Claire Obscur has rpg elements, like level ups, skills and equipment.

Pretty much those elements are my definition. I feel like what you’re describing with nonlinear storylines with lots of choices isn’t all necessary for a game to be an RPG either. But I’m not a purist about any of it. Genres in general are approximate markers, and you can argue all you want about what belongs in what category.

If asked to describe the genre of Clair Obscur I’d say JRPG because purists have bickered enough to make me add the qualifier. But I’ve seen it described as RPG in lots of places, and given my thirty years plus of playing games it’s very similar to other games I’ve seen described as RPGs.

But I’m no d&d player, and I don’t really like the Renaissance faire that much.