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Great read! I totally agree! Except for Diablo-style RPGs (Champions of Norrath is my fav RPG ever!) and TimeSplitters, I don't really care for Western games that much. I really want Japan to be the king of games once again. I think Square was to the PS1 what Rare was to the N64.
This problem is really rooted in Japanese culture as a whole right now.
It's why I mention anime, because it too is in a sad state of decline. Gundam and Final Fantasy might as well be interchangeable.
We haven't seen a really good, fresh, creative Gundam in a while. Seed is based off of the original series, season 1 of 00 is Gundam Wing, season 2 is Zeta Gundam. Gundam Unicorn is simply a regurgitation of the original UC timeline.
It's an apt comparison to the endless Final Fantasy 7 spin-offs and remakes we've been getting.
It's why I mention anime, because it too is in a sad state of decline. Gundam and Final Fantasy might as well be interchangeable.
We haven't seen a really good, fresh, creative Gundam in a while. Seed is based off of the original series, season 1 of 00 is Gundam Wing, season 2 is Zeta Gundam. Gundam Unicorn is simply a regurgitation of the original UC timeline.
It's an apt comparison to the endless Final Fantasy 7 spin-offs and remakes we've been getting.
Good blog, but I do slightly disagree with one part
"..people are going to catch on and stop buying the shitty games they slap Final Fantasy titles onto, if these trends keep up."
Although I'm sure some will abandon the series, many will continue to purchase them. The brands become to huge now, they have to make many major mistakes to sink. Not only that, but it's hard to abandon a series, for instance I loved Kingdom Hearts, but after Birth by Sleep I've really come to dislike the series. I've realized that I haven't really liked anything since KH2, and even KH2 kinda disappointed me on account of how much of a cakewalk it was. I've invested so much time and money into the series it's difficult to just walk away. It's almost like walking out at the last half hour of a film you really liked, but then went awful. It really makes me question if I should continue playing these spinoff until they finally make KH3, but at the same time I'm tired of these mediocre games, that repeat the same worlds and characters, and this convoluted storyline that keeps raising more questions than it's answering. I know the series is going down the drain, but it's so hard to abandon it. It's like saying goodbye to a close friend, it's not that you necessarily hate them, it's more that you're annoyed by them now.
It's pretty much like being in an abusive relationship, some people know that it's bad, but they continue to stay. While others lie to themselves and say things have never been better. Only in this case instead of being abusive it's more about putting up with mediocre games that are all style with very little substance.
"..people are going to catch on and stop buying the shitty games they slap Final Fantasy titles onto, if these trends keep up."
Although I'm sure some will abandon the series, many will continue to purchase them. The brands become to huge now, they have to make many major mistakes to sink. Not only that, but it's hard to abandon a series, for instance I loved Kingdom Hearts, but after Birth by Sleep I've really come to dislike the series. I've realized that I haven't really liked anything since KH2, and even KH2 kinda disappointed me on account of how much of a cakewalk it was. I've invested so much time and money into the series it's difficult to just walk away. It's almost like walking out at the last half hour of a film you really liked, but then went awful. It really makes me question if I should continue playing these spinoff until they finally make KH3, but at the same time I'm tired of these mediocre games, that repeat the same worlds and characters, and this convoluted storyline that keeps raising more questions than it's answering. I know the series is going down the drain, but it's so hard to abandon it. It's like saying goodbye to a close friend, it's not that you necessarily hate them, it's more that you're annoyed by them now.
It's pretty much like being in an abusive relationship, some people know that it's bad, but they continue to stay. While others lie to themselves and say things have never been better. Only in this case instead of being abusive it's more about putting up with mediocre games that are all style with very little substance.
Great read, but I have to agree with Scissors. There will always be those who will buy anything that says Final Fantasy on it (I'm sad to include myself in that category).
i think part of the problem, which you alluded to, is that too many developers and publishers are entranced with the goal of making a "blockbuster success" instead of trying to make a unique, fun game.
look at the anime and games you mentioned, some of the best ones were not created to achieve mass success, they were created to be an original idea, and achieved mass success because of that.
great read, i think you're on to something!
look at the anime and games you mentioned, some of the best ones were not created to achieve mass success, they were created to be an original idea, and achieved mass success because of that.
great read, i think you're on to something!
Remember G Gundam? There was a Gundam series you could be proud of. It had everything, awesome plot, action, and homo-erotic undertones.
Anyways, that was a weird tangent. Great read and I whole heartily agree. Quick question only because I don't really know and you might, but can Japanese companies no longer turn a profit in Japan or are they just looking for a slice of the good ol' American money pie?
Anyways, that was a weird tangent. Great read and I whole heartily agree. Quick question only because I don't really know and you might, but can Japanese companies no longer turn a profit in Japan or are they just looking for a slice of the good ol' American money pie?
