What's so great about RPGs?

[Xtincthed]

i usually prefer jrpg's over western because they guide you on a path.. in stuff like Mass Effect and Oblivion it's too open, I want a compelling story that pretty much takes you from A to B with a few optional side paths

Dragon Age Origins is the first western rpg that gives me freedom of choice that i DO like

[JSoup]

It's a mix of things for me. I love stories, I grew up reading stories and now I study stories in college. Games are an interesting way to tell a story that is both interesting an unique. RPGs tend to have compelling stories, depending on the series, mixed with some basic gameplay elements tossed in for added value.

Ignoring all that, I love items and am OCD about lists/upgrades, so the concept of leveling and grinding comes as something like second nature to me.

[dra600n]

People like RPG's for various reasons. What's the best is all a matter of opinion, unless you go by sales then it would be games like FF7, Chrono Trigger, etc.

My personal favorites:
Secret of Mana, FF3 (SNES), FF3j, and Dragon Quest 8.

RPG's take skill to a degree. Sure, it's not a button mashing session or run through shooting things, but you need to make sure your characters attack or cast spells before certain things happen to your party, and so on. Plus figuring out puzzles and where to go. It might not take a lot of skill, but it's there.

To me, RPG's are like reading a really good novel, except with the aid of visuals to enhance the experience.