by eminusx Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:36 am
firstly, @forum, im not here to offend people so I do apologise if I did earlier!
It seems the main point of issue here is that you have a clear definition of RPG in your head, and because Dark Souls strays from that crystal cut model in its method of storytelling, you no longer deem it to be an RPG.
The way I see it, RPG is the top tier 'parent' name just as 'mammal' is to the animal kingdom, its no secret that the term is a slightly obscure catch-all for such a rich and varied genre, albeit one with a single unifying similarity. . that of adopting a single role and playing it to unravel the the game.
I completely agree that RPG is simply too vague to accurately describe the wealth of choice on offer, so to further define game styles over the years, the terms 'action-rpg', JRPG, MMORPG and so on, were created to clarify an otherwise nondescript term. This is entirely logical, just as a whale, horse or shrew are extremely different on the exterior they are still mammals at their core, just as a jrpg, or action rpg is STILL an RPG at heart, its simply a variation of that core mechanic that requires further definition.
So, just because Dark Souls' method of storytelling strays slightly from the traditional 'RPG' model that you are familiar with, one in which the story is presented to you in an obvious fashion, you cannot deny that it falls beneath the RPG umbrella term, I would say however that it is distinctly different enough to warrant a more precise definition.
Furthermore, the original premise of this thread was the ill-conceived 'lack of story' review. Its Dark Souls desire to be different, this new approach to storytelling that separates it from other games. Some people may balk at change, but In an industry that often suffocates beneath its own weight, change is good, and this evolution should be celebrated not berated. I wasnt trying to be clever using David Lynch films as a metaphor, but some people make out like the deliberately 'hidden' story was simply laziness on the developers part which is both ridiculous and incredibly short sighted, hence the vigorous exchange from fans.
Last edited by eminusx on Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:43 am; edited 1 time in total