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 |
DOS (1988) and Apple II (1987) Metropolis was founded in 2213 A.D. by the United Stellar Council as the capital city of the planet XK-120, a... |
Apple II (1980) 3 Pack is a compilation containing the following games:
Dunjonquest: Morloc's Tower
Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn
StarQuest: Rescue at... |
PSP (2011) The Twisted Edition comes in a cardboard box and includes:
The 3rd Birthday
Hardback book titled «CTI Confidential» with artworks... |
Windows (2009) 3 Stars of Destiny returns to the heroes from Laxius Power and Laxius Force, but back to the years when... |
SEGA CD (1993) 1983, Tibet. A weary traveler approaches a figure standing on the peak of the mountain. "You shall become human again..."... |
SNES (1992) Based on the manga series 3x3 Eyes, the game tells the story of a young man named Yakumo Fujii. He... |
PC-98 (1990) 46 Okunen Monogatari: The Shinkaron (which translates to "The Story of 4 600 000 000 Years: The Evolution Theory") is... |
Apple II (1984), Commodore 64 (1984), DOS (1986) and Atari 8-bit (1984) "50 Mission Crush" was the name given to the crushed service cap of the battle hardened veterans who flew the... |
Windows (2007) 7.62 is the sequel to Brigade E5: New Jagged Union which is also a tactical strategy game.Synopsis: a famous Russian... |
SNES (1993) Your character embarks on a quest to find the seven crystals that are hidden throughout the land of Ticondera. There... |
Windows (2000) Abaddon is a role playing game developed in the style of such titles as Phantasy Star and Dragon Warrior. However,... |
Amiga (1993) In this dungeon-crawling RPG you must assemble a team of four brave fighters to launch an attack on Pendugmalhe, and... |
DOS (1992) and Amiga (1992) In this RPG, you play the role of four heroes whose mission is to save their world, Kalynthia, from the... |
FM Towns (1995) In the beginning of the 21st century, the Earth has reached an unseen level of technological progress. However, the environmental... |
Windows (2001) The action of A Blurred Line takes place in a futuristic world, in which all natural resources have been used... |
Windows (2010) Academagia is a simulator of a life of a first-year student that combines both elements of choose-your-adventure text games as... |
Browser (1997) Achaea is a text-based MUD (multi-user dungeon) set in an original world of medieval high fantasy. Players can choose from... |
Windows (1996) An early MMORPG, this romp through TSR's blasted alt-fantasy Dark Sun AD&D campaign setting of Athas was built atop the... |
Intellivision (1982) Pursue the ancient Crown of Kings in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Cartridge. You control a three person party equipped with... |
DOS (1994) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (Collector's Edition) contains all nine original Gold Box AD&D games on one CD-ROM. Complete hard copy... |
DOS (1994) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Collector's Edition Vol. 1 is a compilation which features three classic AD&D games:
Curse of the... |
DOS (1994) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Collector's Edition Vol. 2 is a compilation which features three classic AD&D games:
Champions of Krynn... |
DOS (1994) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Collector's Edition Vol. 3 is a compilation which features three AD&D games:
Gateway to the Savage... |
DOS (1996) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Masterpiece Collection is a collection of 6 AD&D Games:
Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse
Dark Sun: Shattered... |
Intellivision (1983) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin Cartridge is a first-person dungeon crawler. It features gameplay elements such as hidden... |
