Echoing The Call For More Strat/RPGs
You'll forgive me if this isn't exactly news; as most of you know, my favorite game of all time is Final Fantasy Tactics, so when an article shows up called, "Why The World Needs More Final Fantasy Tactics," I'm likely to pay attention.
But as you can see by reading the piece in question, it's not necessarily about FFT, but about the lack (or outright death) of strategy/RPGs. These are games that feature a turn-based mechanic and a "playing board" of sorts; we saw this in titles like Tactics Ogre, Front Mission 3, Koudelka, and most recently, the renowned Disgaea. These days, they're few and far between and basically non-existent on home consoles, although one could find a few on handhelds. I won't repeat what is said in that article, as it'd be simply relaying the thoughts of the that particular author, but I'll add the following-
While technology allows us to make most anything real-time while preserving depth and enhancing immersion, there's a reason why I keep coming back to FFT (and I swear, it does go beyond nostalgia). Thing is, there were many of us who wanted to play video games for the story, the characters, the depth, and the micromanagement and planning. We were never into the arcade scene and for the most part, we didn't like games that only required reactions and reflexes. I had all the time in the world to plan the exact correct approach, both in and out of battle, and at the same time, I had a fantastic story. I also had a perfectly balanced character development system (Jobs) and if I made a mistake, it was due to my poor execution (or wee bit of bad luck); it was never because I couldn't react fast enough.
These days, even the RPGs don't feel much like RPGs because of the constant inclusion of some real-time element that always limits how long or how seriously one can consider the situation. I have yet to see a viable, rational argument that says a real-time RPG is deeper - or even as deep - as a turn-based RPG could be. In fact, there's a reason so many RPG fans have never felt more involved than when playing a turn-based game. The new generation(s) of gamers simply won't allow for the return of this mechanic, and with Japanese developers insisting on a new Western approach for just about everything (Devil May Cry and Yakuza: Of The End are only a few examples), I have accepted the grim truth. And I'm afraid this call for "more FFT" will invariably fall on deaf ears.
But at least it's good to see I'm not the only one.
Tags: strategy rpgs, srpgs, jrpgs, role-playing games
9/29/2010 12:32:09 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (76 posts)
SolidFantasy
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:10:26 PM
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Sooner or later some developer has to capitalize on our fan base and give us the AAA RPG we miss so dearly.
Scarecrow
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:10:43 PM
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Personally though I prefer the original straight up turn based rpgs to strategy rpgs. I know strat rpgs have more depth and all but I don't find them as fun. I can't connect with the inidividual characters. Most times you have to control 5+ characters which just makes it feel like you're commanding troops and such. I love turn based because you only control a group of 3 or 4 identifiable characters and you control them individually all the time. In Srpgs it's like you have one whole big turn to move your pieces (I think that's what I dislike most). Feels like you're using a bunch of troops instead of individual characters. That's MY take on it though, doesn't mean Srpgs aren't downright awesome and fun. I've played some really fun Srpgs like Valkyria Chronicles and Fire Emblem so I still enjoy them. But overall I prefer plain old rpgs.
In any event we just need rpgs companies to actually start making current gen rpgs. When was the last "real" rpg, FFXIII? And nothing since or even planned in the future?
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:27:16 PM
Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:08:22 PM
BTNwarrior
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:34:07 PM
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Scarecrow
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:10:04 PM
Kevadu
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:33:32 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:05:15 PM
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:36:26 PM
Kevadu
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:48:51 PM
Gordo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:53:30 PM
Takes me back to Laser Squad on my Spectrum 48K and which you can now pick up on the net for the PC.
Wonderful turn based game which came alive with two players. 6 assassins with guns, grenades and rocket launchers, and one target in a house with guard droids.
Hours of fun to be had!
Ergi
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:41:28 PM
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I have recently started playing FFT because it's your favorite Ben, and it's plenty great. It gives me quite a different feel when compared to the traditional Final Fantasy style, but it really is great. I'm finally forced to think again in a game and not just aim and shoot, or in the case of FF13 just shoot.
I had a friend over who loves Call of Duty and likes FF13 because it's fast--> Double Facepalm.
Here's to the good old days.
