The orginal post brings up some good points that bother me and I'm totally a Japaese RPG fanboy. I am always looking for new experiences for RPGs (I recently started The Witcher 2: EE ) but I always find myself coming back to JRPGs.
I think one of the reasons for my continued enjoyment is that I am more interested in the choices that the characters make, regardless of if I think they are a poor descion or not. A static storyline for me is much more engaging than a story line that is built to branch in several different directions. Making storyline choices in a game does not make it more enjoyable for me.
I love the cinematics of the FF games. The opening sequences of PS2 and PS1 games like Suikoden and Wild Arms allow me to see a window to the world I am about to adventure into. I also feel like that opening animations can truly being back fond memories of the time you played the game.
Its funny that you don't like the name "JRPG" because despite my account name, I also hated it at first. I guess its something that grew on me and it doesn't bother me as much. Outside of Japanese develped RPGs I have played few role playing games. I try not to look at any game as just Western or Japanese when debating because I think each develper, regardless or location, can bring something unique to the table. Jumpin also made a good point that 'J' is only put before RPG's and not any other genre of game. I feel bad now lol.
