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 |
PSP (2005) On the ancient world of Unataca there is but one city untouched by evil – Aven. Strange things are now... |
PlayStation 3 (2006) Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom is the third game in the Untold Legends series and the first not to appear on... |
PSP (2006) In the sequel to Brotherhood of the Blade, the story takes place eighteen years after your peaceful home city of... |
Linux (2003), Windows (2001), Macintosh (2003), iPad (2012) and Android (2012) Uplink Corporation needs you, the Hacker Elite!Be an independent operator who leases a gateway from us. Access it from anywhere... |
Browser (2005) Urban Dead is a visually minimalist MMORPG about a city beset by a plague of George A. Romero-style zombies thanks... |
NES (1993) Based on the animé series Ushio & Tora, this game tells the story of a boy named Ushio. He lives... |
Windows (2002) Team Factor is an online team-based FPS (First Person Shooter) in which the player can take control of one of... |
PlayStation 2 (2006) and Windows (2002) In Utawarerumono, the player takes the role of Hakuoro, a mysterious masked man who awakens one day in a strange... |
PlayStation (2000), PSP (2011), PlayStation 3 (2011) and PS Vita (2012) Valendia is a land that had undergone civil war, the end of which had birthed the parliament and several organizations... |
PC-98 (1991), PC-88 (1991) and FM Towns (1993) The age of peace has come to an end...For many years, the inhabitants of the country Ellzeria enjoyed a peaceful,... |
PC-98 (1992) and FM Towns (1993) The land of Kureia enjoyed a peaceful existence, until the beautiful, but deadly Goddess of Darkness decided to make it... |
Windows (2002) Valhalla Chronicles is a role-playing game that lets you step into the role of a Viking chieftain. The setting is... |
PSP (2006) The blood of demons has soaked the lands and freed the Dark Lord from his prison. Regain your memories and... |
PlayStation 3 (2008) Valkyria Chronicles is a tactical role-playing game set in Europa, a fictional version of Europe, in the year 1935. At... |
Windows (2008) Valkyrie: Ascension to the Throne is basically the same game as its predecessor Ascension to the Throne. The game tells... |
NES (1986) and Wii (2007) Once upon a time, the Marvel Land was a peaceful place populated by humans and other races. Zouna, a dark... |
PlayStation (1999) In preparation for Ragnarok, the final battle between the gods, Odin has commanded Lenneth the Valkyrie to descend to the... |
PlayStation 2 (2006) Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is a prequel of the original PlayStation video game Valkyrie Profile and addresses some of unanswered... |
Nintendo DS (2008) In Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume the player takes on the role of Wylfred, a young warrior whose father... |
PSP (2006) Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is a PSP port of the original PlayStation video game Valkyrie Profile. It is based on the... |
Commodore 64 (1982), DOS (2001) and ZX Spectrum (1982) The Valley is a graphical roguelike RPG with a simple interface and semi-real-time combat system. The background story is all... |
Windows (2007) Vampire World: Port of Death is a role playing game with light adventure elements. In a fictional city a murder... |
Windows (2005) Vampires Dawn 2: Ancient Blood is the successor to Vampires Dawn: Reign of Blood. It is a German freeware RPG... |
Windows (2004) One morning, a seemingly ordinary inhabitant of modern-day Los Angeles wakes up and discovers that he (or she) is dead.... |
Windows (2000) and Macintosh (2001) It is the Middle Ages in Europe, and people live in constant fear of demons and God's punishment. Christof is... |
