Bethesda: Western RPG “More Realistic” Than JRPGs

[Khuutra]

Soriku said:

I...think I see what you mean. I think the problem is Xenosaga might have some more fantastical things that Mass Effect might not have. Not that ME doesn't have things like that, but it's probably different since some of the things in Xenosaga like that 10m mech that can blow apart a structure kilometers long have some only game related elements that allow for that stuff.

So basically it's like Xenosaga uses scientific principles and such, but the game takes things to a different level in some ways that the creators made up, but not all the time. ME probably doesn't do this as much I'm guessing and tries to make things more realistic. Then again, the ME stuff seems to have larger explanations.

Just so. Exactly so. Like I said before: Mass Effect Fields are the only really fantastical element of Mass Effect, and as they're a fantastical principle of physics it's still a grounded fantastical element.

Mass Effect, to the best of my knowledge, never works outside of the bounds of its established science in any meaningful way. Dreadnought size and weaponry is limited by physics, space combat is limited by heat build-up, metabolic rates affect lifespan, on and on and on. It's not hard science, but it puts on a hard science tuxedo when it's time to party.

That's what the guy was talking about: it's a general tendency in western RPGs to have explanations for seemingly "fantastical" elements that are rooted in real-world logic. JRPGs tend to b much more fantastical.

It doesn't mean one is worse or better than the other. It's just different.