Cinematics: Essential or Extravagant?
This is a tough question because the answer is in the middle. While using a strict definition of the word essential along with the concept of gaming then the obvious answer is that it is NOT essential. However if you look at the concept of a RPG in totality then the Cinematics play a real role. A great RPG is about the lore and story, a well done and placed cinematic can help with this narrative and immersion.
As for it being extravagant, well that is ask in how it is applied. A lot of games I have seen take and add cinematics to make a game seem longer than it is, at least it feels that way. Sometimes things get a bit out of hand, like in BG3 the constant cuts of petting the dog or the Owlbear cub. Cute for sure and the first time maybe setting a mood but at some point it is just silly.
I do not thing an RPG is made or broke of Cinematics, but I do think there is a place for them. However an RPG can obviously over due making their impact less meaningful
