by Chris Roehrborn

Created on: January 27, 2007   Last Updated: November 25, 2011

Getting tired of sitting around at your house wondering what to do? You want to take your first steps into the RPG genre? There are many things to consider when making this decision, so you don't waste your time buying games you will soon hate.

The first step is to make sure you have the time in your schedule to even start playing RPGs. They can be quite addictive and will sometimes cause you to blow off some other things in your schedule to make time for them. Avoid this at all costs, once the game ends you will just feel stupid for losing a job, girlfriend, etc. Once you know you will have the time, you can proceed to picking out a game.

Before I even look at games, I personally decide what game systems I have and which one I would like to spend time on. It sounds like over complicating things, but it only takes a couple seconds to decide and can often change how much fun you have. If you prefer a controller, then pick a game system on a controller. If you like using the keyboard, pick a game for your computer. Still, this should be the shortest of your considerations.

I suggest everyone looks online (a respectable source) for reviews on games before ever buying the game. It is even better if it includes screen shots so you can get a general feel for the game. Here are some traits to look for while you look on-line:

• Customization

This is personally my favorite part of an RPG. You really want to see how well the game allows you to transform the game to your own style. It also makes it much more fun to replay later. On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler game, then customization may not be good for you.

• Plot

One of the most important parts of an RPG. If a game does not have a good plot, you will most likely get bored of it fairly shortly. I personally think this is necessary for everyone, but what kind of plot seems to interest you is your own choice. A good rule of thumb is to get something that you would read a story about.

• Puzzles

This can often make or break an RPG, based on your individual style. Some people prefer to think between battles, trying to solve puzzles to continue the game. Unfortunately, when you get stuck on a puzzle, it can often cause long breaks in your playing. That's what game guides are for. However, if you prefer to just fight, avoid RPGs with puzzles. Most game review sites will include if it has puzzles or not.

• Playing Time

Usually a game will include how long it takes to play through it without breaks. This should match your own schedule. Shorter games can be fun and creative, while longer games are often more in depth and story driven. Its all about your own personal choice.

• Graphics

This is personally the last thing I look at. Don't get me wrong, graphics are important. Just don't leave a game with a good plot because its graphics are not next generation. After a while you don't even focus that much on how a RPG works, it just becomes numbers. Only a few of you will understand what a mean there, but the moral is to make sure you decide more on a game's plot than the graphics.

Well, that's all I have for you. If you pick a game based on these five categories, you should have a fun time playing it. Good luck finding that perfect RPG for your own gaming style. Thanks for reading.

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