X-Play Season 5 Episode 3 The Genre: RPG Episode

X-Play is a gaming television show that features reviews, previews, and comedic skits within the world of gaming. Season 5 episode 3, titled The Genre: RPG Episode, explores the ever-popular genre of role-playing games.

The episode begins with a comedic skit that parodies the classic RPG trope of starting the game off in a small village. The hosts, Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb, play the roles of NPCs (non-playable characters) who give the player character various tasks to complete. The skit ends with a humorous twist on the typical RPG tutorial, where the player character is bombarded with information and forced to sit through a long-winded explanation of the game mechanics.

Next, the hosts review several RPGs that have recently been released. They start with an in-depth review of Dragon Quest VIII, discussing the game's graphics, storyline, and battle system. While they have some criticisms, they ultimately recommend the game to fans of the genre.

They also review two lesser-known titles: Suikoden V and Wild Arms 4. Both games are praised for their unique stories and characters, but criticized for their tedious gameplay mechanics.

The hosts then move on to preview some upcoming RPGs. They start with Kingdom Hearts II, which has been highly anticipated by fans of the series. The hosts give some insight into the game's new mechanics and story, but remain somewhat skeptical about whether or not it will live up to the hype.

They also preview Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which is set to be released later that year. The hosts are impressed with the game's expansive world and immersive gameplay, and predict that it will be a major hit within the genre.

In addition to their reviews and previews, the hosts also take a look at the evolution of the RPG genre. They discuss how the genre has changed over the years, from the early days of text-based games like Zork, to the modern, graphics-heavy RPGs of today.

To illustrate this evolution, the hosts play a game of Fantasy VII Degrees of Separation, in which they trace a path from the original Final Fantasy game to the more recent Final Fantasy VII. Along the way, they discuss how each game in the series built upon the mechanics and story of its predecessors.

The episode concludes with a special guest appearance by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario and Zelda series. Miyamoto discusses his thoughts on the RPG genre and how it has influenced his own games. He also gives some insight into the development of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, which was still in development at the time of the episode's airing.

Overall, The Genre: RPG Episode is a must-watch for fans of the RPG genre. With its expert reviews, insightful previews, and humorous skits, it provides a comprehensive look at one of gaming's most beloved genres.