Computer Role-playing Games

Computer role-playing games have a long and storied history. Computer RPGs evolved from their real world counterparts, but have since took on a life of their own. Unlike many genres that do not reveal significant differences between console play and computer play, CRPGs are quite different from their console peers, in large part because console RPGs who were developed in Japan, where a vastly different roleplaying culture exists. This article will focus on some of the differences between computer RPGs and console RPGs, how the line between the two has been blurred and what games best represent different CRPG genres and styles.

West and East

Though most gamers still use the prefixes "console" and "computer" when discussing the two forms of RPG, using "Eastern" and "Western" would be more accurate. Most console RPGs are developed in Asia, to the east. Games developed in the West that mimic Eastern RPG style, are often referred to as console games, even if they are PC-only releases. The same is true of RPGs developed in Asia that use the western RPG format. The main differences between the two styles may not seem altogether obvious immediately, but are apparent nonetheless. Western RPGs usually have vague plots and large worlds that allow the player to explore freely, completing quests in a non-linear fashion. Conversely, Eastern RPGs often have ornate and complex plots and deep character development, but are generally linear exercises. Western RPGs seek to recreate the freedom of traditional role-playing games, while Eastern RPGs are more like interactive books. Western RPGs also usually have more adult-oriented themes in their presentation, however, this has begun to change and recent entries into the Final Fantasy  series have grown increasingly more adult (with the notable exception of the Crystal Chronicles  releases). Many games have blurred the lines between the genres, particularly Nintendo's Harvest Moon  series and Knights of the Old Republic.  In this article, both Eastern and Western RPGs released on PC will be discussed.

Early Computer RPGs

The first computer RPGs were designed as digital versions of traditional RPGs, including dice rolls and open-ended storytelling. Though Odyssey: The Compleat Adventure  may have actually been the first PC RPG, Akalabeth  is generally considered the most important early computer RPG and set many of the parameters that define Western RPGs today. Akalabeth was inspired by Dungeons and Dragons games and the Lord of the Rings series. The game is of course incredibly basic by modern standards, consisting of crude white lines and barely distinguishable locations. However, it started a revolution. Akalabeth evolved into the incredibly popular Ultima series, which continues to delight fans today. Both Odyssey and Akalabeth were Apple II games and require an emulator to play.

Early Classics
Ultima III: Exodus The Ultima series truly took off with the release of Exodus  in 1983. Ultima III introduced elements that have become standard in games across platforms. Ultima III was the first game to feature a party system, animated characters, a sperate battle screen and distinct magical attacks and weapons.	Dungeon Master Even moreso than Ultima III, the 3D exploration adventure Dungeon Master  solidified computer role-playing games as distinct from their traditional counterparts. Dungeon Master didn't copy a D&D style gameplay system. Real-time movement and spell casting menus made their CPU debut here.

Modern Computer RPG Genres

Unlike other computer game genres, like first-person shooters or real-time strategy games, RPG genres are generally vague and blend complex features between each other. Rather than being defined by gameplay, an RPGs genre is often defined by stylistic flourishes, including setting, narrative depth and sense of humor. As such there are no universally accepted genre names beyond "Eastern" or "Western" within the RPG community, though if you were to refer to a "real-time RPG" you would be understood.

Action RPGs

Action RPGs are the dominant form available on PC. The hack-and-slash style presented in these games has also infected the console market, making for an awful lot of porting going both ways (PC to console, console to PC). Many of these games feature deeper plots than traditional computer roleplaying games, but purchases can be dangerous as an ever-expanding market releases more and more mediocre clone games. Action RPGs allow players to access spells and weapons in real-time using various keys or a menu system. NPC do not wait for your character to attack, but actively use AI to instigate interaction, whether it be friendly discussion or a battle.

Diablo II Some critics consider Diablo II  the best video game ever released. Players choose a class of warrior and battle through spontaneously generated dungeons. Diablo II boasts free online play. It is the fastest selling computer game of all time.	Fable: The Lost Chapters Originally released for XBox, Fable  is the Sims of RPGs. Good deeds make your hero attractive and pious, evil deeds land you a scowl and jet black hair and eating too much makes you fat. Fable: The Lost Chapters  adds even more content.	Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion The Elder Scrolls  series has long offered the best in PC role-play gaming. Elder Scrolls IV  ups the ante with improved NPC AI and a vastly more explorable world. Quests are longer and more involved and the graphics engine has improved.

Turn-Based RPGs

In the early '90s, turn-based RPGs were the most common computer games available. However, the rise of the first-person shooter revolutionized the industry and RPGs were left behind until the development of Diablo,  the first significant action RPG. Since Diablo, precious few traditional turn-based games have been released for the PC. Still, a few of those games have been noteworthy and quite enjoyable. Turn-based RPGs operate on some variation of turn system, in which units attack one after another in turns, rather than in real-time. These games usually involve complex database management as well, as players will often have to spend time in battle trying out several strategy for a few turns until finding one that works against the given enemy.

Fallout 2 Released in 1998, Fallout 2  was ahead of its time and still is. The game takes place after a nuclear fallout following a global war. Morality is largely ambiguous is the post-apocalyptic landscape. A cult classic, those who like Fallout 2, love it.	Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic One of the most critically acclaimed games of the 2000s, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic  uses a combat system that falls between real-time and turn-based gaming. Your in-game behavior (whether good or evil) determines the plot.	Jagged Alliance Series Though the top-down Jagged Alliance  series may not be as graphically impressive as its competitors, its easy modability, and hilarious in-game humor have won the game many fans. Jagged Alliance 3D is currently in development.

Eastern style RPGs

Eastern style RPGs are not particularly common for the PC, but there have been a few releases, most of which have been ports from actual console games. Several Eastern style RPGs have been designed by Westerners and play as a fusion between the adult themes of most computer RPGs and the complex and in-depth storytelling of console games developed in Asia.

Anachronox Anachronox  features a complex plot and gripping gameplay similar to the SNES classic, Chronos Trigger.  The game combines the Eastern and Western styles of gameplay, focusing on character development as well as free exploration.	Septerra Core Septerra Core  ventures into complex territory rarely tried in video games. Race, class and sex are all dealt with in a serious light, though an off-kilter sense of humor occasionally brightens the mood. It features CGI scenes and a card system of magic.	Final Fantasy VII Final Fantasy VII's  port to Windows was the biggest computer RPG shocker of the last decade. The computer versions ups the graphics and the smoothens the gameplay. If you like the FF series, try out Final Fantasy VIII,  also on PC.