[kairi00]

To my understanding:

Action RPG = action games (hack n' slash, platforms, etc) coupled with RPG elements (HP, experience points, upgrade weapons/armors, etc). Zelda, LoM, SoM, and many others fall into this category.

Traditinal RPG = well you know what this is. Some have real time battles, others have turn based battles. A lot less emphasis on your gamepad skills compared to Action RPGs. FF, Ultima, Phantasy Star, etc etc falls into this category.

Adventure games = barely any RPG elements... no random battles, only predetermined enemies, no experience points/HPs (often times your character die of one mistake), a HUGE emphasis on puzzle, interaction, and exploration. Most of these are on the PC: Sierra's "Quest" series, Monkey Island series, and I personally would put Shenmue into this category.