The main definition of RPG is

A role-playing game (RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development. Actions taken within the game succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.

This definition would actually exclude many JRPGs as they do not give the player choices in how the story plays out and character development is usally very linear in JRPGs also, but they usally qulify usally by offering multiple classes and customisable equipment. So no JRPGs aren't true RPGs and even most wRPGs aren't, MMOs probably are the best fit for the clasic definition.

But as others have said the lack of RPGs is more a lack of console RPGs especially jRPGS there are still plenty around especially on handhelds and PC.

Most of the rpgs this generation are on handhelds, which I love btw, I love to play rpgs on my ds.

Currently just NA, European release will follow.

I will have dissagree darth the best RPG so far this year is this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lFM3I5_ado

followed by

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzoD5HzOgpY

and later we have

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6rYWrTQaHg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxCAA2MFkvw

and more!

but I agee that there has been meany RPGs this Gen with most of the Japanese ones on DS/PSP.

they simply cant compete with western rpg`s hence you will get less and less

although the niche rpg`s will still be availiable, major ones outside final fantasy i doubt we will get many, i can only think of lost oddesey that did reletively well

You're forgetting the RPG behemoth that is Pokemon:

Pokémon Diamond / Pearl Version (DS) Nintendo, RPG

6.76

6.04

5.00

17.80

No other RPG, Western or Japanese, can even come close Pokemon's commercial success.

*Sends friend request*