JRPGs by a slight margin they always present a better story and graphics while WRPGs have great gameplay. Ive been playing FFVII on my ps3 and it is one of the greatest games ever its better than 95% of games released after it and can go head to head with games like Skyrim 10+ years later.
One thing that is a drawback on wrpg's having so many choices is the implementation of the effects that those choices have. What i mean by that is there are so many variables that the endings don't feel fully thought out. The great thing about beating a jrpg is the (usually) great cutscene at the end. wrpg's usually have some narration over a slideshow. Less satisfying in the end. Still prefer wrpg's though.
The battle systems vary I'd say point and click or Action is seen more in WRPG's and tactical or turn based is seen in more in JPRG's
Both are great... Personally I prefer JRPG's here's why. When I play Skyrim, I'm amazed by the world but that's it. I don't feel any emotional attachment to any character, if they die I don't care. This isn't the case in JRPG's. They make you care for the characters.
There's also the issue of translation. Western games usually don't have to be translated into English. JRPGs do. And if your translator isn't top notch, your game's dialogue won't be either. Similarly, there's a cultural difference that's hard to overcome. If a slew of Japanese memes make it into a game, then like some anime, you're not going to get it. And if you're like me, you can't bring yourself to like something you don't really understand.
@hallavast Not all JRPG's are happy go lucky save the world things but lets be honest. Most RPG's in general revolve around you saving the world or at least changing it for the better whether it be Western or Japanese.
Shadow Hearts is an example of a dark JRPG. I agree with you about some of the Japanese references. A lot is lost at times in the translation like when they make references to Japanese legends or their religion Shinto.
You say the golden age of JRPGs is in the 90s because that's when you played them as a child or teenager. You don't have to have a mature, developed, human story with conflicts more complex than "save the world from the bad guy and win the heart of the princess in the face of a repressed teenage love story" when you're 14 years old. I played the 16 bit RPGs when I was 10 years old, and I used to think their stories were good. They are, but they're made for kids that age.
They should turn a classic novel into an (W or J)RPG and you play your way through it. This way you learn more in literature and you get to play a role in such a great story. If it's done just right it would be a new revolution.
I know this has probably been said already, but...
JRPGs have an equal, if not better, level of voice acting than WRPGs. The problem lies in 'localization'. Most JRPG fans would be fine with subtitles, but no. They got to get a bunch of low budget voices in there (it can ruin my experience). The original Japanese voice tracks are much better than the localized tracks.
WRPGs have great voice acting as well, but most people don't realize that the JRPGs voice acting get destroyed when localized.
I notice JRPG's like final fantasy and Persona use Cut-scenes and dialogue very heavily. That puts me and some gamers off of JRPGS, simply because we expect the easy pick-up-and-play aspect of WRPG's. Both definitely have their flaws, but their triumphs also.
Personally I found that game to have TERRIBLE story and characters. For a game with amazing graphics, those were the most two-dimensional characters I've ever seen. And this is coming from a huge fan of the series. Can't believe they made a sequel.
the only jrpg's i ever played were pokemon games on GB advance lol if those count as jrpg's xD i have FONV & its great but i just got FFVII for PS3 as a PS1 classic & its fkin awesome man best game ever. I Feel young im only 16 & never got to experience 90's jrpg's & im buying FFXIII-2 but i feel lame 4 barely liking jrpg's in 2012 :[. but great video this helped me alot
@TheIceColdAssassin Man, you have a lot of great games to experience. Take my advice and go play Chrono Trigger. I think that game will solidify your love for the genre.
@TriforceRich Honestly, I never really liked Chrono Trigger. Not much of a jrpg person. That said, the last two Persona games, along with Dark Cloud 2 and the original .Hack games, were some of my favorite games on the ps2.
My problem with Western RPGs is that I really don't care much for the characters. IMO, they are too serious and there's almost no real heart or any kind of attachment to them, something that JRPGs always give me, regardless wheter the characters are obnoxious or cool. They may have better story and character development, but its all pointless to me when I don't care for those characters.
Your video is great, you really knew how to state things without being parcial and you explained very well the diferences of both! I´m an old JRPG fan thats begining to like some WRPGs like Fallout 3 and Dragon Age and my problem with these games is the lack of linearity and the development of the characters, there´s to much "do it yourself" and "the story is in your hands",I´m not saying WRPGs don´t have good stories, but I miss a leading background plot to keep playing them. Again,great video.
@Rafaelanimes1983 Thanks man :) really appreciate the comment. In terms of linearity, I love bioware games. They mix just enough openness and structure for me. Bethesda games are just too open sometimes and can overwhelm me. Fallout 3 actually was annoying for me though because it seemed open at first, but there were so many dead ends and random blocks throughout the map.
Give Mass Effect a try if you haven't. Also, the witcher if you have a pc that can handle it. Stories are awesome!
Im a modern western RPG fan, I love Fallout 3/NV, TES, the Mass effect series, KOTOR and Dragon age origins. JRPGs arnt bad to me, its just not my thing. I REALLY dont the 2 dimensional character archetypes, the anime art style, or turn based grind-fest, but who am I to judge those who do/ I have to say though Dark souls was amazing, and it kind of crossed lines with a refreshing take on the WRPG structure by Japanese devs
JRPG and WRPG aren't genres - a genre is determined by its gameplay not its themes, art style or where it was made. What you are describing as a "JRPG" is actually a console-style RPG, which is linear, story-driven, and has almost always been turn-based. What you have described as a "WRPG" is a PC-style RPG which is typified by an open world, with a broad range skill stats (battle and non-battle) and is typically has action-rpg gameplay. This is like comparing apples and oranges.
bottomline: Console WRPGs are much less polished than JRPGs in terms of graphics, music, sound effects, story, character design, menus...basically all constituent parts that made up a good rpg. Whereas WRPGs on the pc have a much expansive world than those in JRPGS, and they are able to provide with the players with a much immersive experience than that provided by the JRPGs.
@TheKestevon That would be interesting. A Western RPG with a steampunk type setting or something else that hasn't been delved into. *Well nm I guess Deus Ex has that.
Kinda like Demon Soul's/Dark Soul's mixed things up for JRPGs.
Lots of potential man :). Actually, we are seeing a lot more JRPGs take things from WRPGs so we may find a nice medium one day.
@TriforceRich Torchlight and Bastion have already done the steam punk thing and some have argued that Bioshock infiinite will be doing that, as wekk as the game Dishonored, so I think thus far WRPGs have done a good job of fixing some of their tropes with using new settings, and Japan is finally making games that are more palatable to westerners
To be honest I prefer JRPGs because of the plot and I´ve been a fan of these games since the PSOne. In this gen I recently tried to venture in WRPGs and bought some (Dragon Age 1 & 2, Dark Souls, ES: Oblivion) but the stories simply did not involve me, plus the characters lack of background. But this is only my humble opinion.
@TheKestevon have you played any WRPGs? KOTOR 1 and 2 had great characters and worlds, Planescape: Torment another great story, character cast, Jade Empire, if you think these worlds and characters are not good well then I question the validity of your opinions
A big difference is imagination JRPG full of it. WRPG a little less. Western gamers like to shoot one-another most of the time. But god forbid you play something like Skyrim because you are a dork. My point is who gives a F what type of game a person likes or how mature they think it is to play M rated games, games are games.
I can't say I agree over everything you said and I must point that your lack of knowledge for old school WRPGs is quite noticeable in this video, but I liked your review of both genres very much.
Also, I' not going to suggest you old games despise the fact that you SHOULD know them (Ultima, System Shock, Darklands, etc) but let me suggest you two medium budget games I think you will love... Vampire TM: Bloodlines and Risen. Both are amazing PC games.
ugh, as soon as you mentioned jRPG and wRPG being "genres" I stopped watching the video. Get your facts straight before posting a video or comment. All of you. I'd recommend reading The Grasshopper: Games, Life & Utopia by Bernard Suits and Thomas Hurka first to know what a 'game' actually stands for, before going and discuss computer games and their genres. Because right now you sound very silly.
@TheKestevon Let me reverberate this for you. Just because the game allows you to shoot a gun DOES NOT disqualify it from being an RPG. A long as the game allows you to role play--i.e. customize your character, develop him or her, and make decisions for that character-- then its still an RPG. But of course you zealots are so frightened of the concept of non turn based combat that anything that isn't the norm, you argue that its not a real rpg.
@00loneX A long as the game allows you to role play--i.e. customize your character, develop him or her, and make decisions for that character-- then its still an RPG" Being an RPG has nothing to do with playing a role, customizing a character, or developing them through interactions; the genre gets its name because its gameplay mechanics descended from pen-and-paper roleplaying games (ie Dungeons and Dragons). Many of the earliest RPG's don't have the characteristics you described.
i've always thought the japanese were more accepting when it came to video games, i didn't know they generally looked down at gaming as a childish hobby.
