Ebonsword
Arcane
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
- Messages
- 2,341
While perusing some old threads here at the Codex, I came across some discussions about RPGs and their replayability. Some games were criticized, for example, because they had multiple dialogue options which led to the same resolution.
So, what exactly makes a RPG replayable for you?
For me, I find that I replay different games for different reasons.
Some RPGs I replay just because there are so many different character builds to try. Neverwinter Nights 2 is a prime example of this kind of game--I must have played it through in its entirety four or five times plus another half-dozen partial play throughs so I could play as a thief, warlock/assassin, heavy weapons fighter, light weapons fighter, mage, cleric, etc. The storyline and choices I made weren't that different on each playthrough, but the mechanics of the different characters I built were unique enough to keep me interested.
Other RPGs I replay because of the different paths available in the game. Knights of the Old Republic is an example of this type of game for me. I might play the exact same class of character through this type of game, but just make different choices along the way to see what happens.
Another quality of an RPG that gives it replayability for me is what I would call the "fun factor". Some games I just enjoyed playing so much that I immediately started a new game after beating it the first time. A good example of this type of game is, er...Final Fantasy VII actually. (I know, I fail at the Codex.) Maybe it's because it was one of the first JPRGs I ever played, but I was so enthralled by the experience of it that I wanted to play through it again, even though there weren't really that many things to differently (except the companions you used, I suppose).
The type of RPG that I find most replayable, of course, is the type that combines all of the above. For me, Baldur's Gate 2 is an example. It has tons of different character builds to try, lots of different dialogue options, multiple orders in which to perform its quests, and an enjoyable "experience" to relive.
So, what exactly makes a RPG replayable for you?
For me, I find that I replay different games for different reasons.
Some RPGs I replay just because there are so many different character builds to try. Neverwinter Nights 2 is a prime example of this kind of game--I must have played it through in its entirety four or five times plus another half-dozen partial play throughs so I could play as a thief, warlock/assassin, heavy weapons fighter, light weapons fighter, mage, cleric, etc. The storyline and choices I made weren't that different on each playthrough, but the mechanics of the different characters I built were unique enough to keep me interested.
Other RPGs I replay because of the different paths available in the game. Knights of the Old Republic is an example of this type of game for me. I might play the exact same class of character through this type of game, but just make different choices along the way to see what happens.
Another quality of an RPG that gives it replayability for me is what I would call the "fun factor". Some games I just enjoyed playing so much that I immediately started a new game after beating it the first time. A good example of this type of game is, er...Final Fantasy VII actually. (I know, I fail at the Codex.) Maybe it's because it was one of the first JPRGs I ever played, but I was so enthralled by the experience of it that I wanted to play through it again, even though there weren't really that many things to differently (except the companions you used, I suppose).
The type of RPG that I find most replayable, of course, is the type that combines all of the above. For me, Baldur's Gate 2 is an example. It has tons of different character builds to try, lots of different dialogue options, multiple orders in which to perform its quests, and an enjoyable "experience" to relive.
