How much does creating your own main character in an RPG mean to you?

For me, I could care less either way. Developer made characters have always been solid. Currently, I am playing The Witcher for the PC and Geralt of Rivia is cool and reminds me a lot of Kain from The Legacy of Kain without the vampirism.

In games where I can create my own character, I tend to go for templates that make my main look like a celebrity for some odd, male reason. Kate Beckinsale is usually my first pick to try and create. I almost always create females because if I have to stare at an ass for 50 hours, it must be a female ass.

Very important. I hated Geralt in The Witcher and threw the game away after just a few hours because the character is so un-sympathetic.

Dragon Age 2 will probably rock but I'm a bit worried that I won't feel very strongly towards the Hawke guy (main hero). I mean the focus of the story will be on Hawke, while in DA: Origins the focus was on the other party members such as the lovely Alistair and Morrigan while my imagination filled in the rest.

If they let me create my own I can decide for myself if I want to be lovable or a hideous character.

depends on the game really, if the game has a great character I don't mind but some games benefit from custom characters.

Doesn't add much to the experience in most cases in my opinion.

It all depends on the type of rpg your playing.

i share this opinion.

The good thing about creating your own, is that you give him personality, you can identify yourself with her/him. BUT when you want to tell a Character-Based Story, it is a pointless thing. (just think about a Book where you can make your own Hero - not executable in a good way, eh?)

so, basically, that what we define as 'Western RPGs' has them (at least many of them) and what we define as 'JRPG' has almost never gives you the choice to create your own - and it is good as it is, imo.

you should let witcher another chance, you right Geralt is a little un-sympathetic but the game is really good.

I prefer to make my main character. the more advanced the customization option is, the more time I spend with it. :D

Don't mind though if it's not included in the game, a good game is a good game even without it.

Not very, if the story is interesting and you're still given the freedom to make choices in your journey.

This.

Oh, there was a thread going on. Go on, don't let me interrupt you.

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Seriously though, I prefer creating my own character but it's not a necessity. I like pre-made characters too, they often have better personality.