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 |
Linux (2003), Macintosh (2003) and Windows (2003) A Tale in the Desert is an massively multiplayer online roleplaying game with an ancient Egyptian setting. It has two... |
Windows (2006) This compilation includes three RPGs:Forgotten Realms: Demon StoneMagic: The Gathering - BattlegroundsThe Temple of Elemental Evil: A Classic Greyhawk Adventure... |
Windows (2005) Atari Collection: Rollenspiele is one of four simultaneously released compilations (for the other three see Atari's Atari Collection Series). This... |
PlayStation (1998), PlayStation 3 (2008) and PSP (2008) Atelier Elie is a turn-based RPG with isometric graphics, and the second entry to the Atelier series by Gust. The... |
PlayStation 2 (2005) The story of Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny follows Viese and Felt, two orphans from the land of... |
PlayStation 2 (2006) Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm is a traditional Japanese old-fashioned RPG with a classic turn-based battle system and 2D anime... |
PlayStation 2 (2004) In the land of Regallzine, there is a special guild of alchemists - people who possess magic powers they draw... |
PlayStation (1998) Atelier Marie Plus is an updated version of the original title which features a variety of extra bonus materials unlocked... |
PlayStation (1997) Marlone is a student at the Royal School of Sorcery (known simply as "The Academy") in the city of Salberg.... |
PlayStation 3 (2009) The story of Atelier Rorona takes place in the poor, isolated kingdom of Arland. A travelling alchemist visits the kingdom... |
PlayStation 3 (2010) The Limited Edition of Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland includes:
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland
Limited Edition Premium... |
PlayStation 3 (2010) Years after the events of the previous game, Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland, the poor kingdom of Arland has... |
PlayStation 3 (2011) This premium edition includes:
Standard edition of Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland
Premium box
Full color, softcover artbook (+30... |
Windows (2008) Atlantica Online is an online RPG with one big twist: the fights are turn-based! It is a free-to-play title which... |
Windows (2010) Attack of the Mutant Zombies is a SNES-style role-playing game created with RPG Maker XP.The old adventurer Bill has been... |
iPhone (2008) Aurora Feint II: Arena Daemons is a persistent online multiplayer game featuring game play similar to Tetris Attack.Players have a... |
TurboGrafx CD (1993) It is the future, the time of space travel and great society reforms. Fuyuu City is a town built in... |
Windows (2006) Auto Assault is an MMORPG with fast-paced combat in a post-apocalyptic setting. As a player, you choose to play one... |
Windows (2006) After meteorites hit the earth a strange contamination with extraterrestrial spores covers the planet. As people, animals and plants alike... |
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DOS (1998) Avalon takes place in the future after the destruction of earth. A group of people known as the Avalon-cult flees... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Avalon Code is a hack and slash Action-RPG that takes place in a world about to end. Choosing between a... |
Windows (2000) Avaron is a re-vamped version of Yōjo Ranbu 2. Most of the story, characters, 3D graphics, and overall gameplay system... |
Windows (2007) As always Jonesch went down to the river to get water. As he walked towards the stream he noticed a... |
Windows (2000) and Macintosh (2000) Avernum is a remake of Exile, Spiderweb Software's first game. It uses the Nethergate game engine and plays in much... |
