I'd argue that while Xenoblade 2 is basically a shounen anime crossed with a mobile gatcha, Xenoblade 1 & 3 (I'm still playing 3 atm) are simply "anime artstyle" that ocassionally draw on familiar storytelling tropes with 3 having more mature art style than the 1st game. Sure Definitive Edition lets you put your entire party in swimsuits if you wish to, but at least the camera doesn't focus on a fem characters' chest or butt whenever they're involved in a conversation
You got to a central problem I don’t even think I covered in the video. The camera decisions can take away/distract from an incredible story. I really like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but it’s kinda annoying how often that happens. An incredible ending (especially if you’ve played 1) but getting to that point could be exhausting for some people. I wouldn’t blame them for moving onto other things because of some the artistic/directional choices
@@bitsoftimemedia the thing is that xenoblade 2 was make with limited resources half of the team was also working on tears of the kingdom, the blade gacha system was not mean to be 100 percent but to artificially make the game feel more personal since different people will get different blades in there playthrough BUT jrpg player been complicionist feel the necessity to get all the rare blade even it was not the intended idea, all characters are well develop different from 1 were half of the cast don't get character development, 3 fix the gacha problem with the hero's that are an improve version of that same idea of collatable optional character with quest but 3 drop all the anime humor but retain the tropes so if you are an anime fan you will find 2 more enjoyable since is unapologetically anime while 3 is still anime but remove some stuff to make it more main stream like if it was ashamed of been 100% anime like 2.
Do most people that play RPGs try to go 100%? I’ve very rarely ever done that. Too many games and with some requiring multiple playthroughs it isn’t something I normally do 😅 there are some rare instances though
@@bitsoftimemedia I also never 100 but when it is a build in mechanic of the game that also expand the world is hard not try (been a gacha that is esencially gabling make it more adicting) if you play 3 and dont at least get all the heros and unlock there clases for your favorite character you just rush the game.
I know that one it’s a stretch…because it kinda has anime tropes, but that artstyle is so different and man does the end of disc 3 get wild. Appreciate the comment!
Overall I liked your video. I think the description of option 1 was the best, instead of focusing just on the game and your own views, adding a second perspective "that your wive likes to watch" adds a unique perspective. The other options are fine, but without that added perspective it's a bit more dull
Some of my favorites are all anime artstyle and tropes, but there seems to be a lack of different looking/feeling RPGs as of late. Though this year 2024 we are eating good in the genre
I think it's because writers in Japan depend on it as a handicap too much. They don't have to focus on making more natural characters or events, but can regurgitate what's been done before. You see it a lot with doujin and light novels. I'll also point out it's not anime that is the issue, it's the tropes as I've been saying. The problem comes in with art direction feeling like it has to be as coupled with obvious tropes.
@@bitsoftimemedia One aspect is a clear "default" anime design is marketable. Something like Ghost in the Shell or Red Line would get ignored because it's still anime, but a more generic cute look is the mainstream. It also translates to what kind of story will be told. Notice Xenoblade is less mature than Xenogears and Xenosaga. It has serious parts, as did Star Ocean just as point of comparison, but you have the focus for characters and an atmosphere is considerably lighter. What I don't like is the obsession with moe or cute in Japan, which is where the trope reliance in part comes from. This isn't the generation of past anime, manga and games that told broader stories. You still see them in manga, but the economy of Japan only allows what will sell. Cut e sells, what's for the youth sells. That narrows things down to an art direction. The most mature I suppose you get out of it is waifu culture, as that is mature yet still has the same art style. Shonen Jump is most of anime now, but we do see seinen doing just as well now, but not the same longevity.
With things costing more and more studios/creators do tend to follow trends. Sometimes that’s a good thing because we get a twist on an established genre/trope. But generally seems like money has a big component on whether to do something outside the established norm. Though, RPGs coming out of Japan celebrate when they sell a million copies which is great to see. Not everything has to be handfuls of millions to be successful. Anime style def turns some people away immediately, it’s one of the reasons I made this video. I think that’s changing for sure, but it still exists.
Ah, you mean JRPG's without heavy handed anime tropes. Because western devs make rpg's too lol. Witcher 3? Diablo? Baldurs gate? Although western devs dont really seem to do turn based games outside of isometric crpgs and indie projects.
