Is it me or is the RPG genre slightly dying?

[Borg1982]

By slightly, I mean that it is not headed for full destruction and there is no sign for that at all. For example, The PC will always continue to come out with MMORPGs and such.

But think about it. Since PS1 came out, they've been the carrier of the most RPGs one could play since the SNES. When PS2 came out, they ended up being the next generation of a large amount of RPGs. Those were the consoles we went to for RPGs.

The handhelds we went to for RPGs were not bad, either. GBC had some. GBA, which came out a little after PS2, ended up being a huge carrier of RPGs.

In the present day the very company we went to for RPGs for 12 years (Sony) has failed us tremendously. If you goto Gamespot and sort PS3 by RPGs-Only, you'll get Elder Scrolls which I personally own for the 360 already, and you'll get a couple more with not-so-good scores. A COUPLE MORE!? PS3 HAS BEEN OUT FOR A FEW YEARS AND THERE ARE A COUPLE-A RPGS FOR IT!!!!!!!???????

................. <-- thats all I can say now.

After the SNES, Nintendo's main consoles have been RPG failures. Gamecube perhaps did the best of the post-SNES Nintendo consoles but its just not enough.

The GBC and GBA I said has done very well and on the upside the DS has come out with a handful of RPGs every year since its release. So is the conclusion here that DS is the only thing left truly providing?

But back to the overall big picture, no wonder why I feel theres a big void in my life.

Comments....

[Atlas]

The PSP and DS remakes can only go so far so I figure when they run out of those, they'll realize that they need to start making some really good, original titles.

Hopefull the PS3 will start to house more great RPGs like we saw on it's predecessors.

[King Zeal]

Originally Posted by Borg1982

In the present day the very company we went to for RPGs for 12 years (Sony) has failed us tremendously. If you goto Gamespot and sort PS3 by RPGs-Only, you'll get Elder Scrolls which I personally own for the 360 already, and you'll get a couple more with not-so-good scores. A COUPLE MORE!? PS3 HAS BEEN OUT FOR A FEW YEARS AND THERE ARE A COUPLE-A RPGS FOR IT!!!!!!!???????

Welcome to the 21st Century.

I said it a long time ago: Halo and Grand Theft Auto 3 brought an end to the "golden age" of the console RPG. At least in the states, anyway. After those two games came out, first-person shooters and free-roaming adventure games became the toast of the industry.

And, now, I have to make an amendment to that statement. After the Wii was released, the industry changed again. Now, casual games like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Cooking Mama, and other games that gamers can invite their parents, grandparents, or girlfriends to play are what drives sales in the gaming industry.

Role-playing games are just niche titles once again, that's all. But, before you bemoan how scarce that are, let me ask you something: Have you played Tales of the Abyss? Eternal Sonata? Enchanted Arms? Mass Effect? Rogue Galaxy? Or any of the other obscure RPG titles being released? Have you played all of those?

If not, that would answer your concerns. Until people start showing they're willing to take a chance on RPGs, developers won't respond in kind.

[Sushi_b]

It's true, as Zeal said. The Wii, in particular this generation, has really put a focus on family fun and RPGs don't exactly qualify for such a bill. Don't be so hasty to down play RPGs as a whole. We still get a number of great games year in and year out. Be happy with what we get and enjoy the games for all they are worth.

As for Sony, oh well. Xbox now has a pretty good selection of RPG titles for people to play. So be it. Besides, in all honesty, how many RPGs does Sony themselves make? Not many. Dark Cloud series is the first to mind.

[Siyama]

Hmm ... this thread must be where Moderators come and make unintelligent comments.

Well, for those who still lives under a nutshell (and consider themselves kings of infinite) - qoute from Shakespeare (hope the man don't mind), there's some new flash for you.

Halo - not so great. Just another FPS but with better graphics, sound effects and weapons. Nothing great about it in term of story (if it has one).

GTA - got banned in several countries in Europe for protraying violence. It even sparked racial issues because black people were potrayed as criminals and scenes where characters can pick up a gun and shoot cops. I think there was a major issue regarding this in Los Angeles about a year ago.

And Microsoft have to employee Asia programmers to create RPG games for X-Box because those where the ONLY way X-Box going to break into Asian market.

