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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gimby" data-source="post: 3670060" data-attributes="member: 49875">If you are playing with a particularly restrictive/rail-roady/pixelbitching DM (yes, I'm aware thats a computer game term, but it does describe the actions of some DMs well) where there is only one answer to a problem or you are forced to follow a particular story, are you not roleplaying?  It may not be the *best* RPG, but it is still *an* RPG. There are some CRPGs where you have a meaningful effect on the world (clear the Naskel mines in BG1 and they stay cleared).  There are others where your character can develop in a number of different directions (Nameless one from PS:T being the prime example).  While your options are limited and the outcomes pre-determined this is not really any different from a rail-roaded pre-bought module (Dragonlance, anyone?).   While sandbox play might be the ideal way to play it does not mean that anything less than full freedom means that you are not playing an RPG.Exersicing your freedom to try anything in a tabletop game can also be distruptive - if you decide that your character wishes to spend all his days fishing then you can expect most DMs to tell you to roll a new character or attempt to get your character involved in whatever they have planned.  If you wish to spend all your days fishing on WoW then you are quite welcome to do so.  All formats have a certain number of limitations. As to the playing of American football or John Madden - In one case you are playing football, the other you are simulating it.  Playing a tabletop RPG is (typically) simulating adventuring - a CRPG is not simulating playing an RPG, it is *also* simulating adventuring (unless you are playing something self-referential or The Sims).  A more suitable analogy would be:Football=AdventuringSubbuteo=TTRPGFifa 200X=CRPGWhile clearly CRPGs limit your freedom to act outside a number of limited options, a good CRPG will endeavour to present you with a large number of options - giving at least the illusion of freedom.  Which is sometimes all you get in tabletop games.  In return for that, you can play without needing to gather a large group of people, get the mechanics handled automatically and (often) an excellent story.  It is a trade-off.  To claim that you *cannot* roleplay in a CRPG is I believe a gross simplification.</blockquote>

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