@fitzcannon This is true. i go to a lot of Japanese sites. And they treat gaming as a thing to brush off to the side, with the one exception being pokemon which is an established medium for children ages 2-7. This is why there aren't as many video game critics in japan and none of them are even good.
this gen, wrpgs have been a lot better than jrpgs imo, but like you, i've played far more jrpgs than wrpgs in my lifetime. so i guess i'm dead in the middle when it comes my preference, i love both genres equally
@uruguayitorip Well no if anything it would be Yuna. Yuna's story is of a woman who must find the courage and grit to lead her people out of suffering. Tidus's story is that of a whiny little butt-whistler who cant stop complaining about his dad. The reason why I hate 10 is because it tells you throughout the whole game that Tidus is the hero, when really its the surrounding characters that are the protagonists.
@uruguayitorip Ok yes I do agree the cut-scenes are beautiful, and the combat is pretty good, and the music as is with every FF game is amazing, and their is no magic drawing and junctioning tutorials like in FF 8. FF 4 and 6 are my fav as well.
JRPG for younger people is so wrong while.....WRPG having simple system developement how's that make JRPG for younger people the truth is WRPG is FAIL and it for kids....a simple game....not like JRPG....like monster hunter Kingdom Heart and all.....JRPG have system that can player thinking hard.....not like just some WRPG game....not some but almost ALL.....
almost all RPG games I've ever played contained hack&slash action combat gameplay which is so boring for me even my 7 Y.O brother can play them well but souls series is exception.
@TheKestevon Again, you have never played Mass Effect, the Witcher, KOTOR, or even Dragon Age, if you think all wrpgs are hack n slash. Ever go to NicoNicoDouga? Its a Japanese video site. You wana know how many new ads I see for a new JRPG every day? At least 2. EVERY. DAY. They crap out 2 jrpgs with generic anime protagonists with the same retarded ANGST driven story and how the fake government is evil and wants more power. And what is so exciting about turn based? NOTHING.
@TheKestevon There is nothing exciting about watching the character have all the fun. lol, and try playing on a higher difficulty setting if the gameplay is so boring. My strategy for every jrpg ive played with turn based combat. offensive attack->offensive attack->healing potion->repeat. It has worked on every jrpg and even Skyrim. But hell, at least in Skyrim, I'm having all the fun, not some girl claiming to be a guy. And in skyrim, i get to actually ROLE PLAY.
@TheKestevon The only jrpg ive played with actual roleplaying was the Persona series but it was not even close to the depth and complexity reached by Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Mass Effect, KOTOR, and Dragon Age. The only thing going for a jrpg is visuals. So basically, I veiw all Jrpg fags like they are shallow graphic junkies who like anime style games.
@TheKestevon COD is NOT an rpg. What classifies an rpg is actual role playing. Something jrpgs need to understand. RPG stands for ROLE PLAYING GAME not ANGST FILLED MELODRAMA. The only things the Jap devs are creative with is design and visuals. That's It. Story progression is always laughably predictable for me in virtually every jrpg, except Monster Hunter witch really doesn't have one. "ugly,dull,stupid looking characters you can find easily in LOTR mythology." LOL. Have you
@TheKestevon played Mass Effect, KOTOR, Fallout, or Borderlands? I don't see any mythology there. Oh but I guess its all about the flamboyantly gay looking characters with the same cardboard cutout anime personalities with you jrpg fans. And LOTR is not it's own Mythology. The hobbit and elf thing stems WAAAY farther back. So you just proved my point that jrpg fans are as shallow as graphic junkies. I want content, not visuals. I could care less if it looks pretty.
@TheKestevon If I ever wanted to have the general JRPG experience, i would just watch an anime box set and pause every five minutes to fiddle with the remote.
I was one a Fan of JRPG but It was until i played Fallout 3 that I found was i was really missing, An actual good Chr.
In nearly all Jrpg's you are playing as a retarded 13-15 year old kid who is trying to save the world because he wants the min Female Chr to like him.
WRPG's nowadays give a feeling of ROLEPLAY(sucker punch, bioware and ubisoft) like way back with JRPGs like earthbound chrono trigger and Final Fantasy 2 and 3(DS) or the tales series from like 2 years ago (tales remains good, along with KH)
only a reference to fallout, first of all the old fallouts and elder scrolls are awesome. interplay has insane writing is fallout 2 is the best turnbased rpg ever
I know that it's not a strong argument. Also the characters are always super whiney dark and emotional. It's like theyre forcing the emotions out of there characters. Its just never feels natural. Like old black and white movies with over the top acting. I also see it in MGS4, though maybe a tiny bit less. Though when I think about it, that style is in Japanese cinema too like movies and stuff. Maybe over acting is an eastern thing. Oh, and dont get me wrong, Im not saying that style is bad.
One of the main things that I don't like about JRPG's is that they are super fantastical, or over the top. It's like "wow, that looks cool, but no, it just doesn't make sense". Its just too ridiculous. I just can't take it seriously. I have lost odyssey, I just can't take anything thats happening seriously. It's the hats, man, the hats. And in Valkyria Cronicles. Why do the trucks only have three wheels? Its like they're trying to be different and artsy, but and possible realism at all suffers.
@jimbolimbo369 not everything has too make sense or realistic...isn't that whole point of games? i mean the 3 wheel thing if anything thats a minor detail and their are trucks that have 3 wheels
No story > Linear story. Games give you an active role in what's going on and with linear plots, you aren't taking advantage of that. Games with strict stories stamp out the potential of a rich world filled with things to do. Having fun doing things you want to do is a waste of time and unrewarding in linear games. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of great stories to be told. For me I'd much rather play a great game than a great story. Sandbox games win.
although i didn't like ff13 overall, i have to say that the cgi was the most beautiful that i've seen in a video game. a shame that the battle system ruined it. my favourite jrpg series is the tales of series. some of the good jrpgs can be found on snes and ps1 (and it's easy to emulate those consoles nowadays). as for western rpgs i guess only bioware (mass effect, dragon age) and bethesda (fallout, elder scrolls) make good wrpgs, all others don't appeal to me,though i haven't tried demon souls
@TheKestevon Actually. the J' and the W' signify where they were made. Whereas Console RPG and Computer RPG better describe RPGs. Demon Souls/Dark Souls = computer RPG.
I feel that traditional Wrpgs have more authenticity to their gameplay (I feel like more like I'm role playing), while Jrpgs have more technicality to their gameplay (gameplay is less semi-automatic) .
Fantastic argument man, you sounded just like me in this vid. Can't stand it when people childishly argue which genre is superior to the other without playing both and fully understanding the concepts behind both genres.
Although I liked your unbiased approach to both genres I didn't like your approcah when comparing graphics. You were talking about graphics while showing footage from a PSP game while comparing it to the likes of PS3 games and complaining about how JRPGs haven't revolutionized graphics since FF10, yet you failed to mention FF13 which was in my opinion one of the most beautiful looking games I have ever seen.
It comes down to your personal tastes.Personally, I would take a WRPG over JRPG anyday.I get tired of listening to cheesy cliche dialogue that every japanese game has.I prefer the realism in WRPG's(Im sorry, but teenage kids holding giant swords taking down armies is not realistic) and I also prefer the characters.That being said, I do like JRPG's and will play them from time to time.I have to be in a mood for them.Or otherwise I get annoyed by the dialogue and quit.
animes is kidz stuff? well its kind of ecchi/hentai and most of them are only for over 16/18 years old don´t ever put a anime in the same genre like a cartoon! you really don´t know the difference about them i know many anime´s [i am 19 years old] and anime don´t are like a cartoon they are very VERY different! most anime goes about death, afterlife, fantasy, future, slice of life, time maschine etc. so dont ever call them kidz stuff. people like you dont understand the meaning of them..
Japan's gaming market gone backwards since sony chose to keep selling the ps2 since it was profitable, the japanese developers chose to keep developing games for PS2 and they still do it, they even sell them for high prices, there aren't as many game releases as they used to be 10 years ago, and many of the ps3 titles they release still look like ps2 titles, they just don't want to make high quality games.
When I want a phenomenal story I play Mass Effect and MGS. When I want fun gameplay and multiplayer I play Halo, Gears, and Battlefield. I used to play JRPGs but I really don't feel for them anymore. Either way I find that to make a perfect game you need to have an amazing story , some nice gameplay, and a great presentation. Oh, and my personal favorite soundtrack for a game series is Halo, amazing.
Wrpg are better, the battle system is better and not boring attack and wait turns
you acctualy feel like you role play and play your character when you get to make everything that is your own and not an already made story line and already made characters
what makes Wrpg's rpg's is that the story will have different out comes with the choises you make
and the japanese rpg's are not even rpg's at all ! they dont have the thing that makes role playing game what they are role playing games
@1236sason you dont even know how JRPG work....WRPG always have the same thing.....its so boring...same effet and etc....and sucks storyline...you dont know how complex is JRPG and other J storyline is....not like as boring and easy going storyline WRPG of your....