I have to totally disagree with the whole Final Fantasy argument. If it was the same game every year you make an good argument but it's not. The game play changes each sequel and the story is as whimsical and imaginative as always. Honestly, people don't give games a chance. They want something they can play right out of the box and can continue to play online. People just don't care for the Japanese style story anymore and that's one of the reason people say they just don't like games like FFXIII yet they praise Mass Effect because it's more action oriented.
Good article but i don't understand FF issue here ? are you trying to tell unique games is the holy grail of gaming or what ?
You brought up Catherine which is funny in a way for one unique game we have got Persona 3, Persona 3 fes, P1P , P2P , P3P and soon P4P that makes it 4 non original games which is counter your argument. Same could be said against Yakuza series.
Then we have Parasite Eve that game is RE-esque survival horror RPG which was more commercially viable blockbuster RPG at that time than any of SQEX TGS2011 lineup now. That leave me to think that you just want a niche and obscure games to satisfy your needs no more, correct me if i am wrong ?
You brought up Catherine which is funny in a way for one unique game we have got Persona 3, Persona 3 fes, P1P , P2P , P3P and soon P4P that makes it 4 non original games which is counter your argument. Same could be said against Yakuza series.
Then we have Parasite Eve that game is RE-esque survival horror RPG which was more commercially viable blockbuster RPG at that time than any of SQEX TGS2011 lineup now. That leave me to think that you just want a niche and obscure games to satisfy your needs no more, correct me if i am wrong ?
Good article but i don't understand FF issue here ? are you trying to tell unique games is the holy grail of gaming or what ?
You brought up Catherine which is funny in a way for one unique game we have got Persona 3, Persona 3 fes, P1P , P2P , P3P and soon P4P that makes it 4 non original games which is counter your argument. Same could be said against Yakuza series.
Then we have Parasite Eve that game is RE-esque survival horror RPG which was more commercially viable blockbuster RPG at that time than any of SQEX TGS2011 lineup now. That leave me to think that you just want a niche and obscure games to satisfy your needs no more, correct me if i am wrong ?
You brought up Catherine which is funny in a way for one unique game we have got Persona 3, Persona 3 fes, P1P , P2P , P3P and soon P4P that makes it 4 non original games which is counter your argument. Same could be said against Yakuza series.
Then we have Parasite Eve that game is RE-esque survival horror RPG which was more commercially viable blockbuster RPG at that time than any of SQEX TGS2011 lineup now. That leave me to think that you just want a niche and obscure games to satisfy your needs no more, correct me if i am wrong ?
On the Final Fantasy issue: In the near term, no, people probably won't stop buying the games. But I'll say this: XIII-2 will be the first Final Fantasy game I will not buy. And I've been buying them since 7.
It's hard to ruin 25 years worth of credibility with one or two games. The problem is that the innovation is becoming downward sloping, and the name brand is tarnished. It's not inevitable, but at this current rate...it's jut not sustainable in the long run. Final Fantasy is not doing as well as it used to. It's why Square is losing money on everything it makes in Japan right now, reporting 62% quarterly profit losses.
There's still time improve. But not at this rate.
@Shin - I'm talking more of Persona when it first came out. The series I all mentioned all did end up going that commercialized route.
I should have mentioned Front Mission Evolved, because it also fits perfectly.
I don't think it counter my argument - rather, it proves it. Japan does not dream anymore, they feast off the corpses of their dead franchises: Persona, Yakuza, Front Mission, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy. What were once revolutionary titles have fallen exactly into the problem I'm talking about.
Though I still buy Yakuza because I think it's important to reward games being localized which are outside the mainstream of our market, to encourage other companies to localize Japanese games.
@Mitch - Yeah, you're right. It isn't quite the word I was looking for. Thanks.
It's hard to ruin 25 years worth of credibility with one or two games. The problem is that the innovation is becoming downward sloping, and the name brand is tarnished. It's not inevitable, but at this current rate...it's jut not sustainable in the long run. Final Fantasy is not doing as well as it used to. It's why Square is losing money on everything it makes in Japan right now, reporting 62% quarterly profit losses.
There's still time improve. But not at this rate.
@Shin - I'm talking more of Persona when it first came out. The series I all mentioned all did end up going that commercialized route.
I should have mentioned Front Mission Evolved, because it also fits perfectly.
I don't think it counter my argument - rather, it proves it. Japan does not dream anymore, they feast off the corpses of their dead franchises: Persona, Yakuza, Front Mission, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy. What were once revolutionary titles have fallen exactly into the problem I'm talking about.
Though I still buy Yakuza because I think it's important to reward games being localized which are outside the mainstream of our market, to encourage other companies to localize Japanese games.
@Mitch - Yeah, you're right. It isn't quite the word I was looking for. Thanks.
The problem isn't whether or not Japan is "dreaming", the problem is money and the HD era of games.
Japanese developers never really jumped on the HD bandwagon because portable games are so big over there, plus the costs involved in making a HD game are so high. When a game costs over $20 million to make, they want to make as much money as possible back, so they feel they need to appeal to the West, especially since here HD gaming is so much more popular than portable gaming. Since they don't have nearly as much experience with HD game development, they look to the West for how it's done, and that's why they end up looking so Western.
