Can We Get Another Turn-Based CRPG Already?
<p>Bits 'n' Bytes have put up an editorial, <a href="http://bnbgaming.com/2011/02/10/can-we-get-another-turn-based-crpg-already/" target="_blank">a lament for a dead friend</a> - the turnbased cRPG.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It’s actually been done to some degree recently. The Japanese company Atlus has released a series of games called Etrian Odyssey and another title called The Dark Spire for the Nintendo DS, both of which employ these very same grid-based maps and turn-based combat mechanics. Despite being solid games of this genre, both Etrian Odyssey and The Dark Spire are deigned with a very hard-core audience in mind. Unfortunately, these games cast aside the story and atmosphere of the classic games for a strong emphasis on dungeon-crawls and monster slaying. They can be grueling in their difficulty, and are ideal for such personality traits as OCD.
They’re a step in the right direction, but perhaps (at the risk of sounding mildly xenophobic) they would benefit from a Western touch. The Might and Magic titles Clouds of Xeen and Darkside of Xeen for example could be combined into a massive game world so large, that you could spend weeks exploring the environment and not see half the content. This includes massive skyroads built upon the clouds with cities and villages, two sides of a huge floating landmass with deserts, forests, mountains and swamps, many dungeons such as caves, towers, castles, sewers, etc. Hundreds of monster types, thousands of items, countless npcs… the list can go on. The Atlus titles touch upon this, but will fail to hold the attention of all but a very core gaming block, one I myself am not a part of.
It seems a lost cause, I know. Most gamers these days don’t even know about this style of RPG, and many would point out that these “outdated” mechanics are exactly what kept the larger public away from videogames and helped create the stereotype of the basement dwelling uber-geek. But someone out there with the know-how, start-up company, and love for classic RPGs must exist. Maybe the gods of CRPGs will hear my call and deliver a true modern version of these titles with all the bells and whistles I want to see. In the meantime, I guess I can go on enjoying the excellent RPGs of the current age.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To answer your question: no, we can't. Because RPGs have evolved into having shooter combat which doesn't work too well in turn-based. But I have an argument in favor of turn-based combat. We all know that the graphics are the most important aspect of all cRPGs, right? And kickass animations, e.g. spell effects, usually come in the way of fast paced action combat. They only disturb. But in turn-based you could really show off your awesome gfx effects, right? So, doing turn-based and doing kick-ass spell animations might be the one thing that could decide the <a href="http://www.rpgcodex.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=55622" target="_blank">battle for the bestest graphics</a>. Any thoughts? BioWare? CDProjekt?</p>
<p>Spotted at: <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com/news/101554-can-we-get-another-turn-based-crpg-already.html">Gamebanshee</a></p>
<p>Bits 'n' Bytes have put up an editorial, <a href="http://bnbgaming.com/2011/02/10/can-we-get-another-turn-based-crpg-already/" target="_blank">a lament for a dead friend</a> - the turnbased cRPG.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It’s actually been done to some degree recently. The Japanese company Atlus has released a series of games called Etrian Odyssey and another title called The Dark Spire for the Nintendo DS, both of which employ these very same grid-based maps and turn-based combat mechanics. Despite being solid games of this genre, both Etrian Odyssey and The Dark Spire are deigned with a very hard-core audience in mind. Unfortunately, these games cast aside the story and atmosphere of the classic games for a strong emphasis on dungeon-crawls and monster slaying. They can be grueling in their difficulty, and are ideal for such personality traits as OCD.
They’re a step in the right direction, but perhaps (at the risk of sounding mildly xenophobic) they would benefit from a Western touch. The Might and Magic titles Clouds of Xeen and Darkside of Xeen for example could be combined into a massive game world so large, that you could spend weeks exploring the environment and not see half the content. This includes massive skyroads built upon the clouds with cities and villages, two sides of a huge floating landmass with deserts, forests, mountains and swamps, many dungeons such as caves, towers, castles, sewers, etc. Hundreds of monster types, thousands of items, countless npcs… the list can go on. The Atlus titles touch upon this, but will fail to hold the attention of all but a very core gaming block, one I myself am not a part of.
It seems a lost cause, I know. Most gamers these days don’t even know about this style of RPG, and many would point out that these “outdated” mechanics are exactly what kept the larger public away from videogames and helped create the stereotype of the basement dwelling uber-geek. But someone out there with the know-how, start-up company, and love for classic RPGs must exist. Maybe the gods of CRPGs will hear my call and deliver a true modern version of these titles with all the bells and whistles I want to see. In the meantime, I guess I can go on enjoying the excellent RPGs of the current age.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To answer your question: no, we can't. Because RPGs have evolved into having shooter combat which doesn't work too well in turn-based. But I have an argument in favor of turn-based combat. We all know that the graphics are the most important aspect of all cRPGs, right? And kickass animations, e.g. spell effects, usually come in the way of fast paced action combat. They only disturb. But in turn-based you could really show off your awesome gfx effects, right? So, doing turn-based and doing kick-ass spell animations might be the one thing that could decide the <a href="http://www.rpgcodex.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=55622" target="_blank">battle for the bestest graphics</a>. Any thoughts? BioWare? CDProjekt?</p>
<p>Spotted at: <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com/news/101554-can-we-get-another-turn-based-crpg-already.html">Gamebanshee</a></p>