The Best RPGs That Aren't JRPGs

[lisalover1]

I don't play Pokemon games, so forgive my ignorance if I'm wrong here. But aren't Pokemon games played in the traditional JRPG style?

I'd consider it more of an turn-based strategy RPG or an action RPG than a traditional JRPG. Granted, it has elements of a JRPG, but it's got enough differences that I wouldn't call it as such.

Do you have any idea what you just said? Disgaea is a strategy RPG. So is Langrisser. Pokemon is anything but. In fact, Pokemon is one of the purest JRPG examples around! Only Dragon Quest is the biggest series that is closer to the standard JRPG formula. On the brighter side, I am happy to hear your vocal chords-to-buttocks transplant went without a hitch.

[YoshiEgg25]

I'd consider it more of an turn-based strategy RPG or an action RPG than a traditional JRPG. Granted, it has elements of a JRPG, but it's got enough differences that I wouldn't call it as such.

Do you have any idea what you just said? Disgaea is a strategy RPG. So is Langrisser. Pokemon is anything but. In fact, Pokemon is one of the purest JRPG examples around! Only Dragon Quest is the biggest series that is closer to the standard JRPG formula. On the brighter side, I am happy to hear your vocal chords-to-buttocks transplant went without a hitch.

So you're saying that knowing what moves to use in what situation, when to switch, and such aren't strategy at all?

Pokemon's one of the most in-depth strategy games you'll find if you really delve into it. I wish people would stop equating it with a children's game because of the anime.

[lisalover1]

I'd consider it more of an turn-based strategy RPG or an action RPG than a traditional JRPG. Granted, it has elements of a JRPG, but it's got enough differences that I wouldn't call it as such.

Do you have any idea what you just said? Disgaea is a strategy RPG. So is Langrisser. Pokemon is anything but. In fact, Pokemon is one of the purest JRPG examples around! Only Dragon Quest is the biggest series that is closer to the standard JRPG formula. On the brighter side, I am happy to hear your vocal chords-to-buttocks transplant went without a hitch.

So you're saying that knowing what moves to use in what situation, when to switch, and such aren't strategy at all?

Pokemon's one of the most in-depth strategy games you'll find if you really delve into it. I wish people would stop equating it with a children's game because of the anime.

Just because a game requires strategy [all games require strategy] doesn't make it a strategy game. There are clearly-definted genre boundaries. In strategy RPGs, you take turns moving your characters around a map, placing them in a spot ideally where you can attack your opponent. Turn-Based RPGs have no movement; it is strictly taking turns attacking. Also, I should add that I have nothing but the utmost respect for Pokemon; you are absolutely right in saying that it is vastly underrated by older audiences.

[Dylan]

So you're saying that knowing what moves to use in what situation, when to switch, and such aren't strategy at all?

Pokemon's one of the most in-depth strategy games you'll find if you really delve into it. I wish people would stop equating it with a children's game because of the anime.

Just because a game requires strategy [all games require strategy] doesn't make it a strategy game. There are clearly-definted genre boundaries. In strategy RPGs, you take turns moving your characters around a map, placing them in a spot ideally where you can attack your opponent. Turn-Based RPGs have no movement; it is strictly taking turns attacking.

I believe it's reasonable to say most all RPGs require an element of strategy. However, it seems that tactical movement in some form is just about necessary for a game to fall under the common understanding of an SRPG.

So while Pokemon is an RPG that requires strategy, it doesn't fit in with the style of play associated with SRPGs as a subgenre.

[Bradtemple87]

Pokemon is developed and translated from Japan, so it is a JRPG.

I enjoy the games but wrong thread.

[Breetai]

So you're saying that knowing what moves to use in what situation, when to switch, and such aren't strategy at all?

Pokemon's one of the most in-depth strategy games you'll find if you really delve into it. I wish people would stop equating it with a children's game because of the anime.

What the %#"$??? You clearly have never played a strategy RPG before. Please, do not post on Racketboy again until you have at least played Shining Force II. Playing through Shining Force II is a requirement to even talk about SRPGs. This is a well known law that is punishable by death in some countries. Shining Force I, CD, Dragon Force, the Fire Emblem games, Ogre Battle, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea or any Warsong/Langrisser game.

There are ZERO Pokemon strategy RPGs.

Pokemon is developed and translated from Japan, so it is a JRPG.

What you just said is categorically false. "JRPG" has already been defined just a few posts ago. Why did you ignore that?

Pier Solar is a JRPG. Was it developed and translated from Japan?

[CFFJR]

Playing through Shining Force II is a requirement to even talk about SRPGs. This is a well known law that is punishable by death in some countries.

Sorry, I've got nothing to add to the argument that hasn't been said, but this was funny.

Say Breetai, the only Shining Force I've played is the original... Does that mean I'm in trouble with the law? Should I be on the run? Cause I can be packed in like 5 minutes.

[s1mplehumar]

Behold!

[the7k]

Pokemon's one of the most in-depth strategy games you'll find if you really delve into it. I wish people would stop equating it with a children's game because of the anime.

To say Pokemon is not a JRPG, despite all the obvious similarities, because it utilizes strategy would be saying that JRPGs themselves require no strategy.

Sure, a lot of JRPGs are low on strategy, but they still have basic strategy involved. Use potions or healing items to keep yourself alive instead of mashing attack constantly. Use elemental or status-invoking spells that are 'Very Effective' against the enemy. Keep an eye on your MP. Don't have characters that are weak against a certain element or status effect fight against an enemy that predominately uses that element or status effect.

You know, all the same sort of things you do in Pokemon.

[Hatta]

There are ZERO Pokemon strategy RPGs.

Absolutely true, but a Pokemon SRPG would be a fantastic idea. They've already aped the rogue-like formula for the Mystery Dungeon series. Complexity might be a concern, but games like Luminous Arc show that SRPGs aimed at children can be successful (though the plot and characterization turned me off of that series). I think the Pokemon series could easily be adapted to the SRPG format very well.