Okay here is a question with real Racketboy potential.
I admit here and now, I missed most of console gaming's bright spots. I guess I really didn't care, my passion at the time was my computer. For me, my PC over shadowed anything on console and the result is that I missed out on just about everything that was pivotal in gaming history.
I have been on a mission of rediscovery. I have started my journey in the 32 bit era, and have since begun to move backwards. What I am finding is that there is a gigantic mass of incredible RPGs that I have never even touched. Recently, I have begun to change all that.
The first two console RPGs that I started playing seriously were Chrono Trigger and Panzer Dragoon Saga (not a bad start, right?) both are amazing and everything everyone ever said they were.
Yet as I get into the RPGs of yore, I learn that really nothing has changed all too much. Sure they gained that whole third dimension, but gameplay is essentially the same, and to their detriment, some of the stories that were once fresh have now become cliche and predictable.
My question is this: Which of the thousands of RPGs out there have a plot worth telling? If graphics were no longer a category for evaluation, which would stand out from the rest? To extend the question even further, which of these sophisticated story telling games deals with the most "adult" content, meaning real world issues and themes?
RPGs for the all growed ups!
Aside from the two games you mentioned, the only RPG with a story that truly held me tight 100% of the way was Star Wars KOTOR. And again, I'm not an SW geek, so that should say something.
A nice runner-up would be Skies of Arcadia. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it wasn't so much the story, but more the design of the world. When you focus on the characters and actions, it's quite typical.
A nice runner-up would be Skies of Arcadia. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it wasn't so much the story, but more the design of the world. When you focus on the characters and actions, it's quite typical.
I'm actually not exactly sure how KotOR got by me. I guess for the similar reason of not being a Star Wars addict. Yet it was developed by Bioware, who was king of my PC RPG world. It might be good to check that one out.
Skied of Arcadia, I actually knew very little about. I knew it was a Dreamcast RPG originally, I didnt realize it was ported to the cube. I looked at some user comments, and many people speak very highly of the title. Even if it isn't the technical story telling masterpiece I am looking for, it seems is unique enough to warrant a peak.
Skied of Arcadia, I actually knew very little about. I knew it was a Dreamcast RPG originally, I didnt realize it was ported to the cube. I looked at some user comments, and many people speak very highly of the title. Even if it isn't the technical story telling masterpiece I am looking for, it seems is unique enough to warrant a peak.
To be honest only a very few RPGs if any come to mind that have to do with "Adult Themes" and "Real issues". I would reccomend FF7 it deals with corperate ruling and the deterioration of a world (don't crucify me for mentioning this game!). The only real thing that comes to mind with the storytelling themes that you want is Metal Gear Solid, which isn't even an RPG. Somehow I don't think I really understood what you want, maybe if you explain a bit further it would help.
But ya, I reccomend FF7 and FF: Tactics, I really enjoyed the story that both of these games told, I also reccomend trying both Parasite Eve games, they may seem odd but they're very fun and the story is good.
But ya, I reccomend FF7 and FF: Tactics, I really enjoyed the story that both of these games told, I also reccomend trying both Parasite Eve games, they may seem odd but they're very fun and the story is good.
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metaleggman
- 128-bit
- Posts: 894
- Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:21 pm
Ha, it figures that I start with one of the best! I really need to sit and finish it, too many very large gaps in playing have broken up the story to the point where I dont quite get what is going on when I pick it up again. Then again, I am only on disc 2, I have plenty of time to get back into it.
Zork ... yeah, i guess that was pretty vague and abstract. Well, I guess that is a glimpse into how my brain works. To fine tune what I am looking for; an RPG that exibits an accomplished mastery of technical story telling. Pretty lofty eh? The gameplay can be good too.
From reading many users opinions, I have been led to believe that one such example might be Final Fantasy VI (or III for SNES). From what I understand, the game contains many different characters, each with their own giant back story yet never focusing so much that you might have one primary character. Its an epic adventure played from multiple perspectives. I do not know much more (and I really dont care to know much more until I play it) so I could be wrong somewhere. Regardless, it sounds dark, complex and intruiguing without being overly cliche.
I do have the rom, but I want to do the game justice and I refuse to play anywhere past the intro screen until I purchase it for actual hardware. I dont have a SNES (or famicom) so that means GBA. (if its good enough, maybe I will attempt to find a GBA player for my Gamecube and attempt to recreate the original experience).
Note, this will be my first Final Fantasy purchase. Any play this and might agree? or not? I know Zork says 7, I might have to play that at some point as well.
Zork ... yeah, i guess that was pretty vague and abstract. Well, I guess that is a glimpse into how my brain works. To fine tune what I am looking for; an RPG that exibits an accomplished mastery of technical story telling. Pretty lofty eh? The gameplay can be good too.
From reading many users opinions, I have been led to believe that one such example might be Final Fantasy VI (or III for SNES). From what I understand, the game contains many different characters, each with their own giant back story yet never focusing so much that you might have one primary character. Its an epic adventure played from multiple perspectives. I do not know much more (and I really dont care to know much more until I play it) so I could be wrong somewhere. Regardless, it sounds dark, complex and intruiguing without being overly cliche.
I do have the rom, but I want to do the game justice and I refuse to play anywhere past the intro screen until I purchase it for actual hardware. I dont have a SNES (or famicom) so that means GBA. (if its good enough, maybe I will attempt to find a GBA player for my Gamecube and attempt to recreate the original experience).
Note, this will be my first Final Fantasy purchase. Any play this and might agree? or not? I know Zork says 7, I might have to play that at some point as well.
If you really want a complex and "adult" (not XXX adult, you fools!) RPG you should actually avoid the Final Fantasy series altogether. While they try to deal with serious subjects the dialogue is usually cloying and annoying. Final Fantasy 6 (3) and 7 both feature characters who are near to stock stereotypes, and while there are mature story elements, the games usually devolve to the nonsensical. Because racing chocobos is so mature. Because the angst the characters feel is such a mature emotional response...
If you really want role-playing games that appeal to adult gamers you should probably stick to the niche RPGs that play fast and loose with genre conventions. Panzer Dragoon Saga is the best example I can think of this, but I've also heard very good things about Persona and Valkyrie Profile. I would stay away from Square. Fun, yes, but also VERY genre and, at the core, very immature.
If you really want role-playing games that appeal to adult gamers you should probably stick to the niche RPGs that play fast and loose with genre conventions. Panzer Dragoon Saga is the best example I can think of this, but I've also heard very good things about Persona and Valkyrie Profile. I would stay away from Square. Fun, yes, but also VERY genre and, at the core, very immature.