naznatips said:
Yeah, cause Mass Effect's choices aren't linear at all. "Let's see, should I diplomatically explain the situation, or punch this bitch out." Black and white choices are pathetic, and don't in any way bring WRPGs closer to pen and paper. It's just like having 2 storylines to a JRPG. JRPGs have sidequests to the main quests too, and plenty of multiple endings. The only realistic differences are starting out with some mediocre character creation options (which you get in some JRPGs as well ala Dragon Quest) and the ability to commit random acts of violent crime. I'm glad to know that the only difference between tabletop RPGs and JRPGs is the ability to steal silverware.
Back in the real world, RPGs for video games are completely different than RPGs as the term was originally defined for tabletop games. For a video game, it's just a game where you take on a role of a character that posesses some form of leveling and customization of a character's abilities. WRPGs are nowhere near tabletop games, and never will be. They are just more open-ended adventures while JRPGs are more linear. However, comapred to tabletop games, both generally end up quite linear, and there are always linear WRPGs (Mass Effect) and open-ended JRPGs (Dragon Quest). Whether you prefer the style of one to the other is completely up to you, but claiming one is more of a "true" RPG is simply bullshit. And that's the end of this freaking stupid argument. |
You're going to use that as an example of an important choice in Mass Effect? How about when you choose what party member to save? You know, an actually important decision in the game that has no right or wrong answer.
I can't tell whether you're being cute or being serious, I hope it's the former, or you really need to go play Mass Effect again.









