Before the Operation Rainfall trilogy, I was not aware of how much I really loved Role-playing games. I had enjoyed a number of titles from the genre in the past, but understanding the need and lack of representation on Nintendo's seventh generation console helped me realize why iterations in the Paper Mario and Crystal Chronicles series that appeared on the Wii were dissatisfying experiences. I longed for numbers-based combat, meaningful character progression and growth, and the wackiness that comes with a good, old, far-fetched Role-playing game. I was not alone in this desire. The power of a vocal community can be a compelling catalyst, though Nintendo themselves would only bring Xenoblade Chronicles to North America after the Operation Rainfall petitioning began. However, localization and publishing company XSEED recognized the potential of bringing these already-translated titles over from Europe, and thus, three of the Rainfall titles headed to North American shelves. While...

If it ain't broke, should you refrain from fixing it? Although a slight rephrasing from the original statement, this question is one we have all probably faced in some shape or form. The idea of rephrasing, or perhaps refreshing, old ideas for a new circumstance is likely another situation we have found ourselves in. Whether you like it or not, this is often the state of combat and game design in role-playing games, where we can see numerous iterative versions of a rather traditional formula. It's a bit surprising that game designer, producer, and scenario writer Hironobu Sakaguchi, one of the creative minds behind the beloved Final Fantasy series, found himself asking the same question after releasing Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey. “I have an RPG formula from the 25 years experience I have in the industry,” He told the media, “which is a turn-based, orthodox one.” So if the tried-and-true isn't cutting it, where do you go next?