RPG discussion

[Wan]

This is for any RPG, MMORPG, ORPG, etc. fan. We discuss our views on them then debate on them.

For instance.
RPGs in my view RPGs are any game with a role that you must fufill. Such as dmc, mgs, ff, .hack, etc.

I consider games like MGS or DMC to be RPG. How and Why? Look at the term RPG, it stands for Role-Playing Game. In MGS you are solid snake(role) to defeat whomever is the meance(playing) on a console (game). Same goes for DMC.

In that sense, almost every game is a RPG. However RPG is generalized as a type of genre where fantasy, imagination and western themes come into play. Though im not a huge fantasy person, nor not of western themes (like Catholic Monks) I will go for imagination, like .hack.

Those are what I consider RPGs, what are yours?

[S1lentOp]

Methinks you don't know what a RPG is.

[Cless]

Games made by Enix or Namco are good RPG's. They follow the traditional stuff and include good story telling and terrific inbetweens. Graphics are decent but I really don't think RPG's focus on the graphics that much like some do like Final Fantasy.

[Maromi]

Methinks you don't know what a RPG is.

Don't want to sound rude, but I have to agree. Themes do not make a game an RPG; it's more about the gameplay, which is why Zelda isn't considered an RPG. That being said, most JRPGs have almost no roleplaying in them whatsoever. I mean, that's not a bad thing, per say, but JRPGs and RPGs are quite different, in my eyes. What's a more legit RPG? Pick a Western title, like KotOR or Elder Scrolls. JRPGs usually bring you along a set course, with very, very few choices, while Western titles are more about "roleplaying."

Themes, stories, etc. are just elements; they do not make an RPG an RPG.

[iuliathe3rd]

After reading Maromi's post, I'd have to agree. A good RPG gives you options, which in the end will make the experience much more enjoyable. That's how my brothers and sister were sucked into Elder Scrolls; so much to do, so little time.

[S1lentOp]

Methinks you don't know what a RPG is.

Don't want to sound rude, but I have to agree. Themes do not make a game an RPG; it's more about the gameplay, which is why Zelda isn't considered an RPG. That being said, most JRPGs have almost no roleplaying in them whatsoever. I mean, that's not a bad thing, per say, but JRPGs and RPGs are quite different, in my eyes. What's a more legit RPG? Pick a Western title, like KotOR or Elder Scrolls. JRPGs usually bring you along a set course, with very, very few choices, while Western titles are more about "roleplaying."

Themes, stories, etc. are just elements; they do not make an RPG an RPG.

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3155815

[Daichi]

for me a good rpg is something with a good background story, good gameplay, and something with ******* devistating magic.

[Maromi]

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3155815

As much as I'd love to read all eight pages of that, I don't feel like it. :p Of what I skimmed, though, that's really more in-depth than I'm trying to be. I'm just noting that a Japanese "role-playing" game and a Western one are very different. I don't really care about the cultural, philosophical, whatever differences 1up feels like talking about between the two sides of the world. I'm just talking strictly genres and games and trying to note most people have sort of a false perception of what an actual RPG is. I'm not sure what you were trying to say by linking that article, though, so I just thought I'd clear up my point. If you'd like to elaborate, though, please do. :]

Anyway, when most people here hear the term "RPG," they'll probably think of .hack, KH, FF, etc., and although I love a ton of JRPG's, Western RPG's are more aptly titled and involve much more "role-playing." That's not to say they're better, however. Maybe people enjoy limitations and set paths (like noted in Silent's article). These days, the two are pretty much separate genres (JRPG, RPG), in my opinion.

[Vahn Staffear]

Well I'm stubborn and in my view ANY .Hack game is a RPG
All FF's are RPG's
Xenosaga, Xenogears RPG's

Anyhow I view RPG's to be anygame where you can take grasp of a character's story and make seem like it were your own for example I can understand Ovan's story through out G.U. and compare him to that of my self. I'm quiet, mesterious, can and WILL PWN you if you get me mad. Heh...well thats it. =)

[Maromi]

Well I'm stubborn and in my view ANY .Hack game is a RPG
All FF's are RPG's
Xenosaga, Xenogears RPG's

Never said they weren't. I'm just saying most people here will think of Japanese-developed RPG's when they hear the term "RPG."

[Wan]

I do have to agree to which.

However I look at definition, regardless of if its western or eastern (would Fable be western since it was made in Britian?)

Dictonary.com btw

Role

1. a part or character played by an actor or actress.
2. proper or customary function: the teacher's role in society.
3. Sociology. the rights, obligations, and expected behavior patterns associated with a particular social status.

Playing

To occupy oneself in amusement, sport, or other recreation: children playing with toys.

To take part in a game: No minors are eligible to play.
To participate in betting; gamble.
To perform on an instrument: play on an accordion.
To emit sound or be sounded in performance: The band is playing.
To act in jest or sport: They're not arguing in earnest, they're just playing.
To deal or behave carelessly or indifferently; toy. See Synonyms at flirt.
To behave or converse sportively or playfully.
To act or conduct oneself in a specified way: play fair; an investor who plays cautiously.
To act, especially in a dramatic production.
Music
To perform on an instrument: play on an accordion.
To emit sound or be sounded in performance: The band is playing.
To be performed, as in a theater or on television: A good movie is playing tonight.
To be received or accepted: a speech that played poorly with the voters.
To move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly: The breeze played on the water.
To function or discharge uninterruptedly: The fountains played in the courtyard.

