Now we're close to 2022 and we can safely say it's dead...

Having read this topic some months ago, i downloaded and played Fallout 2. Though i'm not a fan of RPG-like games, that was really cool. So, thanks for the hint

i recommend civ2. spent eternity on it. fun as hell and you can probably get a free download.

A nice feature is that the rules are set in text files. You can change the rules of the game (Within limits)!

Yes that was fun! You could easily change graphics/sounds too (they're simple gif/wav files) and i used to create whole new units.

The fact that the first thing a new player really needs to do is practice a lot in Super Melee so that the early game is survivable is one of the reasons I hesitate to consider SC2/UQM an RPG.

I completed the game and i never practiced in Super Melee. Indeed, when i met enemies early in the game i simply used to flee But new players CAN play without practicing.