people. Actually, one can argue that seing the game in 3D makes it unplayable.
2. ...have you even PLAYED Dwarf Fortress? I really can't tell from your post, since you don't clearly state that you did. Yes, you can compare those games. Take Dwarf Fortress, reduce it to one layer, cut out pretty much all of the fortress management and story, add fancier graphics and viola: that-other-game [sub](yes, I purposely avoid using it's name, because it annoys me)[/sub]. Unless you can prove me otherwise (using a rational argument of course), that game IS dumbed down Dwarf Fortress, at least to me.

Yes I have played Dwarf Fortress, as do many of my friends. We all use Dwarf Therapist (not a 3D visualizer) to help manage the dwarves assigned jobs. I don't enjoy playing without it loaded up, for many people with out its aide (or the aide of other programs) the game is unplayable. Complexity is great, massive points in DF favour, inaccessibility are massive points against it. I like it, I really do, but that isn't really the point here.

Dwarfs!? is nothing like DF. In Dwarfs!? you have a preset goal each level and you accomplish it a means befitting a puzzle game. There is no fortress building, no higher level economics, no grand architecture and no dwarves going crazy. These aren't features it is lacking, it never wanted to be anything like DF. IT IS A PUZZLE GAME. That is all the rationale needed. Once again I can take any relatively complex game, remove and add features until I get a different game.

Lets do Age of Empire and any FPS. FPS is just dumbed down AoE, with a different point of view. Characters still die in both, but in FPS all of the resource gathering, unit production, base building and tech research are cut out but replaced with a friendlier first person view and prettier visuals. Now before you say that example is absurd, I agree with you as they are two entirely different games, built in different genres with different develop goals.

I'm not trying to say Dwarfs!? is a better game (played the demo did not buy) but they are succinctly different games and Dwarfs!? isn't dumbed down DF as it is entirely diffferent.

 

[viranimus]

Everquest, where they are killed with great gusto, strung up, cooked and eaten.

At least they have One use.

Dorfs.. let em all crawl back under the rock from which they oozed and then be promptly crushed by it. Uhgly, stubby greasy haired things always getting under foot so you trip over them. Only good Dorf is a dead one.

 

[Takuanuva]

I'm sorry you had to repeat yourself. It's still my favorite Drawf game. Doesn't matter that it's a "dumbed" down version of Drawf Fortress. Still fun.

Maybe...but something just snaps in me when I hear people saying, that this thing is the best game with dwarfs when it's basically Dwarf Fortress with a single layer and pretty much all of the fortress management cut out and with fancier graphics. Being able to carve out a skull-shaped castle [sub](okay, you won't see too much of it's shape unless you use one of the 3rd party programs that show the game in full 3D, but the point is you can do that)[/sub] surrounded by an ocean of lava is one of the things that make DF so great (along with the fact, that building such fortress would take RL months and propably end up with the whole fort flooded with lava from inevitable leaks), while in this thing all you can do is watch those midgets dig around. Each and every single fort in DF has it's story. You get attached to those little drunk guys...

Are you really trying to compare a simple puzzle game to Dwarf Fortress. Dwarfs!? is not a dumbed down version of Dwarf Fortress. They are two games of entirely different genres, like saying the Dynasty Warrior games are just dumbed down Total War games, sure they both feature samurai, but that is that.

You can argue that DF is the better game (and it is up for arguement, the fact that to make the game playable people need to download 3rd party programs like Dwarf Therapist are not points in its favour) and the Dwarfs!? is dumber, but it is not a dumbed down version of DF.

1. No, you don't need 3rd party programs to make the game playble. Dwarf Fortress operates on 2D graphics and multiple layers of world. If you want to see the game in 3D (but not exactly PLAY it, since you have to use the basic interface anyway), you have to use a 3rd party program. Most of the people don't do that though, because there is no point in seeing DF in 3D, unless you want to show your fortress to people. Actually, one can argue that seing the game in 3D makes it unplayable.
2. ...have you even PLAYED Dwarf Fortress? I really can't tell from your post, since you don't clearly state that you did. Yes, you can compare those games. Take Dwarf Fortress, reduce it to one layer, cut out pretty much all of the fortress management and story, add fancier graphics and viola: that-other-game [sub](yes, I purposely avoid using it's name, because it annoys me)[/sub]. Unless you can prove me otherwise (using a rational argument of course), that game IS dumbed down Dwarf Fortress, at least to me.

Yes I have played Dwarf Fortress, as do many of my friends. We all use Dwarf Therapist (not a 3D visualizer) to help manage the dwarves assigned jobs. I don't enjoy playing without it loaded up, for many people with out its aide (or the aide of other programs) the game is unplayable. Complexity is great, massive points in DF favour, inaccessibility are massive points against it. I like it, I really do, but that isn't really the point here.

Dwarfs!? is nothing like DF. In Dwarfs!? you have a preset goal each level and you accomplish it a means befitting a puzzle game. There is no fortress building, no higher level economics, no grand architecture and no dwarves going crazy. These aren't features it is lacking, it never wanted to be anything like DF. IT IS A PUZZLE GAME. That is all the rationale needed. Once again I can take any relatively complex game, remove and add features until I get a different game.

Lets do Age of Empire and any FPS. FPS is just dumbed down AoE, with a different point of view. Characters still die in both, but in FPS all of the resource gathering, unit production, base building and tech research are cut out but replaced with a friendlier first person view and prettier visuals. Now before you say that example is absurd, I agree with you as they are two entirely different games, built in different genres with different develop goals.

