Well its not really that much of an RPG if your used to Everquest, Dark Ages of Camelot, Asherons Call etc... One thing you will notice about all of the previous games is that they are not on XBOX or Playstation 2. They are all PC based games. Now they have released some Everquest games on Playstation 2 but we all know they are kind of weak. Let’s not set our expectations for KOTOR too high because this game was designed to run on a game console (XBOX) initially and not a PC although a PC version has just been release. As far as im concerned im not going to let the fact that its not really an RPG concern me because I enjoyed the story line, the graphics, the movies, and above all else, the mass amounts of light saber action. I am a man who loves flashy lights. I were comparing this game to other XBOX games then it would definitely be on top some where. As far as PC games go there are a lot of good games out there but I would still recommend this game as well.
Those are by thoughts. Rip them apart.
Is this Really an RPG? (SPOILERS)
Personally - I don't really think MMORPGs are much into RPG at all. Sure you can roleplay in them, but only a few does, and you often have little ways to alter your surroundings (or even your character) by the choices you make. For that the worlds are far to static. They pose a framework where you can roleplay a character, but roleplaying is not running around saying "thou" and "thee". It is much more.
As for wether or not (C)RPG can work on console, I don't know the technology inside the boxs good enough, but I see no reason why they shouldn't.
Also I see no reason why, simply because a game is made for X-BOX or another console, should be valued as less then if made for PC games. Just because console games often are (that is my experience) less complex and more focused on graphics then gameplay/storylines, doesn't mean it *have* to be that way.
I don't see the platform as a hindrence.
And what is wrong with setting high expectations of a game that reviwers are falling down in awe over.? What is wrong with wanting a good solid game to play? It is not wrong in all other areas of commernce. For instance, purchase a car, television, computer - then wanting a solid and good car is not wrong is it? Even if it was made for another market initially?
Well - back to your question posed in the topic, I do think KotOR is an RPG. But it is more an action RPG then a roleplaying RPG if I can make such a distinction. It is, imo, much similar with the roleplaying in for instance the original campaing in Neverwinter Nights, with much focus made on the combat.
I do however think they have removed some roleplaying possibilities in not utilizing skills more, party interactions, PCs influence on the surronding world.
Somebody called it "RPG lite" can't remember where, but I think the term is quite fitting.
Hmm - I*m sure I've forgotten something - but I'll leave it at this for now.
As for wether or not (C)RPG can work on console, I don't know the technology inside the boxs good enough, but I see no reason why they shouldn't.
Also I see no reason why, simply because a game is made for X-BOX or another console, should be valued as less then if made for PC games. Just because console games often are (that is my experience) less complex and more focused on graphics then gameplay/storylines, doesn't mean it *have* to be that way.
I don't see the platform as a hindrence.
And what is wrong with setting high expectations of a game that reviwers are falling down in awe over.? What is wrong with wanting a good solid game to play? It is not wrong in all other areas of commernce. For instance, purchase a car, television, computer - then wanting a solid and good car is not wrong is it? Even if it was made for another market initially?
Well - back to your question posed in the topic, I do think KotOR is an RPG. But it is more an action RPG then a roleplaying RPG if I can make such a distinction. It is, imo, much similar with the roleplaying in for instance the original campaing in Neverwinter Nights, with much focus made on the combat.
I do however think they have removed some roleplaying possibilities in not utilizing skills more, party interactions, PCs influence on the surronding world.
Somebody called it "RPG lite" can't remember where, but I think the term is quite fitting.
Hmm - I*m sure I've forgotten something - but I'll leave it at this for now.
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From what I've seen, very few MMORPGs are even remotely interested in roleplaying. Most simply feature high end graphics, lots of things to kill, and leave the roleplaying essentially to the players. There are, of course, exceptions. I worked for one of those for four years, and we tried to make the environment seem as personal and real an experience as possible. But it was admittedly very tough, because the lack of direction, the go-anywhere-do-anything style of an MMORPG, meant you had to cover an enormous amount of territory and activity.
As for KotoR: I agree that it isn't the RPG experience that BG2, PS:T, Darklands, and a few other CRPGs are. I suspect LucasArts wanted a game that hit a much broader age bracket than Bioware's BG2, and asked for as much to increase sales. It feels more streamlined, less interesting...but still, ultimately, it's an RPG. It's just not a very deep one, IMO.
As for KotoR: I agree that it isn't the RPG experience that BG2, PS:T, Darklands, and a few other CRPGs are. I suspect LucasArts wanted a game that hit a much broader age bracket than Bioware's BG2, and asked for as much to increase sales. It feels more streamlined, less interesting...but still, ultimately, it's an RPG. It's just not a very deep one, IMO.
To the Righteous belong the fruits of violent victory. The rest of us will have to settle for warm friends, warm lovers, and a wink from a quietly supportive universe.
This argument hinges on the notion that MMOGs are the ultimate RPGs, which I don't believe for a second. The character progression is present in a MMOG, but the game progression isn't, and all the other people just become a constant reminder that you're playing a computer game. Very little immersion. I usually end up quitting because I'm bored with the endless repetition. Not being a MMOG is certainly no excuse for being a comparably weak RPG.
First of all I'd like to say that my opinion isn't really valid because I haven't played games like Everquest and other MMORPGs.
I think that this game is perfectly valid as a 'role playing game'. You select your type of character(male/female, soldier/scoundrel), their name and even their facial features.
If you play it like an RPG, it IS an RPG, as I'm sure you'll think is true for some MMORPGs.
Some people will just play through it, not paying much attention to the conversations and just wanting to see the cut scenes(and ofcourse, the big final cut scene that they play for).
But if you take a little time to decide your actions and what you say, then it's an RPG.
I chose things like armour and weaponry(ofcourse taking into account their stats) to suit who I wanted my character to be.
If this game isn't an RPG, then I'll eat my hat.
Just my opinion.
I think that this game is perfectly valid as a 'role playing game'. You select your type of character(male/female, soldier/scoundrel), their name and even their facial features.
If you play it like an RPG, it IS an RPG, as I'm sure you'll think is true for some MMORPGs.
Some people will just play through it, not paying much attention to the conversations and just wanting to see the cut scenes(and ofcourse, the big final cut scene that they play for).
But if you take a little time to decide your actions and what you say, then it's an RPG.
I chose things like armour and weaponry(ofcourse taking into account their stats) to suit who I wanted my character to be.
If this game isn't an RPG, then I'll eat my hat.
Just my opinion.