Comments on: It is with great regret... http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sun, 19 May 2013 14:51:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: kromekoran http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914696 kromekoran Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914696 hilarious letter, Rob. loved that. hilarious letter, Rob. loved that.

]]> By: HaRyu http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914714 HaRyu Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914714 Is there even one Japanese RPG that fits that flowchart? I can't even think of one that has you starting off with amnesia, let alone you starting off with a village festival. Is there even one Japanese RPG that fits that flowchart? I can’t even think of one that has you starting off with amnesia, let alone you starting off with a village festival.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-920885 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-920885 Guess that chart didn't apply to Legend of Zelda :) Ah, and the chart lacked sidequests. Guess that chart didn’t apply to Legend of Zelda :)
Ah, and the chart lacked sidequests.

]]> By: dinara http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-942139 dinara Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-942139 You know, yesterday was the most unpleasant period I've ever experienced. We were looking for a good <a href="http://www.americanhomemoving.com/">moving company</a> during the all nights and days. But this day is more pleasant,because I laugh reading all thoughts here You know, yesterday was the most unpleasant period I’ve ever experienced. We were looking for a good moving company during the all nights and days. But this day is more pleasant,because I laugh reading all thoughts here

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914501 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914501 Shin Megami Tensei series. There we go, now the little formula is disproven. Shin Megami Tensei series.

There we go, now the little formula is disproven.

]]> By: travtastic http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-917067 travtastic Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-917067 Let's see a flowchart for all these formulaic sports games I have to slog through every time I go to a game store. Let’s see a flowchart for all these formulaic sports games I have to slog through every time I go to a game store.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-945228 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-945228 The existence of Shadow Hearts disproves this. The fact that it got two sequels could justify this list's use as toilet paper. Also, Earthbound and Baten Kaitos. The existence of Shadow Hearts disproves this. The fact that it got two sequels could justify this list’s use as toilet paper.

Also, Earthbound and Baten Kaitos.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-980559 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-980559 Good article and a nice summation of the problem. My only problem with the analysis is given that much of the population joined the chorus of deregulatory mythology, given vested interest is inclined toward perpetuation of the current system and given a lack of a popular cheerleader for your arguments, I'm not seeing much in the way of change. <a href="http://www.discussionstir.com">discussion</a> Good article and a nice summation of the problem. My only problem with the analysis is given that much of the population joined the chorus of deregulatory mythology, given vested interest is inclined toward perpetuation of the current system and given a lack of a popular cheerleader for your arguments, I’m not seeing much in the way of change. discussion

]]> By: SuzetteC http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-1004880 SuzetteC Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1004880 The existence of Shadow Hearts disproves this. The fact that it got two sequels could justify this list's use as <a href="http://www.napierauto.com/car-shipping/">car shipping</a> toilet paper. The existence of Shadow Hearts disproves this. The fact that it got two sequels could justify this list’s use as car shipping toilet paper.

]]> By: Teapunk http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914516 Teapunk Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914516 "Press button to skip?" "You wish." This really sums up every Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest I've ever played. well done. Although in the last two or three Final Fantasy titles there seems to be now a mandatory scene "princess gets married to guy (possible villain!!!) she does not want to get married to". “Press button to skip?” “You wish.”
This really sums up every Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest I’ve ever played. well done.
Although in the last two or three Final Fantasy titles there seems to be now a mandatory scene “princess gets married to guy (possible villain!!!) she does not want to get married to”.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914784 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914784 Amnesia? Just sticking with the Final Fantasy series, V had one of the main characters, Galuf, start off with amnesia. VI started out with something similar; the first main character, Terra, was basically enslaved by the Empire and even after she was freed didn't know where she'd come from. But the one that the flowchart authors probably had in mind was VII (as evidenced by the inclusion of Cloud in the center of that layout) who while not suffering from amnesia right at the start, still had some ... issues with his memory and his sanity that became apparent later in the game. Village festival? Probably the best known example is the Millennial Fair in Guardia that started off Chrono Trigger. [If you haven't played it, you should, as long as you don't think too deeply about some of the temporal paradoxes that are caused deliberately by the heroes and/or villains.] Wild Arms (the original) also started off with a festival/fair of sorts, and Xenogears started out with preparations for a wedding celebration that would have included most/all of the town's population, which is close. Amnesia? Just sticking with the Final Fantasy series, V had one of the main characters, Galuf, start off with amnesia. VI started out with something similar; the first main character, Terra, was basically enslaved by the Empire and even after she was freed didn’t know where she’d come from. But the one that the flowchart authors probably had in mind was VII (as evidenced by the inclusion of Cloud in the center of that layout) who while not suffering from amnesia right at the start, still had some … issues with his memory and his sanity that became apparent later in the game.

