Action role-playing game
A role-playing game where you directly control your character's attacks and movement in real-time combat while you level up, improve stats and find better gear. The challenge blends skill at the controls with choices about how your character grows.
Also known as: ARPG, action RPG, action roleplaying
This is a basic entry: it has the definition and the classification. Full entries add history, games and a demo.
History
- 1984Origin
The genre took shape in Japan in 1984 with games such as Dragon Slayer and Hydlide, which joined role-playing with arcade-style action.
Action role-playing game (Wikipedia) - 1997
Diablo popularises the isometric action RPG with click-to-move control and random loot.
Diablo (Wikipedia)
Reference games
2015
Hand of Fate
A mysterious dealer builds each dungeon from face-down cards taken from your deck and his. When a monster appears, the game switches to third-person action combat. After each dungeon you earn new cards to customise your deck.
Subgenres
- SoulslikeA demanding action RPG where you study each enemy's patterns and manage your character's stamina to dodge and strike at the right moment. Rest points are scarce, and when you die you lose what you have gathered unless you make it back to recover it.