Minstrel Song is just like that, yeah. I think it has a lot of charm, even among the other SaGa games, because the story unfolds like an epic poem with your character as the figure of legend. The goal of every person's game is the same, but their stories are told differently depending on which quests you take and what personal interest the character has in certain goings-on in Mardias (the game world).
Minstrel Song was good, and also one of the few RPG's I have been able to make it through in the past year or so. Very quality game.
I'm about halfway through Lost Odyssey. Have you gotten to that game yet ether?
Hey guys. Just popping in to say that I've been watching Zero Punctuation--a series of video reviews that have me rolling in laughter. Some selected videos for your enjoyment:
I think we've all come across a mmorpurger once in a while (Fable; Morrowind), and the Witcher made me laugh. Silent Hill Origins would pique a certain sphere of ether's interest (as it did mine) and Psychonauts.. good lord, I miss adventure games. His most recent review, Zack and Wiki, also gives a great view on old point n' click adventure games that actually makes sense.
Like right now, I'm re-re-re. . .re-playing the Monkey Island series for the umpillionth time, and it's still hilarious. I'm beating the games faster than I did when I was younger, so the challenge isn't so great, but the dialogue and the old familiar sights are worth it.
Do any of you guys have an old, old (older than most highschoolers) game you keep coming back to over and over again? I have a million.
I recognize I don't post much (or at all, really) so I don't mind being taken off the member list. I would ask to be a friend, but again I don't think I'll be posting or contributing much. So I'll settle for just asking to be allowed to post here from time to time.
You don't know what a moogle is?! Blasphemy!
Nah, its okay. Moogles come from the Final Fantasy series. They're little, white fairy/teddy bear hybrids that have a pom-pom on top of their heads. Very iconic for the FF series.
that said heres a D&D comic video, i have loved the comic (i started it yesterday and caught up to it today... its so fun). Also the D&D site has released an epic progresin for the binder... should anyone be interested its a fun read, or i could copy it here if you all want... i dont think that would be illegal right?
anyways in other news it seems the witcher has released a free browser game (currently in open beta), anyone interested should join up at duelmail.thewitcher.com.
Nothing else to report..... for now.
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Call me old fashioned, but an evil ascension to power just isn't the same without someone chanting faux Latin in the background.
Oreo, Glazing people better than Dunkin' Donuts since 2009
That is not dead which can eternal lie. And with strange eons even death may die.
i started with I, the GBA version.. Though I have played several other FF's but have only completed FFI. FFIV, in my personal opinion may not particularly be one to start with, though it is likely one of the best (and perhaps it was because i was new to gaming in general that FFIV didn't impact me very well at first). VI, is not a bad one at all.. many deem it the best, but again, I'm hardly not the expert.
I will read the article in Nintendo Power and let you know what it says, Ether.. Its a 10 page special, apparently. its my roommate's magazine, but the last time I saw it it was on the pile of magazines on the kitchen table, so I should be able to find it. Will keep y'all posted on what it says.
In d20 one of the houserules we have used most commonly is a point buy that I made up a few campaigns ago. I believe it's the point buy that gets used a lot in the Pen and Paper Inn nowadays, actually.
I like to have high ability scores for characters because I prefer a gaming attitude of "character abilities matter." So, the treasure becomes less common and less powerful but characters have more independent potency all around.
One weird house rule I came up with once was a Character Point system in which players could purchase different benefits outside of their normal progressions, such as bonus feats, ability score increases, BAB or saving throw increases, even overlapping class levels. One of Ether's characters was a monk who had several levels of psychic warrior, and one of Photon's was a psion with a host of extra skills and feats.
@Minstrel's Song: Easily one of my favorite games I've ever played. I've played it through four times and am working on a fifth playthrough. It's such an engaging game in both gameplay and aesthetics. I think one of things I like about it is that each time I play it makes me feel a bit like I'm playing a private D&D campaign because there are so many similarities.
Which character's games have you played, ep.?
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All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the light that you see. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
But the rainbow is an image of hope for many reasons, as it is a brilliant sight coming out of oftimes dismal weather.
We've started using that point system here at home because it allows for classes with mutliple attribute dependency, such as the monk and favored soul, without making the rest of your stats suck.
