Hiroshima: The Death of theJapanese RPG

What happened to the Japanese RPG? I'm talking the traditional JRPG that sunk its claws into the American gaming scene with Secret of Mana & Final Fantasy VI. You know, those games with the anime-ish chicks with the huge eyes and huger knockers (Tifa anyone?). Those marathon affairs that required dozens upon dozens of level building, and sent one thirstily hunting out rare items on inane and frustrating sidequests.

Is the gaming industry going the way of hip hop? Are the consumers getting younger, more braindead, and in need of an instant fix? I had a file in Chrono Trigger where not only had each of my characters reached level **; but all of their stats had reached the ** category. The beautiful thing about the JRPG, aside from Tifa's rack of course, was the sense of accomplishment at completing the more obscure side quests and events. Like finding the hidden ribbon in the rainbow caves in FFVII. That sh*t wasn't even in the strategy guide!

The Western developed RPG has definately become more of a player here in America and in Europe as well. And with masterpieces like Fable II and Fallout3 leading the charge into 2009, I can certainly understand why. Even the japanese developers have gone in different directions with their RPGs (FFXII anyone?)

People point out the traditional RPG formula as having become stale, and when a game is poorly written that may be the case. But when a game is well crafted and written, playing an RPG is like reading a good novel.

To any of the JRPG fans out there make sure you've checked out Persona 3:FES & Persona 4. I haven't had the opportunity to play Last Remnant, Blue Dragon, or Lost Oddysey but those stand out as traditional RPGs in this new generation of consoles.

Don't give up on the JRPG, it is a genre that should not die.