What defines a RPG?

[HoloDust]

neerdowell said:

I'm not disputing the original classification which most people base their opinions off of. I'm saying the original classification was wrong and that is where all the confusion arises from. The original D & D and other early WRPGS should not have been considered RPG's. Due to people's relation to these games that are more about controlling the role rather than playing it, they have formed this perception that JRPG's which are drastically different from this mold should not be classified as RPG's. This has also led to other features that are not necessary to be associated with RPG's such as stats, leveling, and luck.

I think people should keep their description witin reasonable bounds, as long as the emphasis of a game is on playing the role of the lead character, whether one has control over their direction or not, this should be classified as an RPG.

Huh, what? Pen&Paper RPG are where RPG computer/video games come from, and you very much ROLE PLAY in them - if you ever played D&D you'd know that good playing involves being in your character and behaving like you're expected to behave in accordance to your character's story and alligment. That doesn't mean you're destined to one path like in most JRPGs, it just means you will be limited to a degree in your choices.