The Power of the RPG

by Sheu 

Submitted by:	MyNameIsSheu@aol.com (Sheu)
Spelling	2
Grammar	2
Coherency	3
Strength of Arguments	3
Presentation	2
Originality	1
Penalties	0
Total	13
Grade

They say it is possible that one may become addicted to anything. Although it may represent anything, it typically conjures images of drugs, alcohol, and inhalants. RPGs are the same, blurring our perspective of our world and dulling the senses to the suffering and misery of society. Perhaps reality does not suit us after playing in another world, living as another character. To taste of another world, to experience the joy of control, is enough to addict. To return to the real world is anguish, and that is when we simply buy another game and immerse ourselves within that world again.

I have a feeling that this scenario is uncommon in such a state as to completely vegetate a person, yet we all must feel it in some extent. It may be called a mere obsession. Some of us could not wait for the sequel to Chrono Trigger, or perhaps the next Final Fantasy. Common life is much too boring, and progress within it is much too slow. It is sped up within RPGs, where unrealistic scenarios can lead the player to continue, seeing just how strong his or her character may get. It may also be the story, the one that absorbs us because we feel that we are there, within that world, living as the character. It is a much stronger sensation than reading a book or watching a movie. As it is impossible to simulate these within our own world, we must again rely on the RPG. Reality once again becomes hell, and our escape is through the CD or cartridge.

Yet why are RPGs really that entrapping? Perhaps the producers have a magic bullet to truly satisfy the gamer. There are many different aspects of the game: graphics, plot, gameplay, music, originality, and many others. It may be possible to exploit simply one of those attributes to draw customers. For Pokemon, the virtually nonexistent plot, horrid field graphics, and, in my humble opinion, laughable music, did not seem to hinder the popularity of the game. Pokemon exploited only one attribute, the gameplay, and did it enormously well. Its success is not uncommon. In Final Fantasy VII, a balance of the five attributes appeared to fetch the game much praise. Originality may be everything to determine the success of a game, then, the common aspect of the two games. But there are many more games out there, each one special in its own way. It is possible that the truth cannot be discovered, the magic bullet beyond our feeble minds.

To dream is human nature. It may be the surrealism of the RPG that appeals most to us. But it may just stay as a blind addiction, with minimal side effects. If it is a drug, and the producers drug-dealers, then let it be distributed widespread, for with something as wholesome as the game, addiction may be beneficial to humankind.

Notes:
The writer's reasons for playing RPGs are nicely laid out here, with a slightly whimsical slant to the editorial that's not often seen in most topics. Unfortunately, this editorial, pleasing to the mind as it is, only garners a C - while it's well written, with no mistakes in sight, it is however a common topic (Why do we like and play RPGs?) and it's also far too short, ending far too quickly.