Random Thoughts.....What Are You Thinking?

https://ce.baldursgate3.game/summary/

Tempting

Genres are one of those constructs we use because the human brain just loves categorizing things, even when there is no obvious boundary for it. They're very fickle, and blend together more and more as time goes on.

If I heard a game coming out was a "fighting game", the first thing my brain would think of is a game with a variety of characters to choose from, each with different moves that I'd have to master on both mine and all the other characters to know what my opponent is capable of, maybe learn some combos or something.

And because that description is just so unbelievably vague, it doesn't really describe anything anyway. I've realized that even my favourite genres don't excite me anymore because there are so many different ways to make them. I almost think we'd be better off describing games as the games they're most inspired by. Like, OK you've got a "tactical RPG". But does it more closely resemble the gameplay of XCOM or Tactics Ogre? You've got a "2D platformer", but is it more like Castlevania, Mario, Sonic...? Even games like Final Fantasy XI and XIV are so different that it's harmful to give them the exact same genre label.

I do agree with Max's rant about Sifu being a fighting game though because I always personally fighting games should primarily revolve around the skill based PvP combat.

Literally every game in existence is a "role playing game" you are playing the role of the main character. Yes.

I think a good way to do it is to consider all of the overarching genres and see where it fits best. Sifu is not a fighting game because it's arguably closer to a beat-em-up, a la Final Fight.

Like, just because your first-person war shooter has level-ups and customization doesn't mean it fits under the "RPG" genre. If someone's concept of a "fighting game" is that you use hand-to-hand combat, then that disqualifies games like Soul Calibur from the genre. No, what makes a fighting game is a strategically balanced arena setting where one player/team emerges victorious after a fighting round.

By contrast, Sifu is a game where one player-controlled character wanders through levels beating up waves of enemies. That is by definition a beat-em-up.

The term "role-playing game" confused the crap out of me for a long time until I learned to accept it. It obviously just comes from the idea of tabletop RPGs wherein your character's stats develop over time. When that was adapted to video games, the name stuck, even though that doesn't at all describe the genre.

If someone else coined the definition, they'd probably just be called "level-ups" or something.

"You play that new Squaresoft level-up with graphics that look like Dragon Ball? It's so cool!"
- People from an alternate-reality 1995.

I started to watch Wild Arms, but im not sure why this game is that praised…

The after watching 1/4 of this game, i cant help but feel like this game is extremelly shallow.

Both the characters and the plot seems to be extremelly bland.

Unless there is a turning point, i guess i will just skip this one

The Wild Arms series is amazing.

It is, but the first one has been remade a bit and the remake (Alter Code: F) isn't quite as tight. More playable characters, etc. I liked the simplicity of the original better.

WA3 is still the best in the series and has the best soundtrack BY FAR.

Playing our 100th session of an ongoing D&D campaign today. Definitely the longest-running game I've ever played to date.

It is, but the first one has been remade a bit and the remake (Alter Code: F) isn't quite as tight. More playable characters, etc. I liked the simplicity of the original better.

WA3 is still the best in the series and has the best soundtrack BY FAR.

(Frickin' Boss Bringin' Banjo!)

The Optional Boss Summoning Tool (Frickin' Boss Bringin' Banjo!)

Pics or clips please.

I have no idea what this game you are talking about is but that sounds RAD.

glow in the dark northern lights toonie