Western RPGs VS Japanese RPGs

Blog post 2

               As I'm a big fan of RPG games, I would like to compare differences between two RPGS which are Western RPGs and Japanese RPGs. WRPGs and JRPGs are both different sub-genres of the same thing. To compare them is like comparing two different kinds of metal music. To say one is better than the other is simply a way of providing a platform for fanboys of both to squabble over nothing.

               Generally speaking, JRPGs feel like the story is working on a much larger scale.  There are normally bigger battles to be had in JRPGs, and they tend to be much more main story focused then WRPGs. Whereas JRPGs tend to have more character development involved in the story, WRPGs tend to not have as much focus on the characters themselves (not all but most).  JRPGs also tend to have a distinct anime look to them, and because of that look, they have more colour. However, WRPGs don't have the anime style of JRPGs and tend to more have a realistic look to them. Perhaps they focus on gameplay; it tends to be more action. While JRPGs either are turn based, strategy or action most of the time WRPGs are action.

               It is time to choose which one I love more. I am going to be totally biased and start off by saying I love JRPGs. It's what I grew up with, so please don't blame me for it. I find the story of a video game to be very important to the whole experience of a RPG. The story is what makes me go back to the game all the time. So in order for that to work, a depth in character development is essential to bringing that story together. WRPGs are great, too. They tend to focus less on the story and more on the gameplay, which is totally a valid point for a video game. But, I really do feel that character development is a key element for RPGs. One other thing that I want to point out is that, JRPGs involve controlling several characters, while WRPGs only use one. There's a lot more interactions going on. I feel like JRPG's represents what we perceive as a traditional RPG. WRPGs change what our perception of it is by incorporating FPS to the mix.

 

Source: http://www.gamesradar.com/western-rpgs-vs-japanese-rpgs-great-debate/

 

By Shin Park