saladbone

I think derogatory comments from NPCs are ok if they fit in the world they have crafted. If a group of raiders or a skeezy underground gang were calling me a fat loser as I walked around their camp, I'd think "Man those guys are dicks" and be left with the sense that this world has more character to it. I'd assume the priest at the shrine to Kinareth wouldn't be throwing serious shade at my character's full figure. I don't think I'd like it if everyone were bullying my character because I don't think that would contribute to a game world that is well realized.

@claybrez: I guess this is something that tabletop rpgs can provide so easily that we take for granted. The closest I have seen this done has been Skyrim, where the town guards will sometimes comment on your character's skills as you pass by. Giving a "Stay out of trouble sneakthief" or "Think you could enchant this old sword for me?" depending on which skills you have specialized in. And even allowing townsfolk to make different comments depending on your character's race. However, I would like to see your character's appearance have more impact than small pieces of ambient dialog. Perhaps even providing large quest consequences or rewards depending on your archetype.

What the merely aesthetic character creators do allow for are tiny, weak calved, toddler bodied player characters to jump as high and punch as hard as you please. Which I admit is a feature that I wouldn't want to go away either. But if the game were allowed to judge you through dialog/ambient dialog and NPCs that react to your "waifishness" but then let you spec into 50 strength anyway, and let you throw sick 50 strength uppercuts at the NPC buillies, it'd be totally rad**.

**pieintheskydisclaimer

@dookierope: That's totally fair. And there's no way I'm not gonna be able to armchair design a solution. I would like to check out games that have tried this on a smaller scale though to see what's out there now. Maybe it's something that can be built on going forward

@csl316: It's a lofty ask, no doubt. And I'd hate to take away anyone's flying sabrecats but still... can't a boy dream?

Also thanks for reminding me of that incredible moment in GB history

@fredchuckdave: MSU's ranked 12th in RPI, a stat I have yet to fully understand the sorcery behind

I knew my Buffalo Bulls were gonna screw me for not picking them... I'm so sorry UB, pls take a nap in the 2nd half.

The Glass Menagerie in the style of D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die

Whenever I jump back into a pokemon game I like to give a Nuzlocke Run a try. If you haven't heard of this, it's basically a ruleset you apply (sort of a self-inflicted honor system kinda thing) to your save file to add significant challenge in case you find the main game mechanics dull and devoid of stakes. It revolves around the idea that when a pokemon faints, it's dead, and you must release it or store it in the PC for the rest of time! It exists as a hardcore mode, if you will, with rules that can limit the amount of pokemon you can catch and grinding you're allowed before gym leaders. Check out the link to a bulbapedia article on the main 3 rules and the myriad variations and have a great time!

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Nuzlocke_Challenge

$72,319,920