basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
might be able to just download for free from somewhere.

what are some names I should look for ?

have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
came with the machine.

On Nov 10, 10:35 pm, "Sly" <slyg...@anonymous.to> wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
>
> what are some names I should look for ?

First off, try taking a look at Roguelikes - they are designed for use
on budget systems.

After that, try looking for the most comon RPGs, such as Diablo, or for
RPGs that focus on stories instead of graphics (such as those from
Spiderweb.)

> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.

If you are using a "basic"  IGP, then you will need to find a real
graphics card.  Even if you can find games that should run on that type
of system, there may be a risk that the game doesn't render the
graphics correctly.

Also, the amount of ram is on the low side - you probably want at least
512.

You can still play games on the system you have, but you will have to
ensure that all effects are turned off in the operating system, and
make sure that there is enough hard drive space available.

Sly wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be
> cutting edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to
> text for Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount
> bin that won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old
> that I might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
> what are some names I should look for ?
> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.

All of the Infinity engine games should run well enough on your machine and
are some of the finest rpg's ever:

- Baldur's Gate 1 and 2
- Icewind Dale 1 and 2
- Planescape: Torment

Ditto for Fallout 1 and 2.

For more action oriented stuff look for Diablo 1 and 2 and Nox.

And there's also Heroes of Might and Magic III, the first Age of Wonders and
Disciples if you're into that king of games (tactical/strategic fantasy
rpg's).

Thus spake "Raymond Martineau" <bk039@freenet.carleton.ca>, 10 Nov 2006
20:26:55 -0800, Anno Domini:

>
>
>On Nov 10, 10:35 pm, "Sly" <slyg...@anonymous.to> wrote:
>> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
>> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
>> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
>> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
>> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
>> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
>> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
>>
>> what are some names I should look for ?
>
>First off, try taking a look at Roguelikes - they are designed for use
>on budget systems.
>
>After that, try looking for the most comon RPGs, such as Diablo, or for
>RPGs that focus on stories instead of graphics (such as those from
>Spiderweb.)

I played Geneforge 3 from Spidersoft recently & it was a blast. Real-time
party-based movement/exploration with turn-based combat - very well done
indeed. Check it out at: www.spiderwebsoftware.com

>> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
>> came with the machine.
>
>If you are using a "basic"  IGP, then you will need to find a real
>graphics card.  Even if you can find games that should run on that type
>of system, there may be a risk that the game doesn't render the
>graphics correctly.
>
>Also, the amount of ram is on the low side - you probably want at least
>512.
>
>You can still play games on the system you have, but you will have to
>ensure that all effects are turned off in the operating system, and
>make sure that there is enough hard drive space available.

What he said. Also worth a look on a half-decent laptop would be Fallout 1 &
2 or Torment - absolute must-play classics if you haven't already & they
don't use any 3D that I'm aware of.

--
"Gothic is nothing for noobs." - Gabriele Neukam 31/10

Nostromo

Sly wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
> 
> what are some names I should look for ?
> 
> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.
> 

Oblivion?

> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.

Try both Daggerfall and Morrowind. I had a similar laptop to yours
and was surprised to find Morrowind playable by reducing the graphic
details a little bit.

-Moa Dragon

Thus spake Mark <mark@eliminatespam.com>, Sat, 11 Nov 2006 08:43:09 GMT,
Anno Domini:

>Sly wrote:
>> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
>> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
>> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
>> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
>> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
>> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
>> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
>> 
>> what are some names I should look for ?
>> 
>> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
>> came with the machine.
>> 
>
>Oblivion?

ROFL!

--
"Gothic is nothing for noobs." - Gabriele Neukam 31/10

Nostromo

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 11:04:21 +0100, Mickmils wrote:

> Try both Daggerfall and Morrowind. I had a similar laptop to yours
> and was surprised to find Morrowind playable by reducing the graphic
> details a little bit.

I wouldn't recommend Morrowind to someone with 256 MB and on-board video
card.

I recall trying to get it to run sufficiently on a machine with a GeForce 2
and 512 MB, and it wasn't all that pleasant to play.

M.

Neverwinter nights (1) ???

