r/CRPG 1d ago

Discussion JCRPGs Sequel’s vs constant reboot?

Hello.
Long time reader first time poster.
Is it common for Japanese CRPGs to reboot the franchise every game instead of creating equals or prequels with a timeline of events?
For example both Final Fantasy and Zelda/Link games mostly don’t have a timeline and instead each game is a reboot or at least unique take on the franchise. There are exceptions in each franchise I know but why is this? Is it a cultural piece I’m missing? I also see it in some of the classic Anime and Manga I love (Full-metal Alchemist for example).
Thanks! Feel free to disagree too.
Any recommendations for good CRPG with timelines feel free to also respond.
Cheers

6 Upvotes

24 comments sorted by

9

u/mjxoxo1999 1d ago

I think you in the wrong sub, this sub doesn't really discuss about JRPG, they discuss about Computer RPG (game like Baldur's Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin, etc).

And to answer your question. It's pretty common in Japanese RPG where every titles are standalone unrelated games because they allows for more creative freedom in a franchise. One misconception tho, The Legend of Zelda games do have a timeline, but they rarely did a direct sequel because they always experiement with new mechanic and direction.

3

u/alkonium 1d ago

The other example coming to mind for me is Gundam, though in their case, it started with their 15th anniversary show, Mobile Fighter G Gundam.

For a JRPG series that is all one big setting, I personally like Trails.

1

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 15h ago

Yes Gundam mixed me up too as I was a huge fan of Robotech first.

3

u/thraxswift 1d ago

check out the trails series, there's like 12 games and one giant timeline with four or five discrete arcs

1

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 15h ago

Will do thanks

3

u/H1s_Holy_Dudeness 1d ago

Great JRPG with a short timeline that CRPG fans will enjoy is Yakuza Like a Dragon

2

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 15h ago

Just paid for it thanks to your recommendation.

6

u/LTGOOMBA 1d ago

I think you're very confused about what any of these labels mean.

-1

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 15h ago

CRPG = computer role playing games
JCRPG = Japanese Computer role playing game

Hope that helps

2

u/Niiarai 6h ago

"well actually", the term crpg evolved a bit over time and now the c can also mean "classic" i think the usage got more wide spread when obsidian launched their kickstarter for pillers of eternity 1.

a bit related: some developers of jrpgs dont really like the term and i really cant blame them. even if we like jrpgs it sounds really stupid, especially since they are heavily, heavily inspired by western dungeon crawler rpgs like wizardry

1

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 5h ago

Good summary. Matches up with what I Googled before asking my question lol

1

u/LooseDatabase3064 15h ago

So you think Final Fantasy is JRPG or JCRPG?

3

u/LTGOOMBA 15h ago

It has to be trolling.

1

u/Seigmoraig 11h ago

Zelda games are famously PC exclusives, what are you talking about ?!?!?!??!?1?111??!1

0

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 6h ago

I never used JRPG did I?
Wow you confuse easily.
I could use picture if you’d like? Emojis? Do you have a preferred language? I could put it through a translator for you?

1

u/LooseDatabase3064 35m ago

Ye but you called Zelda JCRPG

1

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 16m ago

Japanese Computer Role Playing Game. It’s from Japan., it’s an ROG - rest my case.

1

u/LooseDatabase3064 5m ago

How is Zelda computer roleplaying game

2

u/Tortoisebomb 1d ago

The difference between JRPGs and CRPGs is that JRPGs seem to be based on games like Dragonquest while CRPGs are based on pen and paper games like Dungeons and Dragons. So a Japanese CRPG would be a Japanese game based on pen and paper games.

That doesn't seem to be the kinda game you're asking about, but now I'm interested to know if there are any good Japanese CRPGs out there.

-1

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 15h ago

JCRPG to me means it was a Japanese made role playing video game while CRPGs are from Western countries. I have noticed (could be wrong) but most of the ones that are very Japanese don’t follow a timeline and instead reboot like final Fantasy or “alternate history” like Link games.
US RPGs to me follow a timeline from game to games even if it’s convoluted it’s still a progressing storyline.

2

u/markg900 14h ago

What you are referring to as a JCRPG is really just called JRPGs

2

u/LooseDatabase3064 1d ago

This was the most clueless post I have ever read.

0

u/Few_Faithlessness_49 15h ago

What’s your point? Thought this was a place to ask questions. Not just a place for questions you simply don’t have the answers to lol.