You only seem to look at home console HD games in your examples. There are still lots of quirky Japanese games being made, but you have to look on portable systems like the PSP or DS. Remember, the PSP was the #1 selling console last year, portable or otherwise, which is a far cry from its complete lack of popularity here.
The reason companies want to make as much money as Activision or EA is because HD games cost a lot of money to make. To make any profit, they have to sell a ton of them. This is true for Western or Japanese games. This is why most interesting, original games these days are made by small indie developers with small budgets.
The question of whether Japan is "dreaming" or not may be poetic, but I think if you actually look at the facts, it's really about money and HD vs portable games. There is no lack of interesting, original stuff coming out of Japan--you just have to know where to look at it, and big-budget HD games are not where it's at.
Japanese developers never really jumped on the HD bandwagon because portable games are so big over there, plus the costs involved in making a HD game are so high. When a game costs over $20 million to make, they want to make as much money as possible back, so they feel they need to appeal to the West, especially since here HD gaming is so much more popular than portable gaming. Since they don't have nearly as much experience with HD game development, they look to the West for how it's done, and that's why they end up looking so Western.
You only seem to look at home console HD games in your examples. There are still lots of quirky Japanese games being made, but you have to look on portable systems like the PSP or DS. Remember, the PSP was the #1 selling console last year, portable or otherwise, which is a far cry from its complete lack of popularity here.
The reason companies want to make as much money as Activision or EA is because HD games cost a lot of money to make. To make any profit, they have to sell a ton of them. This is true for Western or Japanese games. This is why most interesting, original games these days are made by small indie developers with small budgets.
The question of whether Japan is "dreaming" or not may be poetic, but I think if you actually look at the facts, it's really about money and HD vs portable games. There is no lack of interesting, original stuff coming out of Japan--you just have to know where to look at it, and big-budget HD games are not where it's at.
@Jeff - There's a problem with focusing too much on which console is selling the most. If that was the main, most important criteria, me, you, and everyone else should only be focusing on the Wii.
But as we know, even though a lot of Wiis have been sold, most of those owners generally don't buy a lot of games for the system. It's that casual/hardcore market. The typical "gamer" is going to spend more money on software for a PS3 or 360 than the millions of casual, family users would for their Wii. The money has always been on software, so I think it'd be interesting to see what the software numbers and sales are for the PSP compared to HD consoles.
The money has everything to do with why Japan stopped dreaming. That was the point of the post. The problem is that Japan's strength has been able to kind of bang out these surprise, interesting successes out of nowhere, and blow everyone out of the water with these crazy games.
Ironically, like Final Fantasy I, for instance.
But my point is that they're approaching the money aspect all wrong. The dreaming part, the way they used to do business, is probably the best way they're going to make money. Trying to emulate the West is why Square is reporting 61% profit losses.
That's really my main point. They saw Activision and EA making truck tons, and said: Hey! Look at the opportunity costs we're sinking away! We could be making money like them!
But they can't. They can't make money like Activision and EA, because they're just at a cultural disadvantage, from the heads of the studios right down to the programmer typing away at the game itself.
It's all about opportunity cost. Japan thinks it can be Activision, and it can't. Trying to be Activision, trying to push out games like Quantum Theory and Front Mission Evolved...Square would have sold way more money with a Front Mission 6 than that horrible, horrible game.
That's what I'm driving at.
But as we know, even though a lot of Wiis have been sold, most of those owners generally don't buy a lot of games for the system. It's that casual/hardcore market. The typical "gamer" is going to spend more money on software for a PS3 or 360 than the millions of casual, family users would for their Wii. The money has always been on software, so I think it'd be interesting to see what the software numbers and sales are for the PSP compared to HD consoles.
The money has everything to do with why Japan stopped dreaming. That was the point of the post. The problem is that Japan's strength has been able to kind of bang out these surprise, interesting successes out of nowhere, and blow everyone out of the water with these crazy games.
Ironically, like Final Fantasy I, for instance.
But my point is that they're approaching the money aspect all wrong. The dreaming part, the way they used to do business, is probably the best way they're going to make money. Trying to emulate the West is why Square is reporting 61% profit losses.
That's really my main point. They saw Activision and EA making truck tons, and said: Hey! Look at the opportunity costs we're sinking away! We could be making money like them!
But they can't. They can't make money like Activision and EA, because they're just at a cultural disadvantage, from the heads of the studios right down to the programmer typing away at the game itself.
It's all about opportunity cost. Japan thinks it can be Activision, and it can't. Trying to be Activision, trying to push out games like Quantum Theory and Front Mission Evolved...Square would have sold way more money with a Front Mission 6 than that horrible, horrible game.
That's what I'm driving at.
Man, that last comment was so full of errors. Don't comment and rush to work, kids.
