Unraveling the Mystery: Is “Detroit: Become Human” Truly an RPG?
“Detroit: Become Human” is one of the most talked-about games in recent years. Developed by Quantic Dream, this interactive drama and action-adventure game has captivated players with its rich narrative and deep moral choices. But as with many video games that mix genres, the question arises: is “Detroit: Become Human” truly an RPG (Role-Playing Game)? In this article, we’ll explore this question in-depth, looking at the mechanics of the game, its story, and how it fits into the broader RPG category.
What Makes a Game an RPG?
To understand whether “Detroit: Become Human” qualifies as an RPG, it’s important to first define what an RPG is. Traditionally, RPGs are games where players take on the roles of characters in a fictional setting, making choices that affect the story and the development of their characters. Some key features of RPGs include:
- Character Customization: The ability to modify a character’s appearance, abilities, and attributes.
- Open World Exploration: Freedom to explore a large game world with various quests and side activities.
- Progression Systems: Players can level up their characters, gain new skills, and improve their stats.
- Decision-Making: Player decisions have meaningful consequences that impact the game’s world and story.
With these elements in mind, let’s dive into “Detroit: Become Human” and see how it fits within the RPG framework.
Overview of “Detroit: Become Human”
“Detroit: Become Human” takes place in a near-future Detroit, where androids have become a regular part of society. The game follows three main characters—Kara, Connor, and Markus—who are androids navigating a world where they struggle for freedom and equality. As players guide these characters through their respective stories, they face tough choices, engage in action sequences, and interact with a world filled with moral dilemmas.
The game is driven heavily by narrative, with player decisions playing a central role in shaping the outcomes. Unlike traditional RPGs, the game doesn’t offer a wide range of customization for the characters, but rather focuses on the personal journey of each protagonist. The story is linear, but the choices you make influence how the story unfolds and how the characters evolve.
Does “Detroit: Become Human” Feature RPG Elements?
Let’s take a closer look at the specific elements of RPGs and see how “Detroit: Become Human” aligns with them.
Character Customization
One of the most noticeable differences between “Detroit: Become Human” and traditional RPGs is the lack of deep character customization. In many RPGs, players can choose their character’s appearance, race, class, and skills. However, in “Detroit: Become Human,” players are assigned specific characters with predefined looks, personalities, and abilities. While you cannot modify their appearance or stats, you do make decisions that influence their development, such as their relationships with others and their attitudes toward their goals.
Open World Exploration
“Detroit: Become Human” does not have an open-world structure like many RPGs. The game is divided into chapters with set locations where you interact with the environment in a fairly linear way. There is no sprawling open world to explore or side quests to engage in. The game’s focus is entirely on narrative-driven gameplay, with players making decisions in the environment and progressing through the story.
Progression Systems
Although “Detroit: Become Human” lacks traditional RPG progression systems like leveling up or gaining new skills, it does feature a progression system of its own. As you make choices throughout the game, the relationships between characters evolve, and the story branches into different directions. Each decision can impact the fate of the characters and the world they inhabit. This branching narrative provides a sense of growth and change, but it is more about moral development than stat-based progression.
Decision-Making and Consequences
Where “Detroit: Become Human” truly shines is in its decision-making mechanics. Players are regularly presented with moral choices that affect the outcome of the story. For example, you might have to decide whether to use force or diplomacy in a tense situation, or whether to protect a character or let them suffer the consequences of their actions. These choices have far-reaching consequences, which can lead to a variety of different endings based on the decisions you make. This focus on player choice is a hallmark of RPGs and is one of the reasons why “Detroit: Become Human” feels like an RPG despite lacking some traditional RPG mechanics.
Is “Detroit: Become Human” an RPG? A Gray Area
After analyzing the game’s mechanics and structure, it’s clear that “Detroit: Become Human” occupies a unique space within the gaming world. While it shares some elements with RPGs—such as player-driven decisions and character development—it lacks others, such as extensive character customization and open-world exploration. So, is it an RPG?
Technically speaking, “Detroit: Become Human” doesn’t fit squarely into the RPG category. However, its focus on narrative-driven choices, character development, and moral dilemmas make it a game that will appeal to RPG fans. It’s an interactive drama with RPG-like elements, blending the line between genres and offering a fresh take on what role-playing can mean in modern video games.
How to Approach “Detroit: Become Human” if You Love RPGs
If you’re a fan of RPGs, there are still plenty of aspects of “Detroit: Become Human” that you’ll appreciate. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience:
- Embrace the Narrative: While you may not be able to build your character from scratch, “Detroit: Become Human” offers a deep, branching narrative. Focus on the story and how your choices affect the characters and their relationships.
- Experiment with Different Choices: The game’s branching paths mean that your choices lead to different outcomes. Replay the game and make different decisions to see how the story changes.
- Pay Attention to the Details: The game is full of subtle choices that can impact the story in major ways. Take your time exploring each environment and interact with everything you can to uncover all the possibilities.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues in “Detroit: Become Human”
While “Detroit: Become Human” is widely praised for its storytelling and innovative gameplay, some players may encounter issues during their experience. Here are a few common problems and how to resolve them:
- Framerate Issues: If you’re experiencing low framerate or lag, make sure your game is updated to the latest version. Lowering graphic settings or adjusting resolution can also help.
- Gameplay Freezing: If the game freezes during critical scenes, try restarting your system and verify the integrity of game files (especially on PC). Ensure that your hardware meets the game’s requirements.
- Unresponsive Controls: If the controls feel unresponsive, check the input settings on your controller or keyboard. Rebinding keys or using a different controller might solve the issue.
Conclusion: “Detroit: Become Human” – An RPG or Not?
“Detroit: Become Human” is a unique and engaging game that defies easy categorization. While it doesn’t have all the traditional features of an RPG, its emphasis on player choice, character development, and moral dilemmas shares many traits with RPGs. The game offers a deeply immersive experience that is sure to resonate with RPG fans who enjoy story-driven gameplay and making meaningful decisions. So, is “Detroit: Become Human” an RPG? In the broadest sense, it might not be, but its RPG-like elements make it a fascinating hybrid that is worth playing for any fan of interactive storytelling.
To learn more about RPGs and other interactive drama games, check out this link to more articles on role-playing games.
If you’re looking for more insights on game mechanics or troubleshooting tips, visit the Rock Paper Shotgun website for expert reviews and advice.
This article is in the category Entertainment and created by GameMasterHub Team