LOL @ Gears being labeled a WRPG. I guess Halo and COD are also WRPGs
As many have already stated, one of the big turnoffs of modern JRPGs for western gamers is their hyper-anime character / environment design and plotlines. JRPGs also tend to recycle the same story and gameplay tropes over and over again with little variations between IPs. Some WRPGs are guilty of this too, but I find there's usually more variety to them. The difference between turn-based and real time combat also plays a big factor in westerners' likes and dislikes of JRPGs.
Another big turnoff is the the fact that most JRPGs are pretty strict when it comes to the "Role" aspect of Role Playing Game... i.e. you're usually stuck playing as fixed character or characters with no ability to personalize or customize them beyond the typical weapon / item upgrades found in just about every game in the genre. Most WRPGs on the other hand allow almost limitless customisation of your character from their race, sex, appearance and personality, and allow you the freedom to customize and upgrade their stats and other gameplay characteristics based on your preferred playing style.
And last but not least, another big difference between the two genres is that WRPGs typically feature true open worlds that allow the player to progress in practically any way they see fit, whereas JRPGs typically feature a linear quest / storyline progression that consists of traveling from hub area to hub area and the occasional "dungeon" in between.
On 2/24/13, MB1025 said:
You know I was always wondering why no one ever used the dollar sign for $ony, but then I realized they have no money so it would be pointless.
