NSFCD

Volume 1 -- RPGs

RPG stands for Roll Play Game.  Typically in one of these games you take on the roll of a character and play through a story.  What makes RPGs different from action and adventure games is the fact that you have to level up.  In most RPGs you have different classes, weapons, armor and so forth.  Lets now take a look at the different kind of RPG games there are and what makes up there genre class.

Turn Based RPG:

This is the more common RPG style.  In this set up the battles tend to be on a different screen an there is a wait time, though in most you can make it action based so there is no wait.  You select your next move and then a limit bar runs down the time till the move is enacted.

This image gives you a clear view of what that is like:

(http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/images/ffxii_battle2.jpg)

Freeform RPG:

Freeform role-playing games are played with minimal or no formal rules and a greater focus on character or plot development.  Most free-form games are also live-action games, but the difference is on these ones there is still that cut scene that takes you into the battle.  A good example of this is ToS:

(http://palgn.com.au/inside_media.php?subId=1505&mediaId=8)

Live-action RPG:

In this style of RPG there is no cut scene into battle.  You might still have to select your move choice depending on the game, but once you see a monster you go right into combat.  The best example I can give is FFXII.

(http://www.fileshack.com/images/finclude/images/090706_ffxii.jpg)

Strategy RPG:

This is probably the most difficult out of all the RPGs.  It never use to be so common, but now it's starting to really pick up.  Strategy RPGs require that you select where your character is going to move on a grid.  There are different move types and some will hit in different directions or in a number of spaces.  This game type really makes you think before you act and requires the gamer to concentrate.  Below is an example of a battle:

(http://dsmedia.ign.com/ds/image/article/813/813073/luminous-arc-20070815011854685.jpg) 



These are your four main RPG styles, but that's only what the battles are like.  A LOT more goes into making an RPG.  One of the big things would be the storyline.  Most times you have the basic plot of our hero trying to save the world with some twists and turns along the way.  What really adds to a good story is the character development.  Not all RPGs have this, but when they do it really adds to the whole experience.

Role Play Gaming is about finding an escape in the world.  Getting wrapped up in the life of a character outside yourself.  Helping others and making friends to form a common bond.  Unite the world and all the empires riding everyone of the evil forces that are trying to take over. 

So what are some good RPGs out there?  Well here are a few mini reviews to help get new ones started or old ones interested in maybe something they have yet to look at.



PLAYSTATION:

(http://www.gamesarefun.com/games/ps1/finalfantasyvii/boxart.jpg)
Final Fantasy VII:

This is one of my personal Favorite RPGs.  Probably because it was the first one I ever played and we all just seem to love our first.  Here our main character Cloud starts out on a mission with a rebel group.  They are trying to shut down the reactor for the city because it's taking energy from the planet.  The whole story leads up to a reunion with Jenova who is the source of life.  It's about lose and love; control and fear; hopes and dreams.  Truly a remarkable story.  This game style is turn based.  You have summons, weapon upgrades, mini games, and some customization.

PLAYSTATION 2:

(http://www.ffnet.org/images/radiata_stories_box_art.jpeg)
Radiata Story

Radiata Stories combines a multiple of different games all into one great gaming experience. The story starts out with you Jack the main character wanting to join the Radiata Knights. Jacks father was a GREAT knight however on the day of the try out Jack fails miserably. Yet he is granted the honor to fight as a Knight. Shortly thou Jack gets fired as a Knight and must start over where he joins the Thornor Vanture which is a Military Guild.

The story line moves at a nice pass because you actually control the flow of events. The game is based on a inner clock that moves at a certain pass... it takes about 1/2 hour to and hour for a full day in the game or you can just sleep and time moves quicker.

The battle style is much like TOS but there are many skills you can learn. Jack may use Swords, Spears and Axes as weapons. With each new weapon you may learn new attacks. Also you have advantages and disadvantages with each weapon type. The good thing is you are never set to have to stay with one type of weapon. You may have up to 4 people in your party and there are 177 characters that you can recruit in the game to fight at your side. Once you make Sargent in the guild you can then issue attack commands and military like strategies in battle. The battle is in real time and there are also link commands which gives your party greater attack power and enables you to learn support moves from your party members.

