**What makes an RPG great?**
(An in-depth close reading and analysis by Gabby Cushman)
[[Start from the beginning->The Beginning]]
[[Start from the analysis->The Analysis]]Some of the most iconic RPGs of all time are:
[[Final Fantasy VII]]
[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]
[[Chrono Trigger]]
[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]
[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]
[[Kingdom Hearts]]
[[Pokemon Red and Blue]]
[[Dark Souls]]
Click on a game to learn more about what makes it great!
Or [[click here->The Analysis]] to see what I determined is needed to make a "great" RPG.So what really makes an RPG great?
Based on the collected reviews, most of the iconic RPGs are praised for their:
- Design/Graphics/Visuals
- Combat System
- Story/Plot/Characters
Now, we take it a step further and determine what makes for good visuals, combat, and plot by using my list of [[best RPGs->The Beginning]] as reference.
First, let's look at [[Visuals]]!**Final Fantasy VII (Released January 31, 1997)**
Average Reviewer Score: 9.5/10
Average Player Score: 9.5/10
Best aspects: Visuals/cinematics/artwork, plot/characters, combat, expansive world.
Worst aspects: Length (40-50 hours), text heavy, occasional translation errors.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bn7lohID9UE?controls=0&start=4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Released November 11, 2011)**
Average Reviewer Score: 9/10
Average Player Score: 9/10
Best aspects: Multiple quests including main story, decisions matter, beautiful visuals, good soundtrack, combat.
Worst aspects: Bugs, glitches, game can occasionally crash.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dYJnyHbvYYs?controls=0&start=4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**Chrono Trigger (Released March 11, 1995)**
Average Reviewer Score: 9/10
Average Player Score: 9.5/10
Best aspects: Plot/characters, multiple endings, decisions that matter, innovative combat, beautiful soundtrack, art design.
Worst aspects: Fetch quests, confusing directions.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9sRU8yrcEu8?controls=0&start=77" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Released May 19, 2015)**
Average Reviewer Score: 9.5/10
Average Player Score: 9.3/10
Best aspects: Open world, absorbing plot and characters, decisions that matter, beautiful design, inventive combat.
Worst aspects: Some bugs.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o2mgI4Nep-8?controls=0&start=30" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Released November 21, 1998)**
Average Reviewer Score: 10/10
Average Player Score: 9.7/10
Best aspects: Main quest along with other content, controls, graphics, gameplay mechanics (puzzles).
Worst aspects: Slowdown in certain areas.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jVR03bMe0TA?controls=0&start=37" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**Kingdom Hearts (Released March 28, 2002)**
Average Reviewer Score: 8.2/10
Average Player Score: 9/10
Best aspects: Characters, visuals, combat, extra skills, bosses, story, music.
Worst aspects: Camera, tedious gameplay, backtracking, sci-fi shooter segments.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0M6HPoL93NI?controls=0&start=144" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**Pokemon Red and Blue (Released Feburary 27, 1996)**
Average Reviewer Score: 8.8/10
Average Player Score: 8.8/10
Best aspects: Variety and customization, strategy and combat, multiplayer functionality.
Worst aspects: Glitches, unbalanced battle system.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MEhQgmkuMuw?controls=0&start=13" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**Dark Souls (Released September 22, 2011)**
Average Reviewer Score: 9.5/10
Average Player Score: 8.4/10
Best aspects: Gorgeous world, bosses, superb combat, online play.
Worst aspects: Frame rate, finicky target lock, difficulty.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hYpFePDkEo8?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>**What makes great visuals in an RPG?**
This question is incredibly subjective. Throughout the list of best RPGs I examined, the visuals could range from 2D sprites to polygonal 3D models to incredibly modern 3D models. Yet all of these different art styles were praised by reviewers and players alike!
<img src=http://pixelartmaker.com/art/47ad4669bbe8b74.png width="500" height="500" alt="Chrono Trigger sprite">
(1995 2D sprite from Chrono Trigger)
<img src=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/c/cf/Cloud-ffvii-field.png/revision/latest/fixed-aspect-ratio-down/width/320/height/320?cb=20120103135624&fill=transparent width="500" height="500" alt="Final Fantasy VII model">
(1997 3D polygonal model from Final Fantasy VII)
<img src=https://www.models-resource.com/resources/big_icons/2/1468.png width="500" height="500" alt="Kingdom Hearts model">
(2002 3D model from Kingdom Hearts)
Graphics and design can depend on when the game is released. For example, when Chrono Trigger was released in 1995, Nintendo had yet to make the jump to 3D. Therefore, it makes sense that the game was designed with 2D sprite work, as that was the standard then. When Final Fantasy VII was first released in 1997, it was within Sony's first generation of 3D game design, which explains why their models are not as advanced as the 2002 Kingdom Hearts model.
