In a genre previously dominated by PC gaming, role-playing games have evolved from text based adventures into graphically demanding, open world behemoths that can consume upwards of 200 hours if one wanted to explore the game to it's furthest depths and unlock all possible achievements.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 has the best library of role-playing games amongst the current generation of consoles and some of the best deserve a mention and review.
Science Fiction, Nuclear Apocalypse
Produced by the same legendary team at Bioware that brought you Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire, Mass Effect is a truly original space opera that allows a great deal of character customization (including the option to play a female protagonist) whom is fully voiced and articulated. Mass Effect features a third person shooter combat system blended with traditional roleplaying elements such as extensive and intelligent dialogue and plot progression as well as multiple side quests and romance options.
Graphically, the game is extremely intense and polished and is accompanied by an amazing score that evokes memories of Blade Runner and other 80's science fiction films. Not only is the universe fleshed out in great detail but the main narrative itself is compelling and rich with political intrigue – unusual amongst market rife with disposable filler. Expect the sequel to hit shelves late this year or early next - the second installment in a sure to be legendary trilogy.
Fallout 3, produced by Bethesda Softworks, was a hallmark achievement in the open-world RPG genre. Taking great pains to retain the strengths of their iconic Elder Scrolls series (Oblivion also being ported to the Xbox 360, also a fantastic gem of a game), Fallout 3 places the player in the role of the Vault Dweller on the cusp of setting out into the Capital Wasteland in search of his father.
The morally ambiguous nature of the game allows you to be as good or as evil as you wish; one can decide to be a saviour of the human race or a scourge and murderer of the highest order. The combat is well done, the VATS system allowing for precision shots that are a direct nod to the previous games in the series – and the graphics are gritty and dark to compliment the atmosphere of the title.
Dreams and Memories, More Traditional Fare
Lost Odyssey is most likely the most underrated role-playing title currently available on the next-gen market. Featuring a somewhat traditional combat system augmented by a proprietary "Aim Ring" system – Lost Odyssey's real strength is delivered via it's beautiful visuals and extremely philosophical and thought-provoking storytelling.
A true thinking man's role-playing experience, Lost Odyssey offers a mature, incisive look at what it means to live and die as a narrative that ties directly in with the primary plot. With a great score delivered by Nobuo Uematsu of Final Fantasy fame, this game should grace the collection of any self-respecting RPG fan who owns an Xbox 360.
Also offered by Mistwalker is a more JRPG influenced title, Blue Dragon. While the graphical style is much more akin to those targeting a younger demographic (the character designs were produced by Akira Toriyama, well known for his work on Dragonball and Dragonball Z), the plotline maintains a maturity that goes far beyond the scope of more staid and formulaic role-playing games.
Interesting quirks include visible enemies (no random encounters here, folks) who you can freely attempt to back attack, and an intriguing job system that allows you to mould your personal combat skills freely and to your liking. Blue Dragon is exceedingly inexpensive to purchase at this time and is a great value.
Whether the reader's role-playing tastes fall more in line with action-shooters such as Mass Effect or Fallout 3 or tend to be more traditional and turn-based much like Lost Odyssey or Blue Dragon – all of these titles stand out amongst their peers as excellent stories that simply deserve a chance at being told.
How that story will begin, continue, and end is entirely up to the player – so relax and become immersed in a world of high fantasy and science fiction and enjoy the ride!
Other Articles Pertaining to Video Games and Gaming Culture
- Video Game Review : Fallout 3
- Video Game Review : Lost Odyssey
- Wii Nation : The Rise of the Casual Gamer
Nicholas Morine - Nicholas Morine Bachelor of Arts, English Language & Literature Master of Philosophy, Humanities (Candidate) Memorial University ...