On the whole bethesda vs bioware discussion, and as someone who also likes japanese games: If you're going to play an rpg then do it right. I love elder scrolls. If you want a good story play a japanese game. I never cared for old school rpgs and bioware.
Dude no homo but I love u right now because i myself love wrpgs AND jrps i don't like one more then the other to me RPGS are just RPGS whether they come the U.S, japan, Europe wherever i take them for what they are.
WRPGS are much better than JRPGs. Western rpg devs have begun blurring the lines as to what is an rpg. You have more variety in wrpgs where as JRPGs are comfortable with the same old sytems and linear experience, due to the WRPG variety they generally have much more replayability than the JRPG thus I think you get more of your moneys worth with a WRPG opposed to a JRPG
Mass Effect is an expction to western RPGs. It's one of the only suqsful rpgs America created other than WOW, Dragon Ages, and etc. Before diblou was ever created Final Fantasy took over the world. Square over came what the west made along with other companies. I VOTE for JRPGs.
And if you don't like anime, then don't play JRPGs. It's a Japanese art style, THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED JRPGS so haters stop hatting on the gracphics. Go play your wizards and dragons then.
@Mowgley3000 Very very arguable. I will stand firm that no JRPG even with its Japanese track has better voice acting than a game like Mass Effect. Again this is all personal opinion and we can debate it all we want, but there is no definitive answer. You can't argue that JRPG English tracks are better than their Western counterparts though and I think we are on an agreement there.
@TriforceRich yea no kidding, the english voice acting in jrpgs is just funny, ff13 was the only jrpg i have ever played with good english voice acting haha
Lol at this noob thinking MassEffect and Dragon Age are the best RPGs of all time.
This guy starts off the video pretty well, covering pros and cons of JRPGs. But he does a shit job covering WRPGs and pretty much digresses his analysis to why he loves Mass Effect.
Dude, Bioware games have their own flaws. They try to strike balance between JRPGS and WRPGS. And by doing that, they become shit.
Have you played JRPGS like FF Tactics or Xenogears?
Have you played Baldurs Gate 2 or Planescape?
I'd put Mass Effect/Dragon Age over shit games like FF13 and StarOcean 4. But Bioware games neither have the deep storyline as top jrpgs nor the nonlinear gameplay of wrpgs.
@PrinceOF9Imagination wow some douche flag your comment as spam....because he/she worry someone will agree with you...what a stupid kind of douche do that....
The comment about turn-based combat is not true. There are countless popular real-time action JRPG franchises, i.e. Dragon Slayer, Hydlide, Zelda, Ys, Mana, Tales, Star Ocean, FF spin-offs, Devil Summoner, Parasite Eve, and many more.
Even most of the ones that do use "turn-based" combat are actually using active time-based combat, not real turn-based combat. Only a small minority of JRPGs use real turn-based combat.
JRPGs are hugely diverse, and can virtually have any kind of combat system.
@Jagged85 Sure they can have many different types of battle systems, but the majority still all a turn based or variant of turned based battle systems. You can name off a bunch of games that don't fill out this category, but name the 100s upon 100s that do fill the category. Majority=50.00000000000001% and when I say vast majority I mean 75%+ which would be an accurate number. People try argue this point all the time, but it is a FACT not an opinion that the Majority of games are like this.
In that case, the vast majority of WRPGs are turn-based. Nearly every single major WRPG released up until the late 90s was turn-based, and a majority of WRPGs continued to use active time-based combat after that. It wasn't until last gen that real-time action became common in WRPGs.
In addition, the vast majority of real-time action RPGs up until last gen were overwhelmingly JRPGs, not WRPGs. Like I said, the stereotype about turn-based combat is not true at all.
@uciha I think video games can be one of the best mediums to have a great/emotionally engaging story. Other mediums do not allow you to be active in an adventure or storyline and even if they do it is very little and no where on the level that video games can reach.
Again, some people could love videogames for the rest of their lives and simply be satisfied by jumping on a mushrooms head or gathering gems. I appreciate stories that is why I love to read books and watch movies AND RPGs(games)
@TriforceRich (4) Now instead, I have to watch classics ( FF VII) be destroyed with forced Japanese cultural fixes. Just look at FF Dissidia. Now every character looks like they are from Japan and belong in a fucking J-Pop band.
This may appeal to younger fans that don't understand the classics, but really...what made the old JRPG's masterpieces is that everyone could connect. By the look of things, JRPG's are going to be a thing of the past with crap like FF XIII Versus around the corner.
@TriforceRich (3) One thing that has changed with modern JRPG's is their more apparent Japanese cultures and mannerisms in the characters and that's fine and dandy for Japan, but across the world it has me rolling my eyes because I can't see eye to eye with these unnatural actions.
When playing an RPG, i'm supposed to be swept into a fantastic world that doesn't apply to anything logical here on this world. That's what drew me in. It's what bridged the gap in cultures around the world.
@TriforceRich (2) FF XIII has got to be one of the worst games I've ever played simply because I couldn't connect with the monotonous story and unrealistic characters.
I cringed watching Vanille ( FF XIII) jumping around like a girl with down syndrome because it's "cutesy" in Japan. It felt like I was being fed with cliche's that I've seen before in much better games back before technology could show more realistic interactions (like PS1 games). Seeing it today is a humongous turnoff.
@TriforceRich (1) JRPGs used to be amazing for me. The Zelda series, Final Fantasy 1 through 12, Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and Vagrant Story (among MANY other favorites I can't list) rank up there for me as classics. But now...it's fallen to me loving WRPGs far more.
It isn't that I don't like younger characters, it's that the genre has moved from solidifying your character's back stories to just making anime cliche's. Some of the biggest examples of this crap is Kingdom Hearts and FF XIII.
@banglefaar I actually love Kingdom Hearts, but I can see why some wouldn't enjoy it. The game came out during a crossroads of my life when I was a preteen/young teen. I had just played a few final fantasies and was a huge Disney fan when I was a kid so it was a match made in heaven and I would go as far as to say it is a top ten game of all time for me.
I am actually also a fan of JRPGs that tend to stray away from super heavy Japanese culture which is what the old Square used to do.
@banglefaar I think it is all about Mentality Mentality Mentality going into the game. You have to go into a certain game with the right mindset which is what I have realized over my many years of gaming. The mindset can mean more than the game sometimes and just because you played a game at a certain time or when you were in a certain mood it can change the whole experience.
Don't go into an Atlus JRPG craving a fantasy western setting or trying to compare it to oblivion or mass effect.
@banglefaar Many niche companies that release JRPGs today really didn't have the western audience in mind. They were like, we are going after our target anime Japanese rpg fan person and if the game gets brought out outside of Japan, then we will have our niche following buy it there also.
I can see where your anger comes from when you have the memories of the gold that was FFIV/FFVI/FFVII/Chrono Trigger...etc. I learned to move on because there will never be another "Chrono Trigger"
@banglefaar It is a sad truth, but a truth that we have to accept to move on. There are still good JRPGs to this day you just have to be open minded and look for them. Do I think they are as good as the classics? Hell NO, but every dog has its day and JRPGs had its glory days.
I can be the old guy in the corner criticizing all the JRPGs today for being subpar when compared to the classics we love or I can just move on and realize that we are in a new era. I did the latter and I am content.
Do you want game graphics in par with Mass Effect and Dragon Age or an Anime stylized game like Disgaea?
Technology is a tool! A brush!!
You can paint with it a so much sophisticated painting like the Mona Lisa or a so abstract drawing like Zelda's Toon Link!
What defines good imagery for telling a story? Children Books? Graphic novels? Nursery rhymes books? Noir? Sketchy like Silent Hill or toony like Cartoon Network's?!! =)
@Rewayah I am not saying the art style has to be western per say I was just saying that many Japanese developers could improve upon the graphics they present. Lets take a game I played recently like white knight chronicles. I love the colors in the game and the art style is Japanese in a western set World, but it isn't the art style I criticize as that is personal preference it is the fact that it looks like a ps2 game with 720p resolutions. I think developers can improve upon textures/graphics
Interesting point. A lot of people complaining about the lack of sex in JRPGs (unaware of the fact that there's an entire hentai RPG subgenre in Japan) seem to forget that Eastern cultures in general are not as open about sexuality as Western cultures often are. Open sexuality is not the "norm" in Eastern cultures, so it shouldn't be surprising to see this reflected in JRPGs. What's "realistic" or "unrealistic" for one culture may not necessarily be true for another.
@Rewayah Sorry for the late response, but it all depends on the theme you are going for. Even in Islamic societies their is sex and while I agree it is less prevalent and less open it is still there. I was just trying to state that it is a fact of life and especially current life and it just seems to be shunned away from certain games.
