In the ever-expanding universe of video games, one question looms large: how long should an RPG really be? While some titles revel in their sprawling narratives and endless side quests, I’m here to argue that there’s a sweet spot – and it’s far shorter than many developers seem to think. Let’s dive into why I believe no RPG needs to exceed 40 hours.
The Case for Concise Storytelling
Look, I get it. In an age where video game prices are soaring, the idea of a single purchase that can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment is undeniably appealing. However, this often comes at the expense of narrative quality and gameplay freshness. I’m a firm believer in “less is more” when it comes to storytelling, and stretching a good story thin over 60 or even 80 hours rarely ends well. Games like Bravely Default, for example, suffer from an infamous final act twist that forces you to replay sections of the game for minimal payoff. Even acclaimed titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, while delivering supersized stories, arguably fall short of their predecessors in terms of memorability.
Gameplay Grind: When Length Becomes a Burden
It’s not just the story that suffers from excessive length; gameplay systems can also become repetitive. Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler series boasts a deep job system, but even this engaging mechanic can wear thin after hundreds of random battles. Sometimes, an RPG feels like a puzzle as you try to assemble the perfect party, and discovering that synergy too early can lead to 40 hours of going through the motions. This is especially true when games devolve into dull busy work at that point.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Examples of Excellence
Fortunately, there are examples of RPGs that have found success by tightening up rather than going long for the hell of it. This year’s wonderful Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined streamlines one of the genre’s most time-demanding games, maintaining its charm while offering a breezy pace. Similarly, the excellent Granblue Fantasy Relink packs all the spectacle of Final Fantasy 16 into a concise 15 hours, leaving players eager for more with its upcoming Endless Ragnarok expansion. Even titles like Xenoblade, despite their length, manage to keep attention throughout their runtime, enticing players to finish side quests within around 40 hours.
The Dream: Quality Over Quantity
Ultimately, I’m not advocating for a strict time limit on all RPGs. However, I believe that developers should strive for quality over quantity. A game that can deliver a compelling story and engaging gameplay within 40 hours is far more satisfying than one that feels bloated and repetitive. As Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock once said, “Life is too fucking short to play or hear ‘Freebird’,” a sentiment that conveniently also applies to excessively long RPGs.
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