The use of silent protagonists in RPGs has been a long-standing tradition in the gaming industry. These characters, who often lack dialogue and express themselves through basic interactions, have sparked numerous debates among enthusiasts. Recently, Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest, shared his thoughts on the challenges of incorporating silent protagonists in modern video games.
The Evolution of Visuals
Horii highlighted the impact of “increasingly-realistic” graphics on the depiction of silent protagonists. He noted that as game graphics have advanced, it has become more challenging to portray these characters effectively. In the past, limited graphics technology required players to use their imagination to fill in the gaps in character expression. However, with the rise of realistic visuals, silent protagonists may appear static and out of place.
One of the main reasons for using silent protagonists is to allow players to project their emotions onto the character and immerse themselves in the game world. By not giving the protagonist a defined personality, players can imagine the character’s inner thoughts and feelings. However, Horii acknowledged that this approach may present a disconnect between the character’s reactions and the player’s own emotions, posing a new challenge for game developers.
Despite the difficulties associated with silent protagonists, some RPG series, including Dragon Quest, have continued to feature them. The most recent mainline installment, Dragon Quest XI, showcases the Luminary as a silent protagonist. While the character exhibits some expressions through gestures and sounds, he remains largely voiceless.
In contrast, other RPGs like Persona have introduced voiced protagonists in recent titles. Although Persona 3 maintained a silent protagonist, subsequent games have integrated voiced lines for the main character. Hashino’s upcoming game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, will feature a voiced protagonist, signaling a departure from the tradition of silent leads.
The question now arises: what does the future hold for silent protagonists in RPGs like Dragon Quest? Will the next installment, Dragon Quest XII, adopt more realistic graphics and a voiced lead character? Fans are likely to engage in discussions over the pros and cons of having a silent protagonist versus a voiced one in future games.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the debate surrounding silent protagonists in RPGs remains ongoing. While Yuji Horii has highlighted the challenges posed by realistic graphics, the decision to include silent or voiced protagonists ultimately depends on the vision of the game developers. Whether Dragon Quest XII will break away from tradition and embrace a voiced lead character is a topic of speculation among fans. Ultimately, the evolution of silent protagonists in RPGs reflects the ever-changing landscape of game development.
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