rocketpig said:
I specify JPRG because: 1. JRPGs aren't really RPGs. They're too linear and never offer enough choice to be a real "role-playing game". 2. WRPGs are vastly different games that are somehow clumped into roughly the same genre as JRPGs. 3. If I mention RPG by itself, I feel obligated to include all RPGs into the comparison. That's not fair to any of the sub-genres. They're far too different to ever be clumped together. 4. There is nothing wrong with using the term JRPG. |
I don't see how JRPGs aren't really RPGs. Essentially, you play RPGs to play a role. Well, you are given that role as a protagonist in a JRPG, with the only difference being a definite canon to the events in the game. Many RPG games, while purporting to give you complete freedom, end up still gimping you with a basic shell of structured history and ultimately your 'role in the universe'. There are those that strike an effective balance, like in Bioware's games, but I'd prefer to dispense with all the pretense and get a fully established protagonist to play through as.
Also, how is an Action-RPG any different, or even worse, than a JRPG? Their RPG elements are laughable, and can be practically ignored.
Though I can't argue that JRPGs can be effectively described as interactive mangas/anime, all things considered, but done right I don't see it as a detriment. In fact, it appears to help in the games longevity if it follows a fully structured and defnitive story canon. It has helped the Final Fantasy series immensely over the years, with FFVII being their greatest success for following this model.
