LogFAQs > #914208524

Well there's two primary types which stem from the same source material. In short an RPG is supposed to allow you to take on the role of a character in the game on a level not usually found in other genres. However two distinctly different methods have arisen as to how such things are implemented.

In the WRPG format the focus tends to be placed onto the player and their actions and consequences. The player can be sneaky, a specialist, or a generalist, or even something else. They can be a hero or scumbag. The choice is in their hands. This sort of thing lends itself well to open-world games but tends to suffer in the story-driven narrative as a result. It's to be expected after all. When the player can do so much you have to program for each of those things which takes time and effort.

In the JRPG format the focus is more on the world and narrative. The character and their choices, consequences, and so-forth are usually set from the getgo with little to no room for deviation. They will be a hero and the choice is not in the players hands. This lends itself well to developing a narrative but suffers in the freedom of choice. After all, with typically lower gameplay requirements and less to account for more can be given to story.

Both are equally valid. The JRPG often comes under fire for its lack of choice but it still more than gets by as a story-driven game in which the player is asked to assume the role of a character. In contrast WRPG characters tend to be little more than the player living out a power fantasy or mindlessly completing quests. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But when the player is given so much freedom of choice and they immediately revert to the lowest common denominator it ruins the whole point of giving the choice in the first place. However the oft-complete lack of choice in a JRPG can be easily argued to transform them into 60+ hour narratives/movies and get away with subpar gameplay and the like.

IMO; both are RPG's and it's snooty to try and dismiss the other as invalid.
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I am the gentle hand who heals, the happy smile who shields, and the foot that will kick your ***! - White Mage