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/neverwinternights/index.html?q=neverwinter%20nights

"Sly" <slygrin@anonymous.to> wrote in message 
news:1163216143.654526.257670@f16g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
>
> what are some names I should look for ?
>
> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.
> 

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 19:16:46 +1100, Nostromo <nospam@forme.org> wrote:

>Thus spake "Raymond Martineau" <bk039@freenet.carleton.ca>, 10 Nov 2006
>20:26:55 -0800, Anno Domini:
>

>
>What he said. Also worth a look on a half-decent laptop would be Fallout 1 &
>2 or Torment - absolute must-play classics if you haven't already & they
>don't use any 3D that I'm aware of.

I play Wizardry 8 on my laptop.  Runs perfectly.

> Neverwinter nights (1) ???

It depends of his video board, really. I had a similar
machine. On it, Morrowind was playable, but NWN had
like 1 FPS....

-Moa Dragon

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 13:16:31 GMT, asylum wrote:

> Neverwinter nights (1) ???

No, not with 256 MB and on-board video in an older laptop with 1.5 Ghz
(it's probably a Celeron too!). The Infinity engine games are all good
choices and they still look good enough. They can still be purchased in one
box, and they are good for months of entertainment. :)

Wizardy 8 might also be an option. but probably hard to get now.

M.

> I wouldn't recommend Morrowind to someone with 256 MB and on-board video
> card.

I would, considering I played it for a while on a similar
config.

-Moa Dragon

Avernum 4 from spiderweb software.

-- 
"A lot of people complain that this administration is like the Titanic. 
NO!!!"
"This administration is like the Hindenburg."  "It soars!"
      -Stephen Colbert 

Michael Vondung wrote:
> Wizardy 8 might also be an option. but probably hard to get now.

Other options that are also probably hard to get now:

    - Wizards and Warriors
    - Might and Magic VI, VII and VIII
    - Arcanum
    - Divine Divinity
    - Diablo

Hmm... "Diablo II" should work and be easy to find.

Oh, that reminds me.  I saw "Might and Magic II" for download on the
EBGames WWW site yesterday.  I don't think it's worth the $10 they're
asking for it though.
 
                              Ross Ridge

Michael Vondung wrote:
> On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 13:16:31 GMT, asylum wrote:
>
>> Neverwinter nights (1) ???
>
> No, not with 256 MB and on-board video in an older laptop with 1.5 Ghz
> (it's probably a Celeron too!). The Infinity engine games are all good
> choices and they still look good enough. They can still be purchased
> in one box, and they are good for months of entertainment. :)
>
> Wizardy 8 might also be an option. but probably hard to get now.
>
> M.

I'm just giving Baldur's Gate another run through and not because I can't 
run newer games...because BG, BG2 and the add-ons are great games even now. 
As MV says, the Infinity engine games are worth a shot. 

Grimoire.

;-)

Sly wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
>
> what are some names I should look for ?
>
> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.

Dot Net Developer wrote:
> Grimoire.
>
> ;-)

Shhhh . . . quietly.

Speaking it might invoke it.

And I'm sure none of us want our asses kicked.
-- 
chainbreaker 

"chainbreaker" <noone@nowhere.com> wrote in message 
news:pfydndHEZo_chcvYnZ2dnUVZ_q6dnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Dot Net Developer wrote:
>> Grimoire.
>>
>> ;-)
>
> Shhhh . . . quietly.
>
> Speaking it might invoke it.
>
> And I'm sure none of us want our asses kicked.

Cleve benchpresses cars in his free time. 

time to start searching, thanks for all the suggestions.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 15:56:01 +0100, Mickmils wrote:

> I would, considering I played it for a while on a similar
> config.

I tried to play it on a better system, and thought it was unable. But
anyway, two opinions.

M.

"Sly" <slygrin@anonymous.to> wrote in message 
news:1163216143.654526.257670@f16g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.

BG1 and 2 (2 especially)
Planescape
Icewind Dale 1 and 2
Fallout 1 and 2
Arcanum
Daggerfall (might be hard to find)
Thief 1 and 2 (while not technically stats based RPG's) 

Jim Vieira wrote:
> "chainbreaker" <noone@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:pfydndHEZo_chcvYnZ2dnUVZ_q6dnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Dot Net Developer wrote:
>>> Grimoire.
>>>
>>> ;-)
>>
>> Shhhh . . . quietly.
>>
>> Speaking it might invoke it.
>>
>> And I'm sure none of us want our asses kicked.
>
> Cleve benchpresses cars in his free time.

Working himself down, eh?

-- 
chainbreaker 

In article <12lbqnq36nud7e9@corp.supernews.com>, briggs@surewest.net 
says...

