Gaming hypocrisy

[charlesr]

I have a flaw. I dismiss RPGs (and sRPGs). Even though my reasons for dismissing them appear in other games I enjoy.

What "qualifies" me to dismiss them? 30 mins of playing games I can't even remember the names of (FF10? And something on the DS). Lots of cut-scenes followed by a random battle where I get slaughtered while lots of numbers fly around. I did play a few days of Bard's Tale on the C64 lol

Having not really enjoy my first few moments with these games, I have formed opinions on the entire genre, classing them not even as real games. After all, if you can just grind your way to the next level, where's the challenge? "I'd much rather be playing a game where there is an element of dexterity skill involved to progress" I tell myself. "Viewtiful Joe is a real game!" etc. "Turn based? Life's too short! It's not even a real game."

And yet I play Forza. A game where if you fail a battle (race), I can grind a few more races to win money to spend in the shop to power up my abilities (engine / tyres / chassis) and win the next race. I justify this to myself by saying "I try a few times to win the race without mods and then only power myself up a little bit". However, I'm guessing that those of you that enjoy RPGs also use similar "ethical" tactics.

I see "Child of Light" and think, wow looks amazing and then it gets to a turn based battle and I switch off and strike it from my list.

So, I'm a hypocrite. Anyone else look down on a genre, only to play something quite similar in disguise? Or is this the most short lived thread ever, with just me in it. I might even have started a similar thread a few years ago lol (memory failing) - but Child of Light trailer brought it to a head again.

[sj33]

Sometimes, there are just genres that just don't click with us and thus we create justifications our inability to really get into them. I dismissed MMOs and open world games as unstructured and directionless until I sat down and put serious hours into Oblivion and Final Fantasy XI. I've pretty much gone the other way now, lamenting how much linear hand-holding that exists in modern games when the technology exists to give us really open, free and expansive worlds.

It is obviously mistaken to suggest that RPGs don't require a level of skill, it's just a very different type of skill revolving around character management, how you want to develop your character, how the skills of your character can be best utilised within a battle etc. But for somebody who's conception of skill are the insane levels of dexterity required to complete a shmup, that can seem like such a distraction. On the other hand, an RPG nut might look at a game like Rayman Legends and lament the inability to really develop the character itself and how the levels can be a case of simple memorisation and the gameplay basically focusing on twitch hand-eye coordination. It's difficult to move into a type of game you're not used to.

[danholo]

While younger, I would dismiss RPG games exactly for the aforementioned reasons. Then I played Chrono Trigger, and the rest is history. RPGs are my number one genre. Japanese ones especially.

Seriously, though. If you don't like them, you don't like them. I don't think it needs further contemplation.

[eastyy]

used to love turn based but i really turned off to it as mostly i assume turn based with a grind i believe with a good action rpg skill will offset the level gap.But with a turn based system if your characters are not strong enough there is no chance you can win though if people can suggest turn based games with really good strategy that would be cool.Also do like hybrid which combines both like resonance of fate and vagrant story


I dismissed deus ex after 30 min of play but few months later i gave it another try and got addicted

Also i was a hypocrite when i said "call of duty ?? just the same thing over and over again every year " and then said "borderlands the prequel ?? more of the same yes thats what i am after "

[QualityChimp]

I played and loved FFVII, Knights of the Round Materia and everything, but when I started VIII, I read that enemies level up at the same rate you do, so the best thing to do is run away from every battle. Every single battle.

I also didn't like the protagonist's hair, so I gave up really fast.

[Brad]

I like games that make me think. I also like games that make me react quickly. But not both together, that's why real time strategy games are rubbish. I don't think I'm being hypocritical on that one but maybe someone else can point out other styles of games that ask similar of the player and I'll find that I do play those games.

[Neon Ignition]

With turn based rpg's it's a funny one, over the years there'sa few I've enjoyed but generally it's a genre I've drifted away from. Most are glorified menu simulators, the experience is so passive I might as well be playing Microsoft Excel. Some have decent battle systems but kill it with grinding requirements which is purely a cheap way to extend a games longevity. They're a difficult genre to get right; that mix of involving and strategic battle system, levelling without making it a chore and story to pull you through the hours. It's only once in a while I bother now, I think Child of Light will be my first since FFXIII-2. And anyone who puts an amnesiac in an rpg should be inprisoned.

Latest hypocritical thing would be Disney Infinity, brushing it off as a pure marketing ploy then sitting here now with half the collection.

[Asura]

I look down upon wrestling games, as a fighting game fan. Despite this, I know that some of them are superb multiplayer games (the ones that are part of the same family as WCW vs NWO on N64, so Smackdown and such) are great examples.

[EDDIE M0NS00N]

I have to agree with you charles mate. I just switch off now when i see most rpg's & was also pretty pumped for Child of Light until i saw its turn based. I think that i overloaded on turn based rpg's in the late 90's/early 00's. Loved FF7, then didn't get on with FF8 or 9. Loved Parasite Eve 2, so went looking for PE 1 on import, & that's when i got my obsession for import rpg's which killed my love for them & i cannot stand them now. The only 2 that i have fond memories of are Chrono Chross & Grandia 2 cos of its refreshing approach to a turn based style.

PSO was an addiction which went on for yrs but again it was such a refreshing change from the usual slog.

For me its not hypocrisy, just tired of the genre which was milked to death in the 00's & I just don't have the time or the patience with them anymore.