Pure is all relative anyway. From personal experiences Arab/Persian/Turkish aren't exactly the best example of "Pure" anyway. They get around :P.
The "deeper", "more mature" themes that you speak of are essentially speaking to those in the early 20's mindset. In the west the early 20s are essentially an extension of adolescence. It boggles my mind that there is this charge made against JRPG's that holds as true, if not more, for WRPGs. Plot and theme in video games have a long way to go as there is no game, at least that I've played, that comes close to deserving the title of "mature".
If you asked me 3 or 5 years ago I would have said jrpg, but ever since playing mass effect 1 and 2, fable 2, fallout3, and dragon age i'm gonna have to go with wrpg( I sill love you final fantasy, star ocean, and kingdom hearts :) <3)
You said you dont like dice rolling but you do realize thats exactly what dragon ages origins uses? What it comes down to for me is that jrpgs are just to light! I cant stand how happy everything has to be. i picked up final fantasy 13 and was almost brought to tears by how STUPID some of the charectors were (not lightining shes awsome :) i cried in dragon age origins cause it was over (what really got to me were the goodbyes at the gates before the archdemon fight)
jrpg = light hearted, meaning it literally targets the young audience...
wrpg = dark, meaning its games for big boys(may contain rape, violence, crime, gore) realism in a sense ...well i usually enjoy playing jrpgs, because the story is sometimes more motivating and less depressing....just what i don't like sometimes in a wrpg is some girl characters looks manly, and too many violence and gore...i just want to play game that is not to heavy in the heart well thats what i meant.
I believe ff12 maxed out the ps2 in sheer amount of content, so jrpgs were still pushing the tech last gen. We haven't seen anything completely max-out the ps3 yet, but im expecting somehting great near the end of its life-cycle.
A game like "Demons Souls" is an action jrpg that's disguised as a western rpg has some elements i've never seen any game incorporate. Especially all the online features that go hand-in-hand with the sing player game
Few years ago I have played Final Fantasy version for psx and some old final fantasy for snes. These games was great but I think when you play it to much time you can easily get bored. That's only my opinion.
@scoobydoo19911 Don't worry about the English :). I am learning German right now so I know how tough it can be. Anyway, yeah I agree, sometimes you need a break from an rpg.
Basically everyone is trying to come to the ultimate happy medium & make Deus Ex! 1 or System Shock 2 lol. 1 thing though ALL games made by Todd & bethesda have the sound effects & animation totaly wrong & archaic! the swords & guns sound like cheap slashes & the "pop" in fallout 3 sounds like pop cans or just..OFF. j-rpgs especially final fantasies may have a rock paper siccors battle system since 90's TRUE but the sound effects sound superb & dealing an attak/spell sounds 100 times better!!
JRPGs by a slight margin they always present a better story and graphics while WRPGs have great gameplay. Ive been playing FFVII on my ps3 and it is one of the greatest games ever its better than 95% of games released after it and can go head to head with games like Skyrim 10+ years later.
UltimateGamerx24 10 hours ago
I prefer JRPGs for the art, graphics and stories. I prefer WRPGs for the gameplay
unprofessionalvids 1 day ago
One thing that is a drawback on wrpg's having so many choices is the implementation of the effects that those choices have. What i mean by that is there are so many variables that the endings don't feel fully thought out. The great thing about beating a jrpg is the (usually) great cutscene at the end. wrpg's usually have some narration over a slideshow. Less satisfying in the end. Still prefer wrpg's though.
tedatlas 1 day ago
WRPG's focus on exploration and non linearity
JPRG's focus on story and character development
The battle systems vary I'd say point and click or Action is seen more in WRPG's and tactical or turn based is seen in more in JPRG's
Both are great... Personally I prefer JRPG's here's why. When I play Skyrim, I'm amazed by the world but that's it. I don't feel any emotional attachment to any character, if they die I don't care. This isn't the case in JRPG's. They make you care for the characters.
Jonoridge 1 day ago
There's also the issue of translation. Western games usually don't have to be translated into English. JRPGs do. And if your translator isn't top notch, your game's dialogue won't be either. Similarly, there's a cultural difference that's hard to overcome. If a slew of Japanese memes make it into a game, then like some anime, you're not going to get it. And if you're like me, you can't bring yourself to like something you don't really understand.
hallavast 2 days ago
@hallavast Not all JRPG's are happy go lucky save the world things but lets be honest. Most RPG's in general revolve around you saving the world or at least changing it for the better whether it be Western or Japanese.
Shadow Hearts is an example of a dark JRPG. I agree with you about some of the Japanese references. A lot is lost at times in the translation like when they make references to Japanese legends or their religion Shinto.
Jonoridge 1 day ago
You say the golden age of JRPGs is in the 90s because that's when you played them as a child or teenager. You don't have to have a mature, developed, human story with conflicts more complex than "save the world from the bad guy and win the heart of the princess in the face of a repressed teenage love story" when you're 14 years old. I played the 16 bit RPGs when I was 10 years old, and I used to think their stories were good. They are, but they're made for kids that age.
hallavast 2 days ago
Is that a joke?Jrpg are stupid shit.Wrpgs are simply amazing in every way!
AnimusPipboy 3 days ago
They should turn a classic novel into an (W or J)RPG and you play your way through it. This way you learn more in literature and you get to play a role in such a great story. If it's done just right it would be a new revolution.
Datleco 3 days ago
why make a video when you don't know much.
pablopablobonilla 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@pablopablobonilla you obviously didn't watch the whole video.
93vincentvalentine 1 week ago
TriforceRich... you know very little about rpgs.
pablopablobonilla 2 weeks ago
I know this has probably been said already, but...
JRPGs have an equal, if not better, level of voice acting than WRPGs. The problem lies in 'localization'. Most JRPG fans would be fine with subtitles, but no. They got to get a bunch of low budget voices in there (it can ruin my experience). The original Japanese voice tracks are much better than the localized tracks.
WRPGs have great voice acting as well, but most people don't realize that the JRPGs voice acting get destroyed when localized.
ssholum 3 weeks ago
I notice JRPG's like final fantasy and Persona use Cut-scenes and dialogue very heavily. That puts me and some gamers off of JRPGS, simply because we expect the easy pick-up-and-play aspect of WRPG's. Both definitely have their flaws, but their triumphs also.
Mytholgylove 3 weeks ago
Why so much footage from FFXIII?
Personally I found that game to have TERRIBLE story and characters. For a game with amazing graphics, those were the most two-dimensional characters I've ever seen. And this is coming from a huge fan of the series. Can't believe they made a sequel.
LeftyAcoustic 4 weeks ago
1 line sums up it all : JRPG equals GREATNESS, whereas WRPG equals GLITCHES
ryanc519 1 month ago
the only jrpg's i ever played were pokemon games on GB advance lol if those count as jrpg's xD i have FONV & its great but i just got FFVII for PS3 as a PS1 classic & its fkin awesome man best game ever. I Feel young im only 16 & never got to experience 90's jrpg's & im buying FFXIII-2 but i feel lame 4 barely liking jrpg's in 2012 :[. but great video this helped me alot
TheIceColdAssassin 1 month ago
@TheIceColdAssassin Man, you have a lot of great games to experience. Take my advice and go play Chrono Trigger. I think that game will solidify your love for the genre.
TriforceRich 1 month ago
@TriforceRich Honestly, I never really liked Chrono Trigger. Not much of a jrpg person. That said, the last two Persona games, along with Dark Cloud 2 and the original .Hack games, were some of my favorite games on the ps2.
SlapHappyJesus 3 weeks ago
I love turn based combat and good stories, thats why I play oldschool WRPGs.
UnorusJanco 1 month ago
My problem with Western RPGs is that I really don't care much for the characters. IMO, they are too serious and there's almost no real heart or any kind of attachment to them, something that JRPGs always give me, regardless wheter the characters are obnoxious or cool. They may have better story and character development, but its all pointless to me when I don't care for those characters.
FREAKFANATIC 1 month ago
Your video is great, you really knew how to state things without being parcial and you explained very well the diferences of both! I´m an old JRPG fan thats begining to like some WRPGs like Fallout 3 and Dragon Age and my problem with these games is the lack of linearity and the development of the characters, there´s to much "do it yourself" and "the story is in your hands",I´m not saying WRPGs don´t have good stories, but I miss a leading background plot to keep playing them. Again,great video.
Rafaelanimes1983 1 month ago
@Rafaelanimes1983 Thanks man :) really appreciate the comment. In terms of linearity, I love bioware games. They mix just enough openness and structure for me. Bethesda games are just too open sometimes and can overwhelm me. Fallout 3 actually was annoying for me though because it seemed open at first, but there were so many dead ends and random blocks throughout the map.
Give Mass Effect a try if you haven't. Also, the witcher if you have a pc that can handle it. Stories are awesome!
TriforceRich 1 month ago
one thing i found weird when playing skyrim, i never really seemed to care for many characters but mostly my own.
