Putting the roleplay back in the RPG was a huge reason for Cyberpunk 2077's recent metro and romance updates, says associate game director: 'It's easy to overlook'
The metro was a letdown. I was excited to ride it around, then when I did it was like being locked in a cutscene that lets you look around. I wanted to walk around in the metro car and look out the windows, that's all.
Maybe it's because I associate roleplaying with the idea of player choice but I really don't think it added a ton to the RPG aspect. World depth? Sure but not by much.
I feel like you could say that about most games though. I wouldn't say Cities Skylines is an RPG but you are fulfilling the role of a mayor. Chirper adds to the immersion aspect but I don't think that's enough to shift the genre.
Maybe it's a hot take though. Kind of similarly I wouldn't call F.E.A.R. a horror game. I'd say it's an FPS with horror elements.
Not by itself I agree. I think there's value in adding functionality that isn't needed but would still be something you could do in the real world. Half life didn't need functioning vending machines, but it adds a little layer that feels nice.