Old School vs. New School

by Moux Cow Petau 

Let me say this right now: I am getting absolutely SICK of this New School/Old School bit. Neither exist, people. It's actually more of preference deal. Do I sound somewhat vague here? Allow me to explain what I mean.

New School: Supposedly, new schoolers are those who prefer, among other things, pretty visuals and technology in RPGs. I have something to say to these people: Graphics do NOT make an RPG. If all you want are pretty graphics, why don't you go watch some animated movie? The main part of an RPG, in my opinion, is the story. And as for the technology issue: although I prefer fantasy based RPGs, I don't mind those where technology is a major part of the world. In fact, Front Mission 3, currently one of my favorite games, has no magical element in it whatsoever!

Old School: On the other side of the coin, Old Schoolers are supposed to favor, among other things, a more fantasy-based RPG. However, to me, people who call themselves "Old Schoolers" are typically nothing more than a bunch of stubborn jackasses who can never be pleased! For example, "Old Schoolers" have criticized Final Fantasy 8 as "an attempt to become more mainstream" and "being too far from the series' roots." In response, Square releases Final Fantasy 9, which features a fantasy based world, unique character abilities, and that super-deformed character style that we all know and love.

Now, you hear that "Old Schoolers" are criticizing Square of trying too hard at catering to everybody! Give me a break...

So if there are no such thing as New Schoolers and no such thing as Old Schoolers, then what are there? Well, why do there really have to be classifications for what people like and don't like? For example, you might call me an Old Schooler because I didn't like Final Fantasy 7 very much. Then again, you might call me a New Schooler because I really liked Final Fantasy 8 a lot. It's like the American political system. Technically, I am a Republican, because I agree on more Republican issues than Non-Republican issues (and I listen to Rush Limbaugh!). However, say you asked me only about those few views that I hold that are not Republican. You would think I was a Democrat! Now, what am I getting at here? We shouldn't be classified under "New School" or "Old School" RPGamers. Why not? Because there is no point in doing so! All that matters is what games you like, not what you like in a game.