AngelusX92 1 month ago
i love both but jrpgs i grew up on and tales of symphonia still my favourite of all time
AngelusX92 1 month ago
Im a modern western RPG fan, I love Fallout 3/NV, TES, the Mass effect series, KOTOR and Dragon age origins. JRPGs arnt bad to me, its just not my thing. I REALLY dont the 2 dimensional character archetypes, the anime art style, or turn based grind-fest, but who am I to judge those who do/ I have to say though Dark souls was amazing, and it kind of crossed lines with a refreshing take on the WRPG structure by Japanese devs
Xdeser1 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
JRPG>>>>WRPG..... back then
JRPG<WRPG now.... Squarenix fucking fails now.
paragonx11 1 month ago
Comment removed
paragonx11 1 month ago
JRPG and WRPG aren't genres - a genre is determined by its gameplay not its themes, art style or where it was made. What you are describing as a "JRPG" is actually a console-style RPG, which is linear, story-driven, and has almost always been turn-based. What you have described as a "WRPG" is a PC-style RPG which is typified by an open world, with a broad range skill stats (battle and non-battle) and is typically has action-rpg gameplay. This is like comparing apples and oranges.
rm2kmidi 1 month ago
it's not that anime is kiddy, it's that anime characters are so 2 dimensional and repetitive
WarriorOfWriters 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Which all gen podcast was it where they were talking about the older japanese people playing videogames is bad??
erflesmcbride 1 month ago
Which all gen podcast was it where they were talking about the older japanese people playing videogames is bad??
erflesmcbride 1 month ago
bottomline: Console WRPGs are much less polished than JRPGs in terms of graphics, music, sound effects, story, character design, menus...basically all constituent parts that made up a good rpg. Whereas WRPGs on the pc have a much expansive world than those in JRPGS, and they are able to provide with the players with a much immersive experience than that provided by the JRPGs.
ryanc519 1 month ago
I'm really hope that one day wprgs have really good sets of awesome characters and worlds like many JRPGs used to be.
TheKestevon 1 month ago
@TheKestevon That would be interesting. A Western RPG with a steampunk type setting or something else that hasn't been delved into. *Well nm I guess Deus Ex has that.
Kinda like Demon Soul's/Dark Soul's mixed things up for JRPGs.
Lots of potential man :). Actually, we are seeing a lot more JRPGs take things from WRPGs so we may find a nice medium one day.
TriforceRich 1 month ago
Comment removed
BEOWULF9965 1 month ago
@TriforceRich Torchlight and Bastion have already done the steam punk thing and some have argued that Bioshock infiinite will be doing that, as wekk as the game Dishonored, so I think thus far WRPGs have done a good job of fixing some of their tropes with using new settings, and Japan is finally making games that are more palatable to westerners
BEOWULF9965 1 month ago
@TriforceRich Good video man :), very datailed
To be honest I prefer JRPGs because of the plot and I´ve been a fan of these games since the PSOne. In this gen I recently tried to venture in WRPGs and bought some (Dragon Age 1 & 2, Dark Souls, ES: Oblivion) but the stories simply did not involve me, plus the characters lack of background. But this is only my humble opinion.
Demiurgo040383 3 weeks ago
@TheKestevon have you played any WRPGs? KOTOR 1 and 2 had great characters and worlds, Planescape: Torment another great story, character cast, Jade Empire, if you think these worlds and characters are not good well then I question the validity of your opinions
BEOWULF9965 1 month ago
A big difference is imagination JRPG full of it. WRPG a little less. Western gamers like to shoot one-another most of the time. But god forbid you play something like Skyrim because you are a dork. My point is who gives a F what type of game a person likes or how mature they think it is to play M rated games, games are games.
ScentofLaceration 1 month ago
I can't say I agree over everything you said and I must point that your lack of knowledge for old school WRPGs is quite noticeable in this video, but I liked your review of both genres very much.
Also, I' not going to suggest you old games despise the fact that you SHOULD know them (Ultima, System Shock, Darklands, etc) but let me suggest you two medium budget games I think you will love... Vampire TM: Bloodlines and Risen. Both are amazing PC games.
TucoBenedictoPax 2 months ago
oh and btw: It's football not "soccer" ;)
PolishCatholic1 2 months ago
I like your opinion. It's almost mine. But why didn't you show DA:O footage? WHY? Instead you showed the DA2 trailer-.-
;)
PolishCatholic1 2 months ago
ugh, as soon as you mentioned jRPG and wRPG being "genres" I stopped watching the video. Get your facts straight before posting a video or comment. All of you. I'd recommend reading The Grasshopper: Games, Life & Utopia by Bernard Suits and Thomas Hurka first to know what a 'game' actually stands for, before going and discuss computer games and their genres. Because right now you sound very silly.
AzteKpr1de 2 months ago
most WRPG nowadays is all about shooter gameplay with leveling system.
TheKestevon 2 months ago
@TheKestevon Let me reverberate this for you. Just because the game allows you to shoot a gun DOES NOT disqualify it from being an RPG. A long as the game allows you to role play--i.e. customize your character, develop him or her, and make decisions for that character-- then its still an RPG. But of course you zealots are so frightened of the concept of non turn based combat that anything that isn't the norm, you argue that its not a real rpg.
00loneX 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@00loneX A long as the game allows you to role play--i.e. customize your character, develop him or her, and make decisions for that character-- then its still an RPG" Being an RPG has nothing to do with playing a role, customizing a character, or developing them through interactions; the genre gets its name because its gameplay mechanics descended from pen-and-paper roleplaying games (ie Dungeons and Dragons). Many of the earliest RPG's don't have the characteristics you described.
rm2kmidi 1 month ago
i've always thought the japanese were more accepting when it came to video games, i didn't know they generally looked down at gaming as a childish hobby.
fitzcannon 2 months ago
@fitzcannon This is true. i go to a lot of Japanese sites. And they treat gaming as a thing to brush off to the side, with the one exception being pokemon which is an established medium for children ages 2-7. This is why there aren't as many video game critics in japan and none of them are even good.
00loneX 2 months ago
this gen, wrpgs have been a lot better than jrpgs imo, but like you, i've played far more jrpgs than wrpgs in my lifetime. so i guess i'm dead in the middle when it comes my preference, i love both genres equally
fitzcannon 2 months ago
FF1, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13 are the worst JRPGs in my mind
DjFobse95 2 months ago
@DjFobse95 O.o 7-8-10-12? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHA see a doctor dude.
uruguayitorip 2 months ago
@uruguayitorip Ok tell me who was the protagonist of 10. Trust me I have a point to this
DjFobse95 2 months ago
@DjFobse95 Tidus.
uruguayitorip 2 months ago
@uruguayitorip Well no if anything it would be Yuna. Yuna's story is of a woman who must find the courage and grit to lead her people out of suffering. Tidus's story is that of a whiny little butt-whistler who cant stop complaining about his dad. The reason why I hate 10 is because it tells you throughout the whole game that Tidus is the hero, when really its the surrounding characters that are the protagonists.
DjFobse95 2 months ago
@DjFobse95 Yes but you are talking just about the story, did you see that graphics for a ps2 game in so early time? The way to play , everything.
But my favourite ff is the 4 :D
uruguayitorip 2 months ago
@uruguayitorip Ok yes I do agree the cut-scenes are beautiful, and the combat is pretty good, and the music as is with every FF game is amazing, and their is no magic drawing and junctioning tutorials like in FF 8. FF 4 and 6 are my fav as well.
DjFobse95 2 months ago
JRPG for younger people is so wrong while.....WRPG having simple system developement how's that make JRPG for younger people the truth is WRPG is FAIL and it for kids....a simple game....not like JRPG....like monster hunter Kingdom Heart and all.....JRPG have system that can player thinking hard.....not like just some WRPG game....not some but almost ALL.....
Hakaishi00 2 months ago
@Hakaishi00
almost all RPG games I've ever played contained hack&slash action combat gameplay which is so boring for me even my 7 Y.O brother can play them well but souls series is exception.
TheKestevon 2 months ago
@TheKestevon Again, you have never played Mass Effect, the Witcher, KOTOR, or even Dragon Age, if you think all wrpgs are hack n slash. Ever go to NicoNicoDouga? Its a Japanese video site. You wana know how many new ads I see for a new JRPG every day? At least 2. EVERY. DAY. They crap out 2 jrpgs with generic anime protagonists with the same retarded ANGST driven story and how the fake government is evil and wants more power. And what is so exciting about turn based? NOTHING.
00loneX 2 months ago
@TheKestevon There is nothing exciting about watching the character have all the fun. lol, and try playing on a higher difficulty setting if the gameplay is so boring. My strategy for every jrpg ive played with turn based combat. offensive attack->offensive attack->healing potion->repeat. It has worked on every jrpg and even Skyrim. But hell, at least in Skyrim, I'm having all the fun, not some girl claiming to be a guy. And in skyrim, i get to actually ROLE PLAY.
