I think that we could probably just remove the term "RPG" because it doesn't mean anything, instead we can redefine the games that were within that list based upon the actions of the characters within them (i.e. the main combat system). Merely being a game in which customizable stats are included does not make a game an RPG anymore, because too many games now have kinds of stats.
1. Row Game: Absolutely no control of movement in combat - which generally exists outside of the outer exploration system and world like its another dimension or something. The placement of the characters is completely or almost completely meaningless to the actions of the games. You could be placed in rows, or something else equally arbitrary. Combat is turn-based or semiturn-based. (Ex. every main Final Fantasy game except for the MMOs and XII, about a billion others).
2. Action-Adventure: Complete free-roaming combat with direct control of the playable characters. Usually no difference between out-of-combat gameplay and in-combat gameplay. (Ex. Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, God of War, FFXII)
3. Turn-Based Tactics/Strategy: Combat exists on a field with turn-based tactical control of all or most playable characters. Real gameplay beyond menus and cutscenes is limited only to the battlefield itself. (Ex. Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea, Fire Emblem)
4. "True" RPG: A game where the main point is literally to play a "role". You ARE the character, and the end-results of the storyline is entirely your choice. It isn't just a combat game with a storyline tacked-on, the game IS the storyline. Of course, as far as I know, no such game exists, so this category is pointless.
I haven't played that many other games that people call "RPGs", so honestly I can't think of anything that would be outside these categories. Any further suggestions?
1. Row Game: Absolutely no control of movement in combat - which generally exists outside of the outer exploration system and world like its another dimension or something. The placement of the characters is completely or almost completely meaningless to the actions of the games. You could be placed in rows, or something else equally arbitrary. Combat is turn-based or semiturn-based. (Ex. every main Final Fantasy game except for the MMOs and XII, about a billion others).
2. Action-Adventure: Complete free-roaming combat with direct control of the playable characters. Usually no difference between out-of-combat gameplay and in-combat gameplay. (Ex. Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, God of War, FFXII)
3. Turn-Based Tactics/Strategy: Combat exists on a field with turn-based tactical control of all or most playable characters. Real gameplay beyond menus and cutscenes is limited only to the battlefield itself. (Ex. Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea, Fire Emblem)
4. "True" RPG: A game where the main point is literally to play a "role". You ARE the character, and the end-results of the storyline is entirely your choice. It isn't just a combat game with a storyline tacked-on, the game IS the storyline. Of course, as far as I know, no such game exists, so this category is pointless.
I haven't played that many other games that people call "RPGs", so honestly I can't think of anything that would be outside these categories. Any further suggestions?
. Besides, i don't like buying games promising to be something that in my opinion they're not. I think it would be great if we could have better labling on games. FPS games are FPS games. RPGs are Bioware games, or Square Enix games, or....