@LawOfThermalDynamics - I think that's exactly it: Japan wants a piece of that American pie. But the main question is, what is the best way of getting it?
Japan thinks it's copying the West.
It's not panning out so well though, lol.
@LawOfThermalDynamics - I think that's exactly it: Japan wants a piece of that American pie. But the main question is, what is the best way of getting it?
Japan thinks it's copying the West.
It's not panning out so well though, lol.
I think I should also clarify that I'm not necessarily saying that franchises and sequels are a bad thing. I think they're a bad thing when they either don't innovate or improve, or take serious steps backwards to try to emulate certain "Western" design features that don't necessarily match.
Like FFXIII being purposely designed as a hallway shooter, to mimic Call of Duty.
I think there is a room for franchises and sequels, but...there's a fine line between advancing a franchise and exploiting it.
Also, this problem is alive and well in Hollywood right now. Everything I said can be flipped over to the American movie industry. Constant remakes and regurgitations of comic books and what have you.
So it's not something isolated to Japan. The pursuit of profit trumps creativity, but: Like the Japanese game industry and the American film industry, both are taking huge losses of profits with that mindset.
Sometimes, you do have to take risks to make money.
Like FFXIII being purposely designed as a hallway shooter, to mimic Call of Duty.
I think there is a room for franchises and sequels, but...there's a fine line between advancing a franchise and exploiting it.
Also, this problem is alive and well in Hollywood right now. Everything I said can be flipped over to the American movie industry. Constant remakes and regurgitations of comic books and what have you.
So it's not something isolated to Japan. The pursuit of profit trumps creativity, but: Like the Japanese game industry and the American film industry, both are taking huge losses of profits with that mindset.
Sometimes, you do have to take risks to make money.
I think in general their just behind talent wise, whether it's a breakdown in communication with tool sets or what I don't know... but Square was once the top tier Eastern dev whom now puts out mediocre titles and states it'd take them 10 years to remake FF7... 10 years on a REMAKE?!?!? That to me indicates they're doing it wrong. I think stubborn design philosophy's along with and unwillingness to take chances is really hurting them.
Like hey Konami why not put out an HD Suikoden 6 in 2D? Fan's would eat up a Suikoden 6 made with II's engine but HD and voice acted. I know I would and it'd be cheaper to make. And why isn't every handheld release also pushed out onto XBL/PSN? I think they need to build an easy porting system as those platforms are missed opportunities for Handheld releases, yes you have some on PSN but that isn't good enough! Okay i'll stop ranting.
Like hey Konami why not put out an HD Suikoden 6 in 2D? Fan's would eat up a Suikoden 6 made with II's engine but HD and voice acted. I know I would and it'd be cheaper to make. And why isn't every handheld release also pushed out onto XBL/PSN? I think they need to build an easy porting system as those platforms are missed opportunities for Handheld releases, yes you have some on PSN but that isn't good enough! Okay i'll stop ranting.
@Stealth - Well, if you'd like to support that claim with specific points and/or evidence, I'd be more than glad to look at it.
You know what company has sold the most software this year so far?
Any guesses?
ps its not a western game maker
Any guesses?
ps its not a western game maker
@Revuhlooshun
Sorry I am not being angry towards you or wish you malice. This topic just burns me up has a huge importer and purchaser of anything and everything all over the world.
Sorry I am not being angry towards you or wish you malice. This topic just burns me up has a huge importer and purchaser of anything and everything all over the world.
Yeah, you ever came up with the idea that saying "Western Market" is outdated?
You know, the western Market references too a lot of countries not just one like the japanese Market does..
But oh well, group bullying one country its what the west does best right?
Besides your points are completely off, japanese folks still produce more Cyberpunk / Steampunk stuff than any other nation and both don't come from japan. The only Sci Fi Genre really unique to Japan is the whole Mecha thing thats why Gundam Z is still named as the pinnacle of japanese Sci-Fi. Even tough the Galactical Hero saga may be better, but thats more political, niche and about fleet commandants instead of a Cyberpunk or Mecha Anime. I also don't see a decline in quality anime since most of the good anime series came out after 2000.
In the end your points aren't true at all and anyone who forgets the great NES and SNES RPG Days should just stop talking about the term JRPG or Japanese gaming in general.
In the end the whole discussion is a joke because everyone seems to be on a too high horse to notice that the western economy is depleeting while China and other far east nations still are growing. And in the Chinese Market japanese Games have a great advantage over western ones: They are from a similiar culture. In the end if they stick to being japanese they will crush Activision by normal Economy Development because the US and the EU are declining.
You know, the western Market references too a lot of countries not just one like the japanese Market does..
But oh well, group bullying one country its what the west does best right?
Besides your points are completely off, japanese folks still produce more Cyberpunk / Steampunk stuff than any other nation and both don't come from japan. The only Sci Fi Genre really unique to Japan is the whole Mecha thing thats why Gundam Z is still named as the pinnacle of japanese Sci-Fi. Even tough the Galactical Hero saga may be better, but thats more political, niche and about fleet commandants instead of a Cyberpunk or Mecha Anime. I also don't see a decline in quality anime since most of the good anime series came out after 2000.
