ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the first few waves of influential Japan's console RPGs (JRPGs) that were translated and exported to America, including The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Warrior, as well as a few later games for the Super Nintendo entertainment system and Sega systems. A true analysis of the difference between computer role-playing games and JRPGs would require an in-depth analysis of Japanese culture and language. Various Japanese developers acquired the rights to make several different spinoff series and even an massively multiplayer online role-playing game called Wizardry Online. The basic gist of the game involves two feuding peoples, the Orakians and the Layans. The Orakians are a nonmagical race with physical strength, whereas the Layans are weaker but more proficient with techniques. One noticeable change from the first game is the lack of first-person, 3D dungeons and a revamping of the combat screen.