Game

1. an amusement or pastime: children's games.
2. the material or equipment used in playing certain games: a store selling toys and games.
3. a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.
4. a single occasion of such an activity, or a definite portion of one: the final game of the season; a rubber of three games at bridge.
5. the number of points required to win a game.
6. the score at a particular stage in a game: With five minutes to play, the game was 7 to 0.
7. a particular manner or style of playing a game: Her game of chess is improving.
8. anything resembling a game, as in requiring skill, endurance, or adherence to rules: the game of diplomacy.
9. a trick or strategy: to see through someone's game.

Essentially by definition not but what others bracket.

Methinks you don't know what a RPG is.

And I do know what im talking about, this is just another view of RPGs. But I thank you for your comment to try to redirect me to your thinking process!

[Maromi]

Please, don't use denotative definitions for a concept that is more about connotation to prove your point. -_- The RPG's we're referring to, in this context, which is as a video gaming genre, are not MGS or DMC. Maybe they have elements, but they're not RPG's. Just because you play a role in pretty much every single game, that doesn't automatically make everything an RPG.

[Wan]

Maybe they have elements, but they're not RPG's. Just because you play a role in pretty much every single game, that doesn't automatically make everything an RPG.

To the context of what we claim an RPG is, no it is not. However if it indeed has elements of which it is to a degree a rpg. However on the percent it majors what everyone catogrizes it.

DMC is an action and hack n slash.
MGS is a espionage with FPS.

And why doesnt it make it a rpg? Clearly if there is a role to play then it is a rpg. Though not the context of what we have made out to be a tradtional or normal rpg.

More so it wouldnt but just rpg. It would be Action RPG for example.

In which case Zelda is an action/stradegy/etc. rpg. Because not only is there a vast amount of action and effects going on, you name your character and play to your discression. Regardless if you are going to do a dungeon, fish, go treasure hunting, etc.

The rpgs im referring to are games with roles to play. Though what is a role then? Are you role playing in a foot ball game?

You can since you are playing the coach and players against your opponent (regardless if its AI or person).

In an MMO such as WoW people role play as alter egos. This helps the game out for immersion as well as entertainment.

[Kaito Fujiwara]

well, as advanced as the Console/Computer RPGs get, the pen & paper variety (D&D, Exalted, WoD, etc.) still hold a distinct advantage in my opinion.

That advantage is the fact that they are essentially a blank slate, and all of the rules in it are more suggestions than anything else. furthermore, I refer you to the following passage on the first page of BESM d20 version.

The rules are written on paper, not on stone tablets
Rules are suggested guidelines, not required edicts
if the rules don't say you can't do something, you can
there are no official answers, only official opinions
when dice conflict with the story, the story always wins
Min/Maxing and munchkinism aren't problems with the game, they're problems with the player
the GM has full discretionary power over the game
the GM always works with, not against, the players
A game that is not fun is no longer a game --- it's a chore
This book contains the answers to all things
when the above does not apply, make it up

the computer and console RPGs offer little in the way of this. Although there is a bit more freedom in MMORPGs like WoW, Guild Wars, Etc. the players are still following a set template (and in a sense, the GMs are as well). I have heard that the Neverwinter Nights is a bit of an exception to the rule (mind you, I have not yet played it as of yet) but if it is, the level of customization is likely still significantly limited.

[Maromi]

I never dissed anything. If someone's trying to say that action games like DMC and MGS are RPG's just because you play a role, I'm going to say something about it. Unless you have anything to add, don't complain. The problem is some of you are focusing on story and theme more than the gameplay, which makes an RPG an RPG. Story/fantasy elements mean nothing.

[Lemartes]

an RPG to me has to have a series of stats (HP, strength value etc.) that can be increased by "leveling up". Also, a good story and interactivity (customizing looks, armor, etc) is pretty important to me too. Well, that and story line. LOL.

[Vahn Staffear]

Well I'm stubborn and in my view ANY .Hack game is a RPG
All FF's are RPG's
Xenosaga, Xenogears RPG's

Never said they weren't. I'm just saying most people here will think of Japanese-developed RPG's when they hear the term "RPG."

I know. I just wanted to sate what I thought RPG's were.

[wave killer]

To me an RPG would need these at least two of these three traits.

1. It needs to have a solid plot to help the player wanting to keep playing.
2. A battle system that gives you more choices on how to fight.
3. Vast landscapes that offer a large amount of freedom for the player.

If a game doesn't have elements like these I don't consider it an RPG.

[Akuta]

Sorry for being boring and technical, but i consider any game that employs a status system (with numbers for str, int or any similar aspects) to be a kind of rpg.
Games that are turn-based (without being set in a square-based movement and action system like Final Fantasy Tactics) and have these status aspects are considered RPGs by me.
Games that are real-time (such as the "Tales of" series) and have these status aspects are considered Action-RPGs by me.



Now the fact that most games that hold one of these aspects strive towards a rich and good story, that's just a -huge- bonus :3

[Wan]

In all of those aspects it seems that games will, instead of being one type of genre they will go for more than multiple. Sort of how GTA:SA went. And since we got the next gen, they will go on a grander scale.

But what is everyone's thoughts of this? Do you think the RPG genre will be used more so than any other since it offers alot to the gaming, such as customization.