00loneX 2 months ago
@TheKestevon The only jrpg ive played with actual roleplaying was the Persona series but it was not even close to the depth and complexity reached by Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Mass Effect, KOTOR, and Dragon Age. The only thing going for a jrpg is visuals. So basically, I veiw all Jrpg fags like they are shallow graphic junkies who like anime style games.
00loneX 2 months ago
@00lo
well at least jap devs are creatives whereas all wrpg is everything about ugly,dull,stupid looking characters you can find easily in LOTR mythology.
TheKestevon 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@TheKestevon COD is NOT an rpg. What classifies an rpg is actual role playing. Something jrpgs need to understand. RPG stands for ROLE PLAYING GAME not ANGST FILLED MELODRAMA. The only things the Jap devs are creative with is design and visuals. That's It. Story progression is always laughably predictable for me in virtually every jrpg, except Monster Hunter witch really doesn't have one. "ugly,dull,stupid looking characters you can find easily in LOTR mythology." LOL. Have you
00loneX 2 months ago
@TheKestevon played Mass Effect, KOTOR, Fallout, or Borderlands? I don't see any mythology there. Oh but I guess its all about the flamboyantly gay looking characters with the same cardboard cutout anime personalities with you jrpg fans. And LOTR is not it's own Mythology. The hobbit and elf thing stems WAAAY farther back. So you just proved my point that jrpg fans are as shallow as graphic junkies. I want content, not visuals. I could care less if it looks pretty.
00loneX 2 months ago
@TheKestevon If I ever wanted to have the general JRPG experience, i would just watch an anime box set and pause every five minutes to fiddle with the remote.
00loneX 2 months ago
@00loneX
you also can watch LOTR movies instead if U want to experience ugly-looking generic WRPG.
TheKestevon 2 months ago
I was one a Fan of JRPG but It was until i played Fallout 3 that I found was i was really missing, An actual good Chr.
In nearly all Jrpg's you are playing as a retarded 13-15 year old kid who is trying to save the world because he wants the min Female Chr to like him.
GuiltyFaT 2 months ago
I have never played a WRPG. I was raised on Pokemon. I do plan on getting Skyrim which would mark the first WRPG I ever played.
gsonic55 3 months ago
JRPGs for younger generation... cool hair..nice looking blade...its all good.. but not my type.... i'd rather play FALLOUT,MASS EFFECT, SKYRIM. BAM
krnxanga 3 months ago
Christ, WRPGS are incredibly boring.
MegaShadowrunner 3 months ago
jrpg are mainly for younger people
wrpg are for mature people
OfficialOffice 3 months ago
WRPG's nowadays give a feeling of ROLEPLAY(sucker punch, bioware and ubisoft) like way back with JRPGs like earthbound chrono trigger and Final Fantasy 2 and 3(DS) or the tales series from like 2 years ago (tales remains good, along with KH)
HaruhiMariotaku 3 months ago
JRPG >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Trash > WRPG
lilfrog5 3 months ago
only a reference to fallout, first of all the old fallouts and elder scrolls are awesome. interplay has insane writing is fallout 2 is the best turnbased rpg ever
thatguyudontagrewith 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I know that it's not a strong argument. Also the characters are always super whiney dark and emotional. It's like theyre forcing the emotions out of there characters. Its just never feels natural. Like old black and white movies with over the top acting. I also see it in MGS4, though maybe a tiny bit less. Though when I think about it, that style is in Japanese cinema too like movies and stuff. Maybe over acting is an eastern thing. Oh, and dont get me wrong, Im not saying that style is bad.
jimbolimbo369 3 months ago
One of the main things that I don't like about JRPG's is that they are super fantastical, or over the top. It's like "wow, that looks cool, but no, it just doesn't make sense". Its just too ridiculous. I just can't take it seriously. I have lost odyssey, I just can't take anything thats happening seriously. It's the hats, man, the hats. And in Valkyria Cronicles. Why do the trucks only have three wheels? Its like they're trying to be different and artsy, but and possible realism at all suffers.
jimbolimbo369 3 months ago
@jimbolimbo369 not everything has too make sense or realistic...isn't that whole point of games? i mean the 3 wheel thing if anything thats a minor detail and their are trucks that have 3 wheels
Steven9567 3 months ago
@jimbolimbo369 Not everything has to be realistic. Play a shitty game like Sims if want to play a game that's "realistic."
ShortCreeper 3 months ago
No story > Linear story. Games give you an active role in what's going on and with linear plots, you aren't taking advantage of that. Games with strict stories stamp out the potential of a rich world filled with things to do. Having fun doing things you want to do is a waste of time and unrewarding in linear games. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of great stories to be told. For me I'd much rather play a great game than a great story. Sandbox games win.
ligerman30 3 months ago
Bah Oblivion is way better than ME or Dragon Age. You can do anything you want, not some random bull people tell you to do.
lordtidus12 3 months ago
I like JRPG voice acting better than Western RPG voice acting. NOT A FACT!!!
lordtidus12 3 months ago 3
although i didn't like ff13 overall, i have to say that the cgi was the most beautiful that i've seen in a video game. a shame that the battle system ruined it. my favourite jrpg series is the tales of series. some of the good jrpgs can be found on snes and ps1 (and it's easy to emulate those consoles nowadays). as for western rpgs i guess only bioware (mass effect, dragon age) and bethesda (fallout, elder scrolls) make good wrpgs, all others don't appeal to me,though i haven't tried demon souls
SexyN0Jutsu 4 months ago 3
@SexyN0Jutsu don't know if sum1 already commented about it but Demon Souls is a JRPG (although it seems like a WRPG)
gsonic55 3 months ago
@gsonic55
based on gameplay all souls series are WRPG.
TheKestevon 2 months ago
@TheKestevon Actually. the J' and the W' signify where they were made. Whereas Console RPG and Computer RPG better describe RPGs. Demon Souls/Dark Souls = computer RPG.
gsonic55 2 months ago
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim best wrpg
TheBerlin777 4 months ago
Xenoblade, The Last Story, and Pandora's Tower
SnipingIsFun 4 months ago
The Last Story
SnipingIsFun 4 months ago
You say jrpg not are pushing technology or graphics???
Well... take a look at FF13-versus.
TajiTakeo 4 months ago
I feel that traditional Wrpgs have more authenticity to their gameplay (I feel like more like I'm role playing), while Jrpgs have more technicality to their gameplay (gameplay is less semi-automatic) .
MISTERWONKA7 4 months ago
Fantastic argument man, you sounded just like me in this vid. Can't stand it when people childishly argue which genre is superior to the other without playing both and fully understanding the concepts behind both genres.
Blackwolf018 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Although I liked your unbiased approach to both genres I didn't like your approcah when comparing graphics. You were talking about graphics while showing footage from a PSP game while comparing it to the likes of PS3 games and complaining about how JRPGs haven't revolutionized graphics since FF10, yet you failed to mention FF13 which was in my opinion one of the most beautiful looking games I have ever seen.
naruto29180 4 months ago
Comment removed
naruto29180 4 months ago
It comes down to your personal tastes.Personally, I would take a WRPG over JRPG anyday.I get tired of listening to cheesy cliche dialogue that every japanese game has.I prefer the realism in WRPG's(Im sorry, but teenage kids holding giant swords taking down armies is not realistic) and I also prefer the characters.That being said, I do like JRPG's and will play them from time to time.I have to be in a mood for them.Or otherwise I get annoyed by the dialogue and quit.
zeratul1356 4 months ago 2
animes is kidz stuff? well its kind of ecchi/hentai and most of them are only for over 16/18 years old don´t ever put a anime in the same genre like a cartoon! you really don´t know the difference about them i know many anime´s [i am 19 years old] and anime don´t are like a cartoon they are very VERY different! most anime goes about death, afterlife, fantasy, future, slice of life, time maschine etc. so dont ever call them kidz stuff. people like you dont understand the meaning of them..
Wolfsblut51015 5 months ago
Japan's gaming market gone backwards since sony chose to keep selling the ps2 since it was profitable, the japanese developers chose to keep developing games for PS2 and they still do it, they even sell them for high prices, there aren't as many game releases as they used to be 10 years ago, and many of the ps3 titles they release still look like ps2 titles, they just don't want to make high quality games.
renoxzor 5 months ago
@renoxzor nope....the quality if the game of the PS3 now is much higher quality now...
Hakaishi00 4 months ago
When I want a phenomenal story I play Mass Effect and MGS. When I want fun gameplay and multiplayer I play Halo, Gears, and Battlefield. I used to play JRPGs but I really don't feel for them anymore. Either way I find that to make a perfect game you need to have an amazing story , some nice gameplay, and a great presentation. Oh, and my personal favorite soundtrack for a game series is Halo, amazing.
