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Why Random Encounters In RPGs Aren't That Bad
Thanks to GameSpot for their guest editorial discussing why randomized enemy encounters in videogame RPGs aren't as bad as they're made out to be. The author argues: "The most common charge is that random battles are 'unrealistic.' To this I counter that the RPG experience is inherently unrealistic." He goes on to comment: "A more valid argument is that random battles 'pad' gameplay. I'm not going to argue with this, but I am going to say that RPGs need that padding... With battles cut out, there isn't really anything to fill the gameplay void." He ends by floating compromise solutions for when "it's simply annoying to be assaulted by all manner of enemies when you simply want to make it to the next town", suggesting: "Adjustable [encounter] rates or ways to abbreviate battles, especially with radically weaker adversaries, would be one way to speed things up."
...I made in alt.games.final-fantasy:
...but until we have true AI, necessary.
On Mon, 24 Nov 2003 18:38:38 -0500, Van Halen - Black And Blue.mp3 wrote:
> http://www.gamespot.com/features/6084158/p-8.html
>
> FUCK THAT SHIT.
>
> Yes I am actually defending Crono Trigur. Anyway.
>
> Other things.
Random encounters are most definitely gay. Chrono Trigger is the best SNES RPG (although it takes a lot of suspension of disbelief to get past the timetravel illogic.)
"To this I counter that the RPG experience is inherently unrealistic. I'm not just talking about the swords-and-sorcery or science fiction settings
either. When was the last time you put on your clothes with a menu system or used a floating hand to pick your target?"
Putting clothes on with a menu system is necessary. Any "realistic" method is either pornographic or looks extremely stupid.
Picking targets with a floating hands is a bad idea. Action RPGs > turn based.
"The truth of the matter is, controlling multiple characters is unrealistic"
"Finally, to all of the advocates for "realism" in RPGs, note this: In Xenosaga, a single gnosis attacks me in the field. In the battle screen,
there could be anywhere between one and five enemies on the screen. Where did the other four come from?"
General consensus is that Xenosaga sucks, so this is hardly a good argument.
"A more valid argument is that random battles "pad" gameplay. I'm not going to argue with this, but I am going to say that RPGs need that padding."
All the best games are short. Ico didn't have any padding.
"Plot is unquestionably the meat of these games, and my favorite part of any game. However, story development is inherently noninteractive."
I guess somebody never plays PC RPGs.
"While I hate excessive leveling-up as much as the next guy, I'd rather do that than spend $60 on a 10-hour game"
Game value is calculated by the amount of enjoyment you get for your money, not the amount of time wasted. I am quite capable of wasting time for free.
"Xenosaga and Chrono Cross are great games, but so are Final Fantasy and Xenogears."
There goes the last remains of his credibility.