Ideally RPGs will stop using the top down isometric view entirely. It destroys any semblance of realism and does nothing to make you feel like you are a part of the experience. Seeing everything around you a long way in every direction is like you are playing the game from someone other than your character's perspective; someone who sees way too much.
That's what YOU think.
Übereil
I doubt ANY viewpoints are going anywhere. Actually, I expect & hope to see MORE RPG's use MORE viewpoints -- yes, like Thief: Deadly Shadows and Hitman 2 do. Both of these games allow you, while on the fly, to switch b/t viewpoints. Both viewpoints have their strengths and weaknesses -- the best way to go about this is to put BOTH in there, if you ask me.
I think the first person viewpoint is very good for immersing yourself AS the character. You see it through the character's eyes & as if you are them. It's up close & personal. This is how we walk around the world -- in first person.
I love the third-person viewpoint b/c you see your character. You can see what they are wearing, their animations/movements/actions -- and everything. You can also see more of the world in 3rd person. It was very satisfying in Morrowind to switch b/t first and 3rd.
NWN is cool b/c of its perspective. Third person isometric is fine -- and usually, games w/ lots of strategy & multiple party members work well in this perspective. A lot is going on, so you can see everything. Though, NWN supports WSAD movement, so I would not be surprised if NWN2 supports for the player to also be able to toggle to a first person perspective. That would be awesome. The camera unlocked in NWN:HOTU is great, as you can control everything about it -- pitch, rotation, where to place it (at the ground, overhead bird's eye), etc etc. I wish more games would have a free-floating unlocked camera like NWN or Black & White given to the player for controlling like they are the game's director.
I would like to see more RPG's w/ MORE PERSPECTIVES -- give me an unlocked camera I can control. Give me the option to where I can switch b/t third and 1st. I want it all.
All camera angles and viewpoints have their usage.
