ilitarist
Learned
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2016
- Messages
- 857
true action-RPG = action rpg.
fake action-RPG = action game with fantasy template / rpg-lite advancement template.
Don't really agree.
My definition for "real" action-RPG would be "it's possible to create different characters who rely on different gameplay tactics/mechanics". Or practical example: if you and I give each other save files will we be able to continue playing in the same way?
Dark Souls is "fake" because pretty much any character can use all types of weapons and magic, the difference in stats is how big is your two-handed weapon, how much damage you deal, how much damage you can survive.
Witcher is "fake" because every playable character can use all tactics and I can load your save file and continue playing my way whatever your build was.
Morrowind and even Skyrim are half way there. They make you rely on different mechanics. Character may be useless in melee and great in magic, or use specific enchanted equipment to get by etc. However, I think every character build in those games is drawn to jack of all trades approach as it's natural to combine melee, ranged and magic - you still have mana and enchanted items, it's dumb not to use it. So you can have a unique character, but you probably won't.
Baldur's Gate, Pillars of Eternity, Fallout 1-2 are all real RPGs gameplay-wise.
However it doesn't say much about additional stuff like dialogues, choices and consequences, open-worldness. Dues Ex Human Revolution has dialogues (some are great and you have "boss battle" dialogues), sidequests and different approaches yet it's not usually considered an RPG. Even more puzzling is Dishonored: it has different builds, difference of equipment, sidequests, even moral choices - yet it's not considered an RPG - maybe cause in the end you are still able to switch saves with me and continue playing your way, it will only be slightly more difficult.