Chronology of computer role-playing games
| Release year |
Game |
Developer |
Publisher |
Archetype |
Platform |
Notes |
| 1974 |
dnd |
Gary Gygax, Ray Wood |
|
Fantastical |
PLATO |
|
| 1975 |
Dungeon |
Don Daglow |
|
Fantastical |
PDP-10 |
|
| 1979 |
Akalabeth: World of Doom |
Richard Garriott |
California Pacific |
Fantastical |
Apple II, MS-DOS |
Sometimes known as Ultima 0. |
| 1979 |
Space |
Edu-Ware |
Edu-Ware |
Futuristic |
Apple II |
An adaptation of Traveller, which was taken off the market after a lawsuit by Game Designers Workshop. |
| 1979 |
Space II |
Edu-Ware |
Edu-Ware |
Futuristic |
Apple II |
Expansion to Space. |
| 1980, 1983 |
Temple of Apshai |
Epyx |
Epyx |
Fantastical |
Various |
The 1983 date refers to the release of versions compatible with Commodore 64 and MS-DOS systems. Amiga compatibility followed. |
| 1981 |
Temple of Apshai: Upper Reaches of Apshai |
Epyx |
Epyx |
Fantastical |
|
Expansion for Temple of Apshai. |
| 1981 |
Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness |
Richard Garriott |
California Pacific |
Fantastical |
Various |
Series debuts. Re-released by Origin in 1986. |
| 1981 |
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Various |
Series debuts. |
| 1982 |
Telengard |
Avalon Hill |
Avalon Hill |
Fantastical |
Various |
|
| 1982 |
Temple of Apshai: Curse of Ra |
Epyx |
Epyx |
Fantastical |
|
Expansion for Temple of Apshai. |
| 1982 |
Tunnels of Doom |
Kevin Kenney |
Texas Instruments |
Fantastical |
TI-99/4A |
|
| 1982 |
Ultima II:The Revenge of the Enchantress |
Richard Garriott |
Sierra On-Line |
Fantastical |
Various |
Re-released by Origin. Sequel to Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness. |
| 1982 |
Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. |
| 1983 |
Ultima III: Exodus |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Ultima II:The Revenge of the Enchantress. Pioneered many innovations that would become standard on many CRPGs that followed. |
| 1983 |
Wizardry III: Legacy of Llylgamyn |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds. |
| 1984 |
Age of Adventure: The Return of Heracles |
Quality Software |
Quality Software |
Fantastical |
C64, C128 |
Originally released for the Atari in 1983. |
| 1984 |
Dragon Slayer |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
NEC PC-88 |
Action role-playing game, Japanese language |
| 1984 |
Questron |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
C64, Apple II, Amiga |
|
| 1984 |
SunDog: Frozen Legacy |
FTL Games |
FTL Games, Accolade |
Futuristic |
Apple II, Atari ST |
|
| 1984 |
Tyrann |
|
|
|
Oric, Amstrad, Thomson |
|
| 1985 |
Adventure: Only the Fittest Shall Survive, The |
Green Valley |
Green Valley |
Fantastical |
Apple II |
|
| 1985 |
Alternate Reality: The City |
Paradise Programming |
Datasoft |
Futuristic |
Atari 8-bit family |
|
| 1985 |
Bards Tale, The |
Interplay |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
Various |
The first CRPG to put Interplay on the map as a future CRPG developer. |
| 1985 |
Phantasie |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Series debuts. |
| 1985 |
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Ultima III: Exodus. The first major CRPG to move from "hack and slash" gameplay to a "virtuous" story-driven approach. |
| 1985 |
Wizard's Crown |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Tactical RPG. |
| 1985 |
Xanadu |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
MSX |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1986 |
Bards Tale II: The Destiny Knight, The |
Interplay |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Bards Tale, The. |
| 1986 |
Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801, MSX, Sharp X68000 |
Japanese language. |
| 1986 |
Dragon Quest |
Chunsoft |
Enix |
Fantastical |
NEC PC-9801, MSX |
Japanese language. |
| 1986 |
Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum |
New World Computing |
New World Computing |
Fantastical |
Various |
Series debuts. |
| 1986 |
Phantasie II |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Phantasie. |
| 1986 |
Shard of Spring |
Digital Illusions |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Apple II, C64, MS-DOS |
Followed by Demon's Winter. |