Cade9522 5 months ago
Wrpg are better, the battle system is better and not boring attack and wait turns
you acctualy feel like you role play and play your character when you get to make everything that is your own and not an already made story line and already made characters
what makes Wrpg's rpg's is that the story will have different out comes with the choises you make
and the japanese rpg's are not even rpg's at all ! they dont have the thing that makes role playing game what they are role playing games
1236sason 5 months ago
@1236sason wow what a douche.....WRPG is sucks....you dont even know how to compare....
Hakaishi00 4 months ago
@1236sason you dont even know how JRPG work....WRPG always have the same thing.....its so boring...same effet and etc....and sucks storyline...you dont know how complex is JRPG and other J storyline is....not like as boring and easy going storyline WRPG of your....
Hakaishi00 4 months ago
14:54 play two worlds
"ho there friend, nice weather"
"good day"
"mayhap you will find great treasure
and oblivion"
"go and speak to veset delorna, the horse breeder in town"
"by azura by azura BY AZURA it's the grand champion!!! i can't believe it's you standing here next to me"
you were saying?
oh and jrpg's have a waay more challenging battle system than wrpg's and thats a fact, wrpg's are all about stat management
brainjuice654 5 months ago
On the whole bethesda vs bioware discussion, and as someone who also likes japanese games: If you're going to play an rpg then do it right. I love elder scrolls. If you want a good story play a japanese game. I never cared for old school rpgs and bioware.
catbuffalo 5 months ago
"In japan there is a stigma attached to adults who play games."
I remember a while back watching a japanese ad of a school teacher thinking about taking a day off work to play final fantasy 13.
catbuffalo 5 months ago
"Look at all the big youtubers what are they talking about? JRPGS"
lolwut I thought it was all about cod and minecraft around here.
catbuffalo 5 months ago
Dissidia and Crisis Core blew me away when I got them. = w=
KingOfHalla 5 months ago
You showed Dissidia!!!! :D
KingOfHalla 5 months ago
Dude no homo but I love u right now because i myself love wrpgs AND jrps i don't like one more then the other to me RPGS are just RPGS whether they come the U.S, japan, Europe wherever i take them for what they are.
TheSleepyAssasin 5 months ago
WRPGS are much better than JRPGs. Western rpg devs have begun blurring the lines as to what is an rpg. You have more variety in wrpgs where as JRPGs are comfortable with the same old sytems and linear experience, due to the WRPG variety they generally have much more replayability than the JRPG thus I think you get more of your moneys worth with a WRPG opposed to a JRPG
BEOWULF9965 5 months ago
I can't stand western RPGs cause they mostly follow the story line of dugens and dragons. its like playing lord of the rings. i hate that
xbimpyx 6 months ago
Mass Effect is an expction to western RPGs. It's one of the only suqsful rpgs America created other than WOW, Dragon Ages, and etc. Before diblou was ever created Final Fantasy took over the world. Square over came what the west made along with other companies. I VOTE for JRPGs.
And if you don't like anime, then don't play JRPGs. It's a Japanese art style, THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED JRPGS so haters stop hatting on the gracphics. Go play your wizards and dragons then.
hmph!
JRPGS FOR EVER!
xbimpyx 6 months ago
I have nothing but pure fucking hate for JRPGs.
But there's one aspect of them that pisses me off more than any other.
The art styles.
Belts 'n' zippers, check out my fucking emo/spiky hair and sword 10 times bigger than me! So kawaii awesome cool!
And of course then there's the anime style for angsty teens and similar fucking faggots.
Fuck that shit makes me want to gag.
ignas1130 6 months ago
@ignas1130
you have a biased american anti-japanese grudge aganist anime, not jrpgs. The nes and snes age of Final Fantasy werent even anime.
And I see that you are using FF7 as a steriotype and generalization for the rest of JRPGs.
Some times we dont want the games to be more realistic or customizable. It all comes to a mather of taste in the end.
Taking sides on this subject would be meaningless, not smart and biased.
BinaryDood 6 months ago
@BinaryDood I'm not American. Nice try.
ignas1130 6 months ago
Imo Jrpg's are better
RobitaCmR 6 months ago
i like jrpgs but I dont like anime
Noblechief12345 7 months ago
Can we get a link to that podcast you mentioned?
happymaskdude 7 months ago
And Mass Effect's voice acting is beaten by MGS' va :D
NeithLeonhart 7 months ago
Jrpgs have better voice acting. Just not the english dubs. Gotta listen to the original language
Mowgley3000 7 months ago
@Mowgley3000 Very very arguable. I will stand firm that no JRPG even with its Japanese track has better voice acting than a game like Mass Effect. Again this is all personal opinion and we can debate it all we want, but there is no definitive answer. You can't argue that JRPG English tracks are better than their Western counterparts though and I think we are on an agreement there.
TriforceRich 7 months ago 2
@TriforceRich yea no kidding, the english voice acting in jrpgs is just funny, ff13 was the only jrpg i have ever played with good english voice acting haha
Mowgley3000 7 months ago
@TriforceRich
Lol at this noob thinking MassEffect and Dragon Age are the best RPGs of all time.
This guy starts off the video pretty well, covering pros and cons of JRPGs. But he does a shit job covering WRPGs and pretty much digresses his analysis to why he loves Mass Effect.
Dude, Bioware games have their own flaws. They try to strike balance between JRPGS and WRPGS. And by doing that, they become shit.
wonggfan 6 months ago
Just wondering.
Have you played JRPGS like FF Tactics or Xenogears?
Have you played Baldurs Gate 2 or Planescape?
I'd put Mass Effect/Dragon Age over shit games like FF13 and StarOcean 4. But Bioware games neither have the deep storyline as top jrpgs nor the nonlinear gameplay of wrpgs.
wonggfan 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
FF13 is the best game I've ever played, but it has some problems you all know, but still I love it :D
PrinceOF9Imagination 7 months ago
@PrinceOF9Imagination wow some douche flag your comment as spam....because he/she worry someone will agree with you...what a stupid kind of douche do that....
Hakaishi00 4 months ago
Comment removed
PrinceOF9Imagination 7 months ago
The comment about turn-based combat is not true. There are countless popular real-time action JRPG franchises, i.e. Dragon Slayer, Hydlide, Zelda, Ys, Mana, Tales, Star Ocean, FF spin-offs, Devil Summoner, Parasite Eve, and many more.
Even most of the ones that do use "turn-based" combat are actually using active time-based combat, not real turn-based combat. Only a small minority of JRPGs use real turn-based combat.
JRPGs are hugely diverse, and can virtually have any kind of combat system.
Jagged85 7 months ago 3
@Jagged85 Sure they can have many different types of battle systems, but the majority still all a turn based or variant of turned based battle systems. You can name off a bunch of games that don't fill out this category, but name the 100s upon 100s that do fill the category. Majority=50.00000000000001% and when I say vast majority I mean 75%+ which would be an accurate number. People try argue this point all the time, but it is a FACT not an opinion that the Majority of games are like this.
TriforceRich 7 months ago 4
@TriforceRich
In that case, the vast majority of WRPGs are turn-based. Nearly every single major WRPG released up until the late 90s was turn-based, and a majority of WRPGs continued to use active time-based combat after that. It wasn't until last gen that real-time action became common in WRPGs.
In addition, the vast majority of real-time action RPGs up until last gen were overwhelmingly JRPGs, not WRPGs. Like I said, the stereotype about turn-based combat is not true at all.
Jagged85 7 months ago
@Jagged85 time based combat is turn based combat it just makes you wait a set amount of time before you can take your turn.
BEOWULF9965 5 months ago
if you want story??just watch a movie LOLS
uciha 7 months ago
@uciha So, does this mean that games should be deprived from stories? =)
They invest huge sums of money in game designs, music, graphics and what's not.. why not in stories too?
Rewayah 7 months ago
@uciha I think video games can be one of the best mediums to have a great/emotionally engaging story. Other mediums do not allow you to be active in an adventure or storyline and even if they do it is very little and no where on the level that video games can reach.
Again, some people could love videogames for the rest of their lives and simply be satisfied by jumping on a mushrooms head or gathering gems. I appreciate stories that is why I love to read books and watch movies AND RPGs(games)
TriforceRich 7 months ago 8
@TriforceRich
Books normally have better stories, comics are a close second.
BinaryDood 6 months ago
@TriforceRich (4) Now instead, I have to watch classics ( FF VII) be destroyed with forced Japanese cultural fixes. Just look at FF Dissidia. Now every character looks like they are from Japan and belong in a fucking J-Pop band.
This may appeal to younger fans that don't understand the classics, but really...what made the old JRPG's masterpieces is that everyone could connect. By the look of things, JRPG's are going to be a thing of the past with crap like FF XIII Versus around the corner.
banglefaar 4 months ago
@TriforceRich (3) One thing that has changed with modern JRPG's is their more apparent Japanese cultures and mannerisms in the characters and that's fine and dandy for Japan, but across the world it has me rolling my eyes because I can't see eye to eye with these unnatural actions.
