James8BitStar
04-10-2008, 11:56 PM
RECAP: A few weeks ago, some members here discussed the true meaning of the term "RPG" as it applies to video games. This led--as always--to a lot of "this game is an RPG, nuh-uh, uh-huh!" type debating, until we were all thoroughly convinced that all RPGs should be based on the style of gameplay established by An American Tail: Fievel Goes West. Wizardry, of course, is a side-scrolling platform game.
Since then, I've been giving this subject serious thought. I meditate on it every night, on my bed, surrounded by hordes of my old TMNT action figures from childhood, while I challenge myself to see how far I can get in Adventure Island II without dying. A typical meditative night goes like this:
"Oh god I hate these ice levels c'mon c'mon c'mon yes yes yes HA! Made it oh crap I lost my animal buddy damn who put all these toys on the bed NO DON'T SLIDE INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT--AAAAGH! Wait, I've GOT it! Solitaire should be called a CARD GAME! Oh the cleverness of me!"
So with the help of this rigourous and scientific process I've made some conclusions:
First off, the RPG. In the old thread I suggested these be renamed to S&E (Statistics and Exploration) games, and it still sounds good to me, except that its a little too utilitarian. Something with a little more oomph behind it would be best. Like, say, "Statistical Adventure" or "Character Growth Epic" maybe.
In the same vein, First-Person Shooters need a new name. Again, too utility. I'm thinking of calling Doom and Quake "YATG" (You Are The Gunman) games, to emphasize the viewpoint and to help further associate these games with violent crimes. The Thief series would instead be called YATT games.
....
....
....
.... All joking aside, "Character Growth Epic" and "You Are the Gunman" aren't bad titles for categories.
The other problem label was "Adventure Game," which depending on who you asked meant either Zelda or King's Quest style games. I'm currently working on new categories for both. Right now I'm thinking Zelda should maintain the "Adventure" label while games like King's Quest would become "Collection Epics." Quest for Glory of course would be a CGCE.
But I'd like a vote on that, and also for people to name other genres with problem names.
As for me I'm going to do another meditation, this time surrounded by Tarot cards while I play Wizardry.
Til next time.
Since then, I've been giving this subject serious thought. I meditate on it every night, on my bed, surrounded by hordes of my old TMNT action figures from childhood, while I challenge myself to see how far I can get in Adventure Island II without dying. A typical meditative night goes like this:
"Oh god I hate these ice levels c'mon c'mon c'mon yes yes yes HA! Made it oh crap I lost my animal buddy damn who put all these toys on the bed NO DON'T SLIDE INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT--AAAAGH! Wait, I've GOT it! Solitaire should be called a CARD GAME! Oh the cleverness of me!"
So with the help of this rigourous and scientific process I've made some conclusions:
First off, the RPG. In the old thread I suggested these be renamed to S&E (Statistics and Exploration) games, and it still sounds good to me, except that its a little too utilitarian. Something with a little more oomph behind it would be best. Like, say, "Statistical Adventure" or "Character Growth Epic" maybe.
In the same vein, First-Person Shooters need a new name. Again, too utility. I'm thinking of calling Doom and Quake "YATG" (You Are The Gunman) games, to emphasize the viewpoint and to help further associate these games with violent crimes. The Thief series would instead be called YATT games.
....
....
....
.... All joking aside, "Character Growth Epic" and "You Are the Gunman" aren't bad titles for categories.
The other problem label was "Adventure Game," which depending on who you asked meant either Zelda or King's Quest style games. I'm currently working on new categories for both. Right now I'm thinking Zelda should maintain the "Adventure" label while games like King's Quest would become "Collection Epics." Quest for Glory of course would be a CGCE.
But I'd like a vote on that, and also for people to name other genres with problem names.
As for me I'm going to do another meditation, this time surrounded by Tarot cards while I play Wizardry.
Til next time.