Complex Games

[Wolf Kanno]

This is going into the RPG forum due to this genre probably being the most egregious example of this phenomena.

What are your thoughts on complex battle/customization/gameplay mechanics? Do you enjoy them or are you the type who prefers when a came keeps it simple? What is the most complex game you've ever played?

[Vincent, Thunder God]

I find if a game's leveling or customization system is too complex, I get a bit overwhelmed. I'm not a fan of being asked to level a character manually with a whole bunch of stats that are unclearly explained without an online FAQ. If a game is challenging, that's one thing, but if you're unclear of what you're doing without researching the best way to level up, that's another. I can understand how people might have fun experimenting with those types of systems, but I'm probably not one of those people.

[Fynn]

I think there’s definitely merit to both approaches. Though in the end, a system that’s both complex and well-executed is far more rewarding and memorable than a well-executed but simple system (I.e. Vagrant Stiry). Of course, that doesn’t mean the latter is by any means easy to pull off.

[Wolf Kanno]

The funny thing I've learned lately on the subject matter is that I generally prefer complex games that hide their complexity. I don't like jumping into games that wear their complexity on their sleeves, instead I prefer jumping into a game that seems really simple only to discover halfway through I've been playing it wrong. Vagrant Story and Dark Souls are wonderful examples of games that have a lot more going under the hood than you first perceive. Other games like this are the SaGa titles, Legend of Mana, and most of Matsuno's games.

[Bubba]

This is going into the RPG forum due to this genre probably being the most egregious example of this phenomena.

What are your thoughts on complex battle/customization/gameplay mechanics? Do you enjoy them or are you the type who prefers when a came keeps it simple? What is the most complex game you've ever played?

Just popping in here to say that I love the word 'egregious' and I appreciate you using it, WK. I love the fact that the definition of the word is something that is 'Outstandingly bad; Shocking'. However, the archaic definition is something regarded as 'Remarkably Good'. Bonkers! :D

On topic: As much as I can appreciate a well-designed, complex system, I don't necessarily enjoy it. As much as I love RPGs in can stop me in my tracks if I can't work out how to properly play it. I much prefer focusing on the story and a steep learning curve can really get in the way of my progression.

[Darkhero]

As long as I'm not massively penalized for not doing something a certain way or not figuring out something that isn't obvious, I enjoy them. I like customization, although that isn't to say I don't enjoy simple RPGs either.

[Vyk]

I hate how Disgaea plays and pretty much everything from that development team because of how much unnecessary shenanigans they put into battle mechanics. And yet I adore Divinity Original Sin for the very same thing. Difference is that one adds to the enjoyment. The other is usually just colorful pointless nonsense