Knights of the Squaresoft table.
Sep 04 '01 (Updated May 26 '09)
The Bottom Line Role-playing games are the most intricate in design. Whether it is an immense story, wonderful music, or an interesting battle system, you'll most likely fall in love with them!
Ever since the dawn of video game time, new genres were introduced to the universe of gaming. Creators asked themselves what they could do next. While in today's world it seems that every idea has been used up, there's still one genre out there that stands above all of them. This type of game is called the RPG.
RPGs (Role-Playing Games) take one step up from the rest of the crowd. Why? Well, if you look at them, they always have the most amazing stories. You get to save the world, you get to meet tons of interesting characters, and at times, even fall in love. Of course, you're always standing behind one main character most of the time, by following his or her story. But it's like an experience of actually feeling that you are the hero. And this is where RPG games drag you into them... with story.
Some of the most famous companies are behind the best in a large series in the genre. Certain companies, though, mainly specialize in the genre. Others pop in once in a while to say "Hello." and make a few million bucks or two. Squaresoft is probably the most famous and prominent of all the role-playing companies out there. They're the creators of such widely acclaimed games as the Final Fantasy series and Chrono Trigger/Cross. Enix is another company that also specializes in making RPGs. They're behind games like Star Ocean and the Dragon Warrior series.
Not every company creates RPGs, and some just stick to one game title and releases a sequel from time to time. Nintendo - the makers of the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Nintendo 64, the Game Boy handhelds, and many other famous products - bring you The Legend of Zelda. Zelda isn't really an RPG game. But titles like these have the definite RPG element in them. Titles similar to the Zelda series are more commonly known as an adventure title. In them, you're one person who will slash your weapon around dungeons to save the world. The only catch is, battles occur in real-time. True RPG games usually offer a bunch of party of members together to save the world. And together, they'll battle as one against evil.
Some people may not have known this, but Sony too has been involved in a number of RPG games. Sony is a widely popular electronics company that went into the world of video games creating massively sold game consoles (the PlayStation and the PlayStation 2) and further has even created numerous games. One of Sony's best (and I think first) role-players is Wild Arms. Released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation, its story about how three friends from different backgrounds will sign on to save the world. Sony has been involved in other games like The Legend of Dragoon and even the original Grandia game, both of which were for the original PlayStation console. PlayStation 2 owners should know about Sony's Legend of Zelda copycat, Dark Cloud.
Like I've mentioned already, there are two different types of RPGs. These are action-based and turn-based. Action-based RPGs like The Legend of Zelda will have characters walking around in real-time, using a number of weapons. The weapons can range from swords, to maces, to a bow and arrow. All of the weapons really depend on what type of game it is. Though only one character is the hero, these games still package hours of fun in exploring dungeons and also getting involved in a massive storyline. Turn-based battles involve a select few number of characters who stand still, as one, to conquer either a similar amount of characters or sometimes just one. Turn-based battle RPG games don't involve real-time battles (most of the time), and have a broader range in the battle system. Final Fantasy VIII, one of Squaresoft's PlayStation RPGs, contained one of the most elaborate battle systems ever invented: the Junction system. The flaw was that the game's menu was a little too much for most anyone, and many gamers today still feel this is the worst of the Final Fantasy games, because some part is due to the confusing and tired system.
The battle system for the real-time action RPGs has you using a weapon sometimes by locking on a target, or aiming manually. Shields, too, are used sometimes in order to decrease the amount of Hit Points that you've taken. Hit Points or HP stands for life, in general. In RPG games you can buy armor (in certain games), weapons, or even magic. The stronger the armor or weapons, or even magic, the better your survival. MP, or Magic Points, is another keyword to know about. Magic Points are used to detect how much magic a character can use. If one character can only use magic for special attacks, then they usually won't be very strong in defense or in using regular attacks. Different RPG games vary. The best ones always lie in each user's preference range.
Working Designs is one of the few RPG-only companies out there. Certainly, they're even one of the best next to the big block of Square guys. Working Designs is involved in a few select famous titles, but overall their unique Lunar games have captivated us all more than once. The Lunar games are somewhat different from just action in real-time, or even turn-based in random battle encounters. What Working Designs has done is kind of mixed up the two genres, and clearly made their series into an obvious addiction. Enemies appear to be crawling, walking or flying around dungeons. This time you can see the enemies just like in real-time battles. When you get close enough to an enemy, however, a turn-based battle opens up, and we're back to the good old-fashioned true RPG genre. An abundant story fits into the game as well.
Both types of RPG games - action and turn-based - require a large amount of time to finish. Some video games, like the Final Fantasy series, last around 30 to even 50 hours or more! The action-based ones, like The Legend of Zelda, Alundra, or Dark Cloud, revolves around the same amount of time to finish. There may not be random battles, but in action-RPG games there sure is a lot of more enemies and puzzles to leave the gameplay going. Puzzles may consist of being able to jump across a pit of lava someway, somehow, or even figuring out how to use a magical object and where.
If you've been listening to my words this far and you're not asleep yet, I'll name some of my favorite RPG titles that I've played through the years, and talk a little about them. You too may become interested.
Final Fantasy VIII: The worst Final Fantasy game in the series is also my favorite. There's the most realistic and memorable cast of characters inside of the game. If you love music done by Nobuo Uematsu, then you'd be happy to know that his best songs were composed for the title.
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete: My favorite of the Lunar games that I've played so far. There are not only wonderfully done anime FMVs (Full Motion Videos) spread throughout the game's story, but also a lovable cast. In the game, you'll also laugh at the tons of pop references each character (significant or not) mentions.
Dark Cloud: Sony may have taken elements out of The Legend of Zelda series, but with what they took out they have also improved upon... IMMENSELY. With dark Cloud, there's hours of gameplay involving restructuring entire towns in real-time, and also playing around with the unique battle system.
Wild Arms: I love Wild Arms! The beginning anime intro pulls you in, but the story and music won't let your mind go. With 3D battle scenarios inside of a 2D-encompassed world, and interesting characters whose story lasts for a lengthy amount of time, one of the best RPG games ever invented is this one.
Chrono Trigger: Taking a trip back into the 16-bit land, I've got to talk about the best RPG game that I have ever played. Squaresoft placed their popular title at the end of the Super Nintendo's life span, but for a hell of time to still be able to enjoy the game back then made it worth it. There's great music, characters, and story in the world of Chrono Trigger.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars: Squaresoft, when still with Nintendo, made one last RPG for the children company. Mario this time stars in a game of his own, and sets off on a magical adventure that's not only great in story, but also in the innovative battle system that was new at its time as well.
Really, there's a lot of role-playing games out there. Some you may hate, some you may like, and some you cannot get enough of. RPG games can be found on any platform, and every platform (well, almost). Find out what your preference is in video game genres. And if you've never had the guts to try out an RPG before, I suggest you should. You may find yourself nuts for them just like I have.
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