When playing an RPG, i'm supposed to be swept into a fantastic world that doesn't apply to anything logical here on this world. That's what drew me in. It's what bridged the gap in cultures around the world.
banglefaar 4 months ago
@TriforceRich (2) FF XIII has got to be one of the worst games I've ever played simply because I couldn't connect with the monotonous story and unrealistic characters.
I cringed watching Vanille ( FF XIII) jumping around like a girl with down syndrome because it's "cutesy" in Japan. It felt like I was being fed with cliche's that I've seen before in much better games back before technology could show more realistic interactions (like PS1 games). Seeing it today is a humongous turnoff.
banglefaar 4 months ago
@TriforceRich (1) JRPGs used to be amazing for me. The Zelda series, Final Fantasy 1 through 12, Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and Vagrant Story (among MANY other favorites I can't list) rank up there for me as classics. But now...it's fallen to me loving WRPGs far more.
It isn't that I don't like younger characters, it's that the genre has moved from solidifying your character's back stories to just making anime cliche's. Some of the biggest examples of this crap is Kingdom Hearts and FF XIII.
banglefaar 4 months ago
@banglefaar I actually love Kingdom Hearts, but I can see why some wouldn't enjoy it. The game came out during a crossroads of my life when I was a preteen/young teen. I had just played a few final fantasies and was a huge Disney fan when I was a kid so it was a match made in heaven and I would go as far as to say it is a top ten game of all time for me.
I am actually also a fan of JRPGs that tend to stray away from super heavy Japanese culture which is what the old Square used to do.
TriforceRich 4 months ago
@banglefaar I think it is all about Mentality Mentality Mentality going into the game. You have to go into a certain game with the right mindset which is what I have realized over my many years of gaming. The mindset can mean more than the game sometimes and just because you played a game at a certain time or when you were in a certain mood it can change the whole experience.
Don't go into an Atlus JRPG craving a fantasy western setting or trying to compare it to oblivion or mass effect.
TriforceRich 4 months ago
@banglefaar Many niche companies that release JRPGs today really didn't have the western audience in mind. They were like, we are going after our target anime Japanese rpg fan person and if the game gets brought out outside of Japan, then we will have our niche following buy it there also.
I can see where your anger comes from when you have the memories of the gold that was FFIV/FFVI/FFVII/Chrono Trigger...etc. I learned to move on because there will never be another "Chrono Trigger"
TriforceRich 4 months ago
@banglefaar It is a sad truth, but a truth that we have to accept to move on. There are still good JRPGs to this day you just have to be open minded and look for them. Do I think they are as good as the classics? Hell NO, but every dog has its day and JRPGs had its glory days.
I can be the old guy in the corner criticizing all the JRPGs today for being subpar when compared to the classics we love or I can just move on and realize that we are in a new era. I did the latter and I am content.
TriforceRich 4 months ago
@uciha jrpg stories are better than that of most movies imo
brainjuice654 5 months ago
@ 19:02 – 22:28
Do you want game graphics in par with Mass Effect and Dragon Age or an Anime stylized game like Disgaea?
Technology is a tool! A brush!!
You can paint with it a so much sophisticated painting like the Mona Lisa or a so abstract drawing like Zelda's Toon Link!
What defines good imagery for telling a story? Children Books? Graphic novels? Nursery rhymes books? Noir? Sketchy like Silent Hill or toony like Cartoon Network's?!! =)
Rewayah 8 months ago
@Rewayah I am not saying the art style has to be western per say I was just saying that many Japanese developers could improve upon the graphics they present. Lets take a game I played recently like white knight chronicles. I love the colors in the game and the art style is Japanese in a western set World, but it isn't the art style I criticize as that is personal preference it is the fact that it looks like a ps2 game with 720p resolutions. I think developers can improve upon textures/graphics
TriforceRich 7 months ago
@ 06:10 – 06:28 About the sexual theme, censoring out, unrealistic, not for us Muslims..
We would definitely appreciate an RPG with older characters, but putting a sexual scene is not the *norm* for us! =)
Actually, it would put many of us off..
We like our protagonists to be pure.. yeah I know.. "Third World" stuff.. granted.
Ok, that was just a thought.
Rewayah 8 months ago
@Rewayah
Interesting point. A lot of people complaining about the lack of sex in JRPGs (unaware of the fact that there's an entire hentai RPG subgenre in Japan) seem to forget that Eastern cultures in general are not as open about sexuality as Western cultures often are. Open sexuality is not the "norm" in Eastern cultures, so it shouldn't be surprising to see this reflected in JRPGs. What's "realistic" or "unrealistic" for one culture may not necessarily be true for another.
Jagged85 7 months ago
عاااش عااش :P
PrinceOF9Imagination 7 months ago
@PrinceOF9Imagination Lool! =3
Rewayah 7 months ago
@Rewayah Sorry for the late response, but it all depends on the theme you are going for. Even in Islamic societies their is sex and while I agree it is less prevalent and less open it is still there. I was just trying to state that it is a fact of life and especially current life and it just seems to be shunned away from certain games.
Pure is all relative anyway. From personal experiences Arab/Persian/Turkish aren't exactly the best example of "Pure" anyway. They get around :P.
TriforceRich 7 months ago
The "deeper", "more mature" themes that you speak of are essentially speaking to those in the early 20's mindset. In the west the early 20s are essentially an extension of adolescence. It boggles my mind that there is this charge made against JRPG's that holds as true, if not more, for WRPGs. Plot and theme in video games have a long way to go as there is no game, at least that I've played, that comes close to deserving the title of "mature".
logothing1 8 months ago
If you asked me 3 or 5 years ago I would have said jrpg, but ever since playing mass effect 1 and 2, fable 2, fallout3, and dragon age i'm gonna have to go with wrpg( I sill love you final fantasy, star ocean, and kingdom hearts :) <3)
mina319 9 months ago
a very nice dissertation, guy- watched the whole vid
i am a sucker for the old WRPGs like the Ultima series, a very deep rpg --- extremely difficult compared to any JRPG of the time
to me, it comes down to nostalgia, but fanboyism is a plague on the internet
izaurralde 9 months ago
You said you dont like dice rolling but you do realize thats exactly what dragon ages origins uses? What it comes down to for me is that jrpgs are just to light! I cant stand how happy everything has to be. i picked up final fantasy 13 and was almost brought to tears by how STUPID some of the charectors were (not lightining shes awsome :) i cried in dragon age origins cause it was over (what really got to me were the goodbyes at the gates before the archdemon fight)
Handavin320 9 months ago
jrpg = light hearted, meaning it literally targets the young audience...
wrpg = dark, meaning its games for big boys(may contain rape, violence, crime, gore) realism in a sense ...well i usually enjoy playing jrpgs, because the story is sometimes more motivating and less depressing....just what i don't like sometimes in a wrpg is some girl characters looks manly, and too many violence and gore...i just want to play game that is not to heavy in the heart well thats what i meant.
lagahan24 9 months ago
@lagahan24 wow ...another douche....JRPG is for higher up age you idiot....
Hakaishi00 4 months ago
Oh I also think u mentioned something about jprgs having a lack of character interaction. My answer is the "Persona" series.
FF7Master 9 months ago
I play mostly jrpgs so these are just my opinions
I believe ff12 maxed out the ps2 in sheer amount of content, so jrpgs were still pushing the tech last gen. We haven't seen anything completely max-out the ps3 yet, but im expecting somehting great near the end of its life-cycle.
A game like "Demons Souls" is an action jrpg that's disguised as a western rpg has some elements i've never seen any game incorporate. Especially all the online features that go hand-in-hand with the sing player game
FF7Master 9 months ago
Few years ago I have played Final Fantasy version for psx and some old final fantasy for snes. These games was great but I think when you play it to much time you can easily get bored. That's only my opinion.
scoobydoo19911 9 months ago
@scoobydoo19911 sorry for any missspelling but my english is still weak
scoobydoo19911 9 months ago
@scoobydoo19911 Don't worry about the English :). I am learning German right now so I know how tough it can be. Anyway, yeah I agree, sometimes you need a break from an rpg.
TriforceRich 9 months ago
I don't XD
I simply love JRPGs.
PrinceOF9Imagination 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Basically everyone is trying to come to the ultimate happy medium & make Deus Ex! 1 or System Shock 2 lol. 1 thing though ALL games made by Todd & bethesda have the sound effects & animation totaly wrong & archaic! the swords & guns sound like cheap slashes & the "pop" in fallout 3 sounds like pop cans or just..OFF. j-rpgs especially final fantasies may have a rock paper siccors battle system since 90's TRUE but the sound effects sound superb & dealing an attak/spell sounds 100 times better!!
playaeyez17 9 months ago