The Most Important Factor In An RPG Game

[Perfect7]

What do you find to be the most important factor that makes an RPG game wonderful?

Some people say that graphics are more important than storyline. For them, an RPG with stunning graphics but a lousy storyline is still a wonderful RPG.

Some people say that plot and storyline are the most important factors. Graphics are useless if they are not used express a beautiful story.

Some people say that good music is essential to create the proper mood?

What do YOU say about this? And it would be useful if you could list in order of importance what factors you think are most important in making a wonderful RPG game.

For me: The most important things are in order of importance

1. Storyline and Plot
2. Character Development
3. Music
4. Simple but Enjoyable Battle System
5. Graphics
6. Secrets and Sidequests
7. Puzzles and Thinking Problems
8. Replay Value
9. Different number of endings

[kkenny]

1. Ability to play with other players (such as the game encourages people to interact with other players online)

2. Graphics

3. Grinding factor (I hate games where you have to grind to get lots of benefits in that game)

4. Battle System

5. And I guess music.

[mcklovin]

1. They cannot get boring
2. They cannot get repetitive
3. There must be a point
4. There must be an overall goal or objective
5. It must be socially interactive


Thats what I look for in an RPG

[exitnow]

Everything that's in Starcraft and Warcraft 1-2..
Most of a FPS person but can use some tips if you got one
Not into that regular type of fantacy ones...

[magaly]

The replay value has to be way up there because these games are supposed to be meant to be played until your butt melts into your seat. That's what these companies want haha.

Interaction is important. I haven't played a game which doesn't have an online play option in a long time. MMORPGS are also becoming even more popular than they were before. People don't like playing alone anymore.

When I choose a game, it's usually from a friend's recommendation and since a large percentage of my friends are Illustrators and Graphic/Web Designers, they tend to choose games which are visually pleasing and since I tend to be such an art snob [not intentionally] I can't sit in front of a screen staring at something ugly/poorly done. As far as sound, I usually turn off the sound in games because it gets tiring. Even games with the most advanced soundtracks get repetitive after a while. So, basically - what's most important for me is longevity, interaction and graphics.

[Smith6612]

Mainly, the most important thing in an RPG game is

1: No Lag (especially if it's an MMORGP)
2: It's fun and isn't repetitive

[wiileg3nd]

1. MMO
2. NO LAG
3. A good fighting system, one where you have the option for team and solo battles.
4. Graphics
5. Controls

[Spartan Erik]

One simple factor important to all RPG games: they must not be as easy as Final Fantasy.

[wiileg3nd]

anyone else find that ALL rpg's get old fast?

[Smith6612]

Yep. When I tried Runescape, I dropped it within an hour :P. First person shooters are better. "BOOM HEADSHOT!!!!!!!."