You boys in US may think that the World revolves around you (and US in general), but in reality, we in Asia don't need craps like Halo or Doom or Quake to get out fun engine started.

So, to answer the question whether RPG is dying ... No, it is just in your head.

[Sushi_b]

Originally Posted by Siyama

Hmm ... this thread must be where Moderators come and make unintelligent comments.

Ouch, I'm hurt but those words. It's not as if your words are so much higher then the rest of us.

Halo - not so great. Just another FPS but with better graphics, sound effects and weapons. Nothing great about it in term of story (if it has one).

GTA - got banned in several countries in Europe for protraying violence. It even sparked racial issues because black people were potrayed as criminals and scenes where characters can pick up a gun and shoot cops. I think there was a major issue regarding this in Los Angeles about a year ago.

I agree with the Halo statement. I've never been a fan of the series. It doesn't bother me as such, but I just have no interest in it.

As for LA, it sounds like you are refering to the Rodney King issue. That was already over 10 years ago and wasn't sparked by GTA. If that is what you are talking about.

And Microsoft have to employee Asia programmers to create RPG games for X-Box because those where the ONLY way X-Box going to break into Asian market.

Haven't played Mass Effect, have you?

You boys in US may think that the World revolves around you (and US in general), but in reality, we in Asia don't need craps like Halo or Doom or Quake to get out fun engine started.

So, to answer the question whether RPG is dying ... No, it is just in your head.

I'm not living in the US. Even still, not everyone in the US or otherwise are only playing FPS as you are stating.

Each market has different tastes and that's the way it is. Japan has it's dating sims, Europe has it's football management sims and US has it's FPS. That doesn't mean that there aren't people around the world who enjoy those genre's as well as others.

[Borg1982]

PS3:

I would have been happy if the PS3 came out with sequels to PS2 RPGs. Then, it would have close to a hundred by the consoles end. RPG FULFILLED: 0%

DS:

If the DS continues to come out with more RPGs, it'll at least match the GBA. RPG FULFILLED: 40% (60% once FF4, Dragon quest 4, 5, and 6, 9 come out).

Wii:

Nintendo lost me with regards to RPGs a long time ago. The n64 was a RPG failure. Pretty bad format to make RPGs with anyway. This is why FF went over to Sony.
The Wii has a DVD format now and can develop brilliant RPGs, but devs fail to do so.
RPG FULFILLED: 5% (DQ Swords...)

360:

I wish the 360 had a ton more JRPGs, my favorite type. RPG FULFILLED: 30%

[Siyama]

Sushi_b :

As for LA, it sounds like you are refering to the Rodney King issue. That was already over 10 years ago and wasn't sparked by GTA. If that is what you are talking about.

No Sir, Rodney King case is during the L.A Riot. Someone have shot video of bunch of cops stopping Rodney by the street during those time and beat the crap out of him. It was a major embarrestment to the LAPD during that time. 1998 or 1999 if not mistaken.

The case about the GTA sparking dissatisfaction among the gamers and public over its protray of characters able to shoot cops and potraying black men as criminals came out after the GTA - San Diego (something). Forgot the actual name. I think it was around 2004 or 2005.

Haven't played Mass Effect, have you?

Never even heard of Mass Effect.

Each market has different tastes and that's the way it is. Japan has it's dating sims, Europe has it's football management sims and US has it's FPS. That doesn't mean that there aren't people around the world who enjoy those genre's as well as others.

You forgot that Koreans have this madness about MMORPG. But agreed ... different people have different game types which they like.

[Sushi_b]

Originally Posted by Siyama

Sushi_b :


The case about the GTA sparking dissatisfaction among the gamers and public over its protray of characters able to shoot cops and potraying black men as criminals came out after the GTA - San Diego (something). Forgot the actual name. I think it was around 2004 or 2005.

Haven't heard about that one. Strange though because I thought that people were complaining before San Andreas that the main character was white and he was able to run around and kill people of every other ethnicity. Basically it seems that GTA will just always bring about some sort of debate.

Never even heard of Mass Effect.

Your missing out. I'm pretty sure the game has come out in most regions. Where are you located?

You forgot that Koreans have this madness about MMORPG. But agreed ... different people have different game types which they like.

I never forgot. I think it's not possible to forget the addictions that Koreans have with online gaming. They play MMORPGs, but RTS and FPS are just as popular.

[Matron]

I don't think that anything is dying, just that rpgs are experiencing a bit of a downward cycle in popularity. That doesn't mean that there aren't still great RPGs out and coming out though. Mass Effect (from what I've seen, haven't played it myself yet) was great, Blue Dragon was loads of fun, Lost Odyssey, FFXII was still fun, Persona 3, Persona 4 is coming out. There are a lot of games on the schedule for this year and early next that sound interesting and I'm going to be trying out.

It's not that there are no great RPGs being released, it's just that right now, the FPS games are what is hot, so they are what is getting all the press, and so of course, that is what all the developers are pushing out right now. I remember when Resident Evil first hit, and suddenly every other game to hit the shelves was some knock off version of the game. RPGs will get their time in the spotlight again someday, and for now, we just have even more reason to treasure the truly great gems that we get today.

[Siyama]

Originally Posted by Sushi_b

Haven't heard about that one. Strange though because I thought that people were complaining before San Andreas that the main character was white and he was able to run around and kill people of every other ethnicity. Basically it seems that GTA will just always bring about some sort of debate.

Yup, GTA San Andreas. And yeah, the main character was a white guy but many of the characters inside were black men who potrayed as gang members. Also, not to mention that you can shoot cops.

Your missing out. I'm pretty sure the game has come out in most regions. Where are you located?

South East Asia region - Malaysia to be exact.

I never forgot. I think it's not possible to forget the addictions that Koreans have with online gaming. They play MMORPGs, but RTS and FPS are just as popular.

I think they are interested in MMORPGs because it allows them to create online community where they could get together, form clans, solve (game) problems, talk for hours and maybe find a date.

I have a girlfriend who into World of Warcraft, and she spends most of her time chatting with friends online rather than whacking monsters. Personally, I didn't play any MMORPGs (yet).

[Sushi_b]

Originally Posted by Siyama

Yup, GTA San Andreas. And yeah, the main character was a white guy but many of the characters inside were black men who potrayed as gang members. Also, not to mention that you can shoot cops.

Wait, but do you mean the fact that the main character was black or that he was white? In San Andreas the main character was black, the first time for the series as I'm aware. GTA III, IV and Vice City all feature white males in the lead role. But I think I get the point of what you are stating.

South East Asia region - Malaysia to be exact.

Strange that the game hasn't been released there. If that's the case. I know it's available in Chinese and Korean for sure. If you can track the game down, you might like it. Read up on it first though. I'm not sure what kind of RPGs you are interested in.

I think they are interested in MMORPGs because it allows them to create online community where they could get together, form clans, solve (game) problems, talk for hours and maybe find a date.

I have a girlfriend who into World of Warcraft, and she spends most of her time chatting with friends online rather than whacking monsters. Personally, I didn't play any MMORPGs (yet).

It's partly that and partly due to the market crashing here in the 1990s. When a ton of business' went bankrupt a lot of young workers had no jobs and were left with tons of free time. They all started playing games, PC in particular because it was cheaper to buy or play one locally then to purchase a home console. People started to get addicted to games such as Starcraft and others.

They really do have quite an addiction to PC games here. Baffling at times almost. I know lots of people can be like that and it's too bad to see.

[Siyama]

[quote=Sushi_b;10003]Wait, but do you mean the fact that the main character was black or that he was white? In San Andreas the main character was black, the first time for the series as I'm aware. GTA III, IV and Vice City all feature white males in the lead role. But I think I get the point of what you are stating.[quote]

Frankly speaking, I have no idea. I just seen the game played by others. He seems to have dark-brown skin, and I thought it was a white man who have a stronge tan. All I know is that GTA San Andreas have upset a lot of ppl who thinks that the game have potrayed black men as criminals. Funny cos white men who behave like criminals seems to be OK to black people.

Strange that the game hasn't been released there. If that's the case. I know it's available in Chinese and Korean for sure. If you can track the game down, you might like it. Read up on it first though. I'm not sure what kind of RPGs you are interested in.

Maybe it is released in PC version. I won't know cos I'm not a big fan of PC games.