| 1986 |
Starflight |
Binary Systems |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
Amiga, ST, MS-DOS, MAC, C64 |
A rare example of a sci-fi CRPG and the spiritual ancestor to games such as Star Control 2 and Space Rangers. |
| 1986 |
Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Wizardry III: Legacy of Llylgamyn. |
| 1987 |
2400 A.D. |
Origin |
Origin |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1987 |
Alternate Reality: The Dungeon |
Paradise Programming |
Datasoft |
Futuristic |
Atari 8-bit family |
Sequel to Alternate Reality: The City. |
| 1987 |
Deathlord |
Electronic Arts |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
C64, Apple II |
|
| 1987 |
Dragon Quest II |
Chunsoft |
Enix |
Fantastical |
MSX |
Japanese language. |
| 1987 |
Dungeon Master |
FTL Games |
FTL Games |
Fantastical |
Various |
|
| 1987 |
Eternal Dagger |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Tactical RPG. |
| 1987 |
Phantasie III: Wrath of Nikademus |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Phantasie II. |
| 1987 |
Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished |
Nihon Falcom |
Various |
Fantastic |
Various |
Action RPG. Japanese language. Later released for Windows. |
| 1987 |
Zeliard |
Game Arts |
Game Arts, Sierra Entertainment |
Fantastic |
PC |
Action RPG. Japanese language; English release 1990. |
| 1988 |
Bard's Tale III: Thief of Fate, The |
Interplay |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Bards Tale II: The Destiny Knight, The |
| 1988 |
Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World |
New World Computing |
New World Computing |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum. |
| 1988 |
Death Bringer |
Pandora |
Spotlight Software (Cinemaware) |
Fantastical |
Amiga and C64 |
|
| 1988 |
Pool of Radiance |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
First game in the Gold Box series, uses AD&D rules and Forgotten Realms campaign world. |
| 1988 |
Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar. |
| 1988 |
Wasteland |
Electronic Arts |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS, C64, Apple II |
Post-apocalyptic setting. |
| 1988 |
Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna. |
| 1988 |
Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter |
Nihon Falcom |
Various |
Fantastic |
NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801, MSX |
Action RPG. Japanese language. Later released for Windows. |
| 1989 |
2088: The Cryllan Mission |
Victory Software |
|
Futuristic |
Apple II |
|
| 1989 |
Advanced Dungeons and Dragons: Hillsfar |
Westwood |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
|
| 1989 |
BattleTech: The Crescent Hawk's Inception |
Westwood |
Infocom |
Futuristic |
Various |
|
| 1989 |
Centauri Alliance |
Brøderbund |
Brøderbund |
Futuristic |
C64, Apple II |
|
| 1989 |
Curse of the Azure Bonds |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1989 |
Dragon Wars |
Interplay |
Activision |
Fantastical |
Various |
Spiritual successor to The Bard's Tale III: Thief of Fate. |
| 1989 |
Drakkhen |
Infogrames |
Data East |
Fantastical |
Various |
|
| 1989 |
Dungeon Master: Chaos Strikes Back |
FTL Games |
FTL Games |
Fantastical |
Various |
]] |
| 1989 |
Final Fantasy |
Square Software |
Microcabin |
Fantastical |
MSX |
Japanese release. Port. |
| 1989 |
Knights of Legend |
Todd Porter |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, C64, Apple II |
|
| 1989 |
Magic Candle, The |
Mindcraft |
Mindcraft |
Fantastical |
Various |
Series debuts. |
| 1989 |
Quest for Glory: So You Want to Be a Hero |
Sierra |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Various |
|
| 1989 |
Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic |
Spaceport Malibu |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS, C64 |
|
| 1989 |
Starflight 2: Trade Routes of the Cloud Nebula |
Binary Systems |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
Amiga, Macintosh, MS-DOS |
|
| 1989 |
Xak: The Art of Visual Stage |
MicroCabin |
Microcabin |
Fantastic |
MSX, NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801, Sharp X68000 |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1989 |
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys |
