Role-Playing (RPG)
Description
Role-playing video games are descendants of pen-and-paper RPGs. In those games character development is the main driving gameplay mechanic. Typically one or more characters are created and shaped by the player, then embark on a series of encounters that increase the inventory, wealth, or combat statistics of said character(s).
A role-playing game is not just any game in which the player "plays a role", i.e. controls a character and participates in exploration and narrative. Rather, the defining characteristic of role-playing games is
player-dependent character growth. A role-playing game can be seen as such when player-controlled characters become stronger ("levels up") because of the player's actions (usually depending on experience points received for vanquishing enemies), rather than being upgraded automatically as dictated by the storyline. The degree of the player's involvement in shaping the characters may vary considerably: some RPGs offer vast customization possibilities, while others tend to simplify and even nearly automatize the process.
Traditional RPGs have turn-based combat and a fantasy setting (
Wizardry series,
Ultima series,
Roguelikes, etc.). Later, other settings were introduced, and many RPGs - such as
Diablo - began favoring action-based combat. In these games, Action is used as a modifier to the RPG genre.
By the late 1980's, the genre has been distinctly split into two main sub-genres: Western and Japanese (sometimes called
console-style) RPG. Western RPGs typically favored free exploration and player-made decisions, while Japanese RPGs focused on following a linear story line. Japanese RPGs also tended to retain simple turn-based combat mechanics, and in many cases also random enemy encounters.
In many early Western RPGs the player was given the option to create an entire party of characters (usually up to six).
Ultima games introduced the possibility of recruiting initially non-playable characters (NPCs) with their own personalities from the game world into the party. Beginning with
Phantasy Star, Japanese RPGs followed this template and even elevated it to their cornerstone mechanic.
Late 1990's saw a "RPG revival" in the West.
Fallout greatly expanded the usage of non-combat statistics and moral decisions during gameplay, while
Baldur's Gate popularized real-time party-based combat.
 Game Title |
Game Boy Advance (2003) Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (Deluxe Pack) contains:
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
An original mini booklet
FFTA keychains (Moogle and Mewt's... |
PlayStation (2000) Square Millennium Collection is a re-release of Final Fantasy Tactics for PS1. The game is packaged in a bigger box.... |
Nintendo DS (2009) Brandt is a fourteen-year-old boy living in the country of Horne. One day, the king summons him, only to send... |
PSP (2011) Final Fantasy Type-0 was first developed as Final Fantasy Agito XIII. It is part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis project... |
PSP (2011) This collector's bundle was released in Japan in a fancy presentation box, and includes:
Final Fantasy Type-0 game UMDs
A... |
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Windows (1998), PlayStation (1997), PlayStation 3 (2009), PSP (2009) and PS Vita (2012) The seventh installment of the Final Fantasy series takes place in a post-modern, steampunk, sci-fi world where high technology reigns... |
NES (2005) This version of Final Fantasy VII is a Chinese-made unlicensed "demake" (a remake of a game that uses inferior technology)... |
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PlayStation 2 (2001) Tidus is a young athlete who lives in a futuristic city of Zanarkand - "the city that never sleeps". He... |
PlayStation 2 (2003) Final Fantasy X-2 is the first direct sequel in the history of the series. The events of the game take... |
PlayStation 2 (2004) Just like Final Fantasy X International, Final Fantasy X-2 was treated to a Japanese-only international version. It includes 2 completely... |
PlayStation 2 (2006) Two powerful empires, Archadia and Rozaria, are at war. All they care for is victory over the opponent. In order... |
PlayStation 2 (2006) This game is identical to Final Fantasy XII with the following differences:
Metal Collector's Case
Bonus Disc:
Developer Interviews
History... |
PlayStation 3 (2009) and Xbox 360 (2010) The city of Cocoon is a flying utopia, floating high above the skies, separated from the world below which is... |
PlayStation 3 (2012) and Xbox 360 (2012) Final Fantasy XIII-2 is part of Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy, a series of games set in the same world,... |
PlayStation 3 (2012) and Xbox 360 (2012) This Collector's Edition includes:
Final Fantasy XIII-2
An art book containing weapon, area and monster concepts
Four-discs original soundtrack
The... |
Xbox 360 (2012) and PlayStation 3 (2012) This «Crystal Edition» is a limited edition exclusive to Europe and other PAL regions. It contains:
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Clamshell... |
Xbox 360 (2012) and PlayStation 3 (2012) This edition contains:
Final Fantasy XIII-2
—Episode i— hardbound book unveiling the unforeknown connections between Final Fantasy XIII and the... |
PlayStation 3 (2012) and Xbox 360 (2012) This collector's edition is limited to Europe. It contains:
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2 Composer Selected Soundtrack
«The Art... |
PlayStation 3 (2012) and Xbox 360 (2012) This Nordic edition is limited to Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. It contains:
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Fight in Style (DLC:... |
PlayStation 3 (2010) and Xbox 360 (2010) The Limited Collector's Edition includes:
Final Fantasy XIII
Original sound selection soundtrack CD
Hardback book entitled "The World of Final... |
PlayStation 2 (2007) International Zodiac Job System is a Japanese-only re-release of the original Final Fantasy XII. It comes in a slipcase and... |
Xbox 360 (2010) Final Fantasy XIII: Ultimate Hits International is a Japanese-only re-release of Final Fantasy XIII. It includes the following changes and... |
Nintendo DS (2007) Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is a strategy game with RPG elements. It acts as a sequel to the PS2... |