Good point! Could definitely include some western RPGs in a follow up video. I hope BG3 selling well and winning awards makes other companies realize turn based can still be lucrative.
I'd agree because after watching this video the only game I would say isn't anime is Child of Light. While they do use an artstyle that is a bit cartoony it's not what I would consider anime nor many people I know. Many people I know consider a game to be anime themed based on the graphics or artstyle as well so xenogears, and all the final fantasy games mentioned in this video would be considered anime to them and if they didn't like anime they wouldn't even consider giving these games a shot. Even parasite eve while a horror rpg style game as very anime like graphics and may likely get avoided.
FF10 really sucks you into the story. Highly intriguing opening, plus a pretty unique setting back to back for an RPG in general. I want a stand alone real time blitzball game so bad 😅
Xenogears and Final Fantasy 6 are tied as my favorite games ever. The only thing I HATED about Xenogears was the platforming. I'm like my gears can fly. Looking at you Tower of Babel.
I don't know if I would consider Child of Light an indy game. Under the impression that it was developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, at least according to their steam page and it's availability on Ubisoft Connect. Last I checked Ubisoft was a triple A developer/publisher. The game does give off indy game vibes though for sure.
if were talking RPGs in general why not some amercan ones? dragonage O to Inquisition is great games ( we don't talk about vail guard) if we are talking shooters mass effect techilly counts. but if they want to risk it dirge of cerberus FF7 is also a pick but the controls don't age as well. if they want strategy final fantasy tactics is another great one. another RPG is legend of dragon it ages well with its game play ( not the random encounters) and i think there was a few pokemon RPGs from back in the day i forget what they are called seeing i never played. but it might be worth the look.
The confusion comes in by saying RPG, because it's broad. JRPG is specific to what is in Japanese culture and direction of their games. The two are polar opposites most often unless the goal of either is to make their game in the design aspects of that country. It contradicts people just wanting to use "RPG" only when they state clear differences between them in game design.
Never played Dragon Age Origins myself but that could be included in’s future video if I get around to that game ( I think I own it on the PS3) Legend of Dragoon is a good pick 👍 I do need to get around to FF Tactics. Got into SRPGs late in the game and it’s one I want to go back to for sure
Xenogears "it's anime but not anime" where there are giant mecha, mechs that combine into a bigger mech, a mech that shoots it's pilot out it's gun, a naked purple haired woman in anime cutscene, a cute mascot character that grows giant sized, martial arts with chi attacks, two whole arena arcs... uh huh. 😂 Yes, the underlying story is deep and very philosophical and the worldbuilding is incredible...but it's the most anime out of all the Xeno series and includes more fanservice and cringe than Xenoblade 2 as well (which also has a deep and philosophical story with amazing worldbuilding). 😊
@bitsoftimemedia xenogears has... anime nudity far less censored in it than XB2. 2 just has the bath scene and everything is covered. Fei and Elly also have sex, which isn't shown super explicitly or anything because PS1 graphics and not an anime cutscene...but it does happen. Nothing like that in 2 at all.
I see what you’re saying and that for sure happens. But I wouldn’t say those scenes are cringe/fanservice myself. I believe they are done with care and are pretty emotional. That relationship is one of my favorite aspects of Xenogears
@bitsoftimemedia oh I agree. But on the same token, I think the bath scene in 2 is done with care as well...a bit of humor sure, but it was an important bit of girl's downtime with some foreshadowing in and was pretty respectful overall. It didn't have the guys barging in or some silly panty raid antics or any of that nonsense. It was just a character moment. Same for the bath scenes in 3. Or the introspective shower scene in Xenosaga Ep 3. All of them were respectful, but they were still all anime fanservice. No, the cringe comes from silly, most often side moments that aren't usually part of the main plot but are a result of player choice (with some exceptions, Xenogears having a lot of these sprinkled around the main plot though, and 2 having a couple) like Blushy Crushy which is a totally optional event, or the Magical Girl Momo quest chain in Xenosaga. Cringe not necessarily meaning bad, optional silly moments are great for breaking up serious moods.