In the end your points aren't true at all and anyone who forgets the great NES and SNES RPG Days should just stop talking about the term JRPG or Japanese gaming in general.
In the end the whole discussion is a joke because everyone seems to be on a too high horse to notice that the western economy is depleeting while China and other far east nations still are growing. And in the Chinese Market japanese Games have a great advantage over western ones: They are from a similiar culture. In the end if they stick to being japanese they will crush Activision by normal Economy Development because the US and the EU are declining.
Well the first thing I would mention is look at the rpg genre.
What was the 1 region that created a new sub genre of rpg this gen? The sports rpg?
What was the 1 region that used new art styles in rpgs such as hd sprites, water colors, ect that really made things look visually different?
All I am saying is originality must be on a game by game, genre by genre basis.
There shouldnt be a tarp of generalizations that cover literally everything about japan and say, yep japan sucks
Because in reality theres things in the east and west that stink, and things in the east and west that rule. Much like any other gen
What was the 1 region that created a new sub genre of rpg this gen? The sports rpg?
What was the 1 region that used new art styles in rpgs such as hd sprites, water colors, ect that really made things look visually different?
All I am saying is originality must be on a game by game, genre by genre basis.
There shouldnt be a tarp of generalizations that cover literally everything about japan and say, yep japan sucks
Because in reality theres things in the east and west that stink, and things in the east and west that rule. Much like any other gen
@Stealth - Oh, it's fine. I have thick skin anyways, lol. I am genuinely curious though.
I think I should have clarified as well that I'm speaking more that Japan is not supporting creative endeavors in the West like they used to. My arguments are specifically targeting and dealing with Western markets, and by that I mean North America.
Because as you're insinuating, and others have also pointed at, there is still creativity in Japan.
The burning question, at least in my mind, and that I tried to answer here, is: Why are they not supporting that creativity here, when it was what made them so much money in the first place?
But sincerely, if you have anything to add or want to refute, I don't take it personally.
I think I should have clarified as well that I'm speaking more that Japan is not supporting creative endeavors in the West like they used to. My arguments are specifically targeting and dealing with Western markets, and by that I mean North America.
Because as you're insinuating, and others have also pointed at, there is still creativity in Japan.
The burning question, at least in my mind, and that I tried to answer here, is: Why are they not supporting that creativity here, when it was what made them so much money in the first place?
But sincerely, if you have anything to add or want to refute, I don't take it personally.
I actually just got Yakuza 3, It's probably one of the most fun games I've ever played. The combat is simple but not repetitive, the main story is good, and the sub-stories are hilarious.
And the answer to my first question is nintendo
Nintendo has sold the most software for the beginning of this year and they did it with SUPRISE
a jrpg. Pokemon black white. Really really amazing games that I would take over other western rpgs I have played this year like dragon age 2, dungeon siege, risen 2.............
Nintendo has sold the most software for the beginning of this year and they did it with SUPRISE
a jrpg. Pokemon black white. Really really amazing games that I would take over other western rpgs I have played this year like dragon age 2, dungeon siege, risen 2.............
While "The West" is making itself as bland as it can possibly be, with its own GOW and COD rip-offs, "The East" is putting new energy into old worn out ideas. Catherine and Demon's Souls may not sell particularly well, but among niche markets, and in reviews, they've both been tremendous successes.
Also, this idea of "The Golden Age of Japanese Games" is a falsehood right from the getgo. What is Metal Gear Solid but a pastiche of American movie clichés? Isn't calling those games "very Bladerunner" similar to calling them uninspired rehashes of Western styles?
In sum, you're wrong because not much has changed and things from Japan are just as cool as they used to be.
Also, this idea of "The Golden Age of Japanese Games" is a falsehood right from the getgo. What is Metal Gear Solid but a pastiche of American movie clichés? Isn't calling those games "very Bladerunner" similar to calling them uninspired rehashes of Western styles?
In sum, you're wrong because not much has changed and things from Japan are just as cool as they used to be.
@Janklogs
And you are insulting. I import games from all over the world, japan, europe, korea, everywhere
I am a lover of all types of games
But I would never make a broad generalization of over 4000 japanese games this gen and say they all suck.........thats not fair
And you are insulting. I import games from all over the world, japan, europe, korea, everywhere
I am a lover of all types of games
But I would never make a broad generalization of over 4000 japanese games this gen and say they all suck.........thats not fair
@Cudgeon - My intention is not to bully anybody.
Japan still produces sci fi - for themselves. For all intents and purposes, it's died here in the U.S., unless everybody else is finding these awesome games like Front Mission and Xenogears that I'm not able to.
Because I'd really love to play games like those here again, without having to search for them and import them.
Japan still produces sci fi - for themselves. For all intents and purposes, it's died here in the U.S., unless everybody else is finding these awesome games like Front Mission and Xenogears that I'm not able to.
