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.
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 PlayStation 2 (2001), Xbox (2002) and GameCube (2002) Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance casts the player as one of three basic characters: an elf sorceress, a human archer, or... |
 Game Boy Advance (2004) This version of Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance follows the same story and has many gameplay similarities to the console release,... |
 PlayStation 2 (2004) and Xbox (2004) The threat of the Onyx Tower has passed for now, but mere moments pass before a new threat to the... |
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 Windows (1998) Baldur's Gate Gold is a special edition of the original game of the same name.Essentially, it is a collector's edition.... |
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 Windows (2000) This collector's edition of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn includes a pack of trading cards with characters from the... |
 Windows (2002) The full versions of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal and a bonus CD... |
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Windows (2002) Baldy's Big Day is a humorous RPG developed with RPG Maker 95. When Baldy woke up it seemed like this... |
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 DOS (1990), Amiga (1991), Commodore 64 (1988), Apple II (1988) and PC-98 (1992) The warriors who have destroyed the evil wizard Mangar receive a letter while celebrating their victory. The letter informs them... |
 DOS (1988), Amiga (1988), NES (1992), Commodore 64 (1986), Apple II (1987), Apple IIgs (1988) and PC-98 (1991) After a group of brave heroes defeated the wizard Mangar the Dark and freed Skara Brae from eternal winter, all... |
 DOS (1990) and Commodore 64 (1989) This compilation contains: Tales of the Unknown: Volume I - The Bard's Tale The Bard's Tale II: The Destiny Knight... |
 Windows (2008) In a post-apocalyptic world, basketball is banned and its non-existence is under the supervision of Michael Jordan, making sure that... |
 PlayStation 2 (2007), PlayStation 3 (2012) and Wii (2008) An updated remake of Baroque, a post-apocalyptic RPG game in which all hell has literally broke loose on earth. As... |
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MobyRank
Top games by as rated by the press:
- 99 Chrono Trigger
- 94 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- 93 Vagrant Story
- 93 Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
- 93 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- 93 Panzer Dragoon Saga
- 93 Mass Effect 2
- 93 Mass Effect 2
- 93 Final Fantasy VII
- 93 Final Fantasy III
Games must have at least a MobyRank of 80 to be considered.
MobyScore
Top games by as rated by our users:
- 4.03 Anvil of Dawn (2013)
- 5.00 Black Isle Compilation (2002)
- 5.00 Black Isle Compilation Part Two (2004)
- 5.00 Borderlands 2 (Deluxe Vault Hunter's Collectors Edition) (2012)
- 4.79 Borderlands 2: Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep (2013)
- 3.78 Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition (2010)
- 4.72 Choice of the Vampire (2010)
- 4.72 Choice of the Vampire (2010)
- 4.72 Choice of the Vampire (2010)
- 5.00 CIMA: The Enemy (2003)
Games must have at least 1 votes and a MobyScore of 4.0 to be considered.
Basic Genres
Role-Playing (RPG) is part of Basic Genres. This group of genres contain:
