An MMORPG - since none currently exist aside from Neverwinter Nights.
Some explanation:
Computer and console RPGs are not "RPGs" in the classic term, because there is no real "role-playing" involved. While actions have consequence, there is no personality interaction and nuance like there is with tabletop ("true") RPGs. Even on "RP servers" with MMOs, and player-versus-player conflict, there is rarely any way for players to effect change in the game world, etc.
So far, most computer/console RPGs have been glorified versions of Gauntlet - solve the riddle/kill the monsters/take their stuff. Games like the Final Fantasy series are really no different than the "on-rails" shoot-em-up games in effect - you go from cutscene to cutscene in a mostly-predetermined pattern. Most DMs, if you ran a tabletop game like that, your players would revolt.
I think the "next generation" of RPGs is starting these days with toolsets like NWN and "virtual tabletop" gaming - the ability to organize a completely human-run non-automated game over distance.
Barring that, a real-time fully immersive online game using real-world events to update and change the setting. A true "alternate now" where players have to react to game-changing events on a scale that mirrors reality.
Some explanation:
Computer and console RPGs are not "RPGs" in the classic term, because there is no real "role-playing" involved. While actions have consequence, there is no personality interaction and nuance like there is with tabletop ("true") RPGs. Even on "RP servers" with MMOs, and player-versus-player conflict, there is rarely any way for players to effect change in the game world, etc.
So far, most computer/console RPGs have been glorified versions of Gauntlet - solve the riddle/kill the monsters/take their stuff. Games like the Final Fantasy series are really no different than the "on-rails" shoot-em-up games in effect - you go from cutscene to cutscene in a mostly-predetermined pattern. Most DMs, if you ran a tabletop game like that, your players would revolt.
I think the "next generation" of RPGs is starting these days with toolsets like NWN and "virtual tabletop" gaming - the ability to organize a completely human-run non-automated game over distance.
Barring that, a real-time fully immersive online game using real-world events to update and change the setting. A true "alternate now" where players have to react to game-changing events on a scale that mirrors reality.
