REBUTTAL TO: The Fall of the Modern RPG Experience
SPOILERS FOR: FFX, FFX-2, Xenosaga
I went into this article expecting detailed analyses of what's been going on in the RPG world. I, too, have noticed a decline in story value (With the notable exception of Xenosaga, which I will discuss later) and more leaning towards visuals and eye-candy. I expected to find a well-written, well-thought-out, thoughtful point of view on an issue that's making RPGamers mad. Instead, I find a rant about how much the author hates certain games, only loosely tied to the topic itself. The games mentioned featured excellent examples of the areas that the author bemoaned the loss of. I realize this is heavily opinion-driven, so please, bear with me.
Yes, some games seem to be all flash and no real substance. Some may appear shallow, unappealing, and boring. However, I hesitate to name the games that the author of "The Fall of Modern RPGs" named as examples. Here is why.
Final Fantasy X and X-2 were definitely different from what we had come to expect from a Final Fantasy; Final Fantasy X's battle system was very different, and the character Tidus was whiny, but the game as a whole was excellent. However, I beg to differ with the author's bashing of the game and its sequel. Mr. Cronin, I'm afraid you gave an inaccurate summary of the game; I particularly disagree with your calling the revelation that Tidus is a dream "cliche." I was very surprised by that fact. I had no idea or suspicion that such a thing could be.
As for Final Fantasy X-2, well, that game was a game that was either loved or hated. The majority of people that have played it that I have talked to (a surprising number actually) have enjoyed the game. Its revival of the job system was original, its battle system was the most addictive I have yet to encounter (X-2 is the only other game where I can level up my characters to a level above 40 and stay sane; the .hacks are the other). The semi-realtime system, with the ATBs being affected by the enemy's attacks and the job class, was easy-to-learn and engaging. On the Charlie's-Angels-ripoff, there are times when I'm reminded of such. But do realize that the character Yuna had to change, and in order to change inside she had to change outside, and make a conscious effort to be less serious and more carefree.
As for the musical merits of both games, I believe that they are the most excellent soundtracks for Final Fantasy games since the famed Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy IX soundtracks, arguably two of the best. Final Fantasy X's soundtrack was the only one I bothered to get - and not the domestic version. The four-disc, full soundtrack. I loved it. The change from somber orchestra to dance-party for Final Fantasy X-2 was definitely in keeping with the change in mood for the game itself. Final Fantasy X-2 isn't a serious RPG to me. It's a lighthearted adventure where not only do the girls fight crime and the forces of evil, they find a new them. An adventure of self. And to fit this more bouncy, bubbly title, we have a bouncy-bubbly soundtrack. The two vocal songs, "Real Emotion" and "1000 Words" are two all-around excellent, feel-good songs.
Xenosaga I still haven't finished, because I'm busy leveling for the final crawl through Proto Merkbah. But from what I've played, it's an excellent, excellent game. The cutscenes are long, but since the game is so story-driven anyway, once you get into the game it doesn't matter. If you don't want to listen to the characters talk, then you can always skip the cutscenes. No problems there. It has its faults, but it is a very good game.
I, for one, can remember Seymour's Theme, because I associate it with a creepy villain with a penchant for preying on hapless summoners. I remember the battle theme for Xenosaga because not only am I starting to like fighting in that game, I have it on a CD. I walk around singing "1000 Words" or humming "Suteki da ne" because they struck chords with me. I believe that the minds of the game creators are still aimed at storyline and music, and not just making the game look pretty. I'm appalled that there are such pessimistic people who would think that the gaming industry, after facing such a jump in popularity, would think to dissuade potential buyers from purchasing their games by making them all flash and dazzle with nothing to their name.
|
RSS feed
iTunes