Because I'd really love to play games like those here again, without having to search for them and import them.
Japan started getting obsessed with their over the top cutscenes and creating new words and names for their characters. If they only had to work on the SNES for the rest of time, they'd be amazing
@Revuhlooshun
While you are right about Gundam, look at the franchise as a whole. It's always had drastic quality dips. SEED and 00 are very original and Wing, but that isn't really a bad thing. 00 actually improved a lot on what Wing got wrong and managed to be an over-all fun series. I'm not going to sit here and defend SEED because it's one of those love it or hate it series, but I think they did something interesting in the second half of the series when they moved away from the path of the original series (the big reveal was beyond stupid though). SEED Destiny on the other hand is basically ZZ, no redeeming value what-so-ever. I haven't seen anything beyond the first episode of Unicorn so I'll take your word for it.
Over-all I agree with a lot of your points and also about anime in general. That said, you can argue that there wasn't a lot of creativity in the 90s either. Sure you had games you mentioned and many others as well, but there was also a lot of "me too" games coming out. Japanese companies flooded the western market with mediocre and bad games (same with anime) with no regard to how it would affect the market. That really hurt the potential they had. Now they're stuck trying to figure out how to fix it. Like you said the whole "copy the west" thing just isn't working and it has helped to drive the Japanese game market into the ground recently.
A game like Parasite Eve wouldn't get made today on a modern console simply because it wouldn't likely sell enough to make it's money back. The reason we're not seeing as many unique Japanese console games now as we did in the 90s has a lot to do with cost and consumer trends. Handhelds and mobile devices rule Japan and for the most part sales don't justify pushing millions of dollars into console development. Developing a game on the PS1 is a few orders of magnitude cheaper than developing for the PS3 or 360. So we're seeing less and less big Japanese games because in the west the PSP is dead and the DS doesn't really have a huge hardcore following and companies like Atlus and XSEED can only push out so many risky titles at once.
In short: You present one issue, but it's not the entire picture of it. It is a very big and very complex issue that can not be summed up simply and there is no real easy fix for it.
While you are right about Gundam, look at the franchise as a whole. It's always had drastic quality dips. SEED and 00 are very original and Wing, but that isn't really a bad thing. 00 actually improved a lot on what Wing got wrong and managed to be an over-all fun series. I'm not going to sit here and defend SEED because it's one of those love it or hate it series, but I think they did something interesting in the second half of the series when they moved away from the path of the original series (the big reveal was beyond stupid though). SEED Destiny on the other hand is basically ZZ, no redeeming value what-so-ever. I haven't seen anything beyond the first episode of Unicorn so I'll take your word for it.
Over-all I agree with a lot of your points and also about anime in general. That said, you can argue that there wasn't a lot of creativity in the 90s either. Sure you had games you mentioned and many others as well, but there was also a lot of "me too" games coming out. Japanese companies flooded the western market with mediocre and bad games (same with anime) with no regard to how it would affect the market. That really hurt the potential they had. Now they're stuck trying to figure out how to fix it. Like you said the whole "copy the west" thing just isn't working and it has helped to drive the Japanese game market into the ground recently.
A game like Parasite Eve wouldn't get made today on a modern console simply because it wouldn't likely sell enough to make it's money back. The reason we're not seeing as many unique Japanese console games now as we did in the 90s has a lot to do with cost and consumer trends. Handhelds and mobile devices rule Japan and for the most part sales don't justify pushing millions of dollars into console development. Developing a game on the PS1 is a few orders of magnitude cheaper than developing for the PS3 or 360. So we're seeing less and less big Japanese games because in the west the PSP is dead and the DS doesn't really have a huge hardcore following and companies like Atlus and XSEED can only push out so many risky titles at once.
In short: You present one issue, but it's not the entire picture of it. It is a very big and very complex issue that can not be summed up simply and there is no real easy fix for it.
@Sparrow15 - When I speak of Blade Runner, I'm speaking of their artistic style, not necessarily the games themselves.
Also, even though Metal Gear has some obvious Western influences, they're very shallow. I've never seen any type of U.S. movie involving a nuclear armed tank like that. To imply that MGS is itself a ripoff, and not creative at all, is a little questionable.
Also, even though Metal Gear has some obvious Western influences, they're very shallow. I've never seen any type of U.S. movie involving a nuclear armed tank like that. To imply that MGS is itself a ripoff, and not creative at all, is a little questionable.
@Revuhlooshun
super robot wars........ mechs.........war........awesomeness
xenoblade
strange journies: very cyber punk
Devil survivor series : Same as above.
I am not thinking of a ton but still its out there.........
super robot wars........ mechs.........war........awesomeness
xenoblade
strange journies: very cyber punk
Devil survivor series : Same as above.
I am not thinking of a ton but still its out there.........
@Derangel - Oh, it's definitely more complex. My intent wasn't to list through all of Japan's woes and shortcomings. There's also a resistance to using pre-built engines, along with others and others of problems.
