Most annoying JRPG cliche

What is the most annoying JRPG cliche?

While WRPGs are guilty of Choice 1, JRPGs are far more guilty. Most of them have saving the world from destruction as its main plotline. Almost every FF and DQ game has this plotline, as well as many many JRPGs. Why can't they tell more personal stories, like Suikoden II, where the goal is to save your friendship with your best friend rather than saving a kingdom or world? Or [spoiler] create a world for evil [/spoiler] like Terranigma? Or have a plotline like the Golden Sun series, in which [spoiler] the antagonist's mission in the first becomes the real goal in the second [/spoiler] . Mostly we have these same generic plots, over and over again.

Choice 2....I liked it when it was called Final Fantasy VI. From Suikoden I to Baten Kaitos...JRPGs common use evil or aggressive empires as antagonists while the "rebels" are the protagonists, mostly the good guys. While FFII and Secret of Mana had this apsect before FFVI, it was FFVI that perfected this story aspect in JRPGs, then done away with it in the second half as the fallout from their crimes destroyed them. Now we have many games that attempt to copy FFVI's effective use of this plotline in either part of their plots or all of it...to much lesser and tiring effect.

Choice 3....one of the first games to use God or religion as an antagonist is Final Fantasy legend for the gameboy in which you fight the "Creator" at the end. Many JRPGs have relgious elements but no real comment on religion, like DQ...but when religious themes are present or characters, they are viewed negatively and as antagonists. I have yet to see a JRPG that has something good to say on the nature of religion, just the same gnostic crap over and over. Breath of Fire II, Final Fantasy Tactics, FFX,and even Vagrant Story are some examples. WRPGs criticize religion as well, but also point out its positives like Dragon Age and The Witcher. The Ultima series uses religion better in its plots than any other RPG series, saying that many religious teaching sbaout living virtous lives are great, but religion can be used as a tool and twisted to furthe rones power...Ultima V for example. And why do JRPG developers target Christianity? Where is a game that targets Eastern religion? Its just as valid of a target to criticize.

Choice 4...(I vote this one)...same cliched characters, most JRPGs reuse the same old character designs....either the brooding or upbeat protagonist who may have amnesia, his female damsel in distress or Genki Girl sidekick that becomes either the love interest for the main or the mains best friend. Then you have a loudmouth rebel character, a jerk with a heart of gold, the other female party member that may or may not contrast with the leading female (she may also want to be a stough as the boys), an annoying child party member...and have a wierd character in the party as well. As for antagonists, either have a cleric or templar knight, a nihilist who wants to destroy everything (but cannot match Kefka's level of psychoticness, Kuja for example), and evil dark lord, an evil emperor or king, or a god like or demon like being.Where are interesting and unique characters like Terra, or antagonists that break the mold like Jowy Atriedes? Why can't JRPG's make character casts nowdays as unique and interesting as Planescape Torments?

Choice 5...there are many more jRPG cliches I haven't listed....

The thing that annoys me is no one locks their doors and no one minds you looting their home. It wouldn't be difficult to add a knoc function when you wanna enter a house. It would make the world seem so much more alive and realistic to me but eh.

Effeminate emo dudes, especially with oversized compensator swords.

Characters destined to do w/e is starting to piss me off.

Its been done trillions of times before, it needs to stop.

Depressed main character, extremely physicaly strong ally, childhood romantic interest also annoy me.

That said, Xenoblade had all this and its still my favorite JRPG.

Teh powa of friendship!

The thing that annoys me is no one locks their doors and no one minds you looting their home. It wouldn't be difficult to add a knoc function when you wanna enter a house. It would make the world seem so much more alive and realistic to me but eh.

ActicEdge

Teh powa of friendship!

NoobisMaxcimus

The main hero guy always being a skinny feminine wimp.

Simple life, evil stuff happens in your town, you are now a hero.tagyhag

Teh powa of friendship!

[QUOTE="MarthRingman"][QUOTE="NoobisMaxcimus"]

Teh powa of friendship!

texasgoldrush

Or at the end of the game where every character says their prayer for the main hero and he can hear their voices in the abyss in his one on one fight against the dark lord which gives him the strength to go on.

The whole "Humble Beginnings" Thing. You know, where the hero starts off and/or grows up in a small town.MarthRingman

pokemon has been doing that for almost decade now

[QUOTE="MarthRingman"]The whole "Humble Beginnings" Thing. You know, where the hero starts off and/or grows up in a small town.TheShadowLord07

pokemon has been doing that for almost decade now

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"][QUOTE="MarthRingman"] Oh god. This might actually be the most annoying cliche. No joke, the whole "friendship" thing makes me cringe whenever they pull a scene like that. Sometimes it's handled well (Final Fantasy VII Flashback Zack/Cloud scene) but for the most part it makes me feel dirty (Mega Man Starforce).MarthRingman

Or at the end of the game where every character says their prayer for the main hero and he can hear their voices in the abyss in his one on one fight against the dark lord.

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

The thing that annoys me is no one locks their doors and no one minds you looting their home. It wouldn't be difficult to add a knoc function when you wanna enter a house. It would make the world seem so much more alive and realistic to me but eh.

