Suboptimist

Suggestions, please.

(11:24:37) Dan Iverson: Let’s have a conversation.
(11:25:00) Robert Sykes: We are having one.
(11:25:36) Dan Iverson: But let’s have one about something specific.
(11:25:50) Robert Sykes: K. Topic?
(11:26:36) Dan Iverson: I’d like to know what exactly you enjoy about
WRPGs and what you perceive to dislike about JRPGs to help me decide
which one you’re going to play.
(11:28:26) Robert Sykes: I like the emphasis on character development
within a narrative, rather than a narrative with characters that don’t
necessarily need to be there. I also prefer a more open system of
combat.
(11:29:01) Dan Iverson: What do you mean by open?
(11:29:40) Dan Iverson: More action-oriented?
(11:29:57) Robert Sykes: Yes.
(11:31:03) Dan Iverson: Hmm.
(11:31:17) Dan Iverson: But you like strategy RPGs, which are the
herald of turn-based systems?
(11:32:51) Robert Sykes: This is true. Somehow, I see a difference in
T-RPGs and JRPGs with a turn system. A focus on how to position your
characters, from which angle to attack, order of attacks, and unit
balance within a role-play scenario.
(11:33:46) Dan Iverson: Ah, okay. That makes sense.
(11:34:19) Dan Iverson: Another question: Can you forgive a somewhat
formulaic plot if the character development is strong?
(11:34:54) Robert Sykes: I probably could.
(11:37:14) Robert Sykes: I have also noticed in recent years that
barriers seem to be getting withered slightly.
(11:37:42) Dan Iverson: Barriers?
(11:38:21) Robert Sykes: There is a lot more borrowing recently.
(11:40:51) Dan Iverson: Do you like a high level of customization?
(11:41:02) Robert Sykes: Yeeeeeeees.
(11:42:47) Dan Iverson: Do you like to advance the narrative at your
own pace and have frequent opportunities to explore by yourself?
(11:42:59) Robert Sykes: Yes.
(11:43:12) Robert Sykes: Again, a complaint I had with Fable.
(11:43:40) Dan Iverson: Hm. This is tough.
(11:45:28) Dan Iverson: I’m not trying to find you a JRPG that is
exactly like a WRPG, because that would defeat the purpose of this
exercise…but I’m trying to find something that sort of walks the
line between both worlds and in a best case scenario serves as a
transition should you decide you like the Japanese elements.
(11:45:47) Robert Sykes: This is a great exercise, too.