LogFAQs > #960092334

at base definition any game can be considered an RPG. What is the base definition of an RPG? You take on the role of someone. Well, in NHL hockey you take on the role of what team your playing. Must be an RPG. What about Tetris? You take on the role of whatever puzzle pieces you control. Must be an RPG.

For me, and this is just me, an RPG must have a few base elements.

1 - Some form of leveling system for a character you control.
2 - A central character that you control for most if not all of the game
3 - A story surrounding that central character
4 - A party that comes together to help you defeat a prominent villain
5 - Some form of overworld map.

The last one brings to mind games like Skyrim, which I argue is not an RPG, but that's just me, and I know most if not all of you would argue against me on that one, so I let it slide.

To me, I argue that Skyrim is an action adventure game with RPG elements, since you only have control over a single character, while I personally feel an RPG should be more party centric... I digress.