Specifics depend on each RPG, but when I start an RPG I expect to be given a role in an engaging journey - so I expect decent worldbuilding, interesting characters to meet and quests to solve. And, I generally expect to be able to create and define my character, make decisions, and see those things ripple throughout the adventure - NPC recognising my race/class/choices. I see reactivity less as a point in itself, and more as the requirement of interactive storytelling. If I am unable to make a choice that is natural and logical, because the game tells me I can't, it becomes less of a game, and more of a passive medium. A good RPG doesn't necessary has to have sprawling reactivity, but I have to feel like solutions presented to me are sufficient. And in general, I prefer to make multiple choices rather then one at the start of the game - therefore I prefer games with grayer morality, as games that deal in clear cut character divisions (Good/neutral/evil, Paragon/renegate etc) essencially mean, there are only handful choices to make, that we just later need to stick to throughout the game to reap rewards.
I have more specific requirements for a good Baldur's Gate game though, as BG1&2 already defined what type of RPGs those are - so for BG3 I wouldn't be as concerned about choice and reactivity, or worldbuilding, (though those are welcome) but more about well paces adventure, with some basic morality, campy, but developed villains, some acklowledgent of my character build, but a good overriding motivation for my PC, without stifling my roleplaying abilities (aka. classic Bioware approach). Combat system, with some optional really tough encounters, bunch of races and classes to choose from. A nice progressions from "rags to riches" in power sense. A good integration of systems and narrative (if our character gets more and more poweful, it should be acknowledge and exlained in the story). A large world to explore, many companions to choose from. Cool items to aquire.
Last edited by Wormerine; 31/05/21 11:07 AM.
