I really don't see how a house adds a "strategy touch" or how it even is an organization system, could you elaborate on that?
In BG2 I just used a couple of containers in Waukeen's Promenade to store and organize all my stuff, worked just fine.
They *can* add to a game but only if you get sufficient freedom to decorate them (and I've only really seen that in one game, an MMO: EverQuest 2). Even in the Elder Scrolls games your freedom to decorate your home(s) is minimal and their main use is for the non-respawning containers.
So far the only (single player) RPGs I've encountered where a "house" added anything of value (except for storage/crafting) was KotOR (and by extension ME, if you count those as RPGs), because your house was also your main means of transportation.
If someone could enlighten me as to what I'm missing, because I must be missing something given the popularity of housing...
It always depends on how is implementing, in Oblivion your house is almost a warehouse, but in Neverwinter Nights 2 your stronghold is central part of the game where you chose companions according the task and you can repair your golem and make upgrades to resist the invasion. Compared to most recent mods the NWN2 Stronghold looks pretty basics today, but this is the idea in how a housing system may be more than a warehouse.
(I am also puzzled that so many people willingly accept the pyramids of teleportation but I said that I wouldn't argue hehe).
It is something that came from DD and part of the series's legacy. Think of it as of town portals in Diablo.
mmm I remember the first time I played Diablo II, it was in single player and I discovered many waypoints without knowing what they were. I enjoyed those long maps running to and fro, but when I finally discovered the waypoints utility it was a little frustrating and I decided to not use them anyway; but at last I have finished using them only because they gives advantages, not for fun...
That is the reason I am against all unnatural manners to do things, because you will end using them even if you don't wanted.
