Introduction
A wide range of games comprises the Computer Role
Playing Games (RPG). These are types of games where
you are tasked to build a hero or character. As the
game advances, the character then acquires experience
which he or she will use to become more powerful and
obtain new abilities.
A broad genre under the video games category is
electronic role playing games. These games originally
came from the traditional role playing games such as
Dungeons and Dragons. These utilize both the game
mechanics and the settings found in such games.
Online Role Playing Games are RPGs that allows players
to interact with each other in a virtual world. These
interactions may be played either as a single or
multiplayer game. Other features of online role
playing games are similar to computer RPGs.
Characters
These types of games revolve on making or choosing
around one or more avatars and building its
characteristics and experience as the game progresses.
These characteristics then represents the skills of
the gamer himself and how he or she determine game
outcomes. Traditionally, a status screen is displayed
to represent the player’s attributes. It makes use of
numeric values rather than meters, bars and other
simpler abstract graphical representation video games
in general utilizes.
Settings
Another special feature of role playing games is its
fictional high-fantasy setting. Usually, these are
derived from science fiction themes or space opera.
There are only a few that take place in modern or
historical settings. However, games such as Bloodlines
(”gothic punk”), Arcanum (steampunk), Darklands (a
combination of medieval German legend and history),
Fallout (post-apocalyptic), and Mount and Blade
(Medieval Europe with no magic or fantasy) are
exceptions to these trends.
Missions
A group of characters or a party, usually different
players, join forces to accomplish a “quest” or a
mission. Challenges and enemies, usually inspired by
science fiction, classical mythology, and more
commonly, fantasy fictions, are faced by the
adventurers along the way.
Examples of challenges are defeating the evil boss,
rescuing a princess, or clearing a dungeon of
monsters. To know and receive his quest, the player
might find it necessary to talk to an NPC. Missions
may also include item fetch quests, locational puzzles
(such as opening locked doors by means of a hidden
lever or a key), or engaging in dialogues.
A number of games are made up of smaller quests in a
predetermined sequence and are played as a linear
narrative. However, games such as Fallout, contain
nonlinear gameplay and multiple quest solutions
through multiple endings and branching plots. How the
quests are approach varies on different character
builds. Methods such as violence, bribery, subterfuge,
or diplomacy may be used depending on the character
divergent of its skill.
Developments
It is difficult to affirm definitely where this genre
will be headed because of it rapid development and the
different numerous titles within the genre. However,
developments have been made. One of these improvements
is the “raid”, or the raid group quest. Large groups
of players (twenty or more) are able to participate in
the “raid”.
Another online role playing game improvement is the
use of instance dungeons which keep the group isolated
from the rest of the game world. This reduces the
amount of data that is sent to and from the servers,
thus decrease lag. It also lessens competition.
Instance dungeons can be found on World of Warcraft
“raids” as well as all of the Guild Wars combat area.
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