We generally play high powered, though- especially when I run, as I hate to run low level games...low level characters are too squishy and I end up killing the party off with stuff that's too tough.
And yes, no incantatrix for you. Or anyone. That class makes puppies cry. Mostly because they are the former Big Bads who have been Baleful Polymorphed into said puppies. By you. Because you're an incantatrix.
Quote from Yukora »
This is Deraxas we're talking about.
Remember, the girl that just killed an aspect of herself before literally consuming her?
Yeah, I don't see her handling a pissing match in any way other than a duel.
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Yes mistress...
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There are only so many epic, psuedonatural barbarian/blackguard half-dragon akutenshai vampire balor paragons they can throw at you, right?
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I suppose it's true. Though the logistics implied in a human/Great Wyrm Prismatic Dragon pairing makes me shudder.
...Something tells me that even should all arcane casters in the world unite, that the Grease spell would NOT be sufficient.
We generally play high powered, though- especially when I run, as I hate to run low level games...low level characters are too squishy and I end up killing the party off with stuff that's too tough.
For some reason i read this part and i imagined you as dory from finding nemo...
You: Ok Squishies, Ref save or everyone takes 15dmg
Player 1: **** im at -1
Player 2: Ha! i made my relfex i only take 7
Player 3: Awww... i only had 5 hitpoints left, im dead now.
You: Hey! Bad Squishy!
Now back on topic, i like the system, i used to hate rolling because theres so many things that dont work because of stat rolling, and using the point buy (or a lower but similar system), is a good way to make sure all players have relatively good stats and wont get shafted (and if you do get shafted its because its your fault not the dice).
Ill be sure to use this system or something similar when i start my 4E campaign (and in that note ill let everyone know that i just made my preorder for the product :D)
edit: DAMMIT!!! i hate this :O"me love you long time, want sucky suck?" smilie i cant put a : and a O together because of it
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Call me old fashioned, but an evil ascension to power just isn't the same without someone chanting faux Latin in the background.
Oreo, Glazing people better than Dunkin' Donuts since 2009
That is not dead which can eternal lie. And with strange eons even death may die.
@Lost Odyssey: Well, I used to hate it because Sakaguchi's fingerprints were all over it, but the more I hear about it the more I want to play it. The Shadow Hearts team designed it, so that clinches it for me. Too bad I don't have a 360 yet >_<;;
@Silent Hill Origins: OMG I WANT I WANT. Ever since I saw the first screenshot I wanted it so badly. I'm really glad Team silent ditched the Resident Evil 4-style combat system, though. That would ruin a real survival horror game.
Moogles are one of the best things about the Final Fantasy series, and that opinion is coming from someone who doesn't really like the series anymore. I love moogles especially Mog and Artemicion.
Also, while the subject of SaGa games is still fresh, I have to recommend Unlimited SaGa to anyone who's a fan of D&D in any way, shape, or form. U:SaGa resembles D&D so much it's uncanny. In fact, 4e feels a lot like U:SaGa to me.
@Lost Odyssey: Well, I used to hate it because Sakaguchi's fingerprints were all over it, but the more I hear about it the more I want to play it. The Shadow Hearts team designed it, so that clinches it for me. Too bad I don't have a 360 yet >_<;;
I was originally put off at the length of the game, around 50 hours, but now I'm really starting to love how long it is. I've logged around 18 myself.
Well, just remember that the longer an RPG is, the more time you'll have to savor it before it's over.
I have to admit I get kind of put off when the projected play time of an RPG is under 40 hours. I'm used to playing games like Dragon Quest 7 and Xenogears that'll last me a long while. I tend to play games long and hard on a daily basis, so a 30-hour game doesn't really cut it for me. I'll enjoy it, but I'll still be disappointed in the lack of gameplay.
Well, just remember that the longer an RPG is, the more time you'll have to savor it before it's over.
I have to admit I get kind of put off when the projected play time of an RPG is under 40 hours. I'm used to playing games like Dragon Quest 7 and Xenogears that'll last me a long while. I tend to play games long and hard on a daily basis, so a 30-hour game doesn't really cut it for me. I'll enjoy it, but I'll still be disappointed in the lack of gameplay.
I'm more of an FPS player myself. You know, the rabid kind that can't go more than 2 hours with needing some Online Multiplayer fix. I've got over 1000 hours of Halo 3....
