RPGs - Part 2

Where did the weekend go? Time flies when you're house-sitting, I suppose. A long time ago, I posted my first entry talking about RPGs. Now the time has come to finish up my analysis of the differences between Western RPGs and JRPGs. In general, there are two major design concepts that set them apart: class definitions and how linear they are.

I find this a fascinating subject, because it really speaks volumes about the cultural values and expectations within our respect societies. The Japanese have a very rigid social hierarchy and everyone generally knows their role. Theirs is a highly defined society, with specific phrases that are to be used in specific situations.

Western countries, on the other hand, tend to value freedom of choice and individuality. We don't have specific roles rigidly assigned in any given situation. We tend to be more adaptable, and able to think outside the box a bit more easily.

Now of course, I'm speaking in gross generalizations and there will be countless examples that break the rules I'm portraying, but I still maintain that generally speaking these are hallmark traits of our respective cultures. And I equally think that our approach to designing role-playing games demonstrates this.

JRPGs tend to have classes, each with their strengths and weaknesses, which work together in their niche roles to defeat the Big Bad Evil Guy. Western RPGs tend to veer away from set classes and adopt a more skill-based approach, allowing the player to customize their own unique "class" that fits their preferred play-style.

As far as the continuation of plot, Western RPGs again value more of an individualistic approach which affords the player as much freedom as possible. The world is often open-ended and ready to be explored, with the only limiting factor being how fierce a region's opponents are. Japanese games are more like Final Fantasy XIII, which is very much set on railroad tracks with almost no open-ended exploration opportunities given to the player.

Western RPGs are like ordering a lunch at a restaurant, where you get your main item and two side items, plus a dessert, all individual choices to be made. Japanese RPGs are like choosing which bento lunch-box to buy, all prepackaged with a main item, two side items, and a dessert. The only choice to make is which prepackaged bento do you want?

Do you think my opinion is bullshit? I welcome you to tell me so. Poke holes in my argument, mention DA:O, rip on my lack of proof-reading. All comments are welcome :)