From Niko Silvester,
Your Guide to PSP.
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Definition: A Role Playing Game (RPG) is a genre of video game in which the player controls one or more characters, usually on some kind of quest.

The emphasis in role playing games is on increasing the abilities of the characters (stats such as strength, magical power, sword skill and the like) and collecting items (better armor, healing potions, etc) that allow the completion of the quest. Most role playing games are set in fairly open environments that allow the payer to choose from many possible paths, and often include side quests not necessary to the competion of the main goal.

Role playing video games are derived from tabletop versions, the most popular of which was Dungeons and Dragons (which, in a newer incarnation, is still the basis of many current video rpgs).

Pronunciation: ROHL play-ing gaym

Also Known As: RPG, rpg, dungeon crawler

Alternate Spellings: role-playing game, roleplaying game

Examples: The Final Fantasy games, Icewind Dale and Legend of Mana are all Role Playing Games.