skill in RPGs

[DerVVulfman]

Now, what does RPGs have to do with player skill? Not really anything. The player directs the actions in RPGs. They're the muse for the characters in this epic drama which unfolds. The skill or finesse is up to the characters. Sure, you play as the characters.... but if you play as Peter Parker, you have the skills of a wallcrawler. It is his skills and abilities which you are calling upon. If you play as Hilda (gasp... RTP), you begin with having already learned the fire spell.

While the player may have some decision making, the skills are actually those belonging to the characters within table-top/top-down RPGs that use either tactical or strategic battlesystems. This, not so much if your RPG is an ABS (or Action Battle System). Zelda much?

Here, you do have some degree of skill. You actively button-mash your sword to swing. Time it right to avoid being shot by a rogue fireball. Jump out of the way as some idiot gorilla throws barrels at you as he's kidnapped Mario's GF. Yes, I went Donkey Kong. Still, ABS system are more akin to First Person Shooters due to higher action and the need for the player to actually control the combat action instead of mere decision making. One must have skill or a high degree of stamina to face Diablo himself, or deal with the dreaded Ganon (how many times has Link gone to save Zelda?).