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:07:12 PM
Nlayer
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:43:06 PM
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Amen!
I never buy a video game if it doesn't have a good story. I don't care how good it is in terms of gameplay. I know I should be more concerned with gameplay elements, as this is Video Gaming and not Movies, but I can't help it. The story is #1 on my list. Gameplay is good, but can't seem to carry my interest in a game unlike a good story can.
laxpro2001
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:50:26 PM
TheIllusiveMan
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:57:06 PM
BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 10:30:06 PM
Well, back in my day........
We'd walk a 100 miles through a minefield while wearing nothing but over-sized snowshoes as blinding ice storm icicles hung from every dangling participle, just so that we could play the new game one of our buddies just got.
Man, and I don't even want to have to tell you how hard it was trying to slough it all back home afterward though.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 9/29/2010 10:31:10 PM
frylock25
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 3:21:55 AM
twitch gaming really has killed this generation though.
the interactivity level has to be constant and the user must press a button every 2 seconds or they are not getting their moneys worth. its boring and the results take to long. if im gonna have to think to beat a game i might as well just look it up on youtube and watch someone else do it. now i save my money for the game i dont need to think and i can just twitch all day long. why do we give kids adderal or ridelin? (however its spelled) why not just give them prescriptions to moderen warfare 2?
how about something with a story? something that makes me think? tricks me? throws me for a loop cuz i thought the story was something else the whole time... and at the same time i can play at my pace. make desicions not on a damn counter. i paid for this why the hell are you rushing me through it?
before now every generation really brought all previous genres with them. this seems to be kind of a first to die. i am not happy about this.
Last edited by frylock25 on 9/30/2010 3:23:26 AM
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:56:54 PM
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I would love to see more games that actually require a great deal of thought before making a move. Something that allows you to control a relatively small party, with each character having different strengths and weaknesses. In short, chess given videogame form, but not in a chess game if you know what I mean. Ah well, I guess I'll just never see it.
Peace.
TheIllusiveMan
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:59:36 PM
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:06:06 PM
laxpro2001
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:29:34 PM
frylock25
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:07:12 PM
laxpro2001
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:23:15 PM
Lawless SXE
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 1:44:20 AM
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:09:08 PM
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It's sad that I've found far more RPG entertainment from handhelds this generation than the consoles.
Underdog15
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:12:40 PM
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:34:27 PM
Scarecrow
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:45:33 PM
BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 10:36:21 PM
<<<<<its almost 2011 us older gamers take the 90's for granted>>>>>
Hell, I wound up taking most of the late '60's for granted.
HMMMMM.....Hey Ben,
Do I get anything if I show you my AARP card????
(Nahhh, forget that, I'm NEVER getting a AARP or Senior Citizens discount card, because thanks to my Harley & gaming, I'm never going to feel like some old fogie).
Last edited by BikerSaint on 9/29/2010 10:41:57 PM
Underdog15
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:11:33 PM
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LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:35:47 PM
Arvis
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:55:11 PM
That's all I'm asking. It's not unreasonable.
-Arvis
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:05:42 PM
Underdog15
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:10:38 PM
That's what I meant, LV. I was referring more to the camera movement of VC when I said the map settings; the way you move about the map. I don't think I said anything about the battle mechanics of VC. Everything else the same with all the jobs, etc.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 9/29/2010 3:12:46 PM
Arvis
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:01:07 PM
Fane1024
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:30:51 PM
A few other tweaks to the mechanics in the opposite direction to that taken in FFTA would also be nice.
cheng
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:10:12 PM
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Here's the preview of the video
We're only about 30% throught the translation, so it'll be a while b4 we have it done.
It's a chinese rpg that's taken place during the early Song Dynasty, that's all i can say for now really.
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:31:51 PM
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I don't always want my reflexes tested, I love forming strategies, gamers like us are out there. I blame the kids these days. I recall reading a recent article talking about Ar Tonelico saying how "That stubborn turn based mechanic still isn't gone" Which raised my ire.
I still have a tiny bit of hope for a Suikodent VI or Persona 5, but in the mean time these half turn-half real time hybrids are a blight. How much better would Eternal Sonata have been with strictly turn based elements? When I bought a PS3 I just assumed we would get a continuance of the greatness of the PS1 and PS2 days of RPGs.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 9/29/2010 3:43:00 PM
Underdog15
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:51:55 PM
Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:15:01 PM
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:48:05 PM
ColTater
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:13:44 PM
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Sure it didn't have as much depth as FFT, but it also came out first, and I had much more fun playing that one, and I didn't have to look at a floating in space game board which, to me took the immersion level down a bit. Heck, I even had more fun with it than some FF games.
Also, Lunar was a great turn based RPG, and if there was mention of either being rebooted I'd be all over it like white on rice.
Last edited by ColTater on 9/29/2010 4:16:29 PM
Scarecrow
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:36:09 PM
ColTater
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:15:04 PM
Thanks for the tasty golden nugget of info you just gave me, I was not aware of that.
I now wish I never got rid of those games. Heck, I didn't keep anything. I've always been one of those to privately sell my collections from each gen or dare I say it....traded it in to GameStop/EB for the latest and greatest hardware before I knew any better. Heck, I was young so give me a pass.
All my originals gone, Panzer Dragoon, Shining in the Darkness, FF1, FF2, Lunar, and on and on and on. Way to many to list. Sega CD gone, 32X gone, Jaguar gone, Dreamcast gone, PS1 and 2 gone. Now I only have PS3, original modded X-box, and a PSP 2000.
Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:24:31 PM
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And yet, these re-releases sell very very well. Shockingly well in cases such as the FFVII PSN release.
So whatever happened to creative game making? What has compelled devs to skip consoles altogether and just feed into the DS crowd?
FM23
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:39:25 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:01:29 PM
TEG3SH
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:16:01 PM
Victor321
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 8:37:39 PM
So why don't you show your immaturity elsewhere, it's not needed here.
If there is a possibility of you being close to or around my age (16), then sadly, you're adding to what is a really bad rep to us young gamers when it comes to discussing anything game-related without acting childish.
Last edited by Victor321 on 9/29/2010 8:40:45 PM
TEG3SH
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 4:07:12 AM
Since u are still a child ( yes 16 is still a child) and I believe u are new here.anyway Boohooo since the last time I checked was not a big deal, it usually means I disagree with the post. I used Boohooo to show that I'm totally the opposite and I used it instead of thumbing him down like a coward, annnnnnyways how about u trying to mind ur own business and comment on the news :)
Underdog15
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 8:45:53 AM
@TEG3SH
The only problem I had with your post was that you said
"annnnnnyways how about u trying to mind ur own business and comment on the news"
right after saying in the post earlier,
"boooohooooo, if u will only control one member why don't u play a WRPG, like Mass effect or stn( no disrespect to Masseffect though)".
Now, I don't take issue with the boohoo comment, and I don't think replies necessarily have to do with the news as much as in response to a particular post. However, if you truly feel one should comment on the news and mind their own business, then why would you make such a boohoo other's business minding comment?
Just sayin'.
Victor321
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 9:08:03 PM
TEG3SH
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 9:33:42 PM
I respect what u say, but what I was trying to say is " why don't u mind ur own business as I wasn't talking to him in the first place). anyway have fun guys no need to be pissed about it, and for a final note all I have to say is " Really ppl on the internet really need to chill the f**k down, seriously why is everyone so god damn sensitive nowadays "
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:48:39 PM
TEG3SH
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:17:57 PM
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 7:27:45 PM
FlyingKickPunch
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 7:01:45 PM
Reply
smileys_007
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 7:30:48 PM
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BigBoss4ever
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 10:43:36 PM
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TheIllusiveMan
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:10:16 PM
Don't get me wrong, I love games like Oblivion, Fallout 3, Dragon Age: Origins, and even some other modern RPGs, but why hasn't there been a good classic style RPG on the PS3? That's what made me fall in love with RPGs in the first place. The strategy. My first real RPG I actually played was FF7, so my standards started really high. Although, that's kinda irrelevant, I want to feel immersed in a game, like I did back in those days.
EDIT: One of the last strategy based RPGs I played was LOTR: Tactics for PSP. I loved that game. Since then, I don't think I've actually played another strategy RPG.
Last edited by TheIllusiveMan on 9/29/2010 1:13:55 PM