Reinventing the RPG: New Innovations in Today’s RPGs
Once considered to be a fringe genre, role playing games (RPGs) have taken the gaming world by storm. From classic dungeon crawler turn-based games like Baldur’s Gate to open world survival games like Fallout 4, there’s something for everyone in the RPG genre nowadays. Even so, it’s important to note that RPGs are far from stagnant – developers are always looking to find new ways to innovate and improve upon the formula. Let’s take a look at a few of the new innovations that have been injected into today’s RPG titles.
Skill Trees, Perks, and Crafting
The latest trend in role playing games is to add systems and mechanics that allow players to customize and enhance their characters. Skill trees are one method used to allow players to customize their abilities, and they are a popular addition to many RPGs, including Bethesda’s Skyrim and Fallout 4. Perks, also used in RPGs like Fallout, are a set of special bonuses that players can use to further customize their characters’ abilities and playstyle. Lastly, crafting and item creation have become very popular in RPGs, giving players the ability to create their own powerful weapons and gear.
NPC Interaction & Dialogue System
Interaction and dialogue systems have become a staple in modern RPGs, allowing players to have direct conversations and relationships with the many NPCs (non-player characters) in the game. This mechanic can be used to add depth and complexity to games, allowing for branching dialogue paths and side stories. It also builds a level of immersion that was not possible in older RPGs; as players explore the world, they are able to build relationships with the various NPCs they meet, and the story can change based on their interactions.
Character Customization
The ability to customize and personalize a character is something that used to be lacking in RPGs, but that’s changed in recent years. Nowadays, players can tweak their character’s appearance and even stats to create a completely unique character. Games like CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offer extensive character customization options, giving players the ability to craft their own unique hero. This level of character customization is a revolutionary addition to the RPG genre, allowing players to truly create their own in-game persona.
Wrapping Up
RPGs are constantly evolving and incorporating new innovations in order to stay fresh and relevant. From skill trees and perks to extensive character customization and NPCs with deep dialogue, modern RPGs are able to provide an unparalleled level of immersion and story. As developers continue to explore ways to innovate on the genre, role playing games will no doubt continue to dominate the gaming market.
