Wazzz's Interview Gamecloud - Other than games you worked on that were released this year, what video or PC game released in 2005 was your favorite and why?
Martijn Holtkamp - World of Warcraft. I’ve played this game to tears. Blizzard has made the best MMO game of all time, hands down. The sheer workmanship and detail that has gone (and is still going) into this title elevate it to game of the year and best MMO of all time.
I haven't played WoW but I played Warcraft III - Frozen Throne. I didn't like the game much. First of all, it's not a true RPG at all. Some stages require more strategy (like Age of Mythology) than 'Role Playing' as a hero. Secondly (for the stages where your hero is really doing something), the next place to go is very obvious... there are no virtually choices (your path is lined by trees etc.)... it's like go there... then go therse and your quest is done.
Dungeon Seige 2 is much the same. However, I must say that DS2's graphics was rather engaging with its:
1. changing camera angles
2. zooming options
3. seemless tranisition between various worlds (even while teleporting)
Although sometimes there were problems with restricted camera angles near the horizontal. I would have liked the camera to zoom all the way upto hero's shoulder, so that I may see (where the sky meets the earth <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />) what the hero <should>/<is able to> see.
We are discussing desirable traits of a game to make it a better RPG. And as Wazzz has pointed out, it is important for the game to look good. Details matter to many people (others like me may still play Avernum 3... because of the story <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />). Game builders should also keep in mind that the "view" control should be fully functional with high efficiency (and desirably no bugs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />)
