R P G A M E R . C O M   -   E D I T O R I A L S

Worlds Apart

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Daniel Hill
FAN EDITORIALIST

Personally, I play both PC RPGs and console RPGs. I've noticed however, a great divide between fans of each sub-genre. Often fans of one won't even touch the other. In my opinion I've noticed that it seems more likely for console RPG fans to also enjoy PC RPGs, than it is for PC fans to also enjoy console RPGs. Perhaps this is because many console gamers use PCs and the Internet as well, but the reverse is not as commonly true. Let us look now at some common differences between the two. Please remember that I'm speaking very generally, and that there are of course numerous exceptions.

PC RPGs are known for their openness and customizability. Common elements of this game include choosing race, class, and appearance, and being able to take on your different goals anyway you wish. You can choose who you are and how your adventure unfolds. Many PC RPGs are heavily based with traditional fantasy. Some, such as Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights, are even based directly on old school Advanced Dungeons and Dragons rule sets, or closely related.

Console RPGs are known for having involving, and even emotional plotlines with characters that are less customized, but also less generic. While they're steeped in fantasy and stats as well, they tend to derive from what's considered traditional western fantasy. Such examples are the often stylish and melodramatic worlds and tales of Final Fantasy, or the anime styled environments of Dragon Quest.

There are even a few matters on the technical and cost side that might sway gamers one way or another. PCs boast graphics that are usually a step ahead of consoles in its fast-paced world of upgrades, and a bigger opportunity for custom content and mods. However, consoles still offer amazing graphics at a much cheaper price, and aren't prone to crashes, the need for upgrading, and so on.

At their core, both sub-genres are about taking a role or roles in a world of adventure steeped in stats and fantasy. RPGs on the console and PC platforms however have branched off into different directions from their tabletop roots, yet we call all three RPGs. Though fans of each type seem to be so divided, I ask you, gentle listener, are they really so different, or can we all just get along and enjoy the variety?