Ragnarok1051

I'm not even sure if I like that. I mean all I really want is to build a stranger connection to reality, why can't my character just ask if there is anything that they have that they would be willing to let them have? I mean, isn't that how you build stronger relationships? Not just break into house, talk and steal all their crap.

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"][QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

The thing that annoys me is no one locks their doors and no one minds you looting their home. It wouldn't be difficult to add a knoc function when you wanna enter a house. It would make the world seem so much more alive and realistic to me but eh.

ActicEdge

I'm not even sure if I like that. I mean all I really want is to build a stranger connection to reality, why can't my character just ask if there is anything that they have that they would be willing to let them have? I mean, isn't that how you build stronger relationships? Not just break into house, talk and steal all their crap.

I couldn't think of one when I first saw this thread and started a JRPG I haven't played.. And this came up..

This is my answer.

Heh, even in Valkyria Chronicles the princess was kidnapped. Good thing it was resolved quickly :x

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"] I'm playing Glory of Heracles and when you take something from someone's house you'll get scolded by your party member. Then your luck will decrease so there is finally a repercussion for it. Ragnarok1051

I'm not even sure if I like that. I mean all I really want is to build a stranger connection to reality, why can't my character just ask if there is anything that they have that they would be willing to let them have? I mean, isn't that how you build stronger relationships? Not just break into house, talk and steal all their crap.

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

Cliched characters and cliched Japanese voices (why do I seem to think that I am hearing the same voices in each game?). It seems that if I play one JRPG, I play all of them.

Orphans, or parents dieing while they're young etc.

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"][QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

I'm not even sure if I like that. I mean all I really want is to build a stranger connection to reality, why can't my character just ask if there is anything that they have that they would be willing to let them have? I mean, isn't that how you build stronger relationships? Not just break into house, talk and steal all their crap.

ActicEdge

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

[QUOTE="MarthRingman"]

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"] Suikoden II however, uses this narrative theme extremely well.texasgoldrush

Or at the end of the game where every character says their prayer for the main hero and he can hear their voices in the abyss in his one on one fight against the dark lord.

It'sEverywhereAndsocheesy

^Happens a lot in Final Fantasy...

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"] Even if they had something and didn't want to give it to you, wouldn't you just take it anyway? I see what you're saying though and it does sound like a concept that should be given a chance. Ragnarok1051

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

Well I mean this is simply a design thig though, if they just didn't leave random chests to be looted in people houses there would be nothing to steal. Instad all they have to do is talk to the ower, explai situation and ask if they might have anything that would be of help. then sometimes you get no and sometimes you get yes. And through side quests you can turn no's into yes's. I don't think its too hard a mechanic. that and just simply having a knock on door function. No one even in the old times just walked into your house without saying anything.

Even if they had something and didn't want to give it to you, wouldn't you just take it anyway? I see what you're saying though and it does sound like a concept that should be given a chance. Ragnarok1051

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

4 I guess. For some reason these cliches seem to fit WRPGs as well, though they do it worse.Mr_Cumberdale

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"][QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

texasgoldrush

To me that is just as lame as doing nothing. Towns folk who seriously want to rumble with someone who''s killed as many peopla and creatures as I have or guards because I took their potion? That is silly, it would be so much more realistic to just ask and if youor going the evil route and you want to steal why are you robbing poor townsfolk. They aren't going to help your wealth status.

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"][QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

ActicEdge

Well I mean this is simply a design thig though, if they just didn't leave random chests to be looted in people houses there would be nothing to steal. Instad all they have to do is talk to the ower, explai situation and ask if they might have anything that would be of help. then sometimes you get no and sometimes you get yes. And through side quests you can turn no's into yes's. I don't think its too hard a mechanic. that and just simply having a knock on door function. No one even in the old times just walked into your house without saying anything.

Im going to say the cliche of them sucking on consoles this generation

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"][QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

Well I mean, the idea is if the games always want to play humble pure boy wouldn't it make sense that he respect the wishes of those who is is trying to protect and befriend? Its simple stuff like this that I think helps build a more believable world. I mean, I wouldn't take something from someones house if they said don't, why shold the main characters be any different if they stand for justice?

texasgoldrush

Yeah but its usually just for that moment. You leave the town and come back do they still attack you or are they friendly townsfolk?

The whole religion/god is evil and badly written/voiced/scripted/...ect characters. I don't like male characters who resemble a female or tranny.

Cliched characters and cliched Japanese voices (why do I seem to think that I am hearing the same voices in each game?). It seems that if I play one JRPG, I play all of them.

thom_maytees

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"][QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"] The problem is that games just don't have a way of properly doing this. Their really isn't a consequence that compare to real world consequences for the character even if he does steal from innocent civilians. If there was a way that something negative would actually happen for everything bad you did in the game then it would be better. Ragnarok1051

Yeah but its usually just for that moment. You leave the town and come back do they still attack you or are they friendly townsfolk?

