Re: RPGs in a High School Society

by Master Micro

It is indeed a sad truth that RPGs are scorned in today's high schools. Indeed, if ever I attempt to mention Final Fantasy VIII, for example, and my eager anticipation for its american release, as soon as I name the game, I'm cut off by a derisive snort, and the subject is promptly changed. If I am listening the soundtrack of the same game and someone chances to ask what I'm listening to, as soon as I say it's from FF, it's dismissed as not worth their time.

No, RPGs are not "in", and probably never will be. They just require too much thought and have too much plot to appeal to the average teen. Of course, now I'm indulging in stereotyping. Not all teens have a horrible aversion to thought. In fact, I've been lucky enough to find a group of students who actually enjoy RPGs, and one who has ties to Japan, meaning he can get games early, and does. I've even met a couple of "cool" kids who talk avidly to me about RPGs. At least, when none of their friends are nearby.

Many people have said to me that they felt it took no skill to master an RPG, due to the fact that the game does not require quick reflexes or special finger-bruising combos to destroy the enemy. I just wish I could sit these people down at the beginning of FF4 and say, "Go to it".

Anyway, my point is that RPGs are dismissed as being too full of plot, too devoid of action, and too easy to bother with. If more people were to actually try an RPG with an open mind, and play for at least one straight hour, I think they'd realize how enjoyable they are. And then maybe we could finally be rid of the stereotype of the RPG player being a friendless nerd with no life.