Wow, this coming from Bioware who've been using the exact same template across mutliple IP's since KOTOR.
Jade Empire = KOTOR - Star Wars + Asia
Mass Effect = KOTOR - Star Wars
Dragon Age = KOTOR - Star Wars + Baldur's Gate
JRPGs have evolved plenty. Persona 3 and 4, The World Ends With You, Final Fantasy XII, Valkyria Chronicles and as he mentioned, Demon's Souls are all very innovative recent JRPGs.
Dragon Quest and Pokemon are guilty of staying the same, but they're more popular than ever so I don't see how they can be blamed for the decline.