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"] The problem is that games just don't have a way of properly doing this. Their really isn't a consequence that compare to real world consequences for the character even if he does steal from innocent civilians. If there was a way that something negative would actually happen for everything bad you did in the game then it would be better. Ragnarok1051

Well I mean this is simply a design thig though, if they just didn't leave random chests to be looted in people houses there would be nothing to steal. Instad all they have to do is talk to the ower, explai situation and ask if they might have anything that would be of help. then sometimes you get no and sometimes you get yes. And through side quests you can turn no's into yes's. I don't think its too hard a mechanic. that and just simply having a knock on door function. No one even in the old times just walked into your house without saying anything.

Well you know, pieces of your adventure to different individuals. so like it doesn't have to be the same talk all he time. I've always wanted an RPG with a scaled down world that is brimming with exploration and life. People who change and less generic stereotypes. You know, so how youu tackle the games plot and explain it to the townsfolk will ultimately shape how much they wanna help you. They won't just let you loot their house, you need to convince them to help you. build a world where the main characters aren't so one sided and painted as good or bad by the townsfolk. I mean realistically, these town folks are letting battle hardened warriors in their homes who have killed hundreds of creautre and they exercise no caution. I know what I am thinking of is a lot of work but its something I really want in a JRPG setting because I find them so much more immaginative.

It has nothing to do with story but random turn based encounters really grind my gears and is the main reason I am not a huge jrpg fan.MUSH_IS_PWNs

[QUOTE="Ragnarok1051"][QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

Well I mean this is simply a design thig though, if they just didn't leave random chests to be looted in people houses there would be nothing to steal. Instad all they have to do is talk to the ower, explai situation and ask if they might have anything that would be of help. then sometimes you get no and sometimes you get yes. And through side quests you can turn no's into yes's. I don't think its too hard a mechanic. that and just simply having a knock on door function. No one even in the old times just walked into your house without saying anything.

ActicEdge

Well you know, pieces of your adventure to different individuals. so like it doesn't have to be the same talk all he time. I've always wanted an RPG with a scaled down world that is brimming with exploration and life. People who change and less generic stereotypes. You know, so how youu tackle the games plot and explain it to the townsfolk will ultimately shape how much they wanna help you. They won't just let you loot their house, you need to convince them to help you. build a world where the main characters aren't so one sided and painted as good or bad by the townsfolk. I mean realistically, these town folks are letting battle hardened warriors in their homes who have killed hundreds of creautre and they exercise no caution. I know what I am thinking of is a lot of work but its something I really want in a JRPG setting because I find them so much more immaginative.

To me that would just end up being the same three conversation choices that we've already seen. Try to convince the owners to give you the treasures with the specific questions you are presented with. If there was a way you could present your own argument then that would be awesome. Ragnarok1051

Well you know, pieces of your adventure to different individuals. so like it doesn't have to be the same talk all he time. I've always wanted an RPG with a scaled down world that is brimming with exploration and life. People who change and less generic stereotypes. You know, so how youu tackle the games plot and explain it to the townsfolk will ultimately shape how much they wanna help you. They won't just let you loot their house, you need to convince them to help you. build a world where the main characters aren't so one sided and painted as good or bad by the townsfolk. I mean realistically, these town folks are letting battle hardened warriors in their homes who have killed hundreds of creautre and they exercise no caution. I know what I am thinking of is a lot of work but its something I really want in a JRPG setting because I find them so much more immaginative.

I couldn't think of one when I first saw this thread and started a JRPG I haven't played.. And this came up..

*It's an emergency! The Princess has been kidnapped!*

This is my answer.

Yangire

Oh god, yes.

Besides maybe exploding hotsauce barrels in modern shooters, that is probably the most annoying cliche in ALL of gaming.

[QUOTE="Yangire"]

I couldn't think of one when I first saw this thread and started a JRPG I haven't played.. And this came up..

*It's an emergency! The Princess has been kidnapped!*

This is my answer.

MetroidPrimePwn

Oh god, yes.

Besides maybe exploding hotsauce barrels in modern shooters, that is probably the most annoying cliche in ALL of gaming.

The cliched characters and the whole "evil empire".

I'd also add as someone mentioned earlier the humble beginnings where the protagonist starts off in his/her hometown.

And why do JRPG developers target Christianity? Where is a game that targets Eastern religion? Its just as valid of a target to criticize.

Because Christianity does more harm to our world than Buddhism, Final Fantasy X, Not really, no.

hakanakumono

I don't see why what religion they tackle matters tbh, no game really makes religion its focal point anyway.

The chiched characters and the whole "evil empire".

I'd also add as someone mentioned earlier the humble beginnings where the protagonist starts off in his/her hometown.

Seabas989

I wish we had angry beginnings. I always wanted a JRPG where the main character watches his family be murered publically. Then he is just a pissed off individual, I think that would make for some interesting dialogue, I mean watching the rents killed infront of your yes while the public cheers is certainly a good way to justify a jerk character imo

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

And why do JRPG developers target Christianity? Where is a game that targets Eastern religion? Its just as valid of a target to criticize.

Because Christianity does more harm to our world than Buddhism, Final Fantasy X, Not really, no.

ActicEdge

I don't see why what religion they tackle matters tbh, no game really makes religion its focal point anyway.