Village festival? Probably the best known example is the Millennial Fair in Guardia that started off Chrono Trigger. [If you haven't played it, you should, as long as you don't think too deeply about some of the temporal paradoxes that are caused deliberately by the heroes and/or villains.] Wild Arms (the original) also started off with a festival/fair of sorts, and Xenogears started out with preparations for a wedding celebration that would have included most/all of the town’s population, which is close.

]]> By: El Mariachi http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914801 El Mariachi Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914801 Chrono Trigger starts off with a village festival. No amnesia though. Chrono Trigger starts off with a village festival. No amnesia though.

]]> By: JOBVACANCIES http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-1009271 JOBVACANCIES Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1009271 A nice summary of the problem with a solution, which unfortunately is rare these days <a href="http://salesroles.com/">jobvacancies</a> A nice summary of the problem with a solution, which unfortunately is rare these days jobvacancies

]]> By: Tynam http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-915068 Tynam Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-915068 Anon@10 somehow missed out the Final Fantasy VIII, in which essentially every character in the game has amnesia. And grew up in a village together. Which they've forgotten. But yes, one reason the JPRG is suffering is because they've turned into a structure so formulaic, even Microsoft can do it. Twice. Last Remnant is mediocre - and at least as original as the other stuff out there. I <i>lived</i> for FF7, at the time. Now FF13's out, I sort of bothered to borrow it from a friend. Eventually. For a few days while he was on honeymoon. Meanwhile, we have Bioware and CD Projekt and Bethesda and the sadly defunct Troika and others pushing RPG in a dozen different and cool directions. I can't even tell what counts as an RPG any more. (Mass Effect 2 is a cover shooter. But with character growth and interaction and romance and mining for upgrades. Genre Boy gives up, confused.) Anon@10 somehow missed out the Final Fantasy VIII, in which essentially every character in the game has amnesia. And grew up in a village together. Which they’ve forgotten.

But yes, one reason the JPRG is suffering is because they’ve turned into a structure so formulaic, even Microsoft can do it. Twice. Last Remnant is mediocre – and at least as original as the other stuff out there.

I lived for FF7, at the time. Now FF13′s out, I sort of bothered to borrow it from a friend. Eventually. For a few days while he was on honeymoon.

Meanwhile, we have Bioware and CD Projekt and Bethesda and the sadly defunct Troika and others pushing RPG in a dozen different and cool directions. I can’t even tell what counts as an RPG any more. (Mass Effect 2 is a cover shooter. But with character growth and interaction and romance and mining for upgrades. Genre Boy gives up, confused.)

]]> By: Daedalus http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914563 Daedalus Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914563 It's still awesome. ;) I'd like to see a flowchart for your average FPS game. Run Down Hallway -> Shoot Guys -> Run Down Hallway -> Get Car -> Shoot Guys -> Drive Car -> Shoot Guys -> Shoot big guys -> run down hallway..... hehehehe, formulaic gameplay. It’s still awesome. ;)

I’d like to see a flowchart for your average FPS game.

Run Down Hallway -> Shoot Guys -> Run Down Hallway -> Get Car -> Shoot Guys -> Drive Car -> Shoot Guys -> Shoot big guys -> run down hallway…..

hehehehe, formulaic gameplay.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-1011339 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1011339 Heh, I bet RPG developers already use this :3 Heh, I bet RPG developers already use this :3

]]> By: medway http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-989839 medway Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-989839 Agreed this is pretty much how they all go, that being said they can still be enjoyable if executed correctly. Agreed this is pretty much how they all go, that being said they can still be enjoyable if executed correctly.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914837 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914837 <I>Aveyond: Rhen's Quest</I> starts off with a village festival, and while the protagonist doesn't have amnesia, she's unaware of her true origins and the circumstances of her birth. Technically though, this RPG isn't Japanese - but it's definitely trying to imitate the style. Aveyond: Rhen’s Quest starts off with a village festival, and while the protagonist doesn’t have amnesia, she’s unaware of her true origins and the circumstances of her birth. Technically though, this RPG isn’t Japanese – but it’s definitely trying to imitate the style.

]]> By: smeej http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-915366 smeej Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-915366 What game has profanity filters for naming? My pokemon are a cavalcade of disgusting slurs... And the chart doesn't match up to any Shin Megami game or Front Mission so it's USELESS TO ME. What game has profanity filters for naming? My pokemon are a cavalcade of disgusting slurs…

And the chart doesn’t match up to any Shin Megami game or Front Mission so it’s USELESS TO ME.

