Hmmm... I wouldn't even qualify most of those games as RPGs anyway. They're mostly just console games with a character that picks up objects and uses them. They're only a very small step removed from games like Doom and Quake (is there really a difference between finding and using keys and finding and using "quest objects" beyond the names?).
In my humble (and snobbish perhaps) opinion, you aren't playing a "roleplaying" game unless there's some roleplaying involved. That means more then just having a name for the set of pixels you're contolling on the screen. Aside from window dressing, there's no difference in playing "Zelda, master of whatever", and "random blob of goo". The play is exactly the same. Games where you are given a choice of actions and those actions cause the game to take different directions can *almost* be called RPGs, but they're still just choices to make (do I turn left or right?).
A true RPG requires interaction. It requires that there be choices and consequences beyond those directly tied to the completion of game goals themselves. I find it hard to call any single player game a RPG simply because all choices in the game are either inconsequential, or are simply logic choices to completing the game. The only computer/console games that can really call themselves RPGs are the MMORPGs (or at least ORPGs). The role you chose to play has consequences outside the direct goals of the game content purely because you are interacting with people. Your rep in EQ means alot. Thus, how you play your character means alot. The goal is not always to get as much money and gear as possible out of every situation. You can, but you'll **** people off. Building up even a rudimentary personality for your character in EQ often feels natural, makes the game more enjoyable, and makes it easier for others to deal with you.
Don't get me wrong. I suppose you can roleplay a single player game just as much as a multi-player one. However, the computer/console really doesn't care. People do. It's kinda like performing a play. While you certainly can do it without an audience, most people would consider it pointless...
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King Nobby wrote:
More words please