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Editorial: Sony And Microsoft Switch FPS/RPG Roles

So, has anybody else noticed this?

The comparison between the two generations begins with the PS2/Xbox generation. During that time, there were a variety of reasons to own both systems – there are always reasons to own a successful video game platform – and for most avid gamers, those reasons were obvious. The Xbox was the more powerful console and its relatively familiar hardware was similar to PC, which paved the way for many great FPSs. And we're not only talking about exclusives like Halo ; we're also talking about most all multiplatform FPSs, which were typically best played on the Xbox. In general, multiplatform games really were slightly better on Microsoft's machine, simply due to the ease of development and the added power the PS2 didn't offer.

At the same time, the PS2 was following closely in the footsteps of the original PlayStation and attempting to steal the original console's crown of "King of the RPGs." If you were an RPG fan, there's no way on earth you could only own a Xbox; the PS2 was an essential piece of equipment. And because the vast majority were exclusive to that system, role-playing fans simply didn't have any other alternative. It went far beyond the Final Fantasy franchise – as any avid RPG follower knows – and despite Square-Enix and other developers tossing the occasional bone to Microsoft and Nintendo, we RPG fanatics knew the truth of things. If you didn't have a PS2, you simply weren't a fan of the RPG. We could factor in other genres at this point, but let's just say the PS2 had a far bigger and more diverse library.

Now, fast forward to the new generation. This time, Sony has the most powerful machine, and despite the massive installed user base of its predecessor, the PS3 has to start from behind. This reversed role shouldn't really have any effect on the software, but the power reversal may have had some impact. Look at the situation now: we have no idea if Bungie will do a Halo 4 (doesn't appear to be the case), and the two biggest FPSs on the horizon are PS3 exclusive: Resistance 2 and Killzone 2 . They're also franchises, which means sequels are almost inevitable. On the flip side, RPG fans are looking around going, "hey…where are the RPGs?" Yeah, they're not here, but check out the Xbox 360. Lost Odyssey , Blue Dragon , and the upcoming Infinite Undiscovery and Star Ocean 4 .

…what the heck happened? Suddenly, two genres that are almost polar opposites of each other (just don't tell that to Deus Ex ) are suddenly represented very differently on this generation's consoles from Sony and Microsoft. Everything is all switched about! Many will argue they'd still rather play FPSs on the 360 due to the "better controller," but that's becoming more and more of an opinion rather than fact, and let's not talk about The Orange Box . That's just Valve and EA being lazy in regards to the PS3. Furthermore, in regards to multiplatform games, it's becoming inevitable that PS3 versions of games will be better than their 360 counterparts before long. The PS3 is simply the more powerful machine and now that designers are beginning to use the system as their debut development console, the day of the crappy 360-to-PS3 port is just about gone.

So, as far as I can see, the software roles for the PS3 and 360 have switched, at least so far as the FPS/RPG comparison. It's kind of bizarre, actually. I'm sitting here with both systems, and I'm anxiously looking forward to several potentially awesome FPSs for the PS3 and several potentially awesome RPGs for the 360…and the whole thing is just weird . Who'd a thunk it?

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Evil Incarnate
Evil Incarnate
15 years ago

That is what I've been saying to my friends for a while! Thank god somebody other than me views it in this way to.


Last edited by Evil Incarnate on 8/22/2008 11:17:03 PM

WaR_HaWk
WaR_HaWk
15 years ago

thank god ps3 has alot of shooters.i cant live without them

Mista
Mista
15 years ago

PS3 actually has a pretty decent amount of RPG's coming in 09', but yeah so far the box definitely has the leg up. Weird thing is the 360 just started getting the RPG's rolling out this year, but I don't think we'll be saying the same thing a year from now. This time next year I'd put my money on Sony having more variety and better quality RPG's than the box…

Aftab
Aftab
15 years ago

I think after the halo phenomena, the big guys are figuring out that the sum total of all interest groups still do not equate the masses of the larger general gaming public. I also find myself counting less on any particular genre, as I am just looking for a title of any kind that is of a quality that surpasses.

