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Sometimes, I wish I were a fan of Western RPGs. Why? Because I wish I was able to get into the idea of vast worlds and being able to alter stories based on my decisions. Playing a Western RPG like Oblivion or Fable seems reminiscent of those "Choose Your Own Adventure Novels", and yet I find the moment I pick up a Western RPG, I easily put it down.
I suppose one reason why I haven't played too many Western RPGs is that I like linearity. I like games that direct me from point A to B to C and sometimes over to point D or E to do side quests. It's not that I'm not open to options or choice, it's just I'm so use to the familiar, that when I pick up a Western RPG, I find myself asking "Where do I need to go?" or "Why is the plot not directing me?". I'm use to plot pushing me around and me following like the good little girl gamer that I am.
I suppose a different reason would be is that when I play an RPG, I get far too engrossed in the story, that I don't want to stop the plot to go and do a side quest or own an entire town. I simply want to get to the next chapter and see the next set of circumstances that I will be faced with. Maybe that's boring to some, but JRPGs tend to play more like novels in that there is a set pace, tone, and characterization. Everything is set in stone, and even though you're allowed to make some choices, linearity forces you to stay on the tried and true path to reach the end goal.
One reason I haven't played too many Western RPGs, is simply due to the fact that I've never been a PC gamer. I believe my real reason, however, is that I am too afraid of vast worlds where it's so easy to get lost. I seem to prefer my universes to be in enough of a bubble that way I can never get off track. Vastness means getting off course and away from plot, and for me, playing an RPG is becoming involved with a story and its cast of characters. I've always had a hard time playing games where I get to create the character the way I want he or she to be.
While I see nothing wrong with vast worlds and millions of options, I just wish I could appreciate games like Oblivion or Fallout because of their exploration. The small fish, big pond mentality always comes to mind whenever I even attempt to play one of these games. I suppose I am just a slave to direction.
This year is a brand new year for games and RPGs. I suppose a personal resolution is that I want to break out of my shell, and accept and appreciate the vastness of some of these Western games. I want to play these games that so many of my friends adore and frequently recommended, and I want to understand why they have such huge popularity. I'm not interested in pretty graphics or a large amount of side quests - I suppose what I am looking for is a game that will make me feel welcome in its world. Let's just hope I don't get too lost in the process.
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