Are RPGs Evolving or Dying?

That’s the tough question posed by Game Rant in a new three-page editorial that points to the “streamlining” of modern day role-playing games like Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age II, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as a point of contention for those of us who enjoy RPGs with more depth. Basically, the article raises the same points that have been discussed on a regular basis here on GameBanshee for the past several years:

For Dragon Age 2, BioWare has employed more of the lessons learned with the Mass Effect series, most notably the changes that led to increased revenues and fewer complaints. We’re not being cynical, just realistic.

Again, the first component of gameplay to be removed was the player’s ability to decide their own race and origin story. Some might say that this is not an essential section of an RPG, rather an extra chance for cuztomization, but a role-playing game becomes somewhat of a meaningless title when players are forced to play the role the developer wants.

The choice of forging your own origin and identity has been taken away, but players still have the option of deciding what class of fighter they will play as, be it Mage, Warrior or Rogue. Still some choice, but taking away freedom and ability to create your own motivations and origin seems to be moving us backwards, not advancing along with game technology. But hey, choosing your own player class is still something, right?

Let me ask you this: what was the very first RPG that you ever played that truly felt “dumbed down”?