I posted this on another board but wanted to get your opinions. First, I realize Mass Effect is out, it sounds like a cool game, and Infinite Undiscovery seems promising but how many RPGs like those are around? What would you like to see implimented in new RPGs?

It seems with pretty much every new RPG that's released, no matter for what system, it's the same damn thing over and over. Personally, and feel free to call me crazy, but even with its flaws(and what video game DOESN'T have flaws?), I prefer Final Fantasy X over Halo any day.
With that said, I'm getting tired of the same formula for console RPGs. I can't understand how KOTOR has gotten such praise, it sucks. Not an RPG per se, but I always thought after the release of Indigo Prophecy that would the beginning of a huge turnaround for similar games. MMORPGs also suck. Plain and simple. Yeah, you can customize your character to death, blah blah blah. There's hardly any real plot to them though. I'm waiting for the day when RPGs all have multiple endings, unending dialogue options between yourself and other characters, just a true "ROLE PLAYING" experience. Am I alone in this?

What would you like to see implimented in new RPGs?

I'm looking forward to more role-playing, as opposed to 'role-watching,' where you don't have any control over the development or actions of your characters. Morrowind and KotOR are steps in the right direction, but getting from traditional console RPGs (yes, FF) to actual RPGs you can play on a console appears to be a long trek. I'd also like to see more real-time battles (as much as I love FFIX, ATB is dated to say the least), and more importantly, a system of magic and special abilities that isn't super-clunky, like Morrowind and KotOR. I'd also like to be an actual villain once in a while, as opposed to just a mass-murderer who happens to save the day because that's what the game wants you (the player) to do.


I can't understand how KOTOR has gotten such praise, it sucks. Not an RPG per se

I'm not going to debate KotOR's quality with you in this thread (if you really insist, PM me), but I'd say that it's closer to a "real" RPG than just about anything else you'll find on a console. You have complete control over your character's development (as in skills and stats and whatnot), and at least a limited ability to dictate your character's actions. I'll concede that your control is rather limited to whether you want to be a saint or a mass-murderer who just happens to save the day, but at least you have the opportunity to say, "no, I'd rather not try to negotiate with this $#%!."

I am getting interested in trying some new stuff.

Rpg genres:
Action
First person
3rd person shooter
Tactical
Real time strategy
Traditional
Mmorpg

After playing all these type of things, what is the next step, a paper/pen rpg or something? I want to try it.