If I were to focus the blog on more than one issue, I'd have a book ready to publish for sale! lol
As for Gundam, I would argue there was consistent quality before Bandai took over Sunrise, back when Tomino was helming the show. Yeah, ZZ was atrocious, F91 got the rug cut from under it, and Victory has some silly parts - but personally, I'd take Victory and F91 over anything not directed by Tomino.
If I were to focus the blog on more than one issue, I'd have a book ready to publish for sale! lol
As for Gundam, I would argue there was consistent quality before Bandai took over Sunrise, back when Tomino was helming the show. Yeah, ZZ was atrocious, F91 got the rug cut from under it, and Victory has some silly parts - but personally, I'd take Victory and F91 over anything not directed by Tomino.
"It was very cyber-punkish, very Blade Runner, and usually unlike anything you'd ever seen (unless you've read cyber-punk novels or seen Blade Runner)."
Fixed!
Fixed!
Nice article, even if I have a few disagreements.
The first thing that struck me was the way you entangled anime and games, depicting them as having the same problem. However, now probably more then ever, a lot of new series try to capitalize heavily on fan service, a quite eastern thing. That probably explains why you don't see as many new kids series being brought overseas... That and the fact that american kids cartoon look so much like anime now, anyway. Sure, we haven't seen many films like Ghost in the Shell (nice header pic) or Akira garnering such great feedback in our country but we had the Satoshi Kon among others and tons of amazing series coming out over the years, mostly in the seinen genre.
As for games, I also think that there's a general industry tendency to move from complex, long 'epics' to more streamlined experiences aimed at the mass public, across all genres, on both sides of the globe. The typical american gamer desires this fast food game meal and as you said, it's hard to beat americans at preparing fast food.
I just hope the Japenese developers finally understand that they can either make a game that pleases most of Japan or one that pleases most of America, not both. You'll always find fans of the good old japanese RPG's across the sea, but these don't create the bulk of the market (hopefully they still translate these games for us die hard fans!). And I actually think Square Enix is starting to understand that, by leaving american games to american developers (Eidos...), we might finally see a good SE game come on our lands for the first time since The World Ends With You.
The first thing that struck me was the way you entangled anime and games, depicting them as having the same problem. However, now probably more then ever, a lot of new series try to capitalize heavily on fan service, a quite eastern thing. That probably explains why you don't see as many new kids series being brought overseas... That and the fact that american kids cartoon look so much like anime now, anyway. Sure, we haven't seen many films like Ghost in the Shell (nice header pic) or Akira garnering such great feedback in our country but we had the Satoshi Kon among others and tons of amazing series coming out over the years, mostly in the seinen genre.
As for games, I also think that there's a general industry tendency to move from complex, long 'epics' to more streamlined experiences aimed at the mass public, across all genres, on both sides of the globe. The typical american gamer desires this fast food game meal and as you said, it's hard to beat americans at preparing fast food.
I just hope the Japenese developers finally understand that they can either make a game that pleases most of Japan or one that pleases most of America, not both. You'll always find fans of the good old japanese RPG's across the sea, but these don't create the bulk of the market (hopefully they still translate these games for us die hard fans!). And I actually think Square Enix is starting to understand that, by leaving american games to american developers (Eidos...), we might finally see a good SE game come on our lands for the first time since The World Ends With You.
@Stealth - That's a very good point on Pokemon, although my immediate concern is whether or not that is an outlier. It's one of those few games Nintendo has found that really spans cultures, and you're indeed right about it - but we have to focus on the industry as a whole. One large success doesn't clear away the other shortcomings.
As for the games you've listed, I have always wanted to be a Super Robot Wars game. I'd love to play Xenoblade.
But we can't get support for these games, because for some reason, the big Japanese publishers (Nintendo of America in Xenoblade's case, but they were always useless douchebags) won't support them in the West.
They won't support them because they think the best way of making money is to publish games like Front Mission Evolved and Quantum Theory instead.
This is what the article is about: Perhaps dream was a poor choice of words, as the problem is that they won't support these games in the West. They're afraid of being Japanese.
As for the games you've listed, I have always wanted to be a Super Robot Wars game. I'd love to play Xenoblade.
But we can't get support for these games, because for some reason, the big Japanese publishers (Nintendo of America in Xenoblade's case, but they were always useless douchebags) won't support them in the West.
They won't support them because they think the best way of making money is to publish games like Front Mission Evolved and Quantum Theory instead.
This is what the article is about: Perhaps dream was a poor choice of words, as the problem is that they won't support these games in the West. They're afraid of being Japanese.
I think the only thing that is holding Japan back is the way their game companies are managed. Look at Square Enix. They take for ever to concentrate and release what the fans want which is Final Fantasy Versus 13. Instead they focus on unnecessary sequels (FF13-2 and FF14) when they should be putting all their resources on games they have already announced way back.