Oh believe you me, I already have the soundtrack, heh. I was a little disappointed in the instrumental tracks because they're more ambient like the first game and I like the style of Silent Hill 3/4's soundtracks more, but as usual the vocals are awesome. "Shot Down in Flames" is the Dahlia theme we needed since the first game, and "O.R.T." is very hauntingly beautiful, especially with Mary Elizabeth's McGlynn's vocals.
I'm a little wary of the new combat system, but I do like that Travis can fight with his bare fists if he wants and actually hold his own.
My play style? I prefer to do mid-level games, but be generous with the party. Like Curse of the Azure Bonds--I gave them 2 levels in the span of an hour or so in game time.
LittleDragon, you are a dragon wyrmling because you are indeed a little dragon--but for some reason you have levels in Cavalier..
My play style? I prefer to do mid-level games, but be generous with the party. Like Curse of the Azure Bonds--I gave them 2 levels in the span of an hour or so in game time.
i can attest to this... though i was thinking he was doing it in order to make others compensate for the uselessness of Orvel he is plain RP material, but im ok with that, i get to laugh a lot just thinking on how he would react... plus you gotta love it when your character has philosophical conversations with himself in game
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Call me old fashioned, but an evil ascension to power just isn't the same without someone chanting faux Latin in the background.
Oreo, Glazing people better than Dunkin' Donuts since 2009
That is not dead which can eternal lie. And with strange eons even death may die.
i can attest to this... though i was thinking he was doing it in order to make others compensate for the uselessness of Orvel he is plain RP material, but im ok with that, i get to laugh a lot just thinking on how he would react... plus you gotta love it when your character has philosophical conversations with himself in game
Actually, your healing has helped us stay alive, and you're still a good meat shield
That being said, I do enjoy the RP you give to us. You'll be rewarded soon enough--just as soon as AoK and I wrap up this little romantic scene
Har har AoK and I have discussed it at length and I wanted the tension to grow, instead of it be semi-instant, hence the private talks they've had together.
That's another thing: What are your opinions on love in RPGs?
I started the FF series on Final Fantasy V. It seems a good place to start. FFVII is the first to use 3D, but I would suggest FFVI (FFIII?) if you don't want to start on the earlier versions. FFVI has a better storyline than FFV, in my opinion.
Love in RPGs? What kind of RPGs? Personally, I would find it awkward in D&D and other tabletops, but its up to the playgroup. Romance has a lot of story power, for games and books. It can also screw things up if done poorly, and I don't trust myself enough to try and RP romance if possible.
That's another thing: What are your opinions on love in RPGs?
you mean D&D wise or in RPG's in general?
D&D: makes for some good plot hooks, as well as some stressful moments if done right (you know the whole dilemma of saving your love or letting him/her die for the greater good), its good alignment fodder.
Generaly in RPG's: it depends if the story is actually fleshed out and makes sense (example: Cloud and Aeris although this is a special case because its not really love but rather clouds delusion of love due to living zacks life but i digress, rosa and cecil FFIV, Mice and the Chick from Thousand Arms, The plot of Ar Tonelico, and Odin Sphere), but if its janks then its a waste of time (example: Squall and Rinoa... need i say more? every other cheesy JRPG that tries to make the story more palatable by adding a midway half developed love angle)
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Call me old fashioned, but an evil ascension to power just isn't the same without someone chanting faux Latin in the background.
Oreo, Glazing people better than Dunkin' Donuts since 2009
That is not dead which can eternal lie. And with strange eons even death may die.
In Pen & Paper, it depends. PC/NPC romance is often a good plot hook and can lead to a very personal quest/adventure/moment, especially if the villain is involved. PC/PC romance is really best if discussed at length with the DM and the players, instead of it being arbitrary. Finally, maturity is a key factor--if you can't take romance a little seriously, then it's no better than rolling a Diplomacy check to see if you woo the barmaid *stares at Sepiriel*
RPGs: JRPGs abound with the half-baked romance, especially with romantic triangles. I think it's to get the girls to play it too. Some are good examples, like Sepiriel listed, but often times it's the fan fiction that ruins it.
American RPGs often take 2 extremes: Immaturity, or serious deep commitment. Mass Effect's romance (and subsequent 1-second ass-shot of sex) is a deep, developing process of attachment to a character. Even KOTOR had a lesbian Jedi, and Neverwinter Nights had a touching opportunity to rescue Aribeth from the brink of evil.
In Pen & Paper, it depends. PC/NPC romance is often a good plot hook and can lead to a very personal quest/adventure/moment, especially if the villain is involved. PC/PC romance is really best if discussed at length with the DM and the players, instead of it being arbitrary. Finally, maturity is a key factor--if you can't take romance a little seriously, then it's no better than rolling a Diplomacy check to see if you woo the barmaid *stares at Sepiriel*
what did I do?:sneaky:
RPGs: JRPGs abound with the half-baked romance, especially with romantic triangles. I think it's to get the girls to play it too. Some are good examples, like Sepiriel listed, but often times it's the fan fiction that ruins it.
American RPGs often take 2 extremes: Immaturity, or serious deep commitment. Mass Effect's romance (and subsequent 1-second ass-shot of sex) is a deep, developing process of attachment to a character. Even KOTOR had a lesbian Jedi, and Neverwinter Nights had a touching opportunity to rescue Aribeth from the brink of evil.
Actually this isnt a division between american and JRPG's, maturity levels (such as Mass Effect and NWN series) are extremly rare in RPG's at this point in time, game studios prefer to cash in on the fanboism rather than craft artful plot lines (again Mass Effect and NWN are exceptions here), even when they DO develop classy plots they still dumb it down to cater to masses who prefer the hooters girl and the blond dimwit falling in love after a heart wrenching love revelation (FFVII... honestly it was obvious but by the time they get around to it they decided the plot was developed enough with Cloud-Aeris love... that one hurted for me).
edit: oh and i forgot my war cry "FOR PONY!!!!!"
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Call me old fashioned, but an evil ascension to power just isn't the same without someone chanting faux Latin in the background.
Oreo, Glazing people better than Dunkin' Donuts since 2009
That is not dead which can eternal lie. And with strange eons even death may die.
I'm going to admit something that will shock absolutely no one. I HATE the term "JRPG." It seems like RPGs made by Japanese companies have come under a lot of fire in the more recent years and months, and the term JRPG is almost a slur now. People who really like Japanese RPGs are generally seen as being "bad" gamers or weak-minded people who can't handle an American RPG.
Well...I beat Unlimited Saga the other day. With KURT. I'd like to see an Oblivion fanboy do that. *Snort*
That said, love triangles are all over media of every kind from every country in the world. Japan didn't oversell them in RPGs, so I don't fault when there happens to be one in a game I'm playing. Also take into account that the only RPGs most people think of when the dicsussion comes up are games like Final Fantasy, rife with anime stereotypes and recycled plot devices. There will always be bad-ass anti-heroes wielding giant weapons and generously narrated love triangles in FF games because they're what make non-gamers and yaoi fangirls go crazy.
Other series like MegaTen, Breath of Fire and the Tales games don't really have all that going. One more reason I've come to appreciate more obscure and less overmarketed RPG franchises.
@LittleD: Well, I just got Baroque an hour ago and I tried playing it a little. I died for the first time on the fifth floor of the Neuro tower and thus got my first cut-scene...it feels like Etrian Odyssey meets MegaTen, which I love. Controls are tight for the most part and you get items very quickly. The music sounds a lot better in-game than it does on its own, which is good because I felt the remake soundtrack was very weak in places.
Also...guns in a Silent Hill game? *Cries openly*
Man, I LOVE the scent of a freshly pressed game manual when I first open the box.
Minstrel Song was good, and also one of the few RPG's I have been able to make it through in the past year or so. Very quality game.
I'm about halfway through Lost Odyssey. Have you gotten to that game yet ether?
The Witcher
Silent Hill Origins
Psychonauts
I think we've all come across a mmorpurger once in a while (Fable; Morrowind), and the Witcher made me laugh. Silent Hill Origins would pique a certain sphere of ether's interest (as it did mine) and Psychonauts.. good lord, I miss adventure games. His most recent review, Zack and Wiki, also gives a great view on old point n' click adventure games that actually makes sense.