Fatcat3788
Fatcat3788
15 years ago

I agree with you and I freaking hate it. I bought the PS3 solely because I am an RPG fan and when it first came out, the rpg library looked promising. Though I do love my FPS's I just have always loved RPG's more…My question is… what happened to the games like White Knight Chronicles, and why is Square so intent on their stand of being on neither side of the console war but they don't make Star Ocean and Infinite Undiscovery multiplatorm? It's actually really upsetting. In any case I have a feeling that when companies like Atlus, and NIS start maturing and creating RPGS in next generation I believe that they will make them for PS3. SO I still have high hopes for the RPG library for the PS3.

My biggest fear is that, in attempt to appeal to a more western audience, traditional RPG's will slowly die out and RPG's will all be action oreinted. While I agree that those RPG's are awesome when done right (i.e. Mass Effect, Monster Hunter, Kingdom Hearts) they just aren't the same as some of the best RPG's out there. (i.e. FF1-FF10, Suikoden, Xenogears, Chrono Trigger) I pray that those developers don't forget their heritage…


Last edited by Fatcat3788 on 8/23/2008 12:04:32 AM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

THAT worries the crap out of me, even though I think it's inevitable. I've already said a sad goodbye to the old-school JRPGs I loved on the PS1; I know they'll never come back. But if ALL the RPGs turn out to be action-oriented to appeal to the twitch-gamer Western tastes, I'm really going to be upset.

This is why Lost Odyssey was a beacon of light for me in this new generation. And, I'm hoping, Infinite Undiscovery will be another one…but they're both on the 360, which just goes back to my article. 😉

BigBoss4ever
BigBoss4ever
15 years ago

Lost Odyssey is one classic turn based on Next Gen console and it is the greatest next gen JRPG I would say in a classic way that you mentioned. Sadly, it is on Xbox 360 only.

infekt
infekt
15 years ago

Yes. I noticed that too. Weird thing is, I have switched to playing more FPS games compared to RPGs too. I guess Sony and I just click. Maybe I just don't have the patience for RPGs anymore. Maybe I'm growing old. Maybe I'm just reading too much into this.

Knightedrik
Knightedrik
15 years ago

I hoping like hell this will change. Personally, I like FPS's.. But I really like RPG's. I love my PS3, but lately.. I cant help but feel betrayed. Truth is.. its very, very easy to crank out FPS after FPS.. and a low cost.. Hell, just look at Codemasters lame ass. But to actually make an RPG takes much more effort. And still being so early in the PS3's lifespan.. most developers are still learning how to tackle to hardware.. thus the onslaught of FPS's. But, once more and more developers get the hang of the system.. they will probably start to deviate from the "fast cash" FPS market, and begin making more in-depth, well produced games. The PS3 RPG market will pick up soon, you have to remember Xbox360 jumped the gun and just had to release their flawed product a year early to cash in.. so the developers have a 1 year head start on making RPG's. And since the 360 is such a simple, inexpensive product.. its much easier for them to crank out game after game now. You tell me, whats easier.. A simple point and shoot game.. or creating an ENTIRE WORLD. PS3 is like a samurai.. slowly honing and sharpening its sword by a dim campfire, and one day soon.. it will be sharp enough to cleave someone in half. And on that day, you'll see the release of the Xbox720.. a system that when you plug it in, it will just make a laughing noise, and explode. A simple machine, for simple minds.. Maybe by then they will be able to fit FFXIII on one disc.. lmao.

BigBoss4ever
BigBoss4ever
15 years ago

I agree with all your point. But at the same time, when I reflect more, I think machine or console itself is innocent, what REALLY matters is the games on that console, if only we had one universal console, then we can focus all our attention on the games only, and I think that should be the rule of gaming world. Just personal subjective opinion, maybe more on naive side, and certainly not a business person, but that is the trait of a true RPGer.

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
15 years ago

I hope this really changes
I love me some shooting games, but the overload is really alienating rpg fans which by in large where loyal to the Playstation brand just for that.

We'll see, 'till ATLUS, NIS, Sega, and others don't let go of the ps2 it might take a while.

