In the previous article, I wrote about how those early RPG experiences really hooked me into the world of gaming. Silver, with its slick graphic and story; Soleil, the first proper JRPG I played; Secret of Mana - The closest thing I got to a Square masterpiece when I was young; and Chrono Cross - An excellent all round RPG.

In all these games, however, I felt there was one thing lacking. Perhaps it's because I was too young to appreciate all the nuances in the plot and the multilayered emotions at play. I was too young to appreciate how important good storytelling was, and the kind of relationship that forms between a gamer and the main character. That all changed, when I picked up a copy of undoubtedly, in my opinion, the best RPG, in the world.

Everyone, who has loved RPG in one way or another would not dare argue with me. This is, the definitive RPG. Yes, perhaps compared to next gen gaming the pixels are a bit outdated and its maddeningly cliche, but it has all the ingredients to make a perfect RPG. An RPG is first and foremost about the story. It has to have a really good story to tell. XII, as a lot of us fondly call it nowadays, had the best story of them all. Set in a steam punk setting with a backdrop of an evil corporation, what is there not to like? It's like Gotham City meets Akira.

And you have to love how the game is paced. I believe that this is the main reason why I love 7 and 8 more than any other Fianl Fantasies. Both games let you play the game in your own preferred pace. You can decide to play it slow, or rush your way to the end. RPGs should grow on you, not forced upon. There is always a need for players to learn about each character and bond with them before the final leg of the journey begins. That is why episodes like "Gold Saucer", "Tifa's Kidnapping" and various other mini plots are vital to this brilliant RPG. In a way, you know that there is a backbone to the whole thing. Something that holds it all together. But it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy this game the way you want to. The main reason why I am so frustrated with 13. Such a disapointment.

Here's a secret. Why is FF7 better than the others? It is quite simple really. Violence. Violence in video games is memorable. Aeris death? Sephiroth attack on Shinra? classic memories that stick in your head for ages. It's not saying that I condone violence in video games. I've forgotten half of the violent scenes in GOW3, but what I mean is violence where it matters. Sometimes, the bad guy is just not bad enough if he weren't a violent person. Violence is part of our reality. It connects our emotions together from sadness to piety. Violence works as much as love does. FF7 had both. touche.

Designing a game is like building a car. If you are making an RPG, make sure it FEELS like an RPG. The new cars have all these gadgets and security widgets that takes away the experience of actually driving one. New RPGs are so concerned about ensnaring new audiences that violence in the game is no longer tolerable. Square has also assumed that video gamers no longer need to think; linearity has taken over. Just press up and you'll get to the end. Funnily enough, even the new GOW3 didn't have challenges that perk up your brain. Maybe game developers have found out something that we haven't. Maybe the future generation of gamers really don't want to think. They just want to point guns at things and shoot them. No wonder FPS sell so well these days.