JRPGs #1

RPGs are an interesting genre, because it can encompass so many different things. However, the kind of RPG I've been most interested in are Japanese RPGs, or just JRPGs. JRPGs have almost become their own sub-genre, because of their distinctive features. So what exactly are these features that make them unique?

1. Story takes the forefront. Often, JRPGs have a very linear storyline that progresses in a 'string of pearls' pattern. A cutscene or story moment will explain what's going on and make the player's next objective clear. Then, the player will go somewhere else, where the next cutscene awaits to tell them where to go next. The cutscenes are the pearls, and the gameplay is the string connecting them.
2. A focus on upgrading your character(s). Usually, you can level up and gain equipment and money by killing monsters. You can use new abilities from levelling up and new equipment to defeat even more monsters, and advance the story.
3. Random Battles are a prime staple of JRPGs. These usually occur randomly when the player is walking around on the world map, or when the player runs into an indicator of a monster on the world map. In either case, the player is taken to a different screen, where a battle is carried out, usually using some variation on a turn based fighting system.

Unfortunately, making a game that follows this guideline seems rather limiting, and for that reason many people complain about how all JRPGs are the same. I want to disagree, but these people are not far off. This begs the question of why so many people are ready to come back for more. I don't know exactly, but I wish I did. Is it the great stories they have to tell? The comfort in buying something that you will already be familiar with?
Whatever it is, hopefully I'll be able to trigger that primal urge with Urban Odyssey.

Urban Odyssey

I just thought I'd quickly post about a preview trailer on the RPG I'm working on. Check it out here:

Busy busy busy...

I haven't had a lot of time to spend writing on this blog, for several reason:

1. I've been bust with school. I'm working on several big projects, like a big presentation comparing warfare during the Civil War and modern times (I might even manage to fit in the classic Fallout line "War. War never changes). I also have a big Spanish final project, which is a sort of autobiography written entirely in Spanish.
2. I've been busy with music. I play in an orchestra at school, and we've had several concerts lately. I also have an upcoming solo cello recital. I also play piano, and I've had several adjudicated events lately. Luckily I managed to do very well on all of them. I'm also trying to learn Death On Two Legs (by Queen) on the piano. Don't ask why.
   
3. Normall I'm not really into webcomics, but I managed to read through every single strip of Questionable Content. You should check it out, it's actually pretty funny.

(Hopefully) more later!