Love this video because fan service really does ruin good rpgs for me. I appreciate the throwbacks but I think it could be cool to make a list of more recent rpg’s that aren’t too “weeb” for lack of a better term
I wouldn't say it ruins it for me persay. There's just a time and place for it. And I think it can hinder some pacing/storytelling elements. If there is demand I'll def look into making a sequel video someday! Appreciate the comment.
@@bitsoftimemedia FF12 is a complex game, FF16 is way more streamlined and generally easier to pick up and play. FF12 is definitively more difficult with large open areas and gambit system
@@bitsoftimemedia Kind of, but they didn't buy any new studio for it. It was just the same people from Ubi who decide to work in smaller scale projects with their UbiArt Engine and gave us some of the best games from the company like Child of Light, Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends
they are adult bodies, they are just Asian proportions, though the most default kind. Partially DEI policy not to have sex appeal, but they had to reflect what's attractive to a Japanese audience.
@@bitsoftimemedia @blumiu2426 I think it's just a Japanese esthetic I've never liked. Not even saying it has to be this super revealing or anything. I'm just not in to fan service, and I'd call that a ham-handed attempt at it.
So what you mean is JRPGs without being trope heavy. These things aren't "anime" exclusive, you see them in Japanese live-action media. It's pop culture there and bleeds into all their entertainment in some way. So yes, tropes need to stop being a crutch so much, but it will be there to lesser degree in all their works. I think married men or men offended by fanservice should stop commenting on it as at that stage it's for a specific audience. Sex sells and men and women like seeing skin, and we are getting games from a country that doesn't have an issue with it by grand majority. The alternative would be games effected by DEI policy or entire focus of the game is Western, like Pillar's of Eternity.
@blumiu2426 Oh it's for sure not limited to only games and anime. Tropes cover every media type. And here's the thing I don't dislike tropes, they are popular for the reason, can they be over done sure? But the anime style does turn some people off and I think these games can help people get into the sect of RPGs (JRPGs) if they don't like some of the tropey elements (again not saying there bad). I don't mind fan service myself, but then again I think it can ruin the pacing or just be a distraction to the narrative. I loved it in FF7 Rebirth! if you couldn't tell from the video ha Not sure what the DEI policy focus comment means, but the Western style RPGs would be a good place to look for certain games that this video is converting. Never played PoE...maybe I'll add that to my personal list to check out. Appreciate the comment!
I'd argue that while Xenoblade 2 is basically a shounen anime crossed with a mobile gatcha, Xenoblade 1 & 3 (I'm still playing 3 atm) are simply "anime artstyle" that ocassionally draw on familiar storytelling tropes with 3 having more mature art style than the 1st game. Sure Definitive Edition lets you put your entire party in swimsuits if you wish to, but at least the camera doesn't focus on a fem characters' chest or butt whenever they're involved in a conversation
You got to a central problem I don’t even think I covered in the video. The camera decisions can take away/distract from an incredible story. I really like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but it’s kinda annoying how often that happens.
An incredible ending (especially if you’ve played 1) but getting to that point could be exhausting for some people. I wouldn’t blame them for moving onto other things because of some the artistic/directional choices
@@bitsoftimemedia the thing is that xenoblade 2 was make with limited resources half of the team was also working on tears of the kingdom, the blade gacha system was not mean to be 100 percent but to artificially make the game feel more personal since different people will get different blades in there playthrough BUT jrpg player been complicionist feel the necessity to get all the rare blade even it was not the intended idea, all characters are well develop different from 1 were half of the cast don't get character development, 3 fix the gacha problem with the hero's that are an improve version of that same idea of collatable optional character with quest but 3 drop all the anime humor but retain the tropes so if you are an anime fan you will find 2 more enjoyable since is unapologetically anime while 3 is still anime but remove some stuff to make it more main stream like if it was ashamed of been 100% anime like 2.
Do most people that play RPGs try to go 100%?
I’ve very rarely ever done that. Too many games and with some requiring multiple playthroughs it isn’t something I normally do 😅 there are some rare instances though
@@bitsoftimemedia I also never 100 but when it is a build in mechanic of the game that also expand the world is hard not try (been a gacha that is esencially gabling make it more adicting) if you play 3 and dont at least get all the heros and unlock there clases for your favorite character you just rush the game.
