INTRO:
RPGs, or Role-Playing Games, have been around since the early days of gaming. From classic text-adventures and dungeon crawlers, to today’s massive open-worlds, RPGs have come a long way in terms of technology, graphics, and storytelling. Here, we take a look back at ten of the oldest RPG games, and remember the good ol’ days of gaming.
1. Unforgettable: RPG Games of Old
RPGs are a cornerstone of gaming and have been around since the dawn of the medium. And while some of these games have gone on to become legendary, most have been forgotten with the passing of time. Here, we remember ten of the oldest and most memorable RPG games of old.
2. A Nostalgic Look Back at RPG History
RPGs have changed a lot over the years, from primitive pixelated graphics to expansive 3D worlds. But back in the day, RPGs were mostly text-based and presented in a simple “choose your own adventure” style. Along with classic dungeon crawlers, these early RPGs laid the foundation for gaming’s modern RPG experience.
3. Dungeon Crawling Through Classic Flight Sims
Before fully-fledged RPGs, there were primitive dungeon crawlers, such as the classic Rogue. These early games were played from a first-person perspective and featured randomized dungeons and simple turn-based combat. But these were just the beginnings of the RPG genre, as games such as Flight Sim II further advanced the concept of RPG gaming.
4. Taking a Trip to the Days of Text Adventures
Text adventures were a form of interactive fiction that simulated a real-world environment. Players would input commands, such as “open door”, and the game would respond accordingly. Great examples of text-adventure RPGs include Zork and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
5. Exploring a World of Tabletop Roleplay
Tabletop RPGs are a form of role-playing game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is typically run by a game master and can involve dice, miniatures, and other physical props. Popular examples of tabletop RPGs include Dungeons & Dragons, Shadowrun, and Call of Cthulhu.
6. Reminiscing with Classic Japanese RPGs
The classic age of JRPGs was born in the mid-1980s, when the first entries in the genre hit the Famicom. These early games featured intricate storylines, colorful characters, and turn-based combat. Some of the most memorable examples of classic JRPGs include the Dragon Quest series, Final Fantasy series, and the Phantasy Star series.
7. Awe-Inspiring Graphics of the Early Ages
As technology advanced, so did the graphics of RPG games. Early PC RPGs such as Ultima and Wizardry featured stunning 8-bit graphics that truly brought the game world to life. These classic experiences were a far cry from the modern HD visuals of today, but they are still fondly remembered by many.
8. Battling Imaginary Monsters with Ancient Technology
Back in the day, the only way to battle the monsters and foes of RPGs was through the power of imagination. Early RPGs such as Bard’s Tale and Pool of Radiance had very few animations, and players had to rely on their imagination to imagine what the monsters looked like and how they behaved.
9. Strategizing in an Age of Turn-Based Combat
Turn-based combat was a staple of early RPG games, and it was an integral part of the gaming experience. It was a slow and methodical type of play, but it allowed for deep strategic planning and careful consideration before attacking an enemy. Classic turn-based RPGs such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are still beloved by many today.
10. Crafting Your Own Epic Adventure
Finally, early RPG games allowed players to craft their own epic adventures. Whether it was creating a custom party of adventurers in Bard’s Tale or creating a custom avatar in Wizardry, players had the freedom to customize their experience to their liking. This is a feature that is still seen in many modern RPGs today.
11. Rediscovering an Age of Character-Driven Narratives
Early RPG games featured some of the earliest examples of character-driven narratives. These games relied heavily on their characters and their stories to carry the game, and they often featured deep, complex storylines. Many of these early RPGs featured characters that were memorable, relatable, and still remembered today.
12. Revisiting the RPG Games of Yesteryear
The RPG genre has come a long way since the days of pixelated graphics and text-based adventures. But these games still hold a special place in many gamers’ hearts and represent a fondly remembered era in gaming history. Here, we take a trip back in time and reminisce on some of the oldest RPG games of all time.
CONCLUSION:
RPGs have been a staple of gaming since the very beginning, and they’re still immensely popular today. But it’s worth taking a look back at the origins of the genre and the unforgettable games that laid the groundwork for what we know and love today. Here, we take a nostalgic look back at ten of the oldest RPG games of old, and remember the good ol’ days of gaming.
