RPG Terminology

So, someone's been talking about something about RPGs, and you have NO idea what they mean? Don't feel embarrassed, instead, just read this for definitions on some common terms. Note: With the new varieties of games, some games are controversial whether they fit under one category, and some aspects of a certain term or controversial.

• Role-playing game (RPG) - First, let's start out with the obvious. An RPG is basically ANY game which changes from simply controlling the character to actually being the character. This does not mean things like first-person shooters; it usually means more of the mental and/or emotional aspect of the person/people you are taking on the role of. However, the games that fall under this genre are widely controversial whether they are indeed RPGs or not because of new varieties of games. As time goes by, the definition of this term because more and more unclear. There are many types of RPGs, like board game RPGs, but the ones focused on here are video role-playing-games.
• RPGer - One who is obsessed with RPGs. Similar terms include RPGamer and RPGirl (or it's variated form, RPGrrl).
• Console RPG - This is the type of video RPG that this page focuses on. These are the common characteristics of console RPGs:
  • Originally made for a console system (like Nintendo, Sega, Playstation).
  • Very plot and character development (see below) orientated.
  • Few amounts of puzzles, which are generally simple, if any.
  • Third person perspective on your surroundings.
  • Battle orientated, usually in which you fight in a different screen.
  • Typically made in Japan.
  Examples of these Console RPGs are the ones featured on this page (like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger). Not all of these characteristics must apply! Some games may be made for a computer and still be considered a console RPG.
• CRPG - Also known as Computer RPGs or PCRPGs. These are the common characteristics of CRPGs:
  • Originally made for a PC or Macintosh.
  • The main plot is more of a background plot.
  • Little character development (see below).
  • Very puzzle and logic orienated.
  • First person perspective on your surroundings.
  • Little battle orientation, if any. Sometimes it is even impossible to die.
  • Typically made in the United States.
  Examples of CRPGs include Quest for Glory, Myst, and Riven. Not all of these characteristics must apply! Some games may be made for a console system and still be considered a CRPG. Some people may also use the term CRPG to apply to any video RPG.
• Character development - Typically means the development of the character's plot and how he/she/it changes within the game. Occasionally used to mean the character's physical develpment, like leveling up.
• Final Fantasy Numbering System - Sometimes this term is used when talking about the Final Fantasy series, but usually it is only necessary for one to know the contents of this. Not all the Final Fantasies were released in North America, so the numbering system between the two got off. With the release of Final Fantasy 7, they decided to even them up (make it FF7 in both Japan and North America). Well, perhaps it would be easier to understand if I shown you the equivilants (you should remember this for when/if you get into an FF conversation).

  Japanese Name	American Name
  Final Fantasy 1	Final Fantasy 1
  Final Fantasy 2	(Never released)
  Final Fantasy 3	(Never released)
  Final Fantasy 4 (Easy Version)	Final Fantasy 2
  Final Fantasy 4 (Hard Version)	(Never released)
  Final Fantasy 5	(Never released)
  Final Fantasy 6	Final Fantasy 3
  Final Fantasy 7	Final Fantasy 7
  Final Fantasy 8	Final Fantasy 8 (Coming soon)
  Final Fantasy Tactics	Final Fantasy Tactics
  Final Fantasy USA	Final Fantasy Mystic Quest*

  As you can see, Square Japan decided not to release FFs 2, 3, and 5 in America, so the numbering got off. This page uses the American numbering system. Oh, yeah, see that *? That was put there because FFMQ was made specially for America (incredibly easy game) and later released in Japan under the name Final Fantasy USA. IMPORTANT NOTE! The Game Boy Final Fantasies are not truely part of the Final Fantasy series. They are part of other series (made by Square), using the popularity of the Final Fantasy name to get more sales.

• RPG Elements - This typically applies to some of the small aspects a video RPG has in it. These aspects include Hit Points (HP), Magic, talking, some plot orientation, useable items, inns, shops, as well as some other stuff. This term is mainly used when discussing whether or not a game is an RPG, like "[Game X] is not an RPG, it merely has RPG elements." Whether or not somethings are RPG Elements or characteristics of only an RPG are controversial.
• Real-time battles - Battles in which their are no "turns" in battle and you can move around. Everything in this type of battle is all out. IOW, you usually don't have to wait to attack. If you want to move right, you can move right immediately. If you want to attack, you can attack immediately.
• Active Time battles (ATB) - A style typically unique to modern Final Fantasy games. Depending on a character's "speed" or "agility" attribute (see below), a "time gauge" fills up. When the gauge is filled, that player can take their turn in battle (this applies to enemies too, although you cannot see their time gauges). Final Fantasy Tactics uses a slight variation of this system.
• Attribute - In video RPGs, this signifies a certain characteristic of a character that affects his/her ability in battle. Examples of these include Strength, Defense, Speed or Agility, etc.
• Turn-based battles - Original style of battle in which the participators in the battles took turns with their attacks. Games with this battle system include Dragon Warrior, the Lufia series, and Super Mario RPG.
• Action (or Adventure) RPG - The fact of whether this type of game is truely an RPG is controversial; mainly the term "RPG Elements" (see above) is used while describing this type of game. Usually the battles are in real-time (see above) at contains many RPG elements. This is typically a console RPG type.
• Traditional RPG - This term applies to console RPGs. Generally it means RPGs that are not considered Action or Adventure RPGs. Note: Traditional RPGs do NOT mean epic RPGs! A game can have futuristic characteristics in it and still be considered a traditional RPG.