Design also depends upon the world the game is trying to build. If a colorful, cell-shaded model was placed in the gritty world of Final Fantasy VII, it would be completely out of place. Square, the creator of Final Fantasy VII, focused on creating dark city-like environments in their dystopian world. A forest setting with beautiful blooming flowers would not have worked with the mood of the game.
I would conclude that "great" visuals depend on: 1.) The standards of game design when the game is released and 2.) The atmosphere/mood the game is trying to create. If a game's visuals meet industry standards at the time and fit within the game's world well, they will most likely be praised.
Next, let's look at [[Combat]]!**What makes great combat in an RPG?**
Traditional RPGs use menu-based combat systems that can be either "real time" (enemies continue to attack while you select your attacks, usually involves a recharge mechanic) or "turn-based" (player selects their attack, enemy usually attacks afterwards). Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII have real time menu-based combat systems, while Pokemon Red and Blue have turned based combat systems.
But we don't just have traditional RPGs on our list. Skyrim, Witcher 3, Ocarina of Time, Kingdom Hearts, and Dark Souls are considered "Action RPGs" or ARPGs. ARPGs involve real-time combat where the player has direct control over the characters they play, instead of using a menu to select attacks. However, as you'll see in the videos of these games, many incorporate a menu of sorts to cycle through abilities and items to assist with basic combat.
What I saw praised most often was what reviewers called "innovative combat". So although these games follow classic RPG combat systems, their combat is considered great because it brought something new to the genre.
<img src=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kingdomhearts/images/f/f6/Kingdom_Key_KHIII.png/revision/latest?cb=20190110160423 width="500" height="500" alt="Keyblade weapon in Kingdom Hearts">
("Keyblade" from Kingdom Hearts)
My favorite example of unique combat is Kingdom Hearts. In this game, your main weapon is called a Keyblade, as opposed to the traditional sword. But that's just the beginning. You can also learn magic and additional abilities to give you an edge in battle. The best part of the combat system is that you can summon allies you've met along your journey, and they'll appear beside you in battle for a short amount of time dealing additional damage to the enemy.
<img src=http://pa1.narvii.com/6168/c59eeea699c17d04d6e14c8aea49965d3912cf03_00.gif width="500" height="500" alt="Mew from Pokemon Red/Blue">
(Mew, a mythical Pokemon from Pokemon Red/Blue)
And then there was Pokemon, which became the most iconic turn based RPG of all time. Instead of using human characters like many traditional RPGs, Game Freak (the creator of Pokemon) came up with 151 "monsters" that the player character could catch and place on a team of 6. Each of these monsters, known as Pokemon, have one to two "types", including fire, water, grass, fighting, psychic, electric, and bug. There were 15 types total, all with different advantages and disadvantages against each other. Every Pokemon could learn 4 "moves" to use in battle, including physical and special attacks, status effects like poison, stat boosts, and so many others. And that's just brushing the surface of the combat system. What made Pokemon fun was the variety of strategies the player could come up with to take on the game.
But what does this mean for determining great combat in an RPG? I would say that games need to follow a well-known RPG formula like menu-based combat or real time ARPG combat, while building on the battle system through attributes unique to that particular game or series. If an RPG came out completely copying the strategy of Pokemon, it would be considered unoriginal. Basically, every RPG's combat system needs something special that's going to help it stand apart from other games in the genre.
Finally, let's look at [[Plot]]!**What makes a great plot in an RPG?**
A fleshed-out story and developed characters are intregal to the RPG genre. Many other game genres, such as first person shooters and platformers, are predominantly gameplay-based with occasional cutscenes showcasing a basic story. However, in RPGs, gameplay time is often equal with moments showcasing the overarching story that is rich in detail and takes the player on a journey from start to finish.
<img src=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/14/a3/df/14a3df1834588b641e564dcc37205987.png width="500" height="500" alt="Dark Souls Solaire's symbol">
(A sun, the symbol of the iconic character Solaire of Astora in Dark Souls)
Some RPGs have subtle stories that the player figures out over time. Dark Souls is known to have deep lore that isn't outright presented to players, but is hidden within side quests, item descriptions, and vague dialogue. For some, the way Dark Souls presents its story is preferred over other RPGs that have overt cutscenes explaining plot details.
<img src=https://aow.triumph.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Navi.png width="500" height="500" alt="Adult Link from Ocarina of Time">
(Child Link from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
Ocarina of Time tells the classic "Hero's Journey" story. Link, our main character, is a young child living a normal life until he is called to action by a respected elder (The Great Deku Tree). However, the plot quickly goes beyond this storytelling formula, involving elements of time travel, detailing background lore on the region of Hyrule and the legend of the Triforce, and developing relationships between our hero and special characters he meets throughout his journey. Ocarina of Time is a great example of a game with interesting characters that keep the player involved in the story. Even though Link is mute, his growth from inexperienced child to the Hero of Time can be felt through every new experience he gains throughout the quest. Zelda, the princess of Hyrule, goes from a defenseless little girl to a ninja warrior known as Sheik. Ganondorf is a terrifying villain whose threatening presence can be felt throughout the whole of the game. When Link and Ganon have their final showdown, with Zelda's life on the line, players are so invested in these character's lives that an overwhelming feeling of pressure to win is present through the entire battle.