I'm interested in the regular type of RPG - FF, Shin Megami Tensei, Valkyrie's Profiles ... those type,

It's partly that and partly due to the market crashing here in the 1990s. When a ton of business' went bankrupt a lot of young workers had no jobs and were left with tons of free time. They all started playing games, PC in particular because it was cheaper to buy or play one locally then to purchase a home console. People started to get addicted to games such as Starcraft and others.

Better than doing crime during tough times I guess. I always thought that people interested in online gaming because they have interest in interacting with other people.

They really do have quite an addiction to PC games here. Baffling at times almost. I know lots of people can be like that and it's too bad to see.

What so bad about that? Better than hanging out in singles bars. At least I know that my girlfriend will be at home, playing video games whenever I need to talk to her.

[Sushi_b]

Originally Posted by Siyama

Frankly speaking, I have no idea. I just seen the game played by others. He seems to have dark-brown skin, and I thought it was a white man who have a stronge tan. All I know is that GTA San Andreas have upset a lot of ppl who thinks that the game have potrayed black men as criminals. Funny cos white men who behave like criminals seems to be OK to black people.

I think it was a lot to do with the HOT COFFEE mod as well. That seemed to be in the news a lot more from a video game perspective anyways.

Maybe it is released in PC version. I won't know cos I'm not a big fan of PC games.

There is a PC version, but it was released on the 360 first. Look into it some more if you are interested. That said it's not a traditional RPG at all in that regard. It's different but has a fantastic music score, story and characterization.

I'm interested in the regular type of RPG - FF, Shin Megami Tensei, Valkyrie's Profiles ... those type,

Mostly JRPGs then. That's cool, but also be open minded to other adventures that are out there as well.

Better than doing crime during tough times I guess. I always thought that people interested in online gaming because they have interest in interacting with other people.

Nothing wrong with that. Until it becomes your entire life and all you do is play that particular game in every spare moment you have. Then it's become a problem.

What so bad about that? Better than hanging out in singles bars. At least I know that my girlfriend will be at home, playing video games whenever I need to talk to her.

I would never argue against that. It's just a little disheartening to see when people don't know when then need to unplug and rest for a while, get out see the world and make sure that they still exist away from the game. I was more or less thinking of the younger kids, I didn't mention it specifically, who are cramming around PCs and TVs all the time.

[Siyama]

Originally Posted by Sushi_b

I think it was a lot to do with the HOT COFFEE mod as well. That seemed to be in the news a lot more from a video game perspective anyways.

Unfortunately, ppl don't see thinks from game perspective or movie perspective. Any time someone sees something they don't like, they go berserk and state that others are out to get them.

However, in GTA case, I have to agree. I dislike games which has too much violence. But degree of violence acceptable could be a topic of discussion cos different ppl will feel different degree is a suitable one. Hell, ppl could think GTA is not violent enough, and some could say that Super Mario game could be too violent cos it features Mario hitting others with hammer.

There is a PC version, but it was released on the 360 first. Look into it some more if you are interested. That said it's not a traditional RPG at all in that regard. It's different but has a fantastic music score, story and characterization.

No wonder I have never heard of it. I don't own a 360 nor know any friends who does. Most of my friends own a PS2, and some play PC version (mostly football games). RPG in PC is not something they could go for.

Mostly JRPGs then. That's cool, but also be open minded to other adventures that are out there as well.

Well, when comes to Western-type of games, I usually go for Action Adventure like Metal Gear, Resident Evil and such. Not much RPG came out of the West which attracted my attention. Maybe most of this games were made for PC and not console engine.

Nothing wrong with that. Until it becomes your entire life and all you do is play that particular game in every spare moment you have. Then it's become a problem.

Well, working adults don't have much spare time to spend. On weekends, go to the Mall and do window-shopping. At home, spend it playing games or playing with my nephew and neice. That's how my life goes, and I have no problem with either.

I would never argue against that. It's just a little disheartening to see when people don't know when then need to unplug and rest for a while, get out see the world and make sure that they still exist away from the game. I was more or less thinking of the younger kids, I didn't mention it specifically, who are cramming around PCs and TVs all the time.

I blame it on adults and parents. If they give more time for their kids by taking them out, maybe the kids couldn't rely on the games (or TV) to fill their need for attention.