RPGFan's Classification of RPGs

[Der Jermeister]

Out of curiosity, why does RPGFan consider games such as the Professor Layton series, Phoenix Wright games, and some obscure adventure games as RPGs? The Layton games seem like a collection of puzzles, and these aforementioned games don't have levels, experience, or whatnot...

[John]

RPGFan does not consider these games to be RPGs - however, early on in RPGFan's life, we decided that we would cover the graphic adventure (and its Japanese equivalent, the virtual novel) genre.  While these games wouldn't be considered RPGs in their own right, they have an audience that is very similar to that of RPGs.

[Eusis]

They also are pretty niche and don't get a lot of attention, so personally I like to see them get exposure, even if they're technically not RPGs. Anyways, I'm not sure even some of the editors will agree with me but since it's a fan site for RPGs I don't see it as a big deal to be too worried about what does/doesn't qualify unless it really doesn't make sense. I may argue semantics over whether Zelda is an action RPG or not, but I wouldn't take issue with it being covered.

[Dade]

Tekken is an RPG, cuz you take on the role of that character in the game!