@twesterm
All these points you are making are still pointing back to the main point I made originally. Japanese RPGs are targetted to a different market than 'the west'. They're focused on Japan. And as such, that's why nearly all of them are on the DS and PSP this gen. As such, Final Fantasy XIII (and all the other 'HD' RPGs) is not only an exception to the standard JRPG this gen, its bucking the trend of both the standard and the JRPG market (aka, the fanbase). I think you're trying to make the point that FFXIII is going to set some benchmark for JRPGs that will make all others seem inferior while I'm trying to show you that FFXIII is on a platform that will make it have a very limited appeal in comparison to a DS or PSP RPG. Such as...Pokemon, Dragon Quest or Monster Hunter.
And while we're on that subject, there's more than 2 Monster Hunter games. For instance, the Monster Hunter Freedom games sold multi-millions each (1.42, 2.41 and 4.05 million each, all on the PSP). That's some of the best selling Japanese games this gen, and beyond any Final Fantasy game this gen (except FFXII).
| swyggi said: I think he was talking about appeal. But kids aren't the only ones who constantly buy Pokemon games. However, depending on how constant a game's appeal is, it will keep that same audience coming back for more. One negative thing about keeping the same appeal in your game is that it might not attract any new gamers.
In FF's case, it's weird because the series is constantly changing. That could be good and bad at the same time, however only bad in it's constant appeal factor. The FF series has attracted many different gamers with it's different appeals and some have given up along the way because of the constant change. However, since the series constantly changes, even gamers who might have given up on the series will be back for more; simply because it changes and they have the idea in their head that they will like the next installment. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. But that possibility is in their mind and many of the same customers will keep coming back no matter what. This might be the only series that has been able to pull something like this off. I don't know if the developers intended for something like this, but it's ingenious either way. Is there another? |
Exactly. Part of FF problem is its constantly changing formula. It was a blessing in the past, but now it is a problem as it has established a fanbase, who wants many of the sequels to be similar. Hence why sales have fallen since FFVII and the recent sales this gen have stagnated for all the sequels, spin-offs, etc. The series is at a cross roads and its either going to continue to make drastic changes...or become more of the same to appeal to its set fanbase. Either way I feel its going to have a problem appealing to fans in the future.
Six upcoming games you should look into:
