Why are random encounters STILL used?

[Skyblade]

I'm not a big fan of random battles either, particularly tedious ones in games where battle isn't particularly exciting.

The Pokemon handheld RPGs strike a good balance though. If you don't want to fight random battles, don't walk in the grass. 'Course there are some areas where you have to walk through grass or a cave, or a particular trainer that blocks your way and you have to fight them, but in general you can walk for long stretches without worrying about a random battle.

You can also by repel to ward off enemy encounters, why don't many games have that, that would be useful if you have a critical-state party, back to topic though. I'm okay with random encounters just as not if they're too frequent. FFIV had that problem would one call Crono Trigeer's random encounter too?

No, Chrono Trigger had set battles. The occasional rare powerful enemy, yes, but the battles were set once you entered an area.

I've liked most of the battle styles I've played. Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, or random encounters. Different games, different styles, all fun. I probably like random battles the most though. Makes grinding easier.