I normally categorize anything that features an emphasis on dungeon exploration an RPG. Not 100% of the time, but in most cases. And the fact that Link uses a sword and shield further adds to that.

Well, that's more theme, the sword and shield bit at least. Genre in gaming almost exclusively refers to the mode of play.

I can understand dungeon exploration, but I think the concept of the "dungeon" has permeated so many genres that it's not enough, either. It has leaked out of the RPG and can no longer fully be claimed by any one genre, despite origins in the RPG.

Kraid and Ridley's lairs in Metroid (NES) function as dungeons in the game sense and need to be explored extensively. They fit the concept all but in theme, yet no one would call Metroid an RPG.

But the concept is certainly rooted in the RPG, so I could see how, when combined with the common RPG theme of medieval fantasy, one would want to call it an RPG. I think that kind of association muddies up what genres mean in the realm of gaming, but then again, it hardly matters. You can call Zelda a dating sim if you want.

I dont see anyway its an RPG. Being a fan of the RPG series it just doesn't fit the mold. The main character doesn't level up he aquires items ONLY. I have to say NO.

If Zelda was an RPG, Link would not be my avatar, trust me. I agree with post #12.

The only rpg I like is kingdom hearts. (Turn based games suck to me.)

Technically, I consider Zelda to fall into the vague adventure genre. To me, a roleplaying game must feature some sort of system in which the character grows stronger as the game progresses, usually by gathering experience. But I love RPG's and Zelda, so it really makes no difference to me what you call it.

No. The Legend of Zelda series are adventure games like the Metorid games. A true RPG is turned based combat with experience points. You can kinda make a case with Zelda 2 only.

I think people have it stuck in their minds if it's a fantasy game and and you buy stuff it's an RPG -- I call it Dungeons & Dragons syndrome!

All Zelda games are Action-Adventures, except

Zelda II - Action-Adventure with RPG elements
Link's Crossbow Training - Lightgun Shooter

And how dare you say Zelda II is not a real Zelda game, just because it is different?
Ocarina of Time was just as different when it was first released.

Nintendo should bring another Zelda game in the style of Zelda II to Wii or WiiWare,
just to bash all those Castlevania games!
I'd be all over it!

It's an action-adventure if you ask me.

One might say that Zelda 2 for NES is an action-RPG though because of the leveling of your abilities.

The confusion has possibly come from the fact that, though not an RPG, the first Zelda game has had a significant influence on the RPG genre.

I've considered the Zelda series to be Fantasy Adventure games, rather than proper RPGs.

Also, I have no idea how I tolerated the difficulty of Zelda II as a kid. That game is brutal at times.

I've never really been able to get into Zelda II any of the times I've attempted it over the years (I get sick of it after one or two temples) but I've been saying for a while now that that would be pretty cool. They could start with something like the Smash Bros. Subspace Emissary game engine and modify it to allow for equipment changes and the use of magic and stuff like that.

To me it's not. When I play an RPG I want turn-based goodness. :3

Care to put that in the form of a sentence? What about Z-targeting? It has absolutely nothing to do with the quoted "turn-based goodness."

You could play the game standing on your head, too, but you really shouldn't credit the game with having a "stand on your head feature" that you can use if you so please.

The fact of the matter is that combat in Zelda isn't turn-based. It's probably wise not to run headlong into enemies flailing and hoping that they die before you do, but pausing between attacks works very well in Mike Tyson's Punch-Out as well...and I don't think anyone would describe THAT as turn-based fighting.

So Punch-Out is a role playing game, with you as Little Mac, Pac-Man is a role playing game with you as a yellow puck, and Tetris is a role playing game with you as gravity.

Great. Every game that's ever been made is an RPG, and I'm glad we could clear that up for everyone.

Also, you talk to characters, which means Mario Galaxy is a role-playing game because you talk to the Toad Brigade. And you [occasionally] [in some games] use magic, so it's a role-playing game, just like Mickey's Magical Quest. And you back-track, just like in Super Metroid RPG.