There are missions that you can do to help develop your party and earn extra cash. To recruit characters, most of the time you have to do something for them. There is just so much to do in this game and that's what truly makes this a game to replay over and over.

NINTENDO DS:

(http://www.gamershell.com/static/boxart/small/13625.jpg)
Puzzle Quest

This is actually like a genre of it's own.  It has all the elements of the classic RPG except the battle style is done by playing a Bejeweled like puzzle game.  You have 4 character classes to choose from along with four characters for each class.  Once you select what class you are, you would want to use your points earned with each level to build up the skills that are important to your class.  Knights for example would want to build up there battle skill and red magic.  As you progress in the story you will need to make choices and with each choice the out come and storyline changes.  This gives the game some GREAT replay value.

This game also has a LOT of extra things to do.  You can forge weapons, capture cities, trap enemies and learn their skills, build your cities up and go to the shops.  This game has 100 hours just for the first play through and even after you finish the storyline you can continue and finish anything you might have missed in the game.


Well that's all the reviews I'm going to do for this genre.  I hope you catch my next edition ^_^

Peace out! Kita ^_^

Actually for turned based there is Action Time Battle, and Traditional where there is no time limit.

Quote from: NINNIN6 on January 03, 2008, 11:39:15 AM
Actually for turned based there is Action Time Battle, and Traditional where there is no time limit.

There is, but there is also wait time battle :P

*claps*

Bravo!

MOAR

And can we arrange a "Mystery behind THAT user" for meh?

Oh yes RPG my favorite genre of them all.

I started back in 1993 with Final Fantasy IV (then know as II). It was an exceptional game and to this day is still one of may favorite RPGs of all time. I enjoyed many of the great RPGs that came out on the SNES. But I would say my 5 favorites were Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy VI, Super Mario RPG, Earthbound, and of course Chrono Trigger. After the SNES I got a Playstation and really enjoyed it with all the games I got to play on it. My 2 favorites have to be Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy IX. Another RPG of that generation I really enjoyed was Panzer Dragoon Saga for the Sega Saturn. Next came the PS2 and the Kingdom Hearts series which I just loved and am eagerly waiting fro the next games. Finally there are my handhelds the GBA and DS which are both home to great RPGs.

As for my likes well I like most RPGs except the tactical ones. I am just not that patient to deal with the length.

As for the current ones I am playing well lets see there is:
- Blue Dragon (X-Box 360)
- Mass Effect (X-Box 360)
- Eternal Sonata (X-Box 360)

Now for RPGs on my most wanted list well there are:
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
- Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
- Final Fantasy Tactics A2
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Rings of Fate
- Final Fantasy IV
- Dragon Quest IX: Guard of the Starry Night
- Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
- ASH
- Galactrix
- Sonic RPG
- Lost Odyssey
- The Last Remnant

Quote from: Kilroy on January 03, 2008, 11:53:53 AM
*claps*

Bravo!

MOAR

And can we arrange a "Mystery behind THAT user" for meh?

LOL glad you enjoy my threads so much.  I have my next MBTU for now though.  Don't worry I'll do one on you soon ^_^

Quote from: Kita on January 03, 2008, 12:02:31 PM

Quote from: Kilroy on January 03, 2008, 11:53:53 AM
*claps*

Bravo!

MOAR

And can we arrange a "Mystery behind THAT user" for meh?

LOL glad you enjoy my threads so much.  I have my next MBTU for now though.  Don't worry I'll do one on you soon ^_^

Yay

kk

Square-Enix games always are the best.

Quote from: wiiboychris on January 03, 2008, 12:29:55 PM
Square-Enix games always are the best.

Yes I totally agree with that ^_^ All my favs are done by them :P

Quote from: Kita on January 03, 2008, 01:53:49 PM

Quote from: wiiboychris on January 03, 2008, 12:29:55 PM
Square-Enix games always are the best.

Yes I totally agree with that ^_^ All my favs are done by them :P

As are mine.

This brings up the question. What is everyones favorite RPG made by Square-Enix?

Mine is Chrono Trigger

Quote from: Sk8teland85 on January 03, 2008, 02:05:21 PM

Quote from: Kita on January 03, 2008, 01:53:49 PM

Quote from: wiiboychris on January 03, 2008, 12:29:55 PM
Square-Enix games always are the best.

Yes I totally agree with that ^_^ All my favs are done by them :P

As are mine.

