Scapegoat

by Around the Fur

For many years, fans of Square games (mostly Final Fantasy games) have complained that Square is not being original enough. My opinion is that these people are using Square as an excuse to complain about the de-evolution of the RPG. They complain that Square is using the same plot and re-using unoriginal plot devices, such as "guy saves world from evil entity". Square has tried in many cases to create something very original, sometimes becoming a big hit, sometimes not. Parasite Eve was a turning point in Square's favor, as it was completely original and liked by almost everyone. A negative example of this is The Bouncer, Square's new game for the PS2. While it was a change of pace from the usual RPG, The Bouncer turned off many hardcore Square fans, mainly because it wasn't an RPG but rather a game that is close to the side scrolling fighter genre, much like Streets of Rage and Geikido.

My point is that while Square fans complain that Square is not being original, in many cases Square takes a very big risk just to be different and original. My advice to fans of Square: go out and buy a game that lets you be "RPG God," such as RPG Maker 2000 and Black and White for PC or RPG Maker for PSX. These games, while sometimes confusing, can be very relaxing once you get the hang of them. An advantage to the RPG Maker series is that you can let your friends try them out. You could even send a copy of your game to Square as a pilot for a new game, although chances are they'll return it with a note saying something like "We're sorry, but due to the events happening at our offices, we cannot take in your idea." Trust me, I know from experience. In conclusion, for you Square fans, there are many options other than putting up with Final Fantasy games.

Note: This was my first editorial, but athough it's short, it expresses my point.