Gameplay devices that need to stop now

[Wolf Kanno]

So what I conclude from this thread is that none of you like traditional RPGs (well, almost none of you). Modern simply are not role-playing games. I don't have a role to play; I watch a character play their role, which is NOT the same. There is certainly a place for Vaan and Balthier and Basch and their story, but there is ALSO a place for exploration-based and combat-based games. Unfortunately, most people are like you guys; they want to watch a very long movie that they get to waltz through.

I completely agree with this statement and its one of the reasons why I love XII so much. RPGs need to return to the exploration aspect of gaming. It doesn't have to be all story...

Personally, I'm not too enamored with the old RPG battle system. I much prefer a move in the direction of more Action RPGs, that tends to be more interesting.

I don't mind turn based but I can't say I'm fond of Action RPGs, if only cause they are all basically button mashing. Yeah you could cast magic or use skills but its just as easy (and sometimes easier overall) just to smash X over and over to win every fight including boss fights... this goes back to my original statement of most RPGs lacking any real challenge...

Fetch quests that act as nothing but a plot-mover or filler are abominations to the gaming world.

I completely agree (looks at Arc the Lad and Secret of Mana)

Find a copy of SMT Nocturne. If you go out of your way to complete the sidequests and fight all the optional bosses, you'll not only get a better ending but a new uber final boss to fight at the end. Also, unlike most other JRPGs, the game itself is genuinely difficult the whole way through.

I have this game and I absolutely love it! I'm a huge MegaTen fan actually and wish desperately for more mainstream RPG series to start taking notes on what they have accomplished.

I do find it kinda funny how many people complain about difficulty of RPG's. The game doesn't force you to keep upgrading weapons or magic or any of that shiet. If you want a challenge so much then just stick with the basic equipment or something. It's not really hard.

This statement is why the genre is messed up... I know many play RPGs for story but fundamentally its still a game and a game should be something that engages and stimulates the player. When gameplay is reduced to a means to an end to get you from cutscene A to cutscene B (gives dirty looks to FFX and Xenosaga) then what is the point in playing it? Read the script on Gamefaqs and watch the cutscenes on YouTube if you care so much about story. Without gameplay and challenge, RPGs are nothing more than movies. If the player has to create their own challenge for a game in order to make it fun; then the developer has fundamentally failed at making a good game. You wouldn't do this to sports would you? Yeah its fun to add rules once in awhile but the basics of the game should be fun and challenging as well.