I won't bother debating the pros and cons of any particular parameters that might justify a game's inclusion into the genre of RPGs. Rather, I'll simply try to present a small chronology of turn based RPGs throughout 8-bit and 16-bit gaming history.
Turn Based Console RPG Chronology
Is that another can of worms? The disctinction between turn-based and real-time combat? For me, it's very clear - turn-based combat allows you to enter commands for your party members and contemplate your strategy unhindered by interruptions. No enemy attacks during your planning phase, for example. Dragon Warrior I turn based? You bet. Final Fantasy III? Nope. Chrono Trigger? Nope. Final Fantasy X-2? Nope. Final Fantasy X? Yes.
For me, the difference is an important one - I detest ATB (Active Time Battle), and simply can't enjoy a game that uses it in its battle system. I consider it the equivalent of navigating the Windows Start Menu - with a timer ticking. Turn Based Combat gives us a beautiful thing - the ability to enjoy the artwork and animations of the enemies and the characters, and the chance to plot devious strategies, like a chess game, without having to madly mash buttons. I realize most gamers don't mind or even enjoy ATB - to each their own.
With that bit of minuatae out of the way, I present to you, gentle fan, a list of some of the important, overlooked, or interesting true turn based RPGs that have brought joy to the lives of many on an 8-bit or a 16-bit platform.
The debate over what constitutes an RPG will never be solved. You'll find people that howl with rage over the inclusion of The Legend of Zelda as a classic RPG, while others seek to include nearly any game in the genre as long as it incorporates some measure of character development.
