10-31-2006, 09:33 PM
Quote:Perhaps the question that needs to be asked then, is what makes a game an RPG game. I've always been under the assumption that what made a game an RPG instead of just a fantasy/sfi-fi Adventure game was the ability to drastically effect the outcome of the game. In this regard, Diablo obviously isn't as there is only ever one ending to the game, no matter how you play it. Any other takes on what makes an RPG?
Great distinction to make LennyLen. There certainly is an absence of control over your characters destiny in the Diablo series - you either kill Diablo or you die trying. Moreover, there is a set pathway in which you must attain this goal (skipping the Butcher harderly qualifies as an alternative). Baldurs Gate is one up on Diablo, but still not free. It has a main story plot which must be followed, despite the plethora of small side quests. The question then becomes is there really any RPG's for the computer?
Originally I was swayed by Almara's hyperbolic statement "until virtual reality is developed, there is no such thing as an RPG that can be played on a computer". But now I see this in a slightly different light. There are games developed now that do a great job of being rather open ended, while still providing enviroments similar to Diablo or Baldurs Gate. The best example I can come up? Morrowind (for that matter the Elder Scrolls series). I'll limit myself to Morrowind, for I have no experience outside of it. In a sense it still isn't entirely free - there is an end boss of sorts, and a main quest. But it is the absolute closest to freedom I've ever seen. You can feel acomplished with the game and put it down never having completed the final quest. You can become the head of the mages, the thieves, or the fighters, or all three (kind of). You can be evil and try to destroy all of the NPC's (though Lord Vivec will give you a run for your money). Even when completed the game itself isn't "completed".
By this contrast I certainly agree with your assesment LennyLen. Thanks for expanding on it,
Your Mileage May Vary, and certainly will. The only thing more subjective than subjectivity itself is genre defining;)
Cheers,
Munk