Is Breath of the Wild a JRPG? Unraveling the Genre Puzzle
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No, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not a JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game). While it contains elements common to RPGs in general, its core design aligns more closely with an open-world action-adventure game. The distinctions lie primarily in its real-time combat, exploration-driven progression, limited focus on narrative character development, and departure from traditional JRPG tropes like turn-based battles and a fixed party of characters. It is primarily an open-world action-adventure game with RPG elements, but not a full-fledged JRPG.
Dissecting the JRPG DNA: What Breath of the Wild Lacks
To understand why Breath of the Wild doesn’t fit neatly into the JRPG category, let’s examine the key characteristics that define the genre:
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Turn-Based Combat: A staple of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, turn-based combat involves players and enemies taking turns to execute actions based on character stats and abilities. Breath of the Wild employs a real-time combat system focused on timing, dodging, and utilizing the environment.
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Party-Based System: Many JRPGs feature a party of multiple controllable characters, each with unique skills and roles in combat and exploration. Breath of the Wild primarily focuses on controlling Link as a singular protagonist, although allies provide assistance and abilities.
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Linear Story Progression: JRPGs often feature a pre-determined story with clearly defined goals and character arcs. While Breath of the Wild has an overarching narrative about defeating Calamity Ganon, the player is free to explore the world and tackle the main objective at their own pace. It does not contain the linear story progression that a JRPG requires.
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Leveling and Stat Progression: JRPGs typically involve characters gaining experience points (EXP) and leveling up to improve their stats, unlocking new abilities and strengthening their combat prowess. While Link can increase his health and stamina in Breath of the Wild, the primary form of progression involves finding new equipment and acquiring skills, rather than traditional stat-based leveling.
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Anime Aesthetics: JRPGs tend to use anime-style designs, while Western RPGs have generally stayed closer to a grittier art style, more reminiscent of the art from the tabletop RPGs that inspired them.
Breath of the Wild: An Open-World Action-Adventure with RPG Flair
While Breath of the Wild may not be a JRPG, it incorporates elements commonly found in RPGs:
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Character Customization: Players can equip Link with various weapons, armor, and accessories that affect his stats and abilities, allowing for a degree of character customization.
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Exploration and Discovery: The game encourages players to explore the vast world of Hyrule, discovering hidden locations, completing side quests, and interacting with NPCs (non-player characters).
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Story and Lore: Breath of the Wild features a rich story and lore, with flashbacks and environmental storytelling providing context for the events of the game.
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Role-Playing: As noted by GamesLearningSociety.org, the game world design and character customization allows you to ‘role-play’ Link with a larger degree of freedom.
Action-Adventure Game
- Action-adventure is a video game genre that combines core elements from both the action game and adventure game genres.
Why “Action-Adventure” Fits Better
The term “action-adventure” more accurately reflects the game’s emphasis on real-time combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players spend a significant portion of their time engaging in combat encounters, traversing the open world, and solving environmental puzzles to progress. While RPG elements are present, they are secondary to the core gameplay loop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What defines a JRPG?
A JRPG is a Japanese role-playing game typically characterized by turn-based combat, a party-based system, a pre-determined story, character leveling and stat progression, and anime aesthetics.
2. Is Kingdom Hearts a JRPG?
Yes, Kingdom Hearts is considered a JRPG. It incorporates many of the genre’s defining characteristics, including a party-based system, turn-based gameplay, and anime-inspired visuals.
3. What was the first JRPG?
Dragon Quest, developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix in 1986 for the Famicom/NES, is widely considered to be the first JRPG.
4. Is Super Mario RPG a JRPG?
Super Mario RPG contains many similarities to other Square-developed games and contains token similarities to other JRPGs.
5. What are some examples of classic JRPGs?
Examples of classic JRPGs include the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series, Chrono Trigger, Earthbound, and Persona series.
6. What makes a game an RPG?
An RPG is a video game where players engage with the gameworld through characters who have backstories and existing motivations. The RPG genre often includes NPCs (non-player characters), side quests, downloadable content (DLC), and larger story arcs.
7. How is a JRPG different from an RPG?
The most obvious answer to what is the difference between JRPGs and RPGs is the region these games are developed in. A typical RPG is used to refer to a Western game and/or a blanket term for the genre. A JRPG then is anything developed in Japan.
8. Is Dark Souls a JRPG?
Yes it is, because it’s an RPG made in Japan.
9. What does CRPG stand for?
CRPG stands for Computer Role-Playing Game.
10. Is Elden Ring considered a JRPG?
No, the Souls titles are all ARPGs, which stands for action role-playing game.
11. Is Monster Hunter a JRPG?
Monster Hunter is a Japanese media franchise centered on a series of fantasy-themed action role-playing video games.
12. What is the longest video game ever?
The crown for longest overall video game belongs to Melvor Idle, a Runescape-inspired idle/incremental game with an estimated playtime of 3,126 hours.
13. Who is the grandfather of JRPG?
In 1985, Yuji Horii and his team at Chunsoft began production on Dragon Quest (Dragon Warrior). After Enix published the game in early 1986, it became the template for future console RPGs.
14. Why is Breath of the Wild called an “Action-Adventure” game?
Breath of the Wild is classified as an action-adventure game and not an RPG because it lacks many RPG elements such as a classic level-up system or turn-based combat mechanics. It does, however, have some RPG elements but not many.
15. What is Breath of the Wild like?
While these masks remain relatively unique to Majora’s Mask, Breath of the Wild does similarly grant you with abilities obtained from the fallen Champions. The four fallen heroes are also each from a different species present in the game, with Ruto, Zora, Goron, and Gerudo represented this time around.
Conclusion: Genre Lines and Evolving Definitions
While the question of whether Breath of the Wild is a JRPG might spark debate among genre purists, the consensus leans towards no. Its open-world structure, real-time combat, and exploration-driven progression distinguish it from the traditional JRPG formula. However, its incorporation of RPG elements blurs the lines and highlights the evolving nature of video game genres. In the end, Breath of the Wild carves its own unique path, offering a compelling blend of action, adventure, and role-playing elements that transcends strict categorization. Exploring the intersections of gaming and learning can provide insights into how these games engage players. You can learn more at the Games Learning Society website.