by Matt Ware

Created on: February 19, 2007   Last Updated: August 12, 2011

The Critical Points of RPG Choice

RPGs (Role-Playing Games) are probably the most complex when it comes to finding a game that suits you. We have come a long way since the basic "Go save the princess" idea. Before I start, however, I must state I will not be offering possible game choices, as I will leave that up to you to decide for yourself. Also, this will focus heavily on console RPG points, as I am not as familiar with computer RPGs.

One of the key points to many modern day RPGs is the story. There is not only a main story, but a side story, a side story within a side story, etc. Do you want a game that focuses heavily on the story and less on the battle aspects? Or would you prefer a game that is battle after battle with no real focus on the story? Keep in mind that in a game with a large story-based focus, many times you will be contained to a certain area until you have moved the story along.

That is another point that you need to consider: Freedom. Do you want a rigid linear game, where the game pretty much directs you where to go and only allows you to go there? Are you willing to waste hours upon hours searching around a completely free world where you can go anywhere you feel like before furthering the story? In games where you are free, you could very well end up spending a majority of the game wandering the world map and stumbling through dungeons that you can't even finish yet, but in a linear RPG it is usually shorter than the freebased RPG style and much shorter.

Another critical point: Game length. An RPG that you can blaze through in a weekend will most likely not be as in depth as one that takes upwards of thirty hours. It comes down to if you want to just have a game to blaze through because you're bored, or if you want a game that will take anywhere from a week straight to months on end. While a short game isn't necessarily bad, in the RPG genre short games are usually not as well done as the longer ones.

But what plays into that time factor? Sidequests. Sidequests can make or break many RPGs. Some games go overboard when it comes to sidequests and this hurts the main storyline, while others have little to no sidequests which can end in a well developed main story, but little else in the game. Also, more sidequests usually can lead to a longer gaming experience, and make it more worth the money you put into getting the game. Is it more important to have a fantastic main storyline with little else? Or would you rather have a lackluster

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