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"Epic" RPGs: too time-consuming for casual gamers?
A recent editorial at GamersInfo suggests that RPGs featuring vast, open-ended worlds are produced with only hardcore gamers in mind. The author argues that with RPGs such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, there are no mechanics in place to attract more casual gamers, and keep them interested for short periods of time. These types of RPGs are intended to provide dozens (if not hundreds) of hours of gameplay, but because they fail to offer "accessible distractions" within the first few hours of exposure, gamers with less time on their hands may quickly abandon the adventure -- and never return.What this person is looking for are more minigames that still allow you to progress through the main game, but can be digested in periods of a half-hour or less. To illustrate, the author points out the limited utility of horses in Oblivion and wonders why developer Bethesda couldn't have mixed in gameplay elements from other genres: "Why couldn't I collect and corral other horses (Pokemon)? Why couldn't I breed different horses together in order to cultivate desirable traits (Jade Cocoon)? Why couldn't I use my horse to plow a field outside of my house so I could grow my own Alchemical resources (Harvest Moon)? Why couldn't I cross breed my horse with another creature in the game (Monster Rancher)?"The author's self-admitted rant might be just that, but it raises an interesting point. Should the value of a role-playing game be measured in number of quests, map square miles, and other "super size" features? Or, should open-ended environments present immediately accessible minigames each time you load up your last save point?See also: Single player RPGs are alive and well "RPG" missing from today's MMORPGs
