For my own well balanced view of RPG I need to think about this, because as some know, RPG's definition is "roleplaying Game" now, this may be taken differently but to me that means you are fitting into the role of a character. Be it a ready made one you are forced to play (Final fantasy genre) Or be it one you create and are able to accomplish many goals by doing as you please (Morrowind). Then there are the Japanese grindfest RPGs, the Online MMORPGs.
Seems to me that RPG is a rather big thing, look at World of Warcraft, the game people swear "Changed the world" I won't lie I played it for 2 years then quit back in November due to the fact I didn't appreciate my effort being thrown back in my face by Blizzard. In truth, sure it changed the view of maybe a couple million gamers, perhaps more adn of course it has made a pretty set milestone in the marks of the history books. (10 million gamers, and probably one of the most (if not THE) most succesful MMO out there.) I mean Final fantasy sure made a milestone in the market, (lets skip on the "FF 9 was better than FF5" debate please).
So in my own short rant here, my favourite RPG has to be one that encompasses a good story, promotes character progression and advancement, reasonabley complex and guides the player through the steps nicely, but not so slow its patronising. I can't think of any game off the top of my head so I will instead list a few of my Preferred RPGs.
EVE online (Yes its an RPG in a very strange way).
Fable
Final Fantasy 1 through 12
Diablo 1 + 2
Now thats probably the créme of the créme of my RPG playing, and I like to think I ahve played a lot, but as I say that is my own opinin, if you wish to disregard my opinion ahs false and lacking any depth, go ahead, I personally feel I enjoyed those games more than I did Morrowind, Fallout etcetera.
Yours Siert.