The only WRPG I've really liked is Diablo II (and I, when it wasn't obsoleted by its sequel). For the most part, Japanese developers do a better job of creating skill sets and such. Generally, they just have more creative/unique systems for their games. My experience with WRPGS has either been a D&D type game or they have skill trees like Diablo 2. Not exciting.

JRPGs by default... I never played much any WRPGs... They don't seem very appealing to me. JRPGs are like an interactive story to me that I follow and get to learn about the characters and all. It's less free but I like it that way.

Wrpgs have become alot more palatable in the past 5 or 6 years. Before it was a rarity if I found a wrpg I liked (loved fallout, and that's about it). I used to prefer Jrpgs hands down, but now it's almost even (I still prefer the Japanese, but just barely).

I started with playing JRPGs but recently in the past 7-8 years it has mostly been WRPGs for me. Morrowind, Oblivion, Mass Effect, KOTOR 1 & 2, Fable and many wester MMOs have been some of my favorite games.

Turning to MMO is interesting point. There as many JRPG-like MMO as about WRPG, and even more. And grinding takes you longer in those, so technically Lineage is way too "longer" than WoW, it "never" gets you to the top possible.

As for side quests, I feel especially pity for someone who'd spent 200hrs playing Oblivion. Nevertheless, you might think of how much long one to unlock ultimate powers, for example, in Persona 3. Conventional JRPG has more to replay it.

JRPG's.

WRPG's are fun, but don't compare to JRPG's when it comes to character development, story, theme, and other story-related.

Jrpg are my choice... a lot of fun

You guys who say that WRPGS don't have much of a story compared to Jrpgs play mass effect.

jRPGs of course. I love the structured plot lines. I'm a big anime fan.

Jrpgs.