Japanese Games Inspired By Western RPGs

Summary

Japanese games like Zelda and Dragon Quest were inspired by popular Western RPGs like Skyrim and Ultima.
Western games influenced Japanese developers to create more immersive and engaging gameplay experiences.
Titles such as Dark Souls and Elden Ring incorporate elements from Western RPGs, showcasing the mutual impact between Western and Japanese gaming cultures.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours exploring digital worlds and slaying virtual dragons, I can confidently say that the impact of Western RPGs on Japanese video game development is undeniable.

From the action-packed combat of Dragon’s Dogma to the open-world exploration of The Legend of Zelda, it’s clear that the influence of these games has shaped the gaming landscape as we know it today.

Growing up, I was lucky enough to be a part of both cultures, playing Western RPGs like Skyrim and Final Fantasy side by side. The contrast between the two was fascinating, and it’s always been intriguing to see how each culture takes different approaches to storytelling and game design.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how these Western RPGs inspired Japanese developers to push the boundaries of what was possible in terms of immersion, world-building, and character development. It’s as if they took the best aspects of both worlds and melded them together into something truly special.

But let’s not forget about the humor that comes with this cross-cultural exchange! I mean, who can resist a good joke like “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side…of the map!”? It’s these little moments of levity that make gaming such a joy and remind us all that even the most serious adventures can have a touch of whimsy.

As someone deeply engrossed in the global gaming scene, it’s clear that Japan’s influence on pop culture through gaming giants like Nintendo and Square Enix is undeniable. Yet, it’s essential to remember that the West has also significantly shaped gaming trends in Japan and worldwide.

Many exceptional Japanese video games that avid gamers can enjoy originate from the successful Western role-playing games (RPGs) as their inspiration. This blending of elements turned out to be advantageous, with players appreciating the depth and captivation these games offer.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Exploration Inspired By Skyrim & The Witcher 3

Though Link’s traditional journeys held a certain charm, some found them feeling a bit outdated. In an attempt to refresh the series, Nintendo decided to incorporate a distinctive twist into the open-world style of gaming, making Link’s escapades more grandiose and captivating than ever before.

As a longtime fan of both Skyrim and The Witcher 3, I can certainly see how Eiji Aonuma drew inspiration from these games to create the open-world exploration in Breath of the Wild. Having spent countless hours immersed in the vast landscapes of those games, I found myself constantly drawn towards new horizons and hidden treasures, eager to uncover what secrets lay beyond each ridge and over each hill.

The magic of discovery is something that has always been a key part of my gaming experience, and it’s clear that Aonuma aimed to capture that feeling with Breath of the Wild. As I played as Link, I found myself constantly amazed by the beauty and wonder of Hyrule, always eager to see what lay around the next bend or over the next mountain.

As my skills grew and I became more powerful, I was able to explore even further, uncovering new challenges and opportunities that made each playthrough feel fresh and exciting. It’s a testament to Aonuma’s vision that Breath of the Wild continues to captivate me long after its initial release, and I can’t wait to see what other wonders await me in future installments.

7. Dark Souls

Western RPG Inspirations Abound In This Alluring Dark Fantasy

In contrast to many other big-budget developers who were aiming for maximum accessibility during game development, Dark Souls was released at a time when it dared to test the limits, presenting a challenging environment where players had to navigate through a harsh world teeming with aggressive adversaries on their own.

It’s clear even to an untrained eye that numerous Western action games significantly influenced the action combat in ‘Dark Souls’. The emphasis on challenge and consequences for death makes it a suspenseful game to play. Players are careful not to err at all while traversing the decaying realm of Lordran.

6. Dragon Quest

Games Like Ultima Set The Stage For Yuji Horii’s Epic RPG

Prior to the full bloom of the JRPG genre, Japanese creators found themselves captivated by the world of Dungeons & Dragons and games modeled after this tabletop role-playing game. It was just a question of when someone would create a video game that would allow players to embark on an epic journey with strategic battles, which they eventually did.

Over time, Yuji Horii’s contributions to the development of Dragon Quest significantly increased his influence within the video game industry. Games such as Ultima and Wizardry played significant roles in shaping the systems for Dragon Quest. This groundbreaking game ultimately set the stage for what is now recognized as the JRPG genre, swiftly transforming the gaming industry.

5. Bloodborne

Combines Western RPG Influences With H.P. Lovecraft’s Work

Bloodborne is often hailed as one of the greatest video games ever made, and fans eagerly anticipate a re-release or remake of this remarkable game. Miyazaki’s masterpiece incorporates many elements from the Dark Souls formula, which was influenced by various Western RPGs and action games, while adding a generous dose of ominous, gothic atmosphere.

In a league of their own, the legends and tales surrounding Bloodborne stand out. Players are captivated when the Lovecraftian terror eventually emerges. This game is a must-play for enthusiasts of FromSoftware productions, offering swift combat and increased difficulty that makes each boss battle an exhilarating experience, especially after players have spent considerable time grappling with these formidable opponents.

4. Final Fantasy

The D&D Craze Eventually Led To An Epic JRPG Series

Final Fantasy stands as a cornerstone in the world of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s history. This game, featuring a party system, played a pivotal role in boosting the genre’s popularity and rescued Square from financial ruin. Moreover, it laid the foundation for a successful franchise that continues to thrive up to the present.

It’s apparent that the title’s sweeping sense of adventure was influenced by the rising popularity of Dungeons & Dragons in the Western world during its creation. Boosting numerical and damage values significantly enhanced the feeling of impact during combat for Final Fantasy, which played a crucial role in establishing the hallmarks of the JRPG genre as we know them today, setting the stage for this epic beginning of the Final Fantasy series.

3. Elden Ring

The Sandbox Approach Takes Notes From Western Games

Elden Ring stands out as one of FromSoftware’s top games, drawing on everything that made Dark Souls a classic while blending it with contemporary open-world gameplay mechanics. This results in an enticing mix. The Western influences are stronger than they’ve ever been before, and players are drawn to the sandbox style that swiftly empowers characters known as the Tarnished.

Much of what set Breath of the Wild apart can be noticed in this game as well, which draws influence from grand open-world Western RPGs like Skyrim. A significant part of Elden Ring‘s acclaim can be attributed to Bethesda’s masterpiece, Skyrim, thanks to its engaging combat and extraordinary boss battles that significantly enhance the gameplay.

2. Dragon’s Dogma

Skyrim, Fable, & Dragon Age Were Huge Inspirations

Dragon’s Dogma stands out among action RPGs as one that players shouldn’t miss. Though it was developed by a Japanese studio, its influences from Western RPGs are evidently obvious.

Development of the game “Dragon’s Dogma” was significantly influenced by some popular RPGs such as “Skyrim,” “Fable,” and “Dragon Age.” These games played a crucial part in shaping various aspects of “Dragon’s Dogma,” from its dark fantasy theme to its open-world design, all of which contributed to the game’s success as an exceptional action RPG.

1. The Legend Of Zelda

The Ultima & Wizardry Series Were Important For Zelda’s Inception

Shigeru Miyamoto is an influential figure in the world of video game development, thanks to his groundbreaking ideas that transformed the Mario and Zelda series into timeless classics. For the Zelda series, Miyamoto drew inspiration from various sources, laying the foundation for a thrilling journey.

Titles such as Wizardry and Ultima paved the way for epic, top-down adventures that ultimately made games like Zelda possible. Similarly, the initial game offers players an enduring top-down adventure experience, where they can amass items and hearts to gradually build their strength before vanquishing a colossal menace determined to conquer the entire world.

2025-01-04 12:34