Trying to remember if Legend of Dragoon qualifies as an RPG without anime. It still holds up either way.
I know that one it’s a stretch…because it kinda has anime tropes, but that artstyle is so different and man does the end of disc 3 get wild.
Appreciate the comment!
Overall I liked your video. I think the description of option 1 was the best, instead of focusing just on the game and your own views, adding a second perspective "that your wive likes to watch" adds a unique perspective. The other options are fine, but without that added perspective it's a bit more dull
Appreciate the compliment and the criticism. Always good to have a balance. Thank for taking the time to comment.
I’m really ok with there being anime RPG’s, but I really miss the RPG’s without the anime
Some of my favorites are all anime artstyle and tropes, but there seems to be a lack of different looking/feeling RPGs as of late. Though this year 2024 we are eating good in the genre
I think it's because writers in Japan depend on it as a handicap too much. They don't have to focus on making more natural characters or events, but can regurgitate what's been done before. You see it a lot with doujin and light novels. I'll also point out it's not anime that is the issue, it's the tropes as I've been saying. The problem comes in with art direction feeling like it has to be as coupled with obvious tropes.
@@bitsoftimemedia One aspect is a clear "default" anime design is marketable. Something like Ghost in the Shell or Red Line would get ignored because it's still anime, but a more generic cute look is the mainstream. It also translates to what kind of story will be told. Notice Xenoblade is less mature than Xenogears and Xenosaga. It has serious parts, as did Star Ocean just as point of comparison, but you have the focus for characters and an atmosphere is considerably lighter.
What I don't like is the obsession with moe or cute in Japan, which is where the trope reliance in part comes from. This isn't the generation of past anime, manga and games that told broader stories. You still see them in manga, but the economy of Japan only allows what will sell. Cut e sells, what's for the youth sells. That narrows things down to an art direction. The most mature I suppose you get out of it is waifu culture, as that is mature yet still has the same art style. Shonen Jump is most of anime now, but we do see seinen doing just as well now, but not the same longevity.
With things costing more and more studios/creators do tend to follow trends. Sometimes that’s a good thing because we get a twist on an established genre/trope. But generally seems like money has a big component on whether to do something outside the established norm. Though, RPGs coming out of Japan celebrate when they sell a million copies which is great to see. Not everything has to be handfuls of millions to be successful.
Anime style def turns some people away immediately, it’s one of the reasons I made this video.
I think that’s changing for sure, but it still exists.
The greatest JRPG ever, Xenogears, is very anime. Takahashi admitted he was inspired by Gundam
Another video featuring more games would be nice. Thanks for the list!
Anytime!
Might do a follow up video in the future
I'm shocked that Battlechasers isn't on this list.
Never got around to that one. Worth diving into it sounds like?
@bitsoftimemedia it's one of the best not anime JRPG style games I've ever played.
@@LucasAndrowick I'll make sure to add this to the play sooner rather than later pile. Appreciate it!
Ah, you mean JRPG's without heavy handed anime tropes. Because western devs make rpg's too lol. Witcher 3? Diablo? Baldurs gate? Although western devs dont really seem to do turn based games outside of isometric crpgs and indie projects.
Good point! Could definitely include some western RPGs in a follow up video.
I hope BG3 selling well and winning awards makes other companies realize turn based can still be lucrative.
I'd agree because after watching this video the only game I would say isn't anime is Child of Light. While they do use an artstyle that is a bit cartoony it's not what I would consider anime nor many people I know. Many people I know consider a game to be anime themed based on the graphics or artstyle as well so xenogears, and all the final fantasy games mentioned in this video would be considered anime to them and if they didn't like anime they wouldn't even consider giving these games a shot. Even parasite eve while a horror rpg style game as very anime like graphics and may likely get avoided.
I like the anime visual style but sometimes the overly early 2000's anime tropes make me want to lay down on a highway
That escalated quickly hahaha
I love the anime style too. But it’s not for everyone for sure.
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time would be a great choice for a future video!
I've only dabbled with Star Ocean. Good call. If I get around to it and make a sequel video I'll probably add it!
