I hate RPGs in general. I go back to BG1, though, and have been a game critic for over 2 decades. This is the most fully realized, superbly flexible, masterfully executed RPG I've ever played. Seriously: genre-defining titles like "Dragon's Age" and "Fallout 2" (two of my favorite games ever) are likely to be dwarfed by the enormous shadow of "immersive/detailed/insane" awesomeness that this game casts. I'm only 10 hours or so in, but no other RPG in gaming history has so thoroughly involved me in my character, the universe, and storyline. The combat and stuff is (for me) kind of a distraction almost in comparison to the sheer freakish awesomeness of dialogue with random NPCs. I reserve the right to revise this review after I get another 10-20 hours of playtime, but, from what I've played so far ALONE already is absolutely stunning; spookily close to a complete realization of what I always imagined the story/structure of a "perfect" RPG would be. Put in your brain. If you're not enchanted by it, then please, for the love of all things good, tell me what game you have played that you think tops this. [AND NO: ZORK, other sundry insane awesomeness does not count... unless... it does?! SNAAAAAAKE!!!! Jk jk jk... ] This game is officially certified as "Mind-Blowingly Glorioualy Rad," with the further distinction of the medal of "Legitimate Genius In the Advancement of the Medium." It'll charm, horrify, delight, and humiliate you. In short: it's a work of Art.

I hate RPGs in general. I go back to BG1, though, and have been a game critic for over 2 decades. This is the most fully realized, superbly flexible, masterfully executed RPG I've ever played. Seriously: genre-defining titles like "Dragon's Age" and "Fallout 2" (two of my favorite games ever) are likely to be dwarfed by the enormous shadow of "immersive/detailed/insane" awesomeness that this game casts. I'm only 10 hours or so in, but no other RPG in gaming history has so thoroughly involved me in my character, the universe, and storyline. The combat and stuff is (for me) kind of a distraction almost in comparison to the sheer freakish awesomeness of dialogue with random NPCs. I reserve the right to revise this review after I get another 10-20 hours of playtime, but, from what I've played so far ALONE already is absolutely stunning; spookily close to a complete realization of what I always imagined the story/structure of a "perfect" RPG would be. Put in your brain. If you're not enchanted by it, then please, for the love of all things good, tell me what game you have played that you think tops this. [AND NO: ZORK, other sundry insane awesomeness does not count... unless... it does?! SNAAAAAAKE!!!! Jk jk jk... ] This game is officially certified as "Mind-Blowingly Glorioualy Rad," with the further distinction of the medal of "Legitimate Genius In the Advancement of the Medium." It'll charm, horrify, delight, and humiliate you. In short: it's a work of Art.