This brings up the question. What is everyones favorite RPG made by Square-Enix?

Mine is Chrono Trigger

As much as I liked that game, my first RPG ever was FFVII so I would have to say that's still my fav XD

Quote from: Kita on January 03, 2008, 02:06:57 PM
As much as I liked that game, my first RPG ever was FFVII so I would have to say that's still my fav XD

That is understandable. Final Fantasy IV was the first one I played and like I said it is still one of my all time favorites. I have found that the first one you play always holds a special place as one of your favorites.

RPGs are my favorite genre.  I prefer turn based, like Pokémon and Golden Sun.

What about the "Castelvania" style RPG's , or do those fit under Live-Actions >_<.

Quote from: Darklink on January 03, 2008, 03:15:06 PM
What about the "Castelvania" style RPG's , or do those fit under Live-Actions >_<.

Which Castelvania game is a RPG?

I HATE turn based RPGs. >:(

Real time FTW!

Hey, who are you doing for "Mystery behind THAT user" next? ::)

Quote from: Tuppyluver1 on January 03, 2008, 07:45:26 PM
I HATE turn based RPGs. >:(

Real time FTW!

Hey, who are you doing for "Mystery behind THAT user" next? ::)

LOL That you'll find out when the next one is posted ;)

Quote from: Kita on January 03, 2008, 07:47:21 PM

Quote from: Tuppyluver1 on January 03, 2008, 07:45:26 PM
I HATE turn based RPGs. >:(

Real time FTW!

Hey, who are you doing for "Mystery behind THAT user" next? ::)

LOL That you'll find out when the next one is posted ;)

You know what I want?

An F-Zero RPG. I heard they are actually making one.

Along with an Animal Crossing MMO.

RPG stands for "Role-Playing Game," not "Roll Play Game."  :robotindifferent:

Also, an interesting thing to note is that for some reason, the genre doesn't actually mean what you'd think it does by looking at its name anymore. Most people no longer consider Legend of Zelda games to be RPGs even though you clearly play the role of a predetermined hero rescuing some land or damsel in every single god darn game. Better yet, what about Mario platformers? Gee, I think maybe you might take on the role of Mario.

Not sure what happened that made it so only turn-based, strategy, live-action, etc. RPGs are considered real RPGs these days. I don't mind the weird genre rules, but it's certainly something to think about.

My favorite RPGs of all time include Earthbound, FF6, FFTA, and ToS.

Quote from: Kazooie-Banjo on January 03, 2008, 07:50:53 PM
RPG stands for "Role-Playing Game," not "Roll Play Game."  :robotindifferent:

Also, an interesting thing to note is that for some reason, the genre doesn't actually mean what you'd think it does by looking at its name anymore. Most people no longer consider Legend of Zelda games to be RPGs even though you clearly play the role of a predetermined hero rescuing some land or damsel in every single god dang game. Better yet, what about Mario platformers? Gee, I think maybe you might take on the role of Mario.

Not sure what happened that made it so only turn-based, strategy, live-action, etc. RPGs are considered real RPGs these days. I don't mind the weird genre rules, but it's certainly something to think about.

My favorite RPGs of all time include Earthbound, FF6, FFTA, and ToS.

Yeah my spelling has always sucked XD

But Zelda games you don't level up.  You don't get more powerful only gain more hearts.  That's an Adventure game.

Mario platformers are just that platformers.  Again you do not level up and in these games you don't get new weapons and such.

Zelda games have never been RPGs either.  Every game you play the role of the character, but that doesn't make all games RPGs.

Quote from: Kita on January 03, 2008, 07:54:42 PM

Quote from: Kazooie-Banjo on January 03, 2008, 07:50:53 PM
RPG stands for "Role-Playing Game," not "Roll Play Game."  :robotindifferent:

Also, an interesting thing to note is that for some reason, the genre doesn't actually mean what you'd think it does by looking at its name anymore. Most people no longer consider Legend of Zelda games to be RPGs even though you clearly play the role of a predetermined hero rescuing some land or damsel in every single god dang game. Better yet, what about Mario platformers? Gee, I think maybe you might take on the role of Mario.

Not sure what happened that made it so only turn-based, strategy, live-action, etc. RPGs are considered real RPGs these days. I don't mind the weird genre rules, but it's certainly something to think about.

