Poll: Is Zelda a role playing game?

[krazykidd]

The question is in the title . Do you consider the Legend of zelda , a role playing game? What a RPG really is has been discussed to death , because some people don't consider JRPGs to be actual rpgs because 'x' reasons and whatever, but that isn't the question here.

What i really want to know is do YOU consider Zelda games to be Rpgs ? Why or why not ?

 

[b3nn3tt]

Nope. There's no input from the player into the progression of the character. I would even argue against calling it an action-adventure game with RPG elements. The only progression in Link's abilities occurs in pre-determined points in a linear story, the player can't decide to upgrade the boomerang or anything.

So no, not in the slightest, in my opinion.

EDIT: I have been informed that Skyward Sword will have RPG elements, so I will say that no Zelda game thus far is an RPG.

 

[Catchy Slogan]

Never played them, but who cares what genre they are classed as, as long as you enjoy them?

 

[Shakomaru]

Nope. There's no input from the player into the progression of the character. I would even argue against calling it an action-adventure game with RPG elements. The only progression in Link's abilities occurs in pre-determined points in a linear story, the player can't decide to upgrade the boomerang or anything.

So no, not in the slightest, in my opinion.

Well... You can in Skyward Sword, so maybe it's the exception?

 

[renegade7]

Not counting zelda 2, which was definitely an RPG, no. They are more like action/adventures, ie, solve the puzzle, get the thing, solve the tougher puzzle, kill the boss, repeat. There's no customization or ability for the player to impose a personality on Link (for the most part) because he has a pretty well established character. There's also only one way to approach most situations, in an RPG you would have several, for instance you might prefer a character with a lot of staying power and close range damage ability (A knight) or a longer range strategy (an archer), whereas in Zelda there's usually only one way to deal with any particular situation.

That being said, they are still spectacular games and about the only thing Nintendo has going for them right now

 

[EboMan7x]

Unless you're going to count the option to say "Yes" or "No" at certain times, then of course it isn't. I suppose if you were being picky you could argue that it has the same amount of RPG elements as certain old JRPG's, but the same could be said about most games today. Of course it is not an RPG.

 

[varulfic]

Never played them, but who cares what genre they are classed as, as long as you enjoy them?

Classification is useful for descriptive purposes. Like, if you were describing what kind of game Legend of Zelda is to someone unfamiliar with the series. It's not used as critique, just a frame of reference.

I'd call Zelda an action-adventure. Great games, but anyone out for an RPG fix would find it sorely lacking any of the roleplaying or character building they'd expect. The only RPG-esque thing about Zelda is the setting, and maybe the increasing healthbar is sort of like levelling up if you squint at it. But there's no roleplaying, you control Link and that's that.

 

[KarmaTheAlligator]

It's no more a RPG than any other game where you play a pre-made character since apart from new gadgets and increased life there's no change whatsoever.

 

[jacobythehedgehog]

In a way of thinking every game in the world is a Role-Playing game. You assume the role as the character and play through their own actions. But the true definition of Role Playing Game... No Zelda is not an RPG.

 

[Toriver]

Zelda 2 at least has RPG elements, even if you don't call it a full-blown RPG, but by today's definition it's an action RPG. The others in the series? Not a chance. They're straight-up adventure games more akin to Devil May Cry or God of War than Dragon Age or Oblivion gameplay-wise.

 

[Kekkles]

The only progression in Link's abilities occurs in pre-determined points in a linear story, the player can't decide to upgrade the boomerang or anything.

You say that, but Skyward Sword is gonna be doing just that.

OT: So far, no, not really. If Skyward Sword lives up to what it says it could very much have RPG elements.

 

[Aiden_the-Joker1]

Not in the conventional sense but I could see how someone could debate that it might technically be one.

 

[uzo]

Not counting zelda 2, which was definitely an RPG, no. *snip*

Yeah, bingo. I still voted 'no' however.

The odd thing is, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is actually my favourite Zelda game. Not sure why, and I know I am in direct opposition to most Zelda fans. I just found Zelda II more epic - if Link died, Gannon came back .. so everyone was doubly fucked. That, and that duel against your shadow at the end? 8-Bit-epic-enough for a little kid to win and think 'I am a HERO!!".

Same with Final Fantasy - the only one I actually liked was Final Fantasy VIII. The other ones infuriate me soooo so much, it defies comprehension. Although I am led to believe that Squall et al are the least liked by regular fans.

And likewise Biohazard: Outbreak is my fave game from the series starring everyone's favourite T-Virus. Might be because I got to enjoy the multiplayer whereas most people simply got the bots.