And of course the biggest reason for this drought is Microsoft paying these rpg companies to keep it exclusive.

And Sony seems to think that all ps3 fans all care 'bout shooting games more than they do 'bout rpgs. This is the notion that is really hurting Sony sometimes.

AceTatsujin
AceTatsujin
15 years ago

Bought the PS3 because of Star Ocean 4 and FF XIII and because SE was going with them, but that didn't happen. SO4 isn't coming to the PS3 yet (they never announced it was exclusive to the 360 from what I heard), and FF XIII goes fu**ing multi-platform. You already know what I'm going to say, but I'll skip that part.

I'm liking what's going on now. Big games are coming on the PS3, big titles, huge exclusives, and non-exclusives and the Developers are starting to scratch, no .. nevermind, they already started to scratch the surface. Resistance 2 looks amazing, deep graphics, and Killzone 2 is on Call of Duty 4's toes, which in many people's opinion, it is still the best FPS right now … but Killzone 2 seems very promising to take CoD4's crown off … who knows.

Now that the PS3 is getting some nice RPGs this year and next year, we're going to see some great ones that will live on and some will never play it on other consoles. Valkyria Chronicles, White Knight Chronicles, Last Sonata with Exclusive content only to the PS3, .. you still have the FF XIII and it is developed for the PS3, you have Versus XIII and Last Remnant and possibly SO4 … I have a feeling SE is going to have some exclusive content for us on SO4 but thats just my sixth sense. And never, ever, ever forget about the awesome RPG games coming on the PSP … =) And the games that already came out. FF VII: Crisis Core, FFT: WotL, Jeanne d'Arc (freaking awesome game), and Disgaea (PSP).

Just on the side note, working on the PS3 is tough work, but with this much experience digging into the PS3 … don't you think it looks good on the Resume? Which would look better … "I worked on the 360's platform" or "I worked on the PS3 platform" on developing games? … We all know the PS3 is a tougher one, and building experience is a plus because who knows what the next consoles will be like!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

I'm eagerly awaiting White Knight Chronicles, and I suppose I could cling to Atlus for a little while longer. 😉

enjoi
enjoi
15 years ago

It hasn't been that bad, for me at least. The majority of the jrpgs this generation have been bad or just average(based on ratings and the ones that I've played so far). There hasn't been those really amazing jrpgs I've gotten used to from psone and ps2 days.

BigBoss4ever
BigBoss4ever
15 years ago

You should try Lost Odyssey if you like with old turn based classic JRPGs with better graphics. but that means you need xbox 360, which by many PSers called shitbox.

BigT_1980
BigT_1980
15 years ago

I have a feeling once the PS3 install base gets close to the 360 we will be seeing more RPG titles coming to the PS3. I feel several of the RPG titles that were to supposed to be exclusive to the 360 will come to the PS3. Their already is proof of this because Eternal Sonata is coming to the PS3. And once the PS3 install base exceeds the 360 we be seeing a few more PS3 exclusive RPG titles announce. Patience is key.

Vivi_Gamer
Vivi_Gamer
15 years ago

FPS are overrated FACT!

Resistance & Bioshock have been the only ones which have impressed me, for the unique art design.

I hope we dont get an overload of them like the XBOX1 did, the only real game that interested me was Fable.

Advent Child
Advent Child
15 years ago

OHHHH I can't wait till Valkyria Chronicles comes out. I seriously wanted that game so bad when I saw the Japanese trailer on the Japanese store that I almost had it imported. I am glad I waited because now its coming to the US! But yea I think we do have a decent amount coming, they just aren't coming yet. I also am looking forward to Infinite Undiscovery and I really hope they do it right. My favorite RPG of this generation is Lost Odyssey, haha you can definitely tell if you look at my gamer profile, I have all 1000 gamerpoints for it!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

I really loved Lost Odyssey. Too bad the marred fourth disc never let me finish it. 60 hours of play, down the tubes. 🙁

I will say that game had some of the finest writing in video game history, insofar as those dreams were concerned. The actual game writing and dialogue wasn't anywhere near as good, though, which is why I have to assume someone entirely different handled those dreams. They were excellent.


Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/23/2008 10:21:24 AM

AceTatsujin
AceTatsujin
15 years ago

wtb FF XIII and Versus …. NOW!$!@%%!

orangpelupa
orangpelupa
15 years ago

the reason i buy PS2 not Xbox is because i love RPG.
the reason i buy Xbox 360 not PS3 is because i love RPG.

xbox and ps really switching "side".

as for FPS, its still play best in PC. gamepads can't beat KB Mouse accuracy 😀

Reccaman18
Reccaman18
15 years ago

One could argue that fact. Using a mouse for FPS games can get pretty annoying. You have to be so freaking precise. I wont argue that FPS games arent good on the PC, cause I think they are fantastic, but controllers feel a bit more solid when it comes to aiming and precision.

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

Thats only your opinion reccaman

Minishmaru
Minishmaru
15 years ago

i dunno about that. i see that the 360 got a headstart plus they didnt change there architecture much which makes making games easier also the fact money has alot to do w the 360 getting alot of rpgs :cough: squeenix :cough: i dont think that they switched roles but then again times have n always will change. what next? mario in a ps4 game!? halo: wii have contact!? god of war 720?!

rezenu
rezenu
15 years ago

It's too early to say the 360 and the PS3 has switched roles when the 360 can't even make a huge dent in Japan. Look what happened after the Tales of Vesperia. The Japanese got their fix and then sales went back down to normal.

Just because the 360 is getting rpg's doesn't mean that the PS3 is left dead in the water. The PS3 doesn't have *all* shooters. You want racing? You have Grand Turiso and Motorstorm. You want adventure? You have games like Uncharted. The PS3 is barely two years old and the 360 is bordering on four years.

I wouldn't spell doom and gloom yet.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

The article isn't designed to spell "doom and gloom" forever. I'm merely talking about the current state of things. I'm sure the PS3 will get its RPGs eventually; I'm just referring to the here and now.

Minishmaru
Minishmaru
15 years ago

btw everything has a chance of being a time d exclusive ONLY the costs n everything this gen has increased. Not to mention alot of japanese ppl whether in the business or a consumer is biased towards their machines ex:psp,ps3,wii,ds. so to think rpgs will be primarily found on the 360 i wouldnt bet on so fast

The_Chimeran
The_Chimeran
15 years ago

yeah this is where the phrase "truth sucks" really works…for now. How long have i've been saying this on the site. I'm eventually gonna have to get a 360 now though, can't stand the lack of rpgs, well at least i have a psp. See Ben another weird thing, the psp is finally getting games and not only games but promising games. I swear it's the twighlight zone.

phade2blaq
phade2blaq
15 years ago

RPG's was the one area I expected the PS3 to shine ! With the massive power that the PS3 has I knew FPS wouldn't be a problem to pull off but I expected so much more than we've been given in the way of RPG's ! I sure hope 09 is the breakout year for PS3 RPG's !

Knightedrik
Knightedrik
15 years ago

This goes back to my original post on this subject. m/(><)m/ But to add to it, This is mostly a US problem.. Cause if you think Japan is gonna go without their RPG's, then you've got another thing coming. The million dollar question is: Will they port them over here? One way or the other, Sony knows RPG's sell extremely well over here, and if need be.. they will create something simply to send over here.
Most of the damn FPS's (that suck) released recently, have been coming from companies that rarely released games for the PS2.. like Sierra, Codemasters, and Sega. Hell, before the PS3 launch the last time I heard of Codemasters releasing a game, it was a mini-micro machines games.

murdaface
murdaface
15 years ago

I agree, but I do always like to switch it up between fps and rpg so i hope they don't just stick to one or the other.