Like right now, I'm re-re-re. . .re-playing the Monkey Island series for the umpillionth time, and it's still hilarious. I'm beating the games faster than I did when I was younger, so the challenge isn't so great, but the dialogue and the old familiar sights are worth it.
Do any of you guys have an old, old (older than most highschoolers) game you keep coming back to over and over again? I have a million.
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You don't know what a moogle is?! Blasphemy!
Nah, its okay. Moogles come from the Final Fantasy series. They're little, white fairy/teddy bear hybrids that have a pom-pom on top of their heads. Very iconic for the FF series.
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Kupo.
And Blane, you'll be re-friended. The members list was reset and the friends list was dropped.
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Can't believe I forgot to mention "Kupo". Looking at the picture, I realize my teddy bear analogy was better than I thought.
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that said heres a D&D comic video, i have loved the comic (i started it yesterday and caught up to it today... its so fun). Also the D&D site has released an epic progresin for the binder... should anyone be interested its a fun read, or i could copy it here if you all want... i dont think that would be illegal right?
anyways in other news it seems the witcher has released a free browser game (currently in open beta), anyone interested should join up at duelmail.thewitcher.com.
Nothing else to report..... for now.
I will read the article in Nintendo Power and let you know what it says, Ether.. Its a 10 page special, apparently. its my roommate's magazine, but the last time I saw it it was on the pile of magazines on the kitchen table, so I should be able to find it. Will keep y'all posted on what it says.
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I like to have high ability scores for characters because I prefer a gaming attitude of "character abilities matter." So, the treasure becomes less common and less powerful but characters have more independent potency all around.
One weird house rule I came up with once was a Character Point system in which players could purchase different benefits outside of their normal progressions, such as bonus feats, ability score increases, BAB or saving throw increases, even overlapping class levels. One of Ether's characters was a monk who had several levels of psychic warrior, and one of Photon's was a psion with a host of extra skills and feats.
@Minstrel's Song: Easily one of my favorite games I've ever played. I've played it through four times and am working on a fifth playthrough. It's such an engaging game in both gameplay and aesthetics. I think one of things I like about it is that each time I play it makes me feel a bit like I'm playing a private D&D campaign because there are so many similarities.
Which character's games have you played, ep.?
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
Gaymers | Magic Coffeehouse | Little Jar of Mamelon | Natural 20
We generally play high powered, though- especially when I run, as I hate to run low level games...low level characters are too squishy and I end up killing the party off with stuff that's too tough.
"I am in the arcane, and the arcane is in me."
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Deraxas, Dark Maiden of Shimia,, still oddly obsessed with a mindmage.
You: Ok Squishies, Ref save or everyone takes 15dmg
Player 1: **** im at -1
Player 2: Ha! i made my relfex i only take 7
Player 3: Awww... i only had 5 hitpoints left, im dead now.
You: Hey! Bad Squishy!
Now back on topic, i like the system, i used to hate rolling because theres so many things that dont work because of stat rolling, and using the point buy (or a lower but similar system), is a good way to make sure all players have relatively good stats and wont get shafted (and if you do get shafted its because its your fault not the dice).
Ill be sure to use this system or something similar when i start my 4E campaign (and in that note ill let everyone know that i just made my preorder for the product :D)
edit: DAMMIT!!! i hate this :O"me love you long time, want sucky suck?" smilie i cant put a : and a O together because of it
@Silent Hill Origins: OMG I WANT I WANT. Ever since I saw the first screenshot I wanted it so badly. I'm really glad Team silent ditched the Resident Evil 4-style combat system, though. That would ruin a real survival horror game.
Moogles are one of the best things about the Final Fantasy series, and that opinion is coming from someone who doesn't really like the series anymore. I love moogles especially Mog and Artemicion.
Also, while the subject of SaGa games is still fresh, I have to recommend Unlimited SaGa to anyone who's a fan of D&D in any way, shape, or form. U:SaGa resembles D&D so much it's uncanny. In fact, 4e feels a lot like U:SaGa to me.
I was originally put off at the length of the game, around 50 hours, but now I'm really starting to love how long it is. I've logged around 18 myself.
