Story-Driven RPGs
A story-driven role-playing game (RPG) features a clear, well-developed plot crafted by the game designers. To "complete" the game, players are expected to advance through this plot, engaging in heavily scripted developments that unfold as they reach certain trigger points. These trigger points often involve completing specific quests, defeating particular monsters, or uncovering essential story elements. In these games, the narrative is central to the player's experience, providing a guided adventure with a defined beginning, middle, and end.
Examples of Story-Driven RPGs:
A sandbox RPG, on the other hand, offers little to no predetermined plot, though it may feature a rich backstory. In these games, players have the freedom to advance their characters in any direction they choose, employing a wide variety of strategies and methods. These games often lack a traditional ending, allowing players to continue exploring and evolving their characters indefinitely. Advancement might become increasingly challenging, or the game might conclude when a player reaches a high level or accomplishes a significant, player-driven objective.
Examples of Sandbox RPGs:
In addition to story-driven and sandbox RPGs, there are other notable types that combine elements of both or focus on different aspects of gameplay:
A story-driven role-playing game (RPG) features a clear, well-developed plot crafted by the game designers. To "complete" the game, players are expected to advance through this plot, engaging in heavily scripted developments that unfold as they reach certain trigger points. These trigger points often involve completing specific quests, defeating particular monsters, or uncovering essential story elements. In these games, the narrative is central to the player's experience, providing a guided adventure with a defined beginning, middle, and end.
Examples of Story-Driven RPGs:
- Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): Particularly in pre-written campaigns like "Curse of Strahd" or "Storm King's Thunder," the game master follows a detailed storyline with pre-set events and encounters.
- Stars Without Number: While it offers sandbox elements, the game can be played with structured adventures where the story unfolds through a series of scripted missions and events.
- Tunnels & Trolls: Many of its published adventures, such as "Buffalo Castle" or "Beyond the Silvered Pane," follow a clear narrative path with specific objectives and story developments.
- Alien RPG: The cinematic scenarios like "Chariot of the Gods" are highly story-driven, with a well-defined plot and dramatic sequences that players must navigate.
A sandbox RPG, on the other hand, offers little to no predetermined plot, though it may feature a rich backstory. In these games, players have the freedom to advance their characters in any direction they choose, employing a wide variety of strategies and methods. These games often lack a traditional ending, allowing players to continue exploring and evolving their characters indefinitely. Advancement might become increasingly challenging, or the game might conclude when a player reaches a high level or accomplishes a significant, player-driven objective.
Examples of Sandbox RPGs:
- Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): When played in a homebrew setting or a sandbox campaign, players have the freedom to explore the world and create their own stories without a fixed narrative.
- Stars Without Number: In its default mode, the game encourages exploration and player-driven missions in a vast, open universe.
- Tunnels & Trolls: Players can create their own adventures or play in a setting with minimal guidance, focusing on character development and exploration.
- Alien RPG: In campaign play, the universe is open for players to explore, with less focus on a predetermined plot and more on survival and discovery.
In addition to story-driven and sandbox RPGs, there are other notable types that combine elements of both or focus on different aspects of gameplay:
- Hybrid RPGs: These games blend elements of story-driven and sandbox styles, offering a main plot but also allowing for significant player freedom and side quests.
- The Witcher Tabletop RPG: Combines a rich, narrative-driven main plot with numerous side quests and open-world elements.
- Cyberpunk 2020: Features a structured storyline but with ample opportunities for players to diverge and explore the world.
- Narrative RPGs: Focus heavily on storytelling and character development, often with collaborative world-building elements.
- Fiasco: A game that revolves around creating and playing out dramatic, often disastrous storylines with minimal rules.
- Apocalypse World: Emphasizes narrative over mechanics, with players contributing to the story’s development.
- Mechanics-Driven RPGs: Focus primarily on gameplay mechanics and systems, often with less emphasis on narrative.
- GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System): Provides a detailed system for any setting, focusing on mechanics rather than a preset story.
- Shadowrun: Known for its complex mechanics and world-building, it allows for both structured missions and open-ended play.