rpg4me
rpg4me
15 years ago

I hate to say it but Blue dragon was also a good JRPG it even had summon spells. If turn based rpgs are to not be continued here in the states, I will be late to every new generation because that is the only thing making my buy these machines at such high costs! I think when Sony made the ps2 they had all the rpg's (except skies of arcadia which Sega made) on PURPOSE so they do know how big rpg's are. Some times when you look at the Japanese sales charts, five of the top ten are rpg's. So I know they will not stop in Japan. I have been fearful of Microsoft trying to make the user like action rpg's over turn-based for the longest. And I was upset when Square changed FFXII to not be turn based. Because they where afraid the money was going to be in action rpg's. Wrong! you cant force a turn based lover to be a action based lover. You can however run them over to the mist-walker games. Message received, glade to see Square is making a turn based final fantasy again! Hope they will also bring the big bang too! (as in summon spells babby, and keep the J-music! )


Last edited by rpg4me on 8/24/2008 12:17:25 PM

rpg4me
rpg4me
15 years ago

anyone know what the best turn based rpg for ps3 is? That has actually played it? Not enchanted arms already have that.

vampko
vampko
15 years ago

sadly, at this moment, Enchanted Arms is the ONLY turn-based RPG on the PS3. So, technically it's the best xD Get Disgaea 3, it is an SRPG but it will be worth it ^^

BigBoss4ever
BigBoss4ever
15 years ago

there is not even JRPG on PS3 just yet, let alone best JRPG. The best turn based JRPG is on xbox 360, which is called, so far i know, Lost Odyssey. (it is better to be on PS3, and shold call Final Fantasy: Lost Odyssey, or simply Lost Fantasy)

Draguss
Draguss
15 years ago

Been only two years, give it some time.

vampko
vampko
15 years ago

Before you know it, the PS3 will have Blue Dragon 2 and Lost Odyssey 2. This relies on us PS3 users shelling out the money to buy all the rpgs that come out, so they see that we want em. I really am looking forward to Disgaea 3, only a couple more days ^_^

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

no buddy i believe blue dragon is a 360 trilogy

LowKii
LowKii
15 years ago

ARRRRGGHH. This is such an outrage!!!!!! I'm so pissed about this. I wish the 360 would just curl up and die. I was soo looking forward star ocean 4 and that was one of the main reasons I bought a PS3. I hope Square Enix goes bankrupt. wTF did we RPG fans do to deserve this? as I said in my post on the 2 hr FF13 demo, F!! CRAP-BOX and F!! S.E. We have been Very, very loyal to the RPG genre and now we get the screw job. Why won't anybody do anything about it? I've already told S.E. that they lost a loyal fan and ima back it up by not buying FF 13 or any other games they release. DUHHHH THE PS3 HAS MORE POWER, I WAS HOPING TO SEE WHAT IT COULD DO WITH THE GENRE. It's just lazyness on the part of the genre. they don't want to do the work that it would involve, so it moves to the inferior crap-box so they dot have to do so much work. I am so pissed… GRRRRRRR…. FUUUUUUUU**. I hope you ps3 players take my advice and teach those money grubbing a**holes that we may be loyal but to screw us out of our genre will NOT be tolerated.i feel like i got a suped up sega genesis sitting in front of me now. so in conclusion. Fu** you micrope*** and fu** you Square-Head.my passion for gaming is pretty much gone now.

CptGreedle
CptGreedle
15 years ago

I just feel like I have been left out in the cold. I bought the PS3 for a LOT of reasons, and one of the biggest would be that the PS2 was so strong with RPGs. But now I can't find an RPG to save my life.
Even FFXIII is not exclusive.
As a fan of the PlayStation brand, I LOVE the PS3, the capabilities and the power, as well as the innovative games coming out.
But as a fan of RPGs I am tempted to dip into the 360, but the ongoing reports of the RROD and other serious issues, as well as its lack of Blu-ray and such are really keeping me at bay.
I love all the games I have on the PS3, and I don't want to spend more money on a second console and an HDMI switch box. I just hope that SONY does get more RPGs on their system soon, fans like me are feeling left out and it hurts.

Laguna
Laguna
15 years ago

I think everyone should accept the truth.

JRPGS are dying and soon all there will be is the mainstream JRPGS like Final Fantasy.

Hell, even Final Fantasy went downhill.

Im saying goodbye to my beloved collection of RPGS. I will tresure them because they are the last of its kind. The West now has dominance in the gaming industry, and so JRPGS will be making their way here less and less.

All we need is another crash for Japan to give us the good stuff again!!!!!!!!!!!

Dont mind my negativity, Im just letting go of RPGS, im going to give in to the action and shooter games…generic but fun when they want to be.

BigBoss4ever
BigBoss4ever
15 years ago

final fantasy is going downhill, is because its main creator Mr. Sakaguchi san left Squaresoft and went to the west with Microsoft and crated mistwalker, which gave birth to Lost Odyssey. The soul of square is gone, the remaining days of FF and Square are just numbered!!!

cegmp
cegmp
15 years ago

A little weird. Mostly sad for my part though. The ONLY REASON i bought a PS3 was for the RPGs. But i still haven't regretted it though. 1st time i ever finished a DMC game or played an online game (MGO) or played an FPS intently. I'm grateful for the experience nonetheless. But nothing still beats the JRPG genre in my book. I pray that it doesn't die. Here's hoping that 2009 would be a better place for RPGs on the PS3.

NetheRealm
NetheRealm
15 years ago

All we gotta do is just convince everyone not to buy any more wii or box or PC games then every game will be on PS3. Problem solved. But even if that occured noone would wanna play Halo or Gears of War or World of Warcraft or Everquest or Super Mario Universe or Legend of Zelda on a PS3 or would they?


Last edited by NetheRealm on 8/29/2008 2:33:18 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Always seeping brilliance Ben, good article. How on earth did this happen? Is it because the 360 came out first, or cuz M$ realized that the system that has the RPGs always wins the console war and they had to buy them up. I mean come on, Star Ocean 4 on ANYthing called an Xbox? Thats insanity. Sony failed big time, its time to step it up a notch, no FPS is worth my 60 bucks unless it has Doom or Cthulhu in the title. VIVA LA RPG!

BigBoss4ever
BigBoss4ever
15 years ago

I am such a loyal PS fan and I had all the PS console, from PS , PS one, PS2, PSP and PS3, and I never betrayed SONY and will never do so. However, for the PS3, I honestly think there isnt a RPG that really defines and utilizes the true power of PS3 engine, and I am just frustrated about it for not seeing a TRUE Japan RPG that has the story, music, depth, graphics, meanings, characters and all that.

At the same time, I always agree with many PSers calling xbox as shitbox. However, recently, mainly because dying for real JRPGs on next-gen consoles and due to the price cut of xbox 360 (which I still feel very guilty about it), I purchased a basic 360 arcade console just to play a few xbox exclusive JRPG titles, and I got the LOST Odyssey. It is the best JRPG on that console, and in my opinion, that game has Sakaguchi as its creater, and Umaetsu as its music composer, that is a REAL final fantasy under the disguise of another name. It can easily be titled as Final Fantasy — Lost Odyssey, or simplly called Lost Fantasy (lol sorry about my making up). and it SHOULD really be released on PS3 and I cam guarantee you it will ROCK in PS3 world! Sadly, such a title has gone to xbox 360 exclusive and it is a "tragedy" to loyal SONY and PS3 owners. ( i still consider myself a loyal PSers and I still have my hope, but just frustrated about the drought of JRPG on PS3). such is my opinion. The addition of a Sonata, hopefully in all sincerity, is the beginning of the end of the drought of great classic JRPGs on PS3( known as the best console on this planet).

BTW, to BEN, Lost Odyssey has achieved what you called in your MGS4 revolutionary aritle the glory of literature, since in its "ne Thousand Years of Dreams", basically a compiled eletronic book well written as close to poetry supported by emotions, deep implication of human mistakes and saddly-beatuiful music, showing and telling us about what an eternally tortured soul went through during his immortal life. This is such a powerful way to deliver the emotions and its impact on gamers mind is unpresedented. Just incrediblly powerful game, if you have played the game or heard about it from your friends, you will know what I am talking about.

Lastly, Salute to MGS series, salute to Kojima as Big Boss's last salute to The Boss — that is the greatest game seiries ever made by mankind and the greatest story ever told in video game history, period. 🙂

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