Kiya...
"What makes an RPG?" is a good question. I'll try to answer it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
To me, a true RPG (As opposed to an Action-RPG) is about character interaction, character development (By which I mean personal development, NOT stat/ability boosting) and having a wide range of choices in how your character interacts with the world around him/her.
Very few CRPGs are genuinely RPGs in that they rarely offer the character choices beyond hitting, trading, etc. Most such games are not about the characters, they are about gaining abilities, with the actual role playing elements kept to a minimum.
If proper role playing is 'freeform acting' (As I have occasionally described it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) then CRPGs need to allow the player to take on a role and then PLAY that role themselves in order to qualify.
Now you know why I rate
Torment as the best ever <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
***
In terms of skill development,
Lionheart has the best system I have ever seen. Unfortunately, it suffers from the same problem as the original DD - great game right up to the very tedious end section, which is one long fight.
I definitely agree with the person who said
Diablo 2 has the best item system. I've never seen any other system come close, in truth.
Dungeon Siege has the best graphics engine, but unfortunately that is ALL it has going for it. The game is far too linear, and really could use a mini-map!
