The progression to more "Mature" RPGs

by Timothy G. Maus

I have watched the debate between "Old School" and "New School" gamers rage for quite some time in the hallowed halls of this forum. I have seen many definitions for these terms, some of which make sense (some of which don't). As a fairly recent (I think?) RPGamer, who cut his teeth on FFVI and Chrono Trigger, I have some liking for both styles. I will freely admit to anyone that asks that FFVII is my favorite game, with CT running a close second. Like many out there, I agree that FFVII has its flaws, as all good things do, but for the most part it was an excellent game. But I digress. I have since played most of the previous FF games, as well as FFVIII, and I can see some of the differences mentioned by others. It seems to me that the "Old School" gamers are upset by the fact that storylines have become far more complex. For example, in FFVI and Chrono Trigger, you find out very quickly who the bad guy is, and the rest of those games is spent in defeating them, with character development (for the most part) left as optional. (the side quests in the 2nd half of CT, the Shadow dream sequences and optional quests in FFVI). In FFVII and VIII, the villain is also revealed early, but their purpose is unknown and, while you do chase them down, the paths which you take to do so often lead through the characters' minds. I suppose (in my own long-winded way) I am saying that the change from "Old School" to "New School" is that character development is no longer an interesting side note, it is an integral part of the story. In addition, the story is much more tightly knit than in previous FF games; the only other villain as close to a main character (in any sense) would be Cecil and Golbez in FFIV. In this sense, I would probably define FFIV as a very early prototype of "New School" games. *prepares to receive large volumes of hate mail* Anyway, just thought I'd send in YET ANOTHER perspective on this "timeless" debate.