Re: Definition of RPG (was: What was the first RPG?)

[rtramp@netcom.com (Roger Tramp)]

In article <cyclops-2012951859020001@dialup-82.minn.net>, cyclops@minn.net (W. Gregory Klett) writes:
> In article <4b9e6n$anv@indigo2.dv.fal.de>, mensing@bst.fal.de (Matthias
> Mensing) wrote:
> 
> >So maybe someone could first present a definition "what is a rpg"?
> >
[SNIP]
> >by
> >Matthias
> 
>  Actually this is a self defining term;
>   "Role Playing Game"
> 
>  Adventure and Akalabeth etal only really vary in their interfaces. In 
> both of these you are playing the role of a character on an adventure. 
> Point and Click, or Text entry doesn't matter, neither does the text or 
> graphic output. It is the structure and how you interact with the world 
> that make it a roleplaying game. Better games, IMO, are those that provide 
> a complete and vivid feedback of the world you are entering. True, the 
> above would technically include the DOOM family of games as well, but 
> only just as the feedback may be vivid, but extremely limited!
>  My first Role Playing event was back in the dark ages of the Cold War. In 
> school we were to take on the Role of the President having to choose who 
> would get to enter the Fallout shelter and who wouldn't! I only wish I 
> could remember how the choices went back then. (1970)
> 
>  Greg Klett
> 

To me by definition, RPG's would also include games like Monopoly.  You are
playing a role of a land developer, it just lacks some of the qualities of
other RPG's such as a character generation, stats, exerience points.  
Let's just say Monopoly requires a great deal of creativity to compare to
a traditional RPG such a AD&D.  By the same token, couldn't you say that
Ultima is just a game where you move your pieces around a board(map) and
collect items and gain power.


However, by connotation, I feel that RPG's should have a bit more to them
than games like Monopoly or Life.  They should be flexible in role that 
you can play.  I guess I am saying that when I hear the term RPG, I think
of games like AD&D.

So what are are some minimum requirements for a game to be considered
an RPG?



Regards,
   Roger Tramp