Check a PM :P

The dev of Who's Lila was considering a release on GOG, unfortunately I never knew if he actually sent a request to GOG, and if so whether the game was rejected. :(

Well, I agree that this RPG is not a JRPG. But, honestly, I don't care about that. As long as a title has a good story, excellent combat (or gameplay) mechanics and good character development I'll be more than happy. As for the term as such and its characteristics, there are a few examples. Let's start with the story (narrative) and characters. In JRPGs the story is rich and extensive (also deep) and the characters (usually) are charismatic and very memorable. As an example of memorable characters he cited the villain of FFVI, the masterful Kefka Palazzo. One of my favourite villains in the genre. For me, FFIII or FFVI marked a very important stage for me in 1994. That's why it's my favourite JRPG of all time, just like Chrono Trigger, Star Ocean and the also legendary Tales of Phantasia. Another feature (it's hackneyed mechanic) of turn-based combat (used in recent times, even in some western RPGs). Regarding the characters in JRPGs, they are generally young and some have an androgynous or enigmatic appearance. In JRPGs the progression of the characters is constant as you progress through the game (improving the skills or attributes of each character, be it warrior, blue mage, red mage, black mage, etc.). You also gain experience points which leads to leveling up. Leveling up can also be used to gain or learn new skills or when acquiring a specific item in the character's inventory (such as when acquiring the ULTIMA spell and other magics or spells in FFVI). While the story and narrative is rich in a JRPG, the structure of the game is usually linear with some plot twists (it is not usually open world, although there are exceptions to the rule). As for the graphical style and music, we are dealing with a Japanese manga style with orchestral music (very relevant, emotional and iconic). Although, Secret of Evermore doesn't quite live up to the manga aesthetics or sound as well as other games from the same company, I don't judge it as harshly as a SquareSoft game developed in the west, so I wouldn't put it outside of the genre. Another characteristic of JRPGs (at least old school JRPGs) is their length in terms of world exploration, secrets, enemies, bosses and character backstory. Nowadays, with how diluted the world of videogames is, you can't be one hundred percent a purist of the genre. Both RPGs and JRPGs have evolved and combined their characteristics in such a way that the line that separates them is becoming smaller and smaller compared to the games of the 90's, for example. A more specific example can be the random encounters within an area or within the general map (every so often) as in FFII and FFIII to the possibility of being able to see enemies to fight (even the possibility of being able to avoid them within that area or map) as in Secret of Mana. In any case, thanks to Dragon Quest we had Final Fantasy, ChronoTrigger, Tales Of Phantasia, ChronoCross, Star Ocean, Mother 2 (EarthBound) among other interesting and impressive RPG titles. A hug!

I aksked ChatGPT to summarise the post:

"The author discusses their love for RPGs, regardless of whether they are classified as JRPGs (Japanese RPGs) or not. They emphasize that a good story, excellent gameplay mechanics, and strong character development are what truly matter to them.

Key Characteristics of JRPGs:

1- Story and Characters:
- JRPGs typically feature rich, extensive narratives and memorable, charismatic characters. The author highlights Kefka Palazzo from FFVI as an example of a memorable villain.
- FFVI (or FFIII in some regions), Chrono Trigger, Star Ocean, and Tales of Phantasia are mentioned as standout titles.

2- Gameplay Mechanics:
- Turn-based combat is a hallmark of JRPGs, a mechanic also adopted by some Western RPGs.
- Characters in JRPGs are usually young and often have an androgynous or enigmatic appearance.
- Character progression involves gaining experience points, leveling up, and improving skills or attributes, such as different types of mages in FFVI.

3- Game Structure:
- JRPGs often have a linear structure with rich narratives and plot twists, although there are exceptions that feature open-world elements.
- Graphically, JRPGs use a Japanese manga style and are accompanied by orchestral music that is emotional and iconic.

4- Length and Exploration:
- JRPGs are noted for their length, extensive world exploration, secrets, enemies, bosses, and character backstories.
- Examples of game mechanics include random encounters in FFII and FFIII, and visible enemies in Secret of Mana that can be avoided.

Evolution of RPGs and JRPGs:
- The author notes that the lines between RPGs and JRPGs have blurred over time, with characteristics of both genres increasingly intermingling.
- They acknowledge the contributions of Dragon Quest to the genre and express appreciation for the various RPG titles it inspired, such as Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and others.

Conclusion:
The author values RPGs for their storytelling and gameplay, regardless of the specific sub-genre, and appreciates the evolution and blending of RPG characteristics over time.

A hug!"

Please excuse me if the post is confusing. I was a bit busy and wrote it quickly. I apologise for the situation, especially to the user @BreOl72. To fellow @amok thanks for the help. Honestly, ChatGPT is not to my liking. However, I really appreciate your help, I really do. A hug to both of you and to the other forum members. [Edit] @amok +1 and many thanks again.

The best part of it was that the "A hug!" was not mine, ChatGPT placed it there as part of the summary. I swear, the AI's are starting to develop a sense of humor :)

I really dig the trailer music.

LOL.