Covering great plot elements is difficult to do within a short summary. However, I believe that an RPG with a great plot would involve the following components: background lore that can be slowly uncovered throughout the game; a quest that has an outcome worth fighting for; a diverse cast of main characters with stories the player can get invested in; memorable side characters that make the journey unique; an intimidating villain with a clear motive and goal; an ending that ties up the majority of loose ends; and room from players to theorize what certain plot points mean.
We're almost done: on to [[Honorable Mentions]]!**Some "Honorable Mentions"**
I wanted to include praised aspects of the best RPGs that I didn't think were required for the game to be successful, but definitely help with the overall enjoyment.
A good soundtrack: Music is an underrated and underappreciated part of video game development. An RPG's soundtrack captures the mood of the game's settings and important story moments, as well as adds a sense of urgency to every battle. Kingdom Hearts and Ocarina of Time have some of my favorite soundtracks, so I've included songs from these games below.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8LXTui5vl6Y?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
(Kingdom Hearts title track, "Dearly Beloved")
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ljqe4Nj7nBA?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
(Ocarina of Time "Lost Woods" music)
Decisions matter/multiple endings: In games like Skyrim and Witcher 3, players will be presented with "decisions" where they choose one of multiple pre-set options to further the game. Players value decisions that matter, or end up affecting the rest of the story. The best example of this mechanic is Chrono Trigger, which contains multiple endings based on actions the player makes, including letting certain characters die. This makes a player's experience unique compared to others'.
<img src=https://articles-images.sftcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/RegisDecision.jpg width="700" height="500" alt="Witcher 3 decision dialogue">
(An example decision from Witcher 3)
Post-game content and side quests: Sometimes, you get stuck on a certain part of an RPG's main quest. With side quests, you can take a break from that aggravating mission by assisting nonplayable characters (NPCs) with somewhat simpler tasks. Ocarina of Time includes a variety of side quests that contain entertaining storylines and useful items, extending the time the player can spend with the game. Some RPGs have content that can only be accessed after the main game is completed, known as "post-game content". Pokemon Red and Blue allows you to catch what are known as Legendary Pokemon (Pokemon that are considered incredibly rare and powerful) after beating the main quest. Post-game content and side quests increase the replayability of RPGs, so players can continue enjoying their favorite games after the official ending.
<img src=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVyB0NBnWTk/hqdefault.jpg width="700" height="500" alt="Pokemon Red and Blue Mewtwo Battle">
(Pokemon Red and Blue, discovering the legendary Pokemon Mewtwo)
Multiplayer or online play: A lot of people prefer to play video games with others, whether it's casually playing with a friend or competitively fighting against other players in official tournaments and online play. RPGs, though often considered single player experiences, can have aspects of multiplayer to them. In Dark Souls, through online play you can challenge other players across the globe to duels where both players test their combat skills developed throughout the main game. Pokemon Red and Blue allowed players to challenge their friends to battle through the Gameboy Link Cable. This eventually lead to official competitive tournaments being created around the Pokemon combat system. Multiplayer and online play create a community around a game that keeps the RPG alive well after its initial release.
<img src=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GV1YExb-s4I/maxresdefault.jpg width="700" height="500" alt="Dark Souls multiplayer duel">
(An online duel between two Dark Souls players)
And finally...[[The Conclusion]]As we've determined through analyzing some of the best RPGs of all time, making a "great" RPG requires attention to a multitude of factors that'll make the gameplay experience original, fun, and memorable. Of course, no game exists that has 100% positive reception, and audience perception is hard to predict. Yet through innovative ideas, passion for the project, and dedication to see the game to completion, I believe anyone determined enough can create a successful RPG.
RPGs allow a player to escape to a virtual world, separate from the hardships and responsibilites within reality. You can easily step into a character's shoes and feel as if you're on the journey with them, feeling what they feel, achieving what they achieve. That's what I love about the RPG genre. These games have allowed me to seek great adventure I wouldn't be able to experience in my real life. This project allowed me to showcase my incredible appreciation for the craft, while creating an interactive experience myself.
As new games emerge, the standards for a "great" RPG will shift and change. But the classics always remain, having changed the industry with their innovation and individuality. Thank you for taking the time to analyze these great games with me!
<img src=http://musicfromscratch.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sora_3_Art_KHII.png width="500" height="500" alt="Kingdom Hearts title screen art">
***the end :)***