Yeah, that's the problem with Japanese games in general, they're OBSESSED with those cutesy/"moe" tropes that permeate anime. Probably because it sells so well over there, especially when there's something story-driven to go along with it. (And what are Japanese RPGs? Don't say "playable storybooks", though you'd probably be right.)

Who needs substance/originality when you can just cash in?

J-RPGs are in a category of their own. All are not made equal. It's like trying to compare Pokemon to Suikoden. The first is crap and the second is awesome.

Totally worth reading just for the bunny!

Comparing Oblivion and Fallout 3 to the rest of the RPGs out there is a bit of a stretch considering that is comparing action type RPGs. Not everyone likes playing games where your reflexes are put to the test. Some people play games solely for the story. You may like Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core if you ever get a PSP as it is more of an action type RPG. You probably would not like Mana Khemia as its battle system is very generic. The great part of Mana Khemia is that the story takes place in a school environment and the main characters are all students learning about combat, alchemy, survival instincts, etc. If you're expecting a vast expansion of what it means to be in the RPG genre, you won't find it coming out at a fast pace. They aren't going to have unique ones coming out at the same pace as full on action games. RPGs, puzzle games, and fighting games have that much in common. The frequency of unique games that actually differ from the rest is going to be a bit lower than the other genres. Just stop expecting things when you see a new game, that way you don't get as disappointed. Every game from Square with the word Mana in it has sucked since Legend of Mana. The ones prior to Legend of Mana were all good

Well, aren't all Western games the same too? Dark, gloomy graphics with guns, guns, guns? Throw in some aliens and zombies, an end of the world nuclear scenario, and first person shooting and you've got the next hit game.

BIG swords!

yeah the only rpgs i wasted time on were by squaresoft...err i mean square-enix

Lol, funny. I personally love JRPGs for one thing: turn-based battles. All the other examples you mentioned are real-time RPGs. I have an extreme fondness for high-on-strategy turn-based games. I guess I'm just afraid that people are becoming too in love with twitchfests, that games calling for tactics and patience are being killed off. It's tragic!!

Square-Enix needs to go and make a Final Fantasy Tactics 2- and not one of them portable spinoffs, but a true sequel done in modern graphics and everything. I'd love that....

i love rpgs because: 

setting/plot is usually in fantasy set times.............. i'm a sucker for it
amazing character design... i want to cosplay a lot lol
background music........... because it's music
strategy etc

they all have the same plot  along the lines of save the cheerleader, save the world, but i odn't mind it.

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