What actually makes a RPG an RPG?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercen-X

So far, many of things mentioned are found in a lot of recent games. These particular games, however, admit to including "RPG elements." You cannot define an RPG by any single statement in this thread.

Take all the singular views and opinions on what makes an RPG what it is and mash them together. If one of the factors mentioned is missing, most likely, the game is no longer an RPG.

One of the basic things to know about an RPG is that the character's story is your story. You are deeply involved in it no matter what other gaming elements are included. It's true that there are some RPGs whose stories don't keep you involved, but such are games that are RPGs only because the producer called them that.

Just because one or two elements isnt' there doesn't make it not an RPG, though I think you implied that but thought I'd mention it since I'm not sure. One way to explain this is a comparison to Oats. When you buy Oats there are things in there that arn't Oats since it can't all be clean out without paying a lot of money. THere is so much non-oat stuff you can put into an oat and still call it oats. Just like there is so much non-RPG you can have in an RPG and still call it an RPG. I t hink that makes sense, I'll just assume it does and get on with my life.