Adventure Games vs. RPGs

[TheReturnofDMD]

Hey

This is something not usually discussed...But...As I see it, RPGs are 9(figurately) the adventure games of today, they are probably the most popular type of game (in various subgenres) these days and they are a lot like adventure games, and I know I was on this CRPG board once a while back and the members were talking about adventure games, some were nostalgic and some were pretty harsh on the genre....Where do you think Adventure games hold their ground against RPGS?

[Zelly]

I like both.
Granted the Adventure games aren't as popular as RPGs right now, but hopefully games like TSL will change that.

For me comparing them is like comparing a sketch to a painting, same type of thing, just a different medium.

*wonders if she makes sense*

[Jafar]

Apples and pears, buddy. Quest for Glory was a papple.

[Deloria]

Apples and pears, buddy. Quest for Glory was a papple.

I prefer Adventure, but I do like several RPG's that have both elements (Betrayal at Krondor and QFG to name two)

[Yonkey]

Apples and pears, buddy. Quest for Glory was a papple.

Hahaha, well said.

And yeah, I think they're two separate genres in their own right.  Personally, I prefer adventure games since I prefer games with storylines, but if an RPG is well thoughtout and has an actual plot, then I'd make an exception.

[Rosella]

QfG is pretty awesome. The fighting was boring, but I liked having to build stats and all to complete puzzles. I don't know why, but I did. I definitely prefer adventure gaming, but a lot of RPGs have good plots, and I pretty much like them.

[Elessar]

I perfer Adventure games. The only RPG games I really liked was the Dragon Warrior series.

[Oldbushie]

I love adventure games with multiple possible endings.

RPGs are fun too if the plot is intriguing enough... shallow games must die.

[FataliOmega]

I think it all comes down to... TRADITION!! (watched Fiddler on the Roof the other day)

What is stopping Adventure games from being as long, and complex, as a RPG?

Nothing. In fact, there are a couple 'odd birds' in the genre that are quite a few hours long, with complexity and reoccurring characters (and even different endings.)

*inserts Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive, Plug*

Ahem. Anyway, this isn't the norm. RPGs really are longer, and Adventure games really are shorter, nine times out of ten.

If you think about it, RPGs have direct roots to DnD, and from there, to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (ie, epic, lengthy stories.) Funny enough, adventure games have roots to KQ1, or other early computer games. Back in the day, you didn't have long, complex, sweeping stories because of computer limitations. Everything was 'single quest' length. Short, and simple.

With that said, are RPGs simply better storywise? They simply are more complex, but, since RPGs do have deeper roots, it can be harder for them to be innovative. After all, most RPGs end up being clones, to one degree or another, of each other. (I love Bioware's games, but they really are all the same. Japanese RPGs also have numerous repetitious similarities, conceptually, and with their themes.)

On the other hand (Fiddler again,) tell me one game similar to Grim Fandango in theme/concept. Not impossible, but harder to do.

Also, the setting/mood/background story is richer in adventure games, IMHO, than many RPGs. Possibly because the player can take more time to "smell the roses" than a party of adventurers.

This is more of a preference thing, however.

Just my thoughts on the matter. What are ya'lls?

[Oldbushie]

I never meant to imply that RPGs tend to have shallow plots, in fact I think both adventure games and RPGs are very good at telling stories. It's FPS games and the like that I have a harder time finding good plots in.

[racx_00]

Yeah, FPS plots are clones on most occassions. Oh no! Invasion! Destroy the alien race!

Something like that...

[jewelkid87]

I like both. I like adventure games better than rpg's, but I do like final fantasy 9 quite a bit. I got into rpg's because they were the closest thing to adventure games.

[FataliOmega]

I like both. I like adventure games better than rpg's, but I do like final fantasy 9 quite a bit. I got into rpg's because they were the closest thing to adventure games.

Me too! I like the "richness" and "flavor" of the two genres more than most of any other. They are immersive. I like feeling as if I'm right there, in game. 

Now, as for Final Fantasy 9, I must confess I had some difficulty with it. Why are most of all the characters half animal? I know it's a purely cosmetic thing, but it just kinda threw me off... 

[PirateKingChris]

I just have a problem with most RPGs where it's "run around and kill things for stats and gold with no plot movement". Therefor my favorite RPGs are ones like Baldur's Gate with alot of different stories going on, or KotoR, and especially QFG cause they're more adventure than RPG.

[koko_99_2001]

I got pretty into BG...but couldn't get past one location...and then lost everything I had done when my hard drive died. Haven't had the time, nor energy, to try to get into it again.

[FataliOmega]

I agree. Diablo2 type, hack n' slash, just seem to be missing something. I prefer rich storylines to my RPGs. Baldur's Gate is the obvious example.

[Shades2585]

I agree. Diablo2 type, hack n' slash, just seem to be missing something. I prefer rich storylines to my RPGs. Baldur's Gate is the obvious example.

Agreed Baldur's Gate is great. I'm looking forward to Dragon Age by them, with hight hopes. (If it ever comes out.)

[FataliOmega]

Agreed Baldur's Gate is great.  I'm looking forward to Dragon Age by them, with hight hopes. (If it ever comes out.)

Yeah, when is that supposed to be out?

I think the most recent RPG I played was actually Jade Empire. The RPG elements were light, but it did have a great storyline. Bioware is great!

[Shades2585]

I have know clue. I think it was demo at a convention on 04 but I've seen no indication as to when it will be out.

They do make great story lines though. I loved the character interaction of BG. It's what made the game tops.

[FataliOmega]

Go for the eyes, Boo, go for the EYES!!!