Ok, time ta settle it: Is Zelda series an RPG series?

[Dragonrider]

I'd actually classify RPG's in 4 kinds:

1) Pen & Paper RPGs, Online text RPGs, the like, usually including a DM or GM. Examples are things like D&D.

2) RPG intensive games, such as Baldurs Gate or NWN.

3) Console RPGs. These include things like FF, Skies of Arcadia, GII, etc.

4) "Wannabe" RPGs. These include things like Zelda (platform or action) and Diablo (dungeon hacks and the like). I don't consider them to be an RPG at all, but some do. I mean, Tomb Raider was classified as an RPG by its publishers, if they can do it, any one can.

[Xellos]

IRT DR:

I put NWN and Baldur's gate intn here w/ pen and paper, cause they seem basically the same in my mind.

DIablo 2 and PSO kinda fits in between the DnD/NWN category of RPGs for me, cause it actually does have a decent story.

I don't classify Zelda or any other action/platformer as an RPG. Just because you collect items and it's got a story, doesn't make it an RPG

[mrwiseman]

I'd say there are 3 types of RolePlaying VideoGames:

1. Console RPGs. Story-intensive. Usually fantasy/anime style. Usually town/dungeon structure, strategic battles, leveling up, equipment, items, shops, magic. Usually for consoles. Examples: Grandia II, Xenogears.

2. Dungeon crawler RPGs. Little to no story. Usually dark style. Usually dungeon-only structure, action battles, leveling up, equipment, items, magic. Usually for PCs. Examples: Diablo, NetHack.

3. Hybrid genre RPGs. Story. Usually fantasy/anime style. Usually, town/dungeon structure, action battles, equipment, items, shops, magic. All platforms. Examples: Zelda: OoT, Drakan.

I'd classfy Zelda as 3. Hybrid Adventure/RPG.


IRT Xellos: In fact if all you did is to fight, run, collect items and get a story, it'd be the perfect example of an adventure game. But in Zelda you've got equipment, shops, magic, and town/dng struct, so I tend to think of it as an RPG.

Anyways, this is just a naming convention, or a width of genre matter. Some consider RPGs to be a more specific thing than others.

[Dragonrider]

IRT Xel: I think things like Baldur's gate are very different than P&P. Baldur's gate is still in the limitations of the SYSTEM, whereas P&P (or something like MoN when we did it in the chat rooms) are in the limitations of your MIND.

IRT Mike: What would you classify something like NWN or Pen and Paper D&D into? They don't fit into any of those categories, and those types of RPGS are the ones that began the name RPG, so I think they should count there in some way. I don't see how they could even be close to classifying in the "1" category, much less "2" or "3".

[Mr. E Man]

Let's see, is Zelda an RPG???

Does it have a lengthy "epic" quest?
Check

Do you grow more powerful?
Check

Do you grow more powerful from fighting monsters?
Check

Do Monsters appear at random?
Check

Is there a plot?
Check

Do fallen enemies drop money/items?
Check

Are there dungeons?
Check

IS there a main bad guy in every game?
Check

Do you interact with other character?
Check

Is there a large overworld divided into cities/dungeons etc.?
Check

Does money make an appearance and play a role in the game?
Check

Are there fetch quests?
Check

I can go on all day. Zelda is 100% an RPG. It's in a different sub genre since it's an action RPG but it is an RPG thru and thru and is VERY similar to other RPGs. I.e. You get Heart Containers from Boss like getting enough Exp to level from a boss.


---B.j.

[ShampooChan]

you dont really get that much powerful after each attack??? i mean with real rpgs you get stronger each toime you kills someone...not just after bosses....

[ShampooChan]

yeah i agree with wiseman in some aspects...