Would you consider Horizon Zero Dawn an RPG?

[Spect3r]

No.

Its pretty linear from beginning to end and you can easily unlock every "skill" (being very generous with its definition though), so no, not an rpg.

Good game though

[LegionorL]

It's an action adventure game.

[jumppogo]

I'd say it's got RPG elements but that it isn't what most would consider an RPG. Similar to Assassins Creed and their new inspiration for their series.

I'd call it an Action Adventure game with RPG elements.

[Lars]

I'd say it's an action adventure game as well.

[Last_Dragoon]

In Horizon you can choose dialogue options, but like you said the end result is the same, the only difference is how Aloy delivers the line. I agree that ARPGs can be RPGs like Kingdom Hearts for example. I also feel that ARPGs became a lazy way for publishers to advertise their games.

[JackofTears]

If you can't choose dialogue options and your choices don't impact the game, then it is not an rpg. It might have rpg elements, but that is not the same thing. That said, ARPG also refers to games like Diablo, which have story, characters, leveling, inventory, etc. An rpg can fall into the arpg category (in fact, many popular rpgs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age do, as your primary interaction with the world is killing enemies) but not all arpgs have to be actual roleplaying games (such as Diablo).

[ComradeBear]

I agree there is nothing role-playing about it. Progression systems are in a lot of games most of which would never be considered RPG's like you mentioned.

[ryan_]

I'd also call it an action adventure game