Most RPGs have levels, numbers and stats. Gothic 1 has progression.
Most RPGS have a questlog. Gothic 1 has a story.
Most RPGs have combos, cooldowns and button smashing. Gothic 1 has combat.
Most RPGs have scripted NPCs. Gothic 1 has a society.
Most RPGs have autoscaling difficulty and hold your hand. Gothic 1 does not.

Once light years ahead of its time Gothic 1 still beats most RPGs in terms of roleplaying, believability and immersion.