> Avernum 4 from spiderweb software. 

Or Geneforge 1, if you prefer the scenario.

- Gerry Quinn

Michael Vondung wrote:
> On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 11:04:21 +0100, Mickmils wrote:
>
> > Try both Daggerfall and Morrowind. I had a similar laptop to yours
> > and was surprised to find Morrowind playable by reducing the graphic
> > details a little bit.
>
> I wouldn't recommend Morrowind to someone with 256 MB and on-board video
> card.
>
> I recall trying to get it to run sufficiently on a machine with a GeForce 2
> and 512 MB, and it wasn't all that pleasant to play.
>
> M.

I played MW just fine with a t-bird 1G, 256M DRAM, win2k, and a GF2 32M
which I had until last May.  (Actually from around March '06 I had a GF
6200 AGP, which compared to the GF2 32M was a HUGE improvement...)

Also played Gothic II Gold, Wizardry 8, Wizards & Warriors, Septerra
Core, etc. just fine.
(Last time OOC that I checked Wizardry 8 prices, the cheapest that I
saw was $50.  No you can't have my copy.)

There's Devil Whiskey from Shifting Sun Studios which is EXACTLY like
Bard's Tale II with updated graphics.  The game is fairly short
though...

Avernum 1 - 4 from Spiderweb software aren't bad if you haven't played
them or the Exile 1-4 series(don't bother with these as they have
poorer graphics, the same story, with a slightly different engine and
game "rules")

Some people like the Geneforge series from the same company.

Come to think of it, Divine Divinity should work just fine on that
machine too.  Compuseless has it in a jewel case for $10.  (Pretty
decent, surprisingly so.  I like it better than Baldur's Gate.)

Sacred: action "RPG" somewhat like Diablo 2 from what I gather.  Better
check the video card specs, but I'd think that it'd probably run on
your notebook.

Baldur's Gate I & II, Icewind Dale I & II:  I'd start by picking up one
of them and trying it out.  If you hate that one, then you'll hate the
rest too...  The default NPC AI scripts(party & monsters) are AWFUL,
unfortunately I don't know the url of any decent replacements
offhand...

You could probably do ok with DOSBOX (dosbox.sourceforge.net) and some
of the older DOS games, but your notebook might be to slow to run some
of the last DOS games under DOSBOX, but I'd expect Bard's Tale, old
M&Ms, old SSI goldbox AD&D games, etc. to run fine...)

If that onboard GPU supports pixel and vertex shader model 1.1+ you
MIGHT be able to get Oblivion running, but be warned it's more of an
action-adventure than an RPG.  Try Daggerfall under DOSBOX then
Morrowind.  If you don't like going from Daggerfall to Morrowind then
you'll likely also hate MW->Oblivion as Oblivion will be similar(to
MW), but with better graphics, MUCH simpler gameplay, MUCH less text,
MUCH simpler quests, poorer mainquest story, and a host of annoyances
which can be somewhat mitigated through mods.  Note:  try looking up
oldblivion on google if you're really interested and check your specs
against what is supported if you end up being interested.

Beyond that I hope that your notebook's battery is up to snuff as games
will tend to have that notebook sucking power like mad, as in the
minimum battery life which I'd guess probably would be around 1h - 1.5h
under load.

Sly wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
> 
> what are some names I should look for ?

I really envy you!
You could go out and play Planescape: Torment for the very first time. 
if you just wanted.

I wish i could do that again.

Sly wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
> 
> what are some names I should look for ?

Gothic 1. Not another "you are a hero to save the world"-RPG
at first look :) But still one of the best RPGs out there. And
with part 2 and (new arrived) part 3, one of the best RPG-sagas.

> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.

Part 1 should run without problems. It�s dated back to 99 or 00 AFIAR.
Part 2, released late 2002 may be a problem.

waves
Uwe

> Come to think of it, Divine Divinity should work just fine on that
> machine too.  Compuseless has it in a jewel case for $10.  (Pretty
> decent, surprisingly so.  I like it better than Baldur's Gate.)

Larian Studios would be glad to hear about your opinion - they are a 
very small group which had been working on it as a kind of freelancer 
group, several months there was even no payment. It is surprising what 
they made of it, under these circumstances.


