09-17-2005, 10:41 AM
>Have it so that the game features swordfighting characters who not only do more damage as they level upâ they actually look and act like they're improving in swordfighting skill. Make it so that a rookie looks like a rookie, but a veteran looks really, really cool.
>Given the future of game-making in 3D rendering and motion-capture animation, this would be feasible with current and future programming.
I don't doubt the technical ability is there, but like you said, a lot of it rests on the creativity of the designers. At the moment, I think the closest CRPG I remember that can even come close to what you're talking about is Fallout. At least the 'act' part. There probably is some others, but it escapes my sieve-like memory right now.
But yes, it would be a refreshing change to play a Diablo like game where the measure of a character's level is not the super duper shiny weapon in their hands, but how well they use it. eg: a rookie can still blunder even with Excalibur+1, whereas the vet can kill with a spork. Having said that, some of the appeal of Diablo is that treasure hunt. If there is a game that can manage to balance both, I'll happily fork over my cash. Because there needs to be a video game where I can wield a spork with deadly result dammit.