Guys please forgive me if my post offends you or comes off as trolling, But why do people actually choose to play JRPGs of their own free will?

I mean I just don't understand how games like final fantasy 7 and kingdom hearts are even role playing. What are you pretending to be? A group of characters that the developer already decided who they are and what their morality is?

On the other hand games like oblivion and neverwinter nights just offer so much more customization as well as shit to do.

I can vaguely remember playing FF3 on the ds a couple years ago and if my memory serves me right I was driven purely by the desire to beat the game.

It all depends on what type of story you like. Personally I'd much rather have a single well fashioned story such as one in Persona 4 than a plethora of choices that end up making for a boring story such as Oblivion that I couldn't even get myself to finish.

If choice is a big deal for you then you're right JRPG's will be abhorrent, but you have to remember not everyone cares as much about choice as you do. Some of us just like to play through a story.

lol...ive been gaming for 18 years and still do not know the answer...

I tried playing the best of the best and couldn't stand them. The only JRPG i ever beat was chrono trigger, and that was due to its mindblowing story.

So I am very interested in this explanation...

People feel more attached due to the deeper story lines that accompany jrpgs as well as the amount of grinding. After spending dozens of hours, you begin to feel immersed in the game and tend to favor it over others due to the amount of work you put in.

Story...I play JRPGs because I'm looking for good stories. And so far, some of the best I've found them in JPRGs (like Persona 3 and 4, to give some examples). Then add some bonuses like that they feature engaging bosses and they usually have great art direction and very good music

My question..i need somewhere to start because theres too many answers: Why NOT like JRPG's???

characters and story, and endless grinding

I can see why fans of real role-playing have problems with JRPG's. That's why we need to label them as JRPG's because they aren't (most aren't) role-playing games.

I enjoy JRPG's because of the characters, style, story or battle-system. Tales series are one of my favourites because I love the character design (mostly) and the battle system. I admit I'm also a sucker for manga style XD

JRPG's can be good even if you like "real" RPG's, just know the differences or you may be disapointed.

Same reason I play any game... because it's fun.

Generally they aren't looking to roleplay. If it helps, don't think of them as RPGs. According to your definition, they are not.

They are, of course, still great fun.