Japanese RPG developers look toward 2007

by Nick Doerr { Jan 2nd 2007 at 4:00PM }

We're quite aware that all of you aren't RPG fanatics, but that's okay. The Sony consoles became reigning champion of the RPG genre after the SNES drifted off to a tender sleep (but still gets woken up every so often by classic enthusiasts), so for that reason, it's important to hear what the developers of a "crutch" genre have to say about this coming year. Crutch genre, meaning that it's one of the major selling points of Sony consoles -- no other system has had such a focus on them. Anyway, let's make a neat list.

Koei is looking forward to using the cell processor to create "an undisclosed game" fans can freely enjoy. Freely, like downloadable content? Hmm.
Bandai-Namco emphasizes the various functions of all next-gen consoles and admits they have begun working with new hardware. No specifics.
Sega/Sonic Team/Phantasy Star Universe producer spoke of the online capabilities of each console and admitted there's a lot of potential in the Wii. They also mentioned the SIXAXIS and Wiimote as important to the future of gaming.
Nippon Ichi Software spoke of a declining market for high-profile games. Survival in the industry will be dictated by the ability to utilize the next-gen console's capabilities while balancing rising development costs. True enough, if a bit depressing.
Bandai Namco's Tales of... producer said specifically that it's time for the concept behind the Tales series to be rebuilt -- but is unsure about the future of the series at the same time.
Level 5 president Akihiko Hino is optimistic. He's got two titles in the works (one being the Dragon Quest IX game for the Nintendo DS) as well as White Knight Story. He didn't comment on that one, sadly.
From Software announces the development of the DS title also.

Could RPG's be moving more and more onto the DS because of rising development costs and the sheer number of DS's out there? Do you guys think Sony will have to share the genre with it, or will Sony lose it entirely? Either way, it'll be a good year for gamers who like dealing damage in the form of numbers.

Tags: Playstation 3, Playstation3, PS3, Sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Anon @ Jan 2nd 2007 4:58PM

I don't think handhelds will ever replace consoles when it comes to RPGs, so, I believe the PS3 has nothing to worry about. The DS at the moment doesn't even have that many decent RPGs, anyways.

Tyler @ Jan 2nd 2007 5:22PM

Agreed w/ #1.

I've been getting bored with the RPGs I have with the DS.. In fact, I've yet to finish one. But, I've finished several on the PS2 recently

Colin @ Jan 2nd 2007 5:42PM

Agree with anon and tyler. I just spent 96 hours on FF12, sunk deep into my leather couch, zoned out about everything else.

But it's hard to play really long games on handhelds. I tend to get bored with them, and I've yet to play a handheld RPG that really gripped me (though golden sun was pretty fun for a while).

Some of it is logistics I think. If I only play my handheld while I'm on the bus, that would take me roughly 5-6 months to beat a game of FF12's length. If I play the handheld at my house, that number obviously changes, but then other issues come up.

Handhelds don't have the comfort/ergo level that a console has. Both the PSP and DS lite/phat gimp the hands after extended play. They are nowhere nearly as contoured as the PS3 or 360 controller (or even, god the Wii controller).

Plus, RPGs tend to push a system's graphics and sounds really heavily. Though not considered eye-candy games like first person shooters, but look at FF7, FF12, KOTOR, Mass Effect, White Knight, etc. The RPGs that have come out were reknown for their amazing graphics (for the time). And the ones coming out are equally well known for their graphics.

RPGs are at home on consoles and are here to stay (I guarantee you that a next gen dragon quest game will come out).

The real worry here is that Sony will not be able to stop the hemmoraging of exclusives to the 360. I mean come on, are there NO MORE third party exclusive titles for the PS3? It's just been killing me...

-Colin