Also Japanese developers gotta stop with the whole whiny school girl melodrama they're infatuated with. That crap is getting pretty boring just like FPS games.
I don't think they have to worry about dominating the gaming industry again, they just have to concentrate on being profitable.
Also Japanese developers gotta stop with the whole whiny school girl melodrama they're infatuated with. That crap is getting pretty boring just like FPS games.
I don't think they have to worry about dominating the gaming industry again, they just have to concentrate on being profitable.
"I also don't see a decline in quality anime since most of the good anime series came out after 2000."
That is laughable my friend, don't get me wrong a lot of my favorite series have come from this past decade, but I had to go past the shit tons of crap anime, every season(fall, winter, etc) provides MAYBE one gem that will be remembered, too many anime have focused on the moe area, ecchi area, harem area, and just plain crap area.
Anyways good read, I used to hold square to the likes of The Beatles, but now I hold them to the likes of Linkin Park, fallen off the top in other words.
That is laughable my friend, don't get me wrong a lot of my favorite series have come from this past decade, but I had to go past the shit tons of crap anime, every season(fall, winter, etc) provides MAYBE one gem that will be remembered, too many anime have focused on the moe area, ecchi area, harem area, and just plain crap area.
Anyways good read, I used to hold square to the likes of The Beatles, but now I hold them to the likes of Linkin Park, fallen off the top in other words.
In terms of square japan they have
Versus
13-2
type zero
kingdom hearts 3ds
dragon quest rocket slime 3
dragon quest X
chocobo racing
at least with likely more coming at tgs
thats really really good to me
Versus
13-2
type zero
kingdom hearts 3ds
dragon quest rocket slime 3
dragon quest X
chocobo racing
at least with likely more coming at tgs
thats really really good to me
@Jumbo - Touché!
Although I think Metal Gear, Front Mission, and Ghost in the Shell manage to differentiate themselves and put their own twists on the look anyways.
Although I think Metal Gear, Front Mission, and Ghost in the Shell manage to differentiate themselves and put their own twists on the look anyways.
@Revuhlooshun
The way I see it if xseed can make profit that exceeds expectations on trails in the sky, a 7 year old jrpg........and la noire cant make a dime of profit.............
Theres room for japan
And nintendo has been a prolific jrpg localizer and publisher this gen. They missed a few...... but still we can play it in english.
Front mission evolved was a huge flop but it didnt stop them from brining front mission 1 to the states for the first time and making a new front mission ds srpg
If you look at it. More games from series/games that were previously released from other gens that were never given the chance then. Are now
front mission being 1 example. If you want more. I can give 10+
The way I see it if xseed can make profit that exceeds expectations on trails in the sky, a 7 year old jrpg........and la noire cant make a dime of profit.............
Theres room for japan
And nintendo has been a prolific jrpg localizer and publisher this gen. They missed a few...... but still we can play it in english.
Front mission evolved was a huge flop but it didnt stop them from brining front mission 1 to the states for the first time and making a new front mission ds srpg
If you look at it. More games from series/games that were previously released from other gens that were never given the chance then. Are now
front mission being 1 example. If you want more. I can give 10+
@Stealth - That's the other thing though, where the dreaming part actually does kick in: Those games are sequels and spin offs stacked upon franchises as old as decades.
Dragon Quest still has a good reputation in my book, but anything tagged with Final Fantasy is getting a rent from me, until I see a major uptick in quality. You'd have to agree, Square is not on their top game, and they haven't been for a while. They've turned Final Fantasy into a cash cow, much like Guitar Hero at this point.
And it's very sad. This blog isn't gloating or showboating. I don't think anyone wants Japan to fail. I want Japan to come up with new shit again, like when we had great games coming over here before.
And as we go through this discussion, yeah: There is some creativity in Japan. But do these titles outweigh the mass of crap we have to dig through to find them? Maybe dreaming was a right word, now that I really think about it.
That's really the problem: Creativity will never die, especially in Japan. But the ratio of floating turds we have to dig through to find it is at an all time high, I think.
That, and any creativity there is in Japan, Japan won't support over here!
...I just want a Front Mission 6 damnit! lol
Dragon Quest still has a good reputation in my book, but anything tagged with Final Fantasy is getting a rent from me, until I see a major uptick in quality. You'd have to agree, Square is not on their top game, and they haven't been for a while. They've turned Final Fantasy into a cash cow, much like Guitar Hero at this point.
And it's very sad. This blog isn't gloating or showboating. I don't think anyone wants Japan to fail. I want Japan to come up with new shit again, like when we had great games coming over here before.
And as we go through this discussion, yeah: There is some creativity in Japan. But do these titles outweigh the mass of crap we have to dig through to find them? Maybe dreaming was a right word, now that I really think about it.
That's really the problem: Creativity will never die, especially in Japan. But the ratio of floating turds we have to dig through to find it is at an all time high, I think.
That, and any creativity there is in Japan, Japan won't support over here!
...I just want a Front Mission 6 damnit! lol
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