The definition of an RPG has become so complex and convoluted that saying such and such is an rpg or is not really doesn’t make sense. Like it or not the term RPG has evolved way past the simple turn based Final Fantasy games ( like 1, 2, or 3) or strategy games (A la Final Fantasy Tactics, or Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced).
Instead of a game being a simple RPG they now have many many more sub-categories that the game can fit under. You have SRPG’s, Turn based RPG’s, Active Turn based RPG’s, MMORPG’s, and Action RPG’s (which have just as much credence as an rpg then any other kind) to name a few. You can also generalize it a little more and split it into into big categories, the eastern RPGs (very traditional and normally linear) or the western RPGs (usually diverse and more free form).
There are also games that have RPG-like elements; games like GTA: San Andreas or Shadowrun feature RPGish elements.
While many won’t agree with this, The Elder Scrolls is just as much an RPG as any Final Fantasy game out there. Just because it’s a different type of RPG doesn’t make any less of one.
And as for my favourite RPG to date (asking for the best is too much, everyone has their own opinion)… I would have to say Knights of the Old Republic or World of Warcraft. But I have a feeling my opinion is going to change come November when Mass Effect hits store shelves. |