Children are the Future!

by Anonymous

Original Editorial: Saving the World at Puberty

Gabriel Ang wrote an interesting piece concerning the use of younger heroes in RPGs. He wrote a short amount of information to try and explain the thinking of RPG makers. He also seemed to dislike the idea of mainly youngsters leading a group of adventures to confront an ultimate evil. First I will touch on some of the topics he discussed and then I will give my own insight.

I agree with his first point when he says game companies want their audience to identify with the hero. A teen understands Cloud's search for his identity in FFVII and Dart's need to protect his young love in Legend of Dragoon. Teens also sometimes feel their lives are not important and popping in their favorite RPG to complete a quest (fantasy or not) gives them a sense of accomplishment and helps them feel better about themselves.

I however disagree with his point that most young characters are naive in their view of the world. Did Cloud seem naive in the beginning of FFVII? Did Chrono seem naive about the ways of the world in Chrono Trigger? I highly doubt it. Both understood their place in the world and that evil does exist. I, however, think its wrong to assume evil can't be conquered. He is saying that naivety is synonymous with a feeling to vanquish evil.

I also like to say that most RPGs also have one character who shows experience. Age and experience are not necessarily one in the same. These people are the "seer" of the group helping to guide the group and give sound judgement. In FFX the company traveled with Auron a guardian who guided the group and showed he was wise beyond his years, although he wasn't exactly young. Some other notable additions to parties showing age and experience are Orlandu from FFT and Rose from LOD.

Now for an obvious reason which surprisingly was not touched on by Gabriel. People in their teens have twenties have more strength and stamina than those in their forties and fifties. All games have the hero and their party put to the test physically, mentally and spiritually. Those with youth as their ally tend to persevere through any type of adversity they are faced with. Also those who are younger tend to be more firmly rooted in their beliefs than those who have "given up" on life.

In conclusion, the use of young heroes in RPGs is by no means "a growing trend". Even back in the old days of the original Final Fantasy the light warriors are often referred to as young heroes. The young hero embodies the values of purity, strength, and honor. They are willing to fight for what they believe in without being swayed by evil. They show their willingness to fight for the protection of the people they love and are successful in their exploits because of their diversity and tenacity. This "growing trend" is honestly nothing more than common sense on the part of game makers.