Uh...because the game is on rails. This has already been established...
Xenoblade FTW...
Haha - that's what I was thinking! These websites give the game a mediocre score then start backtracking. This is at least the third article I've seen in the last 2 days saying things like "reviews scores don't accurately represent the game." I wish these websites would make up their mind - is the game really mediocre or was it just mediocre until Microsoft called and said to stop bashing it?
My biggest problem with this is the precedent it sets. If Bioware gets away with this (by which I mean lots of people buy the DLC), it sends the message to developers and especially publishers, that gamers are willing to pay $60 for 3/4 of a game and then pay another $10, $20, or maybe even $30 for DLC that completes the game. If this happens, more and more companies are going to start doing it and we won't have a choice but to buy the DLC - if we want the whole game, that is.
@ Marlec
DQ VIII says hello...
Actually Mega, discstu is right. I'm not downplaying the importance of FF7, but it was both FF4 and FF6 that got the series noticed. FF7 did not make the JRPG market viable in America - it already was thanks to FF4, FF6, Chrono Trigger, Breath of Fire, etc. These RPGs were by far the most popular console RPGs in the world, not just Japan in their day (due partly to lack of competition). What FF7 did was take JRPGs from viable to mainstream. When that game dropped, JRPGs became THE ge...
They are definitely playing with fire with 7 hours of cutscenes (if true). I remember the first Xenosaga got roasted for the same amount of cutscenes and it was an RPG. I hope they get it right though, because the game is looking pretty sweet so far.
@ B1663r
...I hate to break to you, but 4 years of operating losses don't mean shit if a company has enough cash on their balance sheet to get through "tough times" or if they raise capital from issuing stock to investors. Do us all a favor and take accounting 101 before you start professing things as "disasters."
Agreed with evereyone else. Great list overall, but I'm personally looking forward to Amalur and Ni No Kuni the most.
Frogger on Atari was my first game. Then I played Mario and Duck Hunt...but the game that turned me into a "gamer" was Double Dragon. Ah the memories...
Even though it was confusing as all hell (until you played through the game), I loved the Xenogears intro...
I like the fact that other genres are starting to use RPG elements, but I think it may come at a price for the RPG genre itself. I've been a gamer for over 20 years and I'll tell you that what defines an RPG has never been muddier than it is right now. I think this is a function of other genres using RPG elements. It's almost gotten to the point where the argument can be made that EVERY game is an RPG once you break down its elements.
I agree with you 100%. The most common complaints I hear about FFIX is that the story turns into a "weird" combination of sci-fi and fantasy. But I think what some people overlooking is one of the (if not the) best cast characters in FF history. The interplay between Zidane, Garnet, Steiner, and Vivi especially, is incredible. The game pulls of comedy and seriousness through the actions of these characters, which really creates a sense of depth for each of them.
RPG Devs - take note of this trailer...
This game appears to have something video game historians call a "world map." See how having this "world map" adds a sense of scope and journey to the feel of the game? Hopefully you'll think about including one in your upcoming games too...
Thank you - that is all.
Exactly what I was thinking. There is no way that the top 10 game intros of all time have come from just this gen. The title is misleading. IMO, Xenogears' intro was pretty bad-ass, albeit confusing (until you play through the game of course).
Lol @ the German version of the "I'm a PC" commercial that played before the video.
On topic - judging by what I've seen so far, this game will own!
Well I'm at least dropping $60 each for Elder Scrolls and Uncharted 3, and I might be dropping another $100 to mod my Wii and buy Xenoblade if Nintendo doesn't bring it to the US! (I'm holding out in case Nintendo announces localization this Christmas)
I think I understand what Zeschuk is trying to say, I just don't necessarily agree with it. I think part of the problem that RPGs have always had is lack of a clear definition as a genre. Does a deep, complex story with lots of character development define an RPG? - Yes, but this quality can define any game if you think about it. Does level grinding and stat building define the genre? - Again, yes, but these gameplay components are now being realized in other genres (mainly in action/a...
I think there are pro's and con's to both turn-based combat and real-time combat in RPGs. Turn-based combat may be slower paced and less realistic, but at least there is an element of strategy and (most importantly IMO) the ability to control more than one party member. I feel like having total party control increases the player-character bond more so than controlling one character while the rest are AI.
My question is why can't developers create a more actio...
Cinematech was EPIC!!!!