RPGs and the Missing Link

When it comes to video games, any gamer who has dipped their foot in the waters knows that games are divided into genres. We've established these rules that define all of our games, placing them in their proper places. But who decides? Personally, there is one classification I disagree with- listing Zelda as an Action Adventure, rather than an Action RPG.

When I asked around, most people said that they consider the Zelda series an RPG. However, Nintendo considers it an action adventure game. Why? Perhaps because Zelda lacks in the traditional leveling system. Combat is not based on any complex equation, other than how many hits an enemy takes with what type of weapon. Link's character has no well-defined personality and little in the way of any real background. However, the game possesses a storyline and there is still the adoption of a role, so where in lay the difference between such games as Zelda and what would be defined as a role playing game? Most video games include the adoption of a role though not all are considered role playing games. Role playing games as a genre include a few things, but the most common theme over all the various subgenres is character development. RPGs have a foundation consisting of statistics, levels, and the advancement of the character.

So when does a game stop being an RPG? Honestly, it's hard to say. The genre has acquired so many subsections that it now spans the majority of styles. Still, when someone says that they like role playing games to me, I immediately think on the turn-based style, like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Suikoden. If the RPG genre can include games that take on the third person or even first person action aspects, then why shouldn't Zelda be counted amongst this number? Your character develops through the acquisition of not only new weapons, but heart pieces and armors. In my opinion all of these are crucial aspects of an RPG. While it isn't the standard experience and level system and you don't get a party of characters, you still get the same feeling of playing a character through an epic tale.

What is an RPG? The technical definition of a role playing game is "A game in which players take on the roles of imaginary characters." To the gamer, we can say that a role playing game is a game in which your character has some development and where you interact in a storyline. To some, these games have to have statistics and an equation based calculation of damage. I think that the heart of the role playing game is an immersive story, a strong empathy with the character of the story, interaction with other characters or NPCs and the ability to have that character grow based on your actions. Under that definition, while maybe the first Zelda wouldn't exactly be a role playing game, the series is one that fulfills those obligations through longevity. It has generated a fan base of fervently loyal players who have time and again taken on the role of Link to rescue Princess Zelda. While much of Link is not known, almost all players feel a connection to the green clad hero. That definitely qualifies under a role playing game in my book.