Gabriele Neukam

Gabriele.Spamfighter.Neukam@t-online.de

-- 
Die Installation von Linux ist in den meisten F�llen nicht die Ursache 
von Sicherheit, sondern die Folge von Wissen.
-
(Wilfried Kramer in de.admin.net-abuse.mail)

Sly wrote:
> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.
>
> what are some names I should look for ?
>
> have 256 RAM, 1500 mhz processor, the basic low end graphics card that
> came with the machine.

I'll give a vote for the Ultima V remake Lazarus. You'll need Dungeon
Siege because the mod runs on it, but DS can be had for cheap and
Lazarus is free. It's a 500+ MB download though, so you'll need
broadband to download it. Don't accidentally play DS though. You'll be
ruined for life :)

On 13 Nov 2006 13:06:22 -0800, crpgnut@yahoo.com wrote:

> Don't accidentally play DS though. You'll be
> ruined for life :)

Is it the first DS version that is needed to play the Lazarus mod?

M.

> On 13 Nov 2006 13:06:22 -0800, crpgnut@yahoo.com wrote:

>> Don't accidentally play DS though. You'll be
>> ruined for life :)

> Is it the first DS version that is needed to play the Lazarus mod?

Yes. But I've (got) another question: Can I use this mod on a localized 
DS (ie a German one)?


Gabriele Neukam

Gabriele.Spamfighter.Neukam@t-online.de

-- 
ignorance can be fixed. stupidity is life-long.
(jshdude in alt.comp.anti-virus)

On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:11:04 +0100, Gabriele Neukam
<Gabriele.Spamfighter.Neukam@t-online.de> wrote:

>> On 13 Nov 2006 13:06:22 -0800, crpgnut@yahoo.com wrote:
>
>>> Don't accidentally play DS though. You'll be
>>> ruined for life :)
>
>> Is it the first DS version that is needed to play the Lazarus mod?
>
>Yes. But I've (got) another question: Can I use this mod on a localized 
>DS (ie a German one)?

I'd guess yes, but of course, it will still have English text.  Anyhow, it
doesn't mess up your DS install so all you'd be out is some bandwidth for
downloading it.
-- 
Michael Cecil
http://home.comcast.net/~macecil/
http://home.comcast.net/~safehex/
http://home.comcast.net/~macecil/hackingvista/

> I'd guess yes, but of course, it will still have English text.  Anyhow, it
> doesn't mess up your DS install so all you'd be out is some bandwidth for
> downloading it.

Good to hear. Thansk for the input.


Gabriele Neukam

Gabriele.Spamfighter.Neukam@t-online.de

-- 
If everybody started to do what they think should be done for the 
common
good, democracy would not exist anymore.
-
Guillermito in alt.comp.virus

"Mickmils" <Mickmils@removethis.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4555a002$0$10024$426a74cc@news.free.fr...

>> basically looking for some entertainment on my laptop during my new
>> lengthy train rides.  I haven't played an RPG in many many years (like
>> Wizardy and Bard's Tale, I mean YEARS) so it doesn't have to be cutting
>> edge because ANYTHING is gonna look great to me, I'm used to text for
>> Pete's sake.  I'm thinking like something from the discount bin that
>> won't stress my low end specs.  Or a game several years old that I
>> might be able to just download for free from somewhere.

> Try both Daggerfall and Morrowind.

Good games, but being FPSish, probably not suitable for train rides, where
(I'm assuming - I play RPGs on my train rides as well) the OP can't really
use a mouse and where reaction times are a factor.

My game of choice on my commutes is Neverwinter Nights, and even on older
machines with onboard graphics, it's still playable. Perfect since you don't
need a mouse to play and can pause at any time, so reaction time isn't a
factor.

-- 
-pm

http://oceanclub.blogspot.com

"I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent.
People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a
sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me."
 

> Other options that are also probably hard to get now:
>
>     - Wizards and Warriors
>     - Might and Magic VI, VII and VIII
>     - Arcanum
>     - Divine Divinity
>     - Diablo
>
> Hmm... "Diablo II" should work and be easy to find.
>

I highly recommend "Nox" by Westwood studios. You probably have to try
tracking down a copy from an online retailer that stocks third party (used
or new)- but once you get this title delivered (as I did), even from the
point of installing the game the story begins with a brilliant combination
of fantasy world/plot description and hand drawn still frames (shame a lot
more titles don't use this technique) and also one of the best intros I've
seen on any pc-cd rpg. I sometimes show it to friends and family and they
all seem to think its up there with some of the best!

Good luck finding the right "low system spec rpg" for you...