So, The disscussion was about monks in video games, I'd also like to open it up to all classes, Not just the fighter archer wizard and mage stuff, but the really exotic classes. From Bards to Blood mages, everything is open for discussion.
Games with monks was the original topic, So let's start off with them.
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White Mage2010-02-15 9:43
It's probably just from old MMO sessions back in the day, but I'd be interested in seeing more games where you play the role of a healer. The most recent I could think of was Dragon Age, but that just came down to combat specialization and had very little weight otherwise. To make it any bit interesting I suppose combat would have to be designed with certain injuries or or damage types in mind. Or there would be a heavier focus on limited resources and choices.
Actually, the further I ponder it, the less interesting it sounds. I guess there's a reason this doesn't occur often.
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Anonymous2010-02-15 9:50
Well, Yeah. I've found from experience and that the concensus is one of Hurter is funner to play than Healer. And I'd hate to say, I agree. Have you ever played DandD as a mage? It's fucking boring. But it's a very nessecery class for the group. Cleric works, But can still be a hassle for those playing them.
Monks are more of a defensive ally than a offensive killer. Wizards could be healers, but usually they specialize in destruction type magic.
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Anonymous2010-02-15 9:59
Well I know I don't like it when I lose control of my character and he makes the opposite choice I would have.
I'd surmise the reason Monks, Paladins, Clerics, all your other honor-before-reason types aren't lead characters more often are because they'd be even more prone to that.
From here on out, To fit the theme of the thread, Post your name as your favorite class, for a bit of fun. No flaming.
This can be fun once a lot of people begin paying attention.
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Monk2010-02-15 10:08
Not true, I doubt you'd make a different choice than a monk if you're playing a monk class in an rpg. Then again, It would be nice to make the descision for yourself. In the established setup of a wrpg, this is entirely possible, Maybe would have trouble with your standard setup of a Jrpg, But those japanese can be surprising with game design, and something might be possible.
An actual try would be nice, or atleast an attempt by a gamemaker.
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White Mage2010-02-15 10:20
>>3
It comes down to the design of the combat system itself and what kind of choices the player can and has to make. Unfortunately, the standard for RPGs at the moment is whack-a-mole health bars (whether these mole bars are on a screen or scrawled onto scratch paper). There's certainly a reason why the most immediate proximity to healer in the D&D world is also armor clad and combat ready -- without delving into prestige classes anyway.
What choices does a "Hurter" have to make in combat situations? Variety and fun across battles comes down to spacing and engaging enemies in a way that maximizes your damage output while minimizing damage received. Often times reacting to special abilities or changing targets as needed. The problem with the current interpretation of focused "Healers" is that everything they have to process is boiled down from fun combat relavent information (spacing, attack animations) into fractions of health bars. Supporting more engaging combat from the healers would have to allow for better defensive play, or more involved committed choices beyond "Warrior need health. Give health to warrior".
I guess this really isn't about combat, though. There are plenty of Monk "combat types" across games, but this usually just mean starting with no weapons and a shaved head. It sounds like this thread was made because the concept of playing the role of a Monk was compelling? Meaning in character, quest, and dialogue paths.
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TARDIS2010-02-15 10:43
You know what I see coming in this thread, right?
FF4.
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White Mage2010-02-15 10:51
>>8
Well, Yang was pretty awesome. All Monks should strive for the level of Monk-dom he had attained. It still seems as though Jade Empire is the closest RPG that casts the main player character as a Monk archetype.
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TARDIS2010-02-15 10:55
>>9
I meant when it rolled round to Bards. I think we've ALL seen that line by now.
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White Mage2010-02-15 11:01
>>10
Oh... of course. Actually, it has been such a long while that seeing it once more would be kind of refreshing. Will just have to wait until it occurs naturally though.
FF6's Monk actually is better off going AGAINST the entire class' standard stats!
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Anonymous2010-02-15 18:46
>>10 >>11
Odd that the only Bard I can name from Videogames is Iolo... wait Isn't Link almost pretty much always a bard? I mean sure he's a mute but he does use music to cast magic.
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White Mage2010-02-15 21:21
>>13
Bards are actually pretty well off in main character appearances for being ...what they are. There's the Bard's Tale games which are a bit more tongue in cheek and for the jrpgs... Romancing Saga Minstrel's Tale and Ephemreal Phantasia. Might be wrong on Minstrel, as I never played it where as I wish I had never played Phantasia. Though you play as a Bard with a talking instrument and you eventually partcipate in a musical minigame from time to time.
Huh...never really thought of Link as a Bard before, but I'm not really too upset by the idea either.
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TARDIS2010-02-15 22:09
You know who we need to give a honourary mention. And why.
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Anonymous2010-02-26 15:28
love to play monks in mmo or rpgs they usually have alot of hp and attack hard and got some kind of chakra minds spells for healing and spell immunity
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Anonymous2010-02-27 5:33
ff4 has the bard, he turns out to be the prince of the country though.
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TARDIS2010-02-27 8:42
PLEASE, SOMEONE JUST COME RIGHT OUT AND SAY THAT LINE!