"The
Console RPG Afermath"
Those who attended the roundtables
were in two camps, those few who were working on computer role-playing
games, and those who wished they were. Each day was different, with
some major tangents taken, although each was interesting in its own
way. Talk was geared to one of two areas:
Financing an RPG on the PC, in light of the $45 million spent on
producing FF7.
Final Fantasy VII's impact on gameplay in future PC RPGs.
In discussion, the scope tended to include all console RPGs, with FF7
acting as spearhead into the PC market. Most people didn't think
that it was neccesary to compete in terms of millions spent. Instead,
a few good examples of what aspects we should borrow arose.
The attention to music in Japanese RPGs was first on that list.
Few games on the PC have themes dedicated to characters, mostly to places
and events like combat. This was one area where it became obvious that
more compelling storylines would be possible by learning this technique
of integrated scores from the console market.
The huge art resources required to make FF7 didn't phase the
roundtable attendees, either. One brought up an excellent point, in
which indirection can be used to cover a lack of expensive animation.
The power of suggestion is certainly an option, given a conscious and
knowledgeable use of it.
The characteristically strong but linear plotlines in console RPGs were
discussed. People agreed that being forced into a role, a set character
with a history, was certainly effective in weaving great stories. Despite
the "RPG Lite" label, such games on the PC were given high marks
in the past. As one speaker put it, it allowed for moral ambiguity and
some tough choices that really left you wondering if you did the right
thing. Then again, talk of Might and Magic 6 took hold one day,
proving that there still is room for good old dungeon crawls!
One exciting idea brought up was the possibility turning the tables:
taking a PC RPG format and making it work in the console market. Scoff
now, but the first beachhead into Japan's install base will be making
money hand-over-fist. It could happen.
There was much more, but I guess you had to be there. The last day went
so well, people stayed for an hour past the allotted time. Although
the topic was a bit narrow, it certainly opened up many avenues for
discussion. Perhaps these can pursued on the Usenet. Rec.games.design,
anyone?
