Unleash your imagination (Role Playing Games (RPGs) in general)

Member Name: his0yir

Product:	Role Playing Games (RPGs) in general
Date:	18/07/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: To explore where you've never gone before

Disadvantages: Can be time-consuming

I have always been a fan of rol-playing games. Although my study then my work does not allow me too much time to enjoy such a wonderful pastime, I am glad that every now and then I can manage to steal a bit of time to immerse myself in a different world.

It is hard to say if role-playing game represents a kind of escapesim or a hideaway for histeric daily life. While some people experience an exotic life in an imaged world, others regard them as nuts. How can a normal person get so carried away when pretending to be a Viking or a mage? Why are there people interested in a fictional world rather than reality?

It puzzled me for many years and I ponder on this issue. As a RPG fan (if not good enough to be classified as fanatic) I have tried to explain this passion to those who neglect it. Within our life span how many people can be lucky enough to live a totally different life, to be able to undergo some very special feeling, or to develop a unique character free from material world? Yes, it all comes from our imagination, but does it not surprise you how far our creativity can go? When a child plays a rabbit hopping in the playground or when a schoolboy pretend to be a hero saving the other world, they live a different soul. We are restricted in one body but our mind does not need to.

The most impressive type of RPG I have played is TRPG (table role-playing game). It is not as restrict as PC games in which player has to follow a set script and storyline. Nor it as complicated as real person RPG, which usually needs certain space and costumes. A group of friends only need few pens and pieces of paper to start with. (There is even no need for a table if floor is comfortable enough!) Dices are not compulsory though they can bring more fun. The person who has good leadership and is good at storytelling can be Game Master; he will then establish the background of the game, the content of the story and host the game while players go through their adventures.

To explore a strange place and to meet different characters with your friends as a team is the most exciting part of the game. Although GM will design a basic storyline, the direction of the game can change at any second, depending on how GM and players want it. It is a brainstorming and you can be amazed at how splendid you and your friends can be when walking side by side throughout your journey.

Role-playing games can be complicated as well as simple. Imagination and creativity play the most important part in making the game alive. I personally prefer TRPG and definitely recommend everyone to give it a try as long as there is an experienced GM willing to lead and 3 to 5 good friends who will not turn their back when enemies attack. The only thing which needs to be aware is once everybody is into the game, it can take hours to finish a story or come to a halt. A long free afternoon will be ideal.

I hope everyone can enjoy role-playing games as much as I do.

Summary: Role-playing games allow you to experience something different from this world.