What makes an RPG have soul in your opinion?

>>3810936 (OP)
if it's old + i liked it

>>3810936 (OP)
It being a novel experience.
As I experience more, vidya/media becomes less novel and less soulful.

>>3810936 (OP)
If it feels like someone wanted to make it.

>>3810957
this plus a little bit of jank. Whether because they tried something different or were experimenting beyond their means or making some other kind of effort.

Trying to define soul is inherently soulless. Soullessness cannot recognize soul.

Charm and love put into the game. Something genuine and fresh with what it aims to do. Doesn't have to equate to being a good game overall but generally that's what happens.

Games with soul have little touches in places you don't find in every game. Thought and care are placed into the development, sometimes there are Easter eggs to find just because the dev wants you to explore everything.

>>3811045
Soul can absolutely be defined, you just need to know how to articulate yourself anon.

If I like it

Soul is when the artist's vision comes through and you can see the value the piece has, the effort put into it and the wisdom to come up with it.

If it exhibits genuine passion and creativity. Even bad games can have soul.

>>3811108
hot take: it’s not about the original artists intent. look at star wars or fight club. those things are great despite the artist. early nes games are great in part because of the limitations imposed.

A good soundtrack.

https://youtu.be/22qqs9jucn8?si=CZ-9wJOAI072AtM7

>>3810936 (OP)
It hasn't been surpassed / overshadowed in a single metric it is good at
Also having a unique aesthetic really helps