What defines a RPG?

[adriane23]

Mnementh said:

adriane23 said:
For me, any game where the main character (be it created by the player, or created by the developer) can increase their base stats is an RPG to me. Final Fantasy is an RPG, Mass Effect is an RPG, etc. The gameplay (Hack/slash, Turn-based, shooter) of the game don't really factor in to me.

Is it important for you, if the game makes the decisions about the development of the character or the player? Because that is the main difference between the definitions of Torillian and me.

A few years ago, I would've said that the game making the decisions for development were the most important to me. This was mainly due to me being very indecisive when it comes to make choices in games and due to RPG's being better story-wise when the development is out of the player's hands. I was completely content with playing an RPG, leveling up and getting some predetermined stat boost or new ability. 

AFter playing games like Dragon Age: Origins, Demon's Souls, Dragon's Dogma, and Kingdoms of Amalur, I'm more or less 50/50. Both types of development fit my criteria of what an RPG is.