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A203D on 07 July 2010
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Khuutra said:
Dodece said:

There are so many problems I don't know where to start, and I don't have a lot of time before I have to head out. Yet I do want to contribute some things. The problem is that JRPGs are stagnant compared to their western counterparts. The genre has moved towards open worlds. Away from linear story telling. Dialogue choices are expected, as is moral choice. Leveling and gear aren't linear either. You are given choices about what gear supports your play style, and leveling usually involves the choice of what skill you want. Your even given control of crafting your own unique character.

Then as others have pointed out the Story in JRPGs which oddly enough focus heavily on story aren't well written. They are directed at tweens. Sadly that isn't the hardcore public that would actually purchase one of these titles. That age group is overwhelmingly adult. You can't ask them to keep playing if your writing stories for eleven year olds. That will not hold their interest. Children can play more mature games, and might not get all of what is going on. However an adult just can't play a game that is for children. This is boring, and never rewarding. Yes adults need things like real conflict between characters, and other things like sexual tension.

Basically the genre needs to grow up. Hand holding is ten years ago. Players are demanding more freedom, more choice, and something that actually stimulates their intellect. They are finding that in Mass Effect, Fallout, and Borderlands. They are rarely finding that in JRPGs.

Weird as this might sound with my avatar:

Hogwash.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a linear experience with a simplistic story that is earnestly told. I'll grant that the quality of writing is important, has always been important and always will be, but there is nothing that keeps adults from enjoying stories that are for children. Many "adults" - my wife and I number among them, as do many of our friends - still play Pokemon. Dozens of people on this site are looking forward to Dragon Ques, which does not concern itself with pretensions of maturity.

The appeal of JRPGs is different. They do not need to be like WRPGs. The notion is ridiculous.

I agree with a lot of this, which is why i keep coming back to my primary example; FF12. the game was dark, mature, political and on some levels controversial. i think the way SE has used Nabudis as a metaphor for HIroshima and Nagaski (i thought so anyway) was abosultly incredible, i was moved by the way the blended that into the story.

FF13 and other RPGs are more simplistic in their storytelling, this does get tedious and repititive. but i agree with Khuutra, JRPGs do not need to be like WRPGs, i think they just need an overhaul in their gameplay. linear storytelling isnt a problem, it works in something like Assassins Creed or Grand Theft Auto, but the gameplay is a lot faster.

imo, FF13 got it right with the fast paced paradigm shift, but missed a lot of the other stuff. my point is that the RPGs need to cut the fat in terms of massive dungeons, and long cutscenes, and put more into interacting with the party - even if its not decision making. and a better battle system, that dosent require a long tutorial and has faster comabat.