I don't know how it started, I think someone from the Zelda team called it an RPG or something. There even used to be arguments over this with sheep. On Gamefly all the Zelda games are under the Zelda tab. And Zelda has won RPG of the year a few times and even gets nominated as a player's vote for RPG of year. How can anyone even argue it's an RPG? Not only is there any roleplaying but there is also no gameplay elements of an RPG in it. The two most annoying arguments are; "It's an RPG because you can name Link like how you name your characters in all RPGs." And... "It's an RPG because it's in a fantasy setting."
I don't think it's an RPG, but the fact that you gain abilities through objects in dungeons might have something to do with it. It's sort of like leveling up...
It's confusing, but it's sort of a different definition thing. Under a broad umbrella, it could concievably be considered an RPG. Enough for the creator of Zelda to think so at least :P
I like to consider it an Action RPG, with the difference being that you're always one character and that you can use all of your attacks outside of battle and that the equipment and attack systems are simplified.
It is not an rpg, but the confusion may come in the sense that it just feels deeper than your usual Adventure game... Which it is! There is alot of talking to people and creatures, and generaly alot of investigation in a Zelda game which makes it an Adventure/puzzle game actually, but it may feel deep like a rpg though.... Who knows? It is not a rpg, but some may consider it having some lite rpg elements...
The only thing keeping Zelda from an RPG is the lack of stat-modification.
Blue-Sky
Yeah, plus the only "stats" there really are there are the health (in forms of hearts) and the MP gauge, but not much else stat-wise signals it to be an RPG, I would think.
If by RPG you mean "Really Pathetic Game" series, then yes.
RankCrusher
That was so original. Like, I mean original. You changed Role Playing Game to Really Pathetic Game. Who would've ever thought of that, huh? Absolute genius! I'm flabbergasted by the originality of this joke. Stupefied. Shocked. Amazed.
It annoys me to end when people classify Zelda as an RPG. I've seen it countless times on DS and Wii boards on topics like "Your favorite RPG" and see peole listing Zelda. I don't know where this confusion started, but Zelda is NOT an RPG. I've even considered posting a topic about this myself on both boards (epsecially DS) but decided against it because I probably would have been modded for trolling. If you really want to make an impact that's where to go. I would hope most people here in SW know better by now.
the only Zelda game could be considered an rpg is Zelda 2 like everyone hae been saying. ironically,it's one of the lesser liked zelda's in the series.
It's confusing, but it's sort of a different definition thing. Under a broad umbrella, it could concievably be considered an RPG. Enough for the creator of Zelda to think so at least :P
sam_nintendo
Under a broad umbrella, EVERY game is an rpg, as your playing the role of a character/characters.
I think it's a half RPG-adventure game. It's missing some key RPG elements and at the same time it has some other important elements that make its an RPG.
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