[ComicGuy89]

In RPGs there's always this delicate balance to achieve.

On the one hand, you want to be immersed in the story, enjoy playing your character and exploring the worlds the universe presents you with.

On the other hand, you want to be the strongest, have the most efficient build your characters can possibly have, and focus more on the mathematics.

This is especially true of RPGs with a multiplayer component such as Pokémon or MMORPGs.

• Do you just train Pokémon and enjoy the game at your pace, or do you whip out a calculator and breed Pokémon to perfection (even if it ruins the role-playing aspect?)
• Do you stick with ubers listed on Smogon or use a weaker one just because you like it? What about leaving a Pokémon unevolved because you like it that way?
• In Skyrim, do you work out your character build before hand and meticulously train in that build or do you just whip through the countryside and enjoy the sights? Do you wait until later levels to start quests so that the loot is better or just jump right into it? Do you use only Daedric armour because it's the best or do you stick with Iron armor because you like the look even if it's statistically weak?
• In MMORPGs do you obsess over what stats work the best in giving you that tiny advantage in PVP or just try your luck whenever it happens?
• Do you whip out a walkthrough and map when playing JRPGs to ensure you NEVER miss out on any loot or do you just run through the story as it is?

These are just a few examples and they are all (internally) mutually exclusive. Sure, you can play a second time in a "perfect" manner after enjoying the story, but during that second playthrough, if you're like me, your immersion is ruined because it's now nothing more than a math game.

Where's the balance for you? If you do balance it out, where do you draw the line between the quest for perfection and the enjoyment of the game's world?