Role Playing Game both refers to the original J-Pop song composed by the doujin quad group SoraMafuUraSaka, and its associated animation meme. The song itself depicts the hijinks, playful scuffles and banters within the aforementioned group as they go about on their adventures, within the context of various role-playing games, with peculiar yet mundane names given to each of the members’ primary attacks.
Being mostly a one-off song about the fun yet excruciating vibe of Role-Playing Games, mostly of the traditional four-member party type, it was mostly positively acclaimed upon its release on Youtube, spawning another bout of animation memes regardless of fandom.
The song ‘Role-Playing Game (RPG)’ by SoraMafuUraSaka is a playful and metaphorical take on the concept of role-playing games and the dynamics within a group of players. The lyrics, filled with references to RPG elements, explore themes of teamwork, escapism, and the challenges faced by players who immerse themselves in these fantasy worlds.
The song begins with a sense of admiration for the hero of a story, despite knowing that jumping into a ‘botched story’ is futile. This reflects the desire to be part of something grand and the willingness to engage in a flawed adventure. The characters in the song struggle with their roles, often feeling useless and blaming each other for their failures. The lyrics humorously point out the lack of essential items and skills, such as a ‘one-hit reversal’ or an ‘escape item,’ which are common tropes in RPGs. This highlights the frustration and the comical side of playing a game where progress seems impossible.
Despite the setbacks, there’s a sense of camaraderie and a desire to continue the journey with friends, as expressed in the lines about staying up late playing RPGs. The song captures the essence of gaming with friends—where the experience and the shared moments are more valuable than the actual success in the game. The banter among the characters towards the end of the song adds a layer of humour and realism, showing the playful conflicts that can arise in a team. Ultimately, ‘Role-Playing Game (RPG)’ is a celebration of the joy and absurdity of immersing oneself in a virtual adventure with companions.