My favorite RPGs of all time include Earthbound, FF6, FFTA, and ToS.

Yeah my spelling has always sucked XD

But Zelda games you don't level up.  You don't get more powerful only gain more hearts.  That's an Adventure game.

Mario platformers are just that platformers.  Again you do not level up and in these games you don't get new weapons and such.

Zelda games have never been RPGs either.  Every game you play the role of the character, but that doesn't make all games RPGs.

Final Fantasy didn't define the genre outright, you know. What I mean is that the general understanding of the term "role-playing game" has changed completely so that it has to include things like leveling up and character development. I don't really know why or when that happened.

I'm not saying I would actually call those games RPGs. I'm just saying that a lot of people used to.

Quote from: Kazooie-Banjo on January 03, 2008, 07:57:52 PM
Final Fantasy didn't define the genre outright, you know. What I mean is that the general understanding of the term "role-playing game" has changed completely so that it has to include things like leveling up and character development. I don't really know why or when that happened.

I'm not saying I would actually call those games RPGs. I'm just saying that a lot of people used to.

No one is saying that FF games defined the genre though.  There were RPGs before FF games.  Pokemon has always been RPG. 

I do know that people did call those games RPG well at least Zelda games but that doesn't mean they ever were.  I'm not sure when the genre was "officially" defined, but I'm sure with a little searching we could find out. :P

Ahh this is really well done,good job.

Meh, I don't really care much for jRPGs. Most of them are about far too emotional teenagers trying to kill the evil wizard or whatever.

I'm more into cRPGs, role playing games that actually have the one thing jRPGs don't have: role playing.

Take Fallout for example. That game is the perfect example of what RPGs are meant to be like. The combat is turn-based, but it's not the mind numbingly simple robotic turn-based seen in jRPGs. Fallout's combat actually requires tactics in order to win. Shoot your enemy in different body parts to cause disadvantages, position yourself behind cover to avoid enemy fire, boost yourself up with various stimulants, etc.

Then there's Fallout's role playing. It is, quite simply, the best ever experienced.

*Want to play as mentally retarded person? Just create a character with a very low Intelligence stat and he'll be so dumb, most characters in the game won't even be able to communicate with him well.

*Want to complete the game without killing a single enemy? Simply create a character with high diplomacy skills, and talk your way out of those deadly encounters. Hell, you can even convince the main antagonist to commit suicide if your skill is high enough by revealing to him the major faults of his plan.

*Want to kill that mob boss for some serious cash? There's multiple ways to do it. Go Rambo style, and just shoot up his bar. Or you could sneak in, and replace his oxygen tank with one filled with poison gas. Or you could give a pistol to his five year old son, and convince him to shoot his own father. Or you can bribe his right-hand man to light a stick of dynamite inside of his room while he is asleep. Wow, that many solutions for one single quest? Pretty much every quest in the game has multiple solutions.

*Want to be a sadistic child killer that robs graves? You can do it. Want to be an abolitionist and become a rich porn star at the same time? You can do it. Starting to hate your party members? Sell them into slavery, or just blow them apart with a shotgun.

*Drugs in this game can give you a serious boost in stats. However, take too many and you'll become addicted. If you don't get your needed fix every once and a while, you'll experience some serious drug withdrawal consequences.

I could go on and on about the large amount of different ways to go about playing this game, but there's a few other things left to describe. A lot of RPGs have stats simply just for combat purposes. Not Fallout. Stats in this game also affect your dialogue skills, how intelligent your character is, how experienced with machines and environment skills and guns and etc. he is, and so on.

Oh, and did I mention how simply awesome this game's turn-based combat is? Say, for example, you create a character with a Luck of 10 (max), and you give him the Jinxed ability. This pretty much causes you to be literally untouchable, but your enemies will literally kill themselves. The Jinxed trait affects both allies and enemies; your combat skills suck but so do theirs. However, since your Luck is maxed out, you'll lose the disadvantages of Jinxed, but you'll keep the advantages. Enemies will be critically missing and will end up shooting themselves in the foot, missing you terribly and accidentally shoot their ally in the groin, mistake a passing pedestrian for you, etc.

Any game that is like this (which is a good amount of PC RPGs) is the only type of RPG I will play. Ain't nothin' else'll do.