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An Action-RPG, or action role-playing game is a type of computer and console role-playing game which requires quick action or reflexes from the player. These games are sometimes also categorized as action-adventure games.
The term action-RPG is generally used to distinguish such games from traditional or turn-based RPGs, which are modeled after pencil-and-paper role-playing games. In a turn-based RPG, when an enemy or obstacle is encountered, the player is given a menu of options. After selecting from the menu, the requested actions take place, and the player is prompted to make another selection. In an action-RPG, enemies will attack without delay, and the player is expected to fight back with a series of quick movements or button presses.
Examples of action-RPGs include Seiken Densetsu, Crystalis, Kingdom Hearts, the upcoming Final Fantasy VII, and the games in the Diablo series.
History
Like most video game genres, the definition of the action-RPG is flexible. The strict definition says that an action-RPG uses the same statistic-based combat and character development as a traditional RPG, only with arcade-like realtime action used instead of turn-based combat. Some people include action games with adventure elements, such as The Legend of Zelda, as well. There is also a distinct difference between games developed in Japan and in the West.
One of the first games to fuse real-time action with RPG elements was the cult hit Dungeons of Daggorath for the TRS-80 Color Computer. Released in 1982, Daggorath combined a typical dungeon crawl with real-time gameplay requiring quick keyboard presses.
While Western developers continued to explore the possibilities of real-time RPG action, Japanese developers, with their recent interest in the RPG genre, tweaked the formula a bit to create a new brand of action/RPG. The company at the forefront of this was Nihon Falcom.
Falcom's Dragon Slayer, released in 1984, was a simple real-time treasure grab game. However, its sequel, Xanadu, released in 1985, was a full-fledged RPG, with character stats and a large quest. What set Xanadu apart from other RPGs was its action-based combat. The game was immensely popular in Japan, setting records for PC game sales.
The next two years would see the release of two games that would further define the action/RPG genre in Japan: Nintendo's Legend of Zelda in 1986 and Falcom's Ys in 1987. While not strictly an action/RPG since it lacks many RPG elements, Zelda streamlined the hack 'n slash combat used by many action/RPGs. Ys, on the other hand, used true RPG principles. While not very popular in the West, the long-running Ys series is considered by many to be one of the finest examples of the genre, combining basic RPG elements with addictive gameplay.
In late 1987, FTL Games released Dungeon Master, a critically acclaimed dungeon crawl game that redefined the genre and set the standard for real-time 3D action/RPGs for the next several years. When released in Japan in 1990, Dungeon Master became the first action/RPG to achieve the number one sales rank in both Japan and the U.S.
In 1991, Squaresoft released Seiken Densetsu for the Game Boy, also known as Final Fantasy Adventure in the West. The Seiken Densetsu series used the same hack 'n slash gameplay as the Zelda series, but added more RPG elements. Seiken Densetsu 2, also known as Secret of Mana, implemented an innovative multiplayer function.
Landstalker, by Climax Entertainment, was released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis. This action/RPG used an isometric perspective, as opposed to the standard top-down view of Ys and Zelda, and also used more puzzle-solving and platforming elements than previous games in the genre.
Outside of Japan, Blue Sky Productions released The Stygian Abyss in 1992. This innovative game was a technological marvel, using a fully 3D first-person perspective combined with real-time action and a surprisingly deep role-playing experience. One of the game's developers, Warren Spector, would go on to help develop more games combining action and RPG gameplay, such asSystem Shock and Deus Ex.
In 1996, a stagnant PC RPG genre was revitalized by Blizzard's Diablo, an action/RPG that used a point-and-click interface and offered gamers a free online service to play with others. The game would have many imitators and its style of combat would be used by many online RPGs that came after.
Since then, the genre has remained constantly popular, with games appearing on nearly every system. The 32-bit era saw several popular games, such as Shining Wisdom and Alundra. And current consoles all have several action/RPGs, such as Fable, Sudeki, Dark Alliance and Kingdom Hearts.
See also
Reviews
- Adventure quest rpg review of the genre.
Computer and video game genres | Action-RPG | アクションロールプレイングゲーム | Action RPG
"Action role-playing game"