Why 'Classic' Video Game Storylines Are Still Compelling in 2024

The year is 2024, and a curious question is circulating on Chinese social media: have the classic “hero’s journey” storylines found in many Japanese role-playing video games (JRPGs) become outdated and cliché? After all, tales of a hot-blooded young hero and their band of loyal friends setting out to save the world from evil have been a staple of the genre for decades. Surely modern gamers have grown tired of these recycled plot devices by now?

Surprisingly, the answer appears to be a resounding “no” from the gaming community. Despite their predictable formula, traditional hero narratives are still going strong in this new era. The smash hit JRPG Persona 6, featuring high school students moonlighting as demon-fighting heroes, broke sales records upon release, topping Steam charts worldwide. The equally anticipated Final Fantasy XVI and Dragon Quest XII, both heavy on classic “save the world” plots, are also poised to be massive successes. Clearly, there remains an enduring and powerful appetite for these timeworn tales.

But what is the secret to their longevity? While certainly not groundbreaking in originality, well-executed hero’s journey stories tap into some fundamental aspects of the human experience that are near universal in their appeal. At their core, they are idealistic coming-of-age stories - the hero starts out young, naïve and powerless but through their adventures, they forge unbreakable bonds of friendship and love, overcome challenges that force them to grow as a person, and ultimately triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds to make the world a better place. It’s a powerful fantasy that speaks to the human desire to find purpose, connection and courage in the face of an often callous and chaotic real world.

Of course, modern gamers do have higher expectations for how these classic storylines are delivered compared to the JRPGs of 30 years ago. The writing needs to be sharp, the characters compelling, the pacing engaging, and preferably with some novel twists on the time-tested formula. Graphics, gameplay and world-building also need to be cutting-edge. But as long as game developers continue to refine their craft and pour their souls into making players feel moved and inspired by the hero’s trials and triumphs, these enduring narratives will never truly go out of style. The hero’s journey is a song as old as human history, and in a world that can often feel dark and hopeless, it’s a melody we still very much need to hear.