History of CRPGs at Gamasutra

[Angelspit]

<img src="/Might and Magic (DOS).jpg" align=right vspace=10 hspace=10>Gamastra posted the <a href="/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070 ... ml">second part</a> of a long feature about the history of computer role-playing games (also known as CRPGs). On <a href="/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070 ... html">page 8</a> they look back at the Might and Magic series, and its impact on the genre:



<i>"The biggest draw seemed to be the immense size of the game world, Varn; there were over 4,000 locations and 55 areas to explore! Furthermore, the game was much more liberal than most in allowing players to explore the map however they wanted, rather than the fixed sequences of many games of the era. It offered first-person perspective and very nice graphics (though no animation).



Might and Magic pioneered several gameplay elements that would show up in later games like Bane of the Cosmic Forge, such as having the characters' race and gender play a strong role in the gameplay. For instance, one of the kingdoms in Might and Magic is stringently anti-male, and an all-male party will not be welcomed."</i>



The <a href="/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070 ... tml">first part of the feature</a> is about the early years of the genre, from 1980 to 1983, but even I didn't play computer games back then.

If you would like to take a look at the original page visit this link:
https://www.celestialheavens.com/1172517774

[Caradoc]

Ah, those were good times.

[Omega_Destroyer]

Indeed.

[Cleanpea]

They should've mentioned mm6&mm7 by name, as good and addicting games. No it seems like after mm5 it's all trash...



Not that it means anything for any other than old gamers like me.......

[Angelspit]

The article covers the 1985-1993 era only, and M&M6 was released in 1999.

[Kitson2]

That screenshot took me right back. And dear old Wizardry - such fond memories

[Marzhin]

MM6 was released in 1998 not 99



Two days ago I was recording a TV show about the console versions of MM1-3. The first twos are a bit painful to play today, but 3 is still incredibly addictive, even with a gamepad.

[Grey Pilgrim]

I keep my Apple IIe set up in a corner, just so I can go back and play the original Wizardry 1 when the mood hits. It's still addictive, even after all this time...
Edited on Wed, Feb 28 2007, 08:05 by Grey Pilgrim

[Qurqirish Dragon]

I do think that he missed one particular title in the golden-era: Ultima Underworld.

This came out at roughly the same time as Wolfenstein 3D (I believe it actually predates W3D, however), and had an engine that was better than FPSs had for several years.

It was the first game (as far as I recall) with over/under passages and a write-on automap. I believe it came out in 1990 or 1991.

[Ryder]

I'm playing all Might and Magics from 1 to 9 as we speak. I'm up to MM6. And Marzhin, MM2 is the best of the lot, there is no pain involved. If you play MM1 and then go onto MM2 you'll be amazed by how much better it is.

[Angelspit]

I believe it came out in 1990 or 1991.

1992 according to Mobygames. I thought Wolfenstein was much older than Ultima Underworld, but both games came out the same year.

[Kitson2]

Check out Wizardry Fan Page by Snafaru for original fan scenarios based on Wizardry 1.

Not long ago I played one called The Black Stone using an AppleII emulator - back to the old mapping by hand. A real blast of nostalgia. There is also a scenario based on Dragonquest
Edited on Wed, Feb 28 2007, 15:08 by Kitson2

[Marzhin]

@ Ryder : I was referring to the console (genesis) version which is insanely difficult. Even in the first town you are attacked by packs of 40 orcs while you are equipped with clubs

[gravyluvr]

Temple of Apshai was my first RPG computer game. I played it on a monochrome IBM PC and PC Jr.

[Angelspit]

Yes, Temple of Apshai was great. I played it on my C64. I wish there was a Flash version somewhere.

[Kitson2]

Talking of Apshai what about its predecessor Morloc's Tower? Short but very replayable as I recall.