I have to admit I get kind of put off when the projected play time of an RPG is under 40 hours. I'm used to playing games like Dragon Quest 7 and Xenogears that'll last me a long while. I tend to play games long and hard on a daily basis, so a 30-hour game doesn't really cut it for me. I'll enjoy it, but I'll still be disappointed in the lack of gameplay.
I'm more of an FPS player myself. You know, the rabid kind that can't go more than 2 hours with needing some Online Multiplayer fix. I've got over 1000 hours of Halo 3....
I'm a little wary of the new combat system, but I do like that Travis can fight with his bare fists if he wants and actually hold his own.
LittleDragon, you are a dragon wyrmling because you are indeed a little dragon--but for some reason you have levels in Cavalier..
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That being said, I do enjoy the RP you give to us. You'll be rewarded soon enough--just as soon as AoK and I wrap up this little romantic scene
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romantic scene? i though i was watching an episode of will and grace with all the akward sexually charged moments
That's another thing: What are your opinions on love in RPGs?
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Love in RPGs? What kind of RPGs? Personally, I would find it awkward in D&D and other tabletops, but its up to the playgroup. Romance has a lot of story power, for games and books. It can also screw things up if done poorly, and I don't trust myself enough to try and RP romance if possible.
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D&D: makes for some good plot hooks, as well as some stressful moments if done right (you know the whole dilemma of saving your love or letting him/her die for the greater good), its good alignment fodder.
Generaly in RPG's: it depends if the story is actually fleshed out and makes sense (example: Cloud and Aeris although this is a special case because its not really love but rather clouds delusion of love due to living zacks life but i digress, rosa and cecil FFIV, Mice and the Chick from Thousand Arms, The plot of Ar Tonelico, and Odin Sphere), but if its janks then its a waste of time (example: Squall and Rinoa... need i say more? every other cheesy JRPG that tries to make the story more palatable by adding a midway half developed love angle)
RPGs: JRPGs abound with the half-baked romance, especially with romantic triangles. I think it's to get the girls to play it too. Some are good examples, like Sepiriel listed, but often times it's the fan fiction that ruins it.
American RPGs often take 2 extremes: Immaturity, or serious deep commitment. Mass Effect's romance (and subsequent 1-second ass-shot of sex) is a deep, developing process of attachment to a character. Even KOTOR had a lesbian Jedi, and Neverwinter Nights had a touching opportunity to rescue Aribeth from the brink of evil.
Like freeform roleplaying? Try Darkness Befalls Us
Ryttare Kelasin Luna Orelinalei
Actually this isnt a division between american and JRPG's, maturity levels (such as Mass Effect and NWN series) are extremly rare in RPG's at this point in time, game studios prefer to cash in on the fanboism rather than craft artful plot lines (again Mass Effect and NWN are exceptions here), even when they DO develop classy plots they still dumb it down to cater to masses who prefer the hooters girl and the blond dimwit falling in love after a heart wrenching love revelation (FFVII... honestly it was obvious but by the time they get around to it they decided the plot was developed enough with Cloud-Aeris love... that one hurted for me).
edit: oh and i forgot my war cry "FOR PONY!!!!!"
Well...I beat Unlimited Saga the other day. With KURT. I'd like to see an Oblivion fanboy do that. *Snort*
That said, love triangles are all over media of every kind from every country in the world. Japan didn't oversell them in RPGs, so I don't fault when there happens to be one in a game I'm playing. Also take into account that the only RPGs most people think of when the dicsussion comes up are games like Final Fantasy, rife with anime stereotypes and recycled plot devices. There will always be bad-ass anti-heroes wielding giant weapons and generously narrated love triangles in FF games because they're what make non-gamers and yaoi fangirls go crazy.
Other series like MegaTen, Breath of Fire and the Tales games don't really have all that going. One more reason I've come to appreciate more obscure and less overmarketed RPG franchises.
@LittleD: Well, I just got Baroque an hour ago and I tried playing it a little. I died for the first time on the fifth floor of the Neuro tower and thus got my first cut-scene...it feels like Etrian Odyssey meets MegaTen, which I love. Controls are tight for the most part and you get items very quickly. The music sounds a lot better in-game than it does on its own, which is good because I felt the remake soundtrack was very weak in places.
Also...guns in a Silent Hill game? *Cries openly*
Man, I LOVE the scent of a freshly pressed game manual when I first open the box.