@bitsoftimemedia sweet!
Parasite Eve's game play holds up over the years. I bought the game at launch and have done a few playthroughs since.
It really does.
A unique RPG in every sense of the matter.
Appreciate the comment and the Parasite Eve love
How did this have Legend of Dragoon music and not have Legend of Dragoon included in the list?!
Good ears👂
Maybe a future list…
I still maintain one of the best intro into rpgs is FF10 good story characters and the battle system (Despite your first game of blitz ball)
FF10 really sucks you into the story. Highly intriguing opening, plus a pretty unique setting back to back for an RPG in general.
I want a stand alone real time blitzball game so bad 😅
Xenogears and Final Fantasy 6 are tied as my favorite games ever. The only thing I HATED about Xenogears was the platforming. I'm like my gears can fly. Looking at you Tower of Babel.
A quality freaking duality of games.
I thought the platforming broke up the experience…it just wasn’t implemented the best 😅
I don't know if I would consider Child of Light an indy game. Under the impression that it was developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, at least according to their steam page and it's availability on Ubisoft Connect. Last I checked Ubisoft was a triple A developer/publisher. The game does give off indy game vibes though for sure.
Lol FF 12 is star wars they even have their sexy Chewbacca.
Sexy Chewbacca 😅😅 never heard that description before
I think this has been said and disproved by a review because people tend to say it. Very little to nothing of Star War's plot is in the game.
@@blumiu2426 Agreed. It's more of a feeling of the cities/politics that feels a bit more like Star Wars (not actually being like Star Wars)
if were talking RPGs in general why not some amercan ones? dragonage O to Inquisition is great games ( we don't talk about vail guard) if we are talking shooters mass effect techilly counts. but if they want to risk it dirge of cerberus FF7 is also a pick but the controls don't age as well. if they want strategy final fantasy tactics is another great one. another RPG is legend of dragon it ages well with its game play ( not the random encounters) and i think there was a few pokemon RPGs from back in the day i forget what they are called seeing i never played. but it might be worth the look.
The confusion comes in by saying RPG, because it's broad. JRPG is specific to what is in Japanese culture and direction of their games. The two are polar opposites most often unless the goal of either is to make their game in the design aspects of that country. It contradicts people just wanting to use "RPG" only when they state clear differences between them in game design.
Never played Dragon Age Origins myself but that could be included in’s future video if I get around to that game ( I think I own it on the PS3)
Legend of Dragoon is a good pick 👍
I do need to get around to FF Tactics. Got into SRPGs late in the game and it’s one I want to go back to for sure
Xenogears "it's anime but not anime" where there are giant mecha, mechs that combine into a bigger mech, a mech that shoots it's pilot out it's gun, a naked purple haired woman in anime cutscene, a cute mascot character that grows giant sized, martial arts with chi attacks, two whole arena arcs... uh huh. 😂
Yes, the underlying story is deep and very philosophical and the worldbuilding is incredible...but it's the most anime out of all the Xeno series and includes more fanservice and cringe than Xenoblade 2 as well (which also has a deep and philosophical story with amazing worldbuilding). 😊
You lost me at the more cringe/fanservice than XB2 😅
@bitsoftimemedia xenogears has... anime nudity far less censored in it than XB2. 2 just has the bath scene and everything is covered. Fei and Elly also have sex, which isn't shown super explicitly or anything because PS1 graphics and not an anime cutscene...but it does happen. Nothing like that in 2 at all.
I see what you’re saying and that for sure happens. But I wouldn’t say those scenes are cringe/fanservice myself.
I believe they are done with care and are pretty emotional. That relationship is one of my favorite aspects of Xenogears
@bitsoftimemedia oh I agree. But on the same token, I think the bath scene in 2 is done with care as well...a bit of humor sure, but it was an important bit of girl's downtime with some foreshadowing in and was pretty respectful overall. It didn't have the guys barging in or some silly panty raid antics or any of that nonsense. It was just a character moment. Same for the bath scenes in 3. Or the introspective shower scene in Xenosaga Ep 3. All of them were respectful, but they were still all anime fanservice.