]]> By: Kyon http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914615 Kyon Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914615 It's not like formulaic gameplay is a bad thing. You can make a game that, underneath, follows all the same formulas, but still make it good. You can flesh it out with a good story and believable characters. We tend to value games that break the mold, and rightfully so; but that doesn't make a good (albeit formulaic) game any less good. It’s not like formulaic gameplay is a bad thing. You can make a game that, underneath, follows all the same formulas, but still make it good. You can flesh it out with a good story and believable characters. We tend to value games that break the mold, and rightfully so; but that doesn’t make a good (albeit formulaic) game any less good.

]]> By: Metostopholes http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-915136 Metostopholes Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-915136 Chrono Trigger, while it has the festival and meeting-a-cute-girl-your-age-who-turns-out-to-be-a-princess, really doesn't follow the chart at all after that. Maybe it's because I've played few JRPGs, but it seems like this is based on a handful of popular titles (Final Fantasy, mostly). Chrono Trigger, while it has the festival and meeting-a-cute-girl-your-age-who-turns-out-to-be-a-princess, really doesn’t follow the chart at all after that.

Maybe it’s because I’ve played few JRPGs, but it seems like this is based on a handful of popular titles (Final Fantasy, mostly).

]]> By: sloverlord http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914628 sloverlord Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914628 I agree, but only up to extent. Lately Kotaku <i>et al</i> have been flooded with articles about how the Japanese gaming industry, and JRPGs in particular, are in a slump, and I don't think it's an exaggeration to say one of the reasons is because all of these games are <b>exactly the same</b>. Even the best formula gets tiresome eventually: FFVII is still my favorite video game of all time, bar none, but I've played it a dozen more times under different guises and the magic just wears off. A shakeup is sorely needed. Also: your username. I wants it. I agree, but only up to extent. Lately Kotaku et al have been flooded with articles about how the Japanese gaming industry, and JRPGs in particular, are in a slump, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say one of the reasons is because all of these games are exactly the same. Even the best formula gets tiresome eventually: FFVII is still my favorite video game of all time, bar none, but I’ve played it a dozen more times under different guises and the magic just wears off. A shakeup is sorely needed.

Also: your username. I wants it.

]]> By: nnguyen http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914631 nnguyen Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914631 This actually kinda sucks. They're blatantly trying to lay out the plot for FF7 and somehow derive that into the plots for other RPGs, but really the last 2-3 RPGs only fit like 10% of this chart. I mean you would have to take several parts from many RPGs to make up this chart, which defeats the point that this chart fits most RPGs. I couldn't even begin to go into details of how this is wrong. Very nicely produced, though. This actually kinda sucks. They’re blatantly trying to lay out the plot for FF7 and somehow derive that into the plots for other RPGs, but really the last 2-3 RPGs only fit like 10% of this chart. I mean you would have to take several parts from many RPGs to make up this chart, which defeats the point that this chart fits most RPGs. I couldn’t even begin to go into details of how this is wrong.

Very nicely produced, though.

]]> By: eShock http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914889 eShock Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914889 Well, JRPGS are after all "a bit" cliché than other genres. Kind of reminds me Linear RPG. Loved the letter. Reading Steven Erikson lately? :) Well, JRPGS are after all “a bit” cliché than other genres. Kind of reminds me Linear RPG.

Loved the letter. Reading Steven Erikson lately? :)

]]> By: ianmalcm http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914648 ianmalcm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914648 Great flowcharts like this do a disservice by not adhering to the diamond/circles/square rules of proper diagrams. Great flowcharts like this do a disservice by not adhering to the diamond/circles/square rules of proper diagrams.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-915418 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-915418 Funny, I thought it was clearly all about Secret of Mana... Maybe it's an age thing - SNES RPGs were all pretty similar (including Chrono Trigger). Funny, I thought it was clearly all about Secret of Mana…

Maybe it’s an age thing – SNES RPGs were all pretty similar (including Chrono Trigger).

]]> By: SuzetteC http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-951270 SuzetteC Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-951270 What on earth are you telling them? Flamboyant, brightly-dyed hairdos confer no advantage whatsoever in a tactical <a href="http://www.crowleyautotransport.com/car-transport">car transport</a> situation, Mr. Carmon. What on earth are you telling them? Flamboyant, brightly-dyed hairdos confer no advantage whatsoever in a tactical car transport situation, Mr. Carmon.

]]> By: Daemon http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-915436 Daemon Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-915436 People who complain about JRPGs being all the same just need to stop playing nothing but a tiny slice of the games produced. People who complain about JRPGs being all the same just need to stop playing nothing but a tiny slice of the games produced.

]]> By: ooloros http://boingboing.net/2010/10/19/the-japanese-rpg-for.html#comment-914932 ooloros Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-914932 YAWN this chart is in the latest issue of GameInformer. YAWN

this chart is in the latest issue of GameInformer.

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