[General Discussion] An Ideal RPG?

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*Turn based or real time battle systems

A combination of both. Maybe like Valkyrie Profile. I love innovative new battle systems. Real time battle gives you more control over your attacks with timing but the turn based element will help you slow things down and figure out your attack plan.

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*Male or Female lead

Female lead. I am sick of male leads. Preferably not a female lead who is shy and weak minded. Not to say I want her to be "tank girl", but something new and refreshing.

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*A single main character or party array

Give the player the choice to have either. Have a core party of well developed characters in addition to a line of side characters that are playable that have storylines that intertwine with the main party.

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*General Theme? (e.g. Futuristic or medievil)

I am not a huge fan of futuristic or medievil. I liked Earthbound a lot so I want to see something modern or pseudo modern. I think an RPG set in 1940 Chicago Jazz type era would be cool. Like Detective noir setting.

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*Should there be transition between field screen to battle screen, or should battles take place on the field itself

Battle on screen. Just my preference. I always thought battle transitions were a vestige of older RPG programmers who could not effectively program smooth transitions.

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*Should it feature a world map, or should areas be interlinked/ linear

Not one of my areas of concern. Either is fine.

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*Should there be more focus in RPGs - in other words, intergrating more gameplay genres - such as sport, racing, etc. Okay you see this in mini games, but should there be a grander focus?

I am cool with extras introducing other gameplay genres. However, integrating it into the story at every major event can sometimes be troublesome. But who knows, maybe it can work.

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*Cut out the cliched elements such as 'romantic love stories' or 'save the world storyline?' or the 'annoyingly pathetic heroine who is always in distress' - How would you go about changing these cliches?

My feeling is that if you are going to do a cliche, pull it off strong. Skies of Arcadia was very cliched but it was also done very well. Nothing wrong with cliches. Personally, my ideal RPG is not about "saving the world." I would like to see more RPGs tackle real world issues like racial conflicts, homosexuality and sexism. In addition, I think the romances shouldnt be so obvious and cookie cutter. Falling in love is not that easy.

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*Should it be more about gameplay than storyline?

For me, storyline. Although I will not sit through bad gameplay just for a good story...oh wait. I already did. Xenosaga II ;_:

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*Weaponry - What would you have, what would you cut out...like the main character almost always has a sword, and the heroine is a weakling with a staff

Every character can use any weapon. The way it is in real life. Just because you aren't a swordmen doesnt mean you cant pick up a sword and fight. I think every character should have certain weapons they are better with but I don't think other wwapons should be restriction. Having every character wield any weapon would add customization, too.

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*What would be an ideal battle engine - combos, limit breaks, magic system stc - how would you like it

Fast paced and innovation. Definitely combos and heavy influence on magic. I have always felt that magic has been useless in RPGs. By the end of most RPGs, magic is not useful anymore which is a shame. I dont think I could effectively describe my ideal battlesystem so I will leave it at that.

How ya doing, buddy?