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What classifies a game as an RPG? There are many answers to this question. If a game has Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest in the title, it will most likely be placed in the RPG genre or one of the many RPG subgenres. Is this always accurate? Is there a correct answer to this question? Does anyone really care? The genre is continuously growing, with many new subgenres appearing, so most likely there will not be a standard that everyone accepts anytime soon. Even the RPG genre itself can be subdivided into console-based and PC-based RPGs, so the genre is very diverse.
One of the first subgenres that seems to be the most prevalent and most controversial is that of the action RPG. The Legend of Zelda series is generally classified as an action RPG, but many would debate with good reason that it is not an RPG at all. Where is the line between and action adventure game and an action RPG? Should Zelda be grouped with games like Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear Solid or ones like Kingdom Hearts and X-Men Legends? How does the character progress? Do you gain levels? My definition of an action RPG can vary, but typically is a game that requires some skilled interaction for combat, has a character that increases in skills and/or stats over time, has the gamer playing the role of a character on a quest, and many times involves the use of magic. Zelda, Alundra, Shining Force Neo, and Kingdom Hearts all have characters with some sort of magic. I would say that magic helps to draw the line between action adventure games and action RPGs.
Some other common subgenres are MMORPGs and tactical RPGs. These games are not as controversial when it comes to classification. However, new games have been released and others are coming that could mean the creation of new subgenres. Some people have openly debated that Final Fantasy XII could be an action RPG with its new innovative battle system. While I personally feel that it should be classified in the base RPG genre, this opens the question of whether FFXII has started a new blended subgenre. Also with the release of the Nintendo Wii, there are also new subgenre possibilities. For example, just look to Dragon Quest Swords and Zelda: Twilight Princess. While Zelda was build as a GameCube game and modified to work with the Wii Remote, Dragon Quest Swords is being built from the ground up for the Wii. It by no means looks like a typical RPG as it puts the gamer in the interactive, first-person role of the adventurer. Control of sword and shield is worked with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. This is not a bad thing; it's just another new door that is going to be opened. While it is too early to predict Dragon Quest Swords' success, the start that was given with Twilight Princess, the potential for this new subgenre is amazing.
The RPG genre is very flexible. People somehow feel the need to pigeon hole games into one area or to keep games out of a certain genre, but in the end does it really matter? No, but that doesn't keep people from being adamant about their genres.
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