No, the cringe comes from silly, most often side moments that aren't usually part of the main plot but are a result of player choice (with some exceptions, Xenogears having a lot of these sprinkled around the main plot though, and 2 having a couple) like Blushy Crushy which is a totally optional event, or the Magical Girl Momo quest chain in Xenosaga. Cringe not necessarily meaning bad, optional silly moments are great for breaking up serious moods.
Making some good points!
Love this video because fan service really does ruin good rpgs for me. I appreciate the throwbacks but I think it could be cool to make a list of more recent rpg’s that aren’t too “weeb” for lack of a better term
I wouldn't say it ruins it for me persay. There's just a time and place for it. And I think it can hinder some pacing/storytelling elements.
If there is demand I'll def look into making a sequel video someday!
Appreciate the comment.
I would suggest FF16 instead of 12 since it is more mature with more adult themes and (generally) good dialogue.
Yeah but FFXVI is inflating with murdering people. Just too much
I don’t think I would personally swap those two, but I could see your reasoning for wanting to.
I’m uncertain what you’re saying in comparison to FF12
@@bitsoftimemedia FF12 is a complex game, FF16 is way more streamlined and generally easier to pick up and play. FF12 is definitively more difficult with large open areas and gambit system
FFXVI doesn't hold a candle to FFXII. I think the consensus reflects that if the two are compared.
I love anime, but anime rpgs I often cannot enjoy. It is all about the art style. I hate polygonal 3D anime characters.
Child of Light, indie? I mean it's made by Ubisoft! One of the best from Ubisoft, but it's not an indie game although it can feel like one.
You could be right. I was thinking it was more like EA’s indie division. Unsure if Ubisoft Fun House is a similar concept…
@@bitsoftimemedia Kind of, but they didn't buy any new studio for it. It was just the same people from Ubi who decide to work in smaller scale projects with their UbiArt Engine and gave us some of the best games from the company like Child of Light, Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends
Ahhh gotcha, I think I get it. Ow.
Appreciate the information!
What does not fly here is the acting
It can take a bit to get used to 😅
There is nothing wrong with fanservice
rpgs with animation? zork? the fuck?
The Tifa / Aerith bathing suits were goofy as hell. Child's bathing suits on vaguely adult bodies. Took me out of the "plot" immediately.
they are adult bodies, they are just Asian proportions, though the most default kind. Partially DEI policy not to have sex appeal, but they had to reflect what's attractive to a Japanese audience.
I don’t get the child bathing suits comment. They look pretty normal to me.
@@bitsoftimemedia He likely means how they are more modest bathing suits as SE isn't going to show them in more typical two piece.
@@bitsoftimemedia @blumiu2426 I think it's just a Japanese esthetic I've never liked. Not even saying it has to be this super revealing or anything. I'm just not in to fan service, and I'd call that a ham-handed attempt at it.
I don't think you know what anime is! Anime doesn't mean 'focus on the tits and arse'
If you haven't played certain jrpg titles involving harem characters play arm candy with a female cast you obviously didn't get the message 🤔
So what you mean is JRPGs without being trope heavy. These things aren't "anime" exclusive, you see them in Japanese live-action media. It's pop culture there and bleeds into all their entertainment in some way. So yes, tropes need to stop being a crutch so much, but it will be there to lesser degree in all their works. I think married men or men offended by fanservice should stop commenting on it as at that stage it's for a specific audience. Sex sells and men and women like seeing skin, and we are getting games from a country that doesn't have an issue with it by grand majority. The alternative would be games effected by DEI policy or entire focus of the game is Western, like Pillar's of Eternity.
@blumiu2426
Oh it's for sure not limited to only games and anime. Tropes cover every media type. And here's the thing I don't dislike tropes, they are popular for the reason, can they be over done sure? But the anime style does turn some people off and I think these games can help people get into the sect of RPGs (JRPGs) if they don't like some of the tropey elements (again not saying there bad).
I don't mind fan service myself, but then again I think it can ruin the pacing or just be a distraction to the narrative. I loved it in FF7 Rebirth! if you couldn't tell from the video ha
Not sure what the DEI policy focus comment means, but the Western style RPGs would be a good place to look for certain games that this video is converting. Never played PoE...maybe I'll add that to my personal list to check out.
Appreciate the comment!