I'm not trying to say Dwarfs!? is a better game (played the demo did not buy) but they are succinctly different games and Dwarfs!? isn't dumbed down DF as it is entirely diffferent.

...yes, that was a quite absurd example.
Here's my example: take Sins of the Solar Empire and Dwan of War. They're quite diferent aren't they? Well, they're both RTSes.
The point is, that you're using the word 'genre' in order to prove, that those two games can't be compared. The point is, that they can be. The 'genre' means pretty much nothing for games which genre you can't really define.
Yes, their gameplay might be diferent. But... please consider the fact, that Dwarf Fortress is a pretty well-known game that was around for a quite long time. Then, that game was announced. Ask yourself one question: what are the chances, that that game isn't at least heavily inspired by DF? As far as I know, the creators just copied DF and removed all of the features that made it more complicated and less user friendly, A.K.A. dumbed it down. You're free to prove me wrong.

 

[Takuanuva]

http://store.steampowered.com/app/35480/

DRAWFS!? The only true Drawf game.

I hate to repeat myself, but...

That game is basically a dumbed down version of Dwarf Fortress.
REALLY dumbed down.

I would even say EXTREMELY dumbed down, to be honest.

Is that really such a bad thing? I've seen the tutorials for DF, and they aren't pretty...

Yes, I know DF might be a little bit [sub]huge understatement[/sub] counterintuitive for the beginners. I admit, it's not THAT easy to learn how to play.
But, that's also part of the game's charm. You have a big fortress with it's own story. Each and every single DWARF has a story that is more engaging than [insert generic modern Call-of-Duty-ish FPS here]. After a while, you get attached to these little guys, thus the game gets a PURPOSE- protecting your favourite dwarfs (and killing nobles in complicated traps, because everyone hates them).
That game removes all of that. Dwarfs are as unique and interesting as mass-produced blank CDs, the only thing they have is a level. The only reason to defend your base is because having it destroyed means, that you've lost. The only reason to keep your dwarfs from dying is getting the highest score possible.
Basically, that game is Dwarf Fortress with most of it's charm removed for the sake of making the gameplay easier to learn, at least in my opinion. And, also in my opinion, it's not a good trade.

 

[Malk_Content]

SNIP

Where are you getting your "As far as I know" from. Are you friends with one of the devs, was there an interview about it? I'm not saying you can't compare them (compare away!) but Dwarfs is not a dumbed down version, it is a dumber game yes but in no part of its gameplay or player goals does it remotely resemble DF. If the game had been called Kobolds and the sprite were changed a little there would be absolutely no link at all. One is a puzzle game featuring dwarves, the other is a fortress/military/economics simulator featuring dwarves. One is less complex than the other (by far) but they have no other similar features and thus one is not a dumbed down copy of the other.

 

[Takuanuva]

[sub]Snip.[/sub]

[sub]The Escapist is falling apart for me. Every time I go to another page, my number of messages jumps up/down a random number. And I can't see any new messages. And that's not even the weirdest stuff.[/sub]
...
*facepalm*
Let me explain this slowly so you can undestand, okay? No, I don't have a friend among the developers. Neither do you I presume. But I have something you seem to not have- common sense. There are multiple reasons to belive, that they copied Dwarf Fortress, and NO reasons to belive they didn't. What do you think, which case is more propable in my opinion?
Also, I know the gameplay is diferent, but that's not an argument. Take Dwarf Fortress, remove fortress management and most of the story. Now, add in a score counter. Now the part you have to understand: the gameplay changed, and that's because it was dumbed down. Do I have to reapeat? I hope not.
I know I might sound extremely rude, but your only arguments so far are "you can't compare them because they are difrent genre" and "it's not dumbed down, it's diferent". Neither of them are relevant. First, the games can be the same genre, but have entirely diferent gameplay. It works both ways though: games from diferent genres can have similar gameplay (Portal and Half Life, for example: both of them run on the very same and share a lot of gamplay elements, but one of them is a first person shooter, while the other is a puzzle/logic game). Second, have you ever considered the possibility that, perhaps, the gameplay is diferent BECAUSE it was dumbed down?
Yes, it could have had diferent sprites and whatnot. But the point is, that it doesn't.
I have reasons to belive, that developers just copied Dwarf Fortress (fairly popular and succesfull game), removed complicated gameplay elements and story, added in a score counter and released it. Yes, I have no proof that they did that but please, give me a proof that they didn't. Everything points towards it being a dumbed down ripoff, nothing gives me reasons to think otherwise.
Time for sleep...

 

[Combined]

I'll join in on the chorus of "Dwarf Fortress!". It's just so damn good.

Although, I do like Dwarves in almost every single game ever made that involved them in any way a all. Who couldn't like small, but powerful, warriors that have become incredibly good at hacking people's knees off.

 

[kyogen]

The Witcher 2

 

[Happy Sock Puppet]

Being a bit of a Dwarven Connoisseur, here are some quick ones:

Dragon Age: Origins and Awakening (I refuse to recognize the 2nd one)

WoW

Table top D & D

Delve Deeper! No one has mentioned this yet? It's cheap on Steam and Dwarf-tastic! And really fun to play with your friends, me and my wife play it all the time.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate. You get a whole Dwarven army to run amok with. You have access to dwarven brawlers, shield warriors and crossbowmen, bear cavalry, giants, and more.

Yes. I think it's the only one in the series where the dwarves are their own faction. They're pretty awesome, really.

 

[thebobmaster_v1legacy]

I have yet to play Dwarf Fortress. Ergo, my vote is for Dragon Age: Origins. For one reason, and that is Oghren.