My probelm is that I feel with most games these days, I have to create my own restrictions in order to have a fun and challenging experience. I am not even what you would call a "hardcore" gamer. I don't eat Ninja Gaiden for breakfast. I don't mind creating my own challenges but now its gotten to the point where I ask myself why bother playing the game? Since the interface(gameplay) is so poor, why not just watch the story segments off YouTube instead of wasting your time walking to the next cutscene?

I understand where NeoCracker is coming from and I'm not decrying the whole genre but rather the sub-genre of JRPGs cause they have decided that gameplay is just a slight diversion to the next story segment. I feel games have the ability to become a powerful new medium of storytelling, but many are just becoming interactive movies. The waste of potential is sickening.

The problem with RPGs is creating a better method to allow a greater deal of challenge without alienating less experienced players. A difficulty setting! YES a splendid idea! Who would have thought of it? (looks at the rest of the gaming genre) Stat modification isn't enough for me I regret; (SOIII and KH) rather I would like to see better enemy A.I. Maybe make those random encounters a bit of a challenge rather than a one minute diversion where you tap the Fight command over and over.:rolleyes2

I play games for challenge, I find it relaxing and fun. To each there own I guess.