[fujita]

I think it's simpler to take it like this. The core of RPG = character development, buying and selling, interact with other NPC. Normal RPG is what you always saw. Action RPG created when an action game is combined with any elements of RPG, and the important one is character development. Some action RPG examples: Alundra - even though it doesn't have character level or experiences, the character do developed through the game, can commence trading and interact with other villagers. Unlike Tomb Raider which is is an action game, Lara didn't have an obvious character development, can't commence trading and didn't have the option to interact. So, I think you can figure the differences.