Definition

A role-playing video game, or RPG, is a genre of video game in which the player controls the actions of a character or group of characters in a fantasy or science fiction setting. RPGs typically feature character customization, dialog-based interactions, non-linear narrative progression, and turn-based or real-time combat.

Characteristics

Character Customization: Players can create and customize their characters, choosing from a variety of races, classes, and skills.
Dialog-Based Interactions: NPC (non-player character) interactions often rely on dialog choices, which can affect the story or gameplay.
Non-Linear Narrative Progression: The game world is usually presented as a vast and interconnected network of locations, with players exploring and making choices that influence the narrative.
Turn-Based or Real-Time Combat: Battles are usually turn-based or real-time, with players commanding their characters to use various abilities and spells.

Subgenres

RPGs can be further classified into several subgenres:

Subgenre	Description
Action RPG (ARPG)	Real-time combat with a focus on quick reflexes and fast-paced action.
MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online RPG)	Online games that connect players in a shared persistent world.
JRPG (Japanese RPG)	RPGs developed in Japan, often featuring anime-style graphics and turn-based combat.
Western RPG (WRPG)	RPGs developed in Western countries, often with a more realistic setting and open-world exploration.

Examples

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (WRPG)
World of Warcraft (MMORPG)
Final Fantasy VII (JRPG)
Diablo III (ARPG)

Benefits of Playing RPGs

Immersive Storytelling: RPGs offer rich and engaging stories that allow players to immerse themselves in a fantasy or science fiction world.
Character Development: Players can create and develop their own characters, making choices that shape their personality and skills.
Social Interaction: MMORPGs provide a platform for players to connect and collaborate with others.
Strategic Thinking: RPGs require players to think strategically and adapt their tactics to overcome challenges.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main differences between RPGs and other video game genres?

A: RPGs emphasize character customization, dialog-based interactions, and non-linear narrative progression, which distinguishes them from other genres like action games or adventure games.

Q: What are the different ways to play RPGs?

A: RPGs can be played on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Some RPGs are single-player experiences, while others are online multiplayer games.

Q: Which RPGs are considered the most influential?

A: Classic RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Ultima, and Final Fantasy have had a profound impact on the development of the genre.

Q: What is the future of RPGs?

A: RPGs continue to evolve with advancements in technology, offering immersive virtual worlds, sophisticated AI, and engaging storylines that captivate players.

Reference Links

Role-Playing Video Game

Suikoden Series

The Suikoden series is a role-playing video game franchise created by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. The first game, Suikoden, was released in 1995 for the PlayStation. The series is set in a medieval fantasy setting and follows the adventures of various heroes as they fight against tyranny and injustice.

One of the key features of the Suikoden series is its large cast of characters. Each game typically features over 100 playable characters, and players can recruit them to their party by completing side quests or talking to them in towns. The characters come from a variety of backgrounds, and they have their own unique stories and motivations.

The Suikoden series is also known for its deep and involving story. The games explore themes such as friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. The stories are often complex and emotional, and they can be very rewarding for players who invest the time to experience them.

In addition to the main story, the Suikoden games also feature a variety of side quests and minigames. These can help players to learn more about the world and the characters, and they can also provide a fun distraction from the main quest.

The Suikoden series has been praised for its characters, story, and gameplay. The games have sold over 5 million copies worldwide, and they are considered to be some of the best role-playing games ever made.

Suikoden I

Suikoden I is a classic role-playing game (RPG) released in 1995 for the PlayStation. It tells the story of a young man named Tir McDohl who must fight against a tyrannical emperor in order to restore peace and unity to his homeland. Along the way, Tir recruits a diverse group of companions, each with their own unique skills and motivations.

Gameplay in Suikoden I revolves around turn-based combat, where players control a party of up to six characters on a grid-based map. The game also features a deep storyline with rich characters and political intrigue. Players can choose to follow different paths throughout the story, depending on the choices they make.

Suikoden I was a critical and commercial success, and it has since been ported to numerous other platforms. It is considered to be one of the greatest RPGs of all time.

Suikoden II

Suikoden II is a role-playing game released in 1998 for the PlayStation. It is the second installment in the Suikoden series and follows the story of a young man named Riou who must assemble a band of 108 heroes to overthrow a tyrannical empire.

The game features a deep and engaging story, a large and diverse cast of characters, and an innovative turn-based battle system. Players can recruit new characters by completing quests and solving puzzles, and each character has their own unique abilities and skills.

Suikoden II was praised for its graphics, music, and gameplay, and is considered one of the best role-playing games of all time.

Suikoden III

Suikoden III is a role-playing video game developed by Konami for the PlayStation 2. The third installment in the Suikoden series, the game was released in Japan in 2002 and in North America and Europe in 2003.

Set in the Grassland Kingdom of Zexen, Suikoden III follows the story of Hugo, a young man who is chosen by the Fire Bringer to become the leader of the Grassland Liberation Army. Hugo must unite the 108 Stars of Destiny and lead the army against the Zexen army, which is led by the tyrannical Emperor Barbarossa.

The game features a turn-based battle system, a large cast of characters, and a branching storyline that is affected by the player’s choices. Suikoden III received critical acclaim for its storyline, characters, and gameplay, and is considered one of the best games in the series.

Suikoden IV

Suikoden IV is a role-playing video game developed and published by Konami. It is the fourth installment in the Suikoden series. The game was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2004 in Japan and 2005 in North America and Europe.

The story follows Lazlo, a knight of the Grasslands, who is framed for the murder of his father. He must clear his name and gather allies to fight against the corrupt Empire. Along the way, he encounters a cast of over 100 characters, each with their own unique story and abilities.

Suikoden IV is known for its large cast of characters, its branching storyline, and its tactical combat system. The game also features a number of mini-games and side quests, which help to flesh out the world and characters.

Suikoden V: The Star of Destiny

Suikoden V is the fifth installment in the Suikoden role-playing video game series. The game follows the story of two protagonists, Freyjadour Falenas and Lymsleia Heinrich, as they navigate the political turmoil and war that plague their homeland.

Freyjadour is the prince of Falenas, a kingdom plagued by civil war. Lymsleia is a member of the Liberation Army, a group fighting against the tyrannical rule of the Scarlet Moon Empire. As the game progresses, the two protagonists join forces to battle the evil forces that threaten to conquer the world.

Suikoden Tierkreis

Suikoden Tierkreis is a role-playing video game developed by Konami. It was released for the Nintendo DS in 2009. The game is part of the Suikoden series, and is a prequel to the original Suikoden.

The game is set on a continent called the Sun Rune Continent, which is divided into three nations: the Fire Bringer Empire, the Highland Kingdom, and the Jowston Alliance. The story follows the protagonist, Yun, who is a member of the Highland Kingdom. Yun and his friends must travel across the continent and recruit 108 Stars of Destiny to help them overthrow the Fire Bringer Empire.

Suikoden Tierkreis features a turn-based battle system, and allows players to recruit up to 108 characters. The game also includes a number of side quests and minigames.

Suikoden Tactics

Suikoden Tactics is a tactical role-playing game in the Suikoden series. Set 15 years before Suikoden III, the game follows Kyril, a Runestone Knight, and his companions as they try to prevent the Godwins from unleashing the Fire Bringer. The game features a turn-based combat system with a variety of characters and classes, as well as a storyline that explores the themes of war, loyalty, and betrayal.

Suikoden II Genso Suikogaiden Vol. 1 & 2

Suikoden II Genso Suikogaiden Vol. 1 & 2 is a two-part manga series based on the role-playing game Suikoden II. It tells the story of Riou, the young hero who leads the Dunan Liberation Army to overthrow the oppressive Highland Kingdom.

Vol. 1 introduces Riou and his companions as they begin their journey, while Vol. 2 follows their quest as they encounter new allies and face increasingly formidable challenges. The manga provides additional character details and insights into the events of the game, giving fans a richer understanding of the beloved story.

Gensô Suikoden Card Stories

Gensô Suikoden Card Stories is a spin-off series of collectible card games based on the Gensô Suikoden role-playing game franchise. The series consists of three main games:

Gensô Suikoden Card Stories (1998)
Gensô Suikoden Card Stories Volume 2 (2001)
Gensô Suikoden Card Stories Mirage Pole (2002)

The games feature characters and storylines from the main Gensô Suikoden games, and allow players to build decks of cards to battle against opponents. The cards feature original artwork and abilities, and players can collect cards from all three games to create powerful combinations.

The Gensô Suikoden Card Stories games were released exclusively in Japan, but fan translations have made them available to a wider audience. The games have been praised for their strategic gameplay and collectible value, and remain popular among fans of the Gensô Suikoden series.

Suikoden: The Woven Web of a Century

Suikoden: The Woven Web of a Century delves into the rich tapestry of the Suikoden universe, exploring the intricate web of characters, events, and civilizations that have shaped its history. The novel spans the passage of a hundred years, connecting prequel stories to later events, providing a comprehensive account of the beloved RPG series’ lore. Fans of the games will find a wealth of familiar characters, while new readers will be captivated by the sweeping epic filled with political intrigue, military conflicts, and the timeless struggle between good and evil.

The Suikoden Encyclopedia

The Suikoden Encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference guide to the Suikoden video game series, published by Konami Digital Entertainment. It contains in-depth information on the characters, locations, and story of the first five games in the series, as well as supplemental materials such as character biographies, concept art, and developer interviews.

The Encyclopedia is a valuable resource for fans of the Suikoden series, providing a wealth of information about the games’ lore and characters. It is also a testament to the enduring popularity of the series, which has spawned numerous spin-offs and merchandise over the years.

Suikoden Fes

Suikoden Fes was a two-day event held on April 2nd and 3rd, 2023, commemorating the 27th anniversary of the beloved role-playing video game series, Suikoden. The event featured various activities and attractions, including:

Character cosplayers from the Suikoden games
A live music stage showcasing the iconic soundtrack
Game demos, including an exclusive preview of the upcoming "Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars"
Merch booths offering official Suikoden merchandise
Panel discussions with the game’s creators and voice actors

The event was a huge success, with fans from around the world coming together to celebrate the legendary series. The live music, in particular, was a highlight, featuring performances of beloved tracks like "Liberation" and "The Stars of Destiny."

Suikoden Gaiden

Suikoden Gaiden is a side-story to the main Suikoden series that follows the adventures of a young boy named Tir McDohl. The game takes place in the Circle Sea, an isolated region of the Suikoden universe.

Plot:

Tir, a young boy from the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia, embarks on a journey to find his father, who has been missing for several years. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a group of pirates and a band of rebels, who aid him in his quest. Tir’s path leads him to uncover a conspiracy involving the Holy Kingdom and a powerful organization known as the Scarlet Moon Empire, which threatens the stability of the Circle Sea.

Features:

Turn-based combat with a unique system allowing characters to recruit allies in battle.
A cast of over 50 recruitable characters, each with their own unique skills and abilities.
A captivating storyline with multiple endings.
A colorful and detailed world with charming sprite-based graphics.

Suikoden: Tierkreis

Suikoden: Tierkreis is a role-playing game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo for mobile devices. It is a spin-off of the Suikoden series and was released in Japan on December 18, 2008. The game features a new cast of characters, a new setting, and a new battle system. The story revolves around a group of adventurers who are caught up in a conflict between two rival nations. Players must recruit and train a team of characters to fight their way through hordes of enemies and bring an end to the war.

Tierkreis offers a unique blend of traditional RPG gameplay with social elements, such as a town-building system and online multiplayer. Players can build and customize their own town, recruit new characters, and participate in online battles with other players. The game’s battle system is turn-based, but features a unique "alignment" system that allows players to boost the power of their attacks by matching the alignments of their characters.

Tierkreis was met with generally positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s well-written story, engaging characters, and innovative battle system. The game was also commercially successful, selling over one million copies worldwide.