Bethesda: Western RPG “More Realistic” Than JRPGs

[Jumpin]

Antabus said:

Jumpin said:

I wouldn't call them "more realistic" so much as "less imaginative". 

The main reason why I don't like "Western RPGs" is because they are really action adventure games with extra story and some RPG elements. Most of them are heavily focussed on strong adventure elements (ie. do this or this in order to unlock this or this). Current WRPGs sacrifice many elements that are really the core of the RPG genre; the key element being a turn-based battle system. With the way that the term "RPG" is used to describe a western RPG, almost any current game could be called an RPG; you could call NBA Jam an RPG.

 

What?

So a jrpg with always exactly the same characters/plot/combat is more imaginative than any given game?

What are jrpg:s if not adventure games, some of them even have action in them. Maybe a bit added rpg elements. How about FF XIII? I think a role playing game is a game where you really play a role, not just follow a preset path with a lot of boring cutscenes.

Key element of rpg games is turn based battle, why is that? Because you were used to it back in the "good old days" when you were playing jrpg:s with your nes or snes?

* I have played dozens of Japanese made RPGs, I haven't come across any that are exactly the same; I would go on to say that the most imaginative games I have ever played are RPGs made in Japan. If you think that Final Fantasy 13 Xenogears, The World Ends With You, Skies of Arcadia, Earthbound, and Chrono Trigger, are exactly the same, then it really just shows how narrow minded of a view you have. 

* Turn-based battles, which are the simulation of actions rather than the direct control over actions, are the major unique point that RPGs have over all other genres. They are a major defining point of the genre.

* Your definition of an RPG  "play a role" is FAR too broad. Most videogames have you taking on the role of a character. RPGs are a very specific type of game that came into existence through a process beginning with proto-RPG/adventure titles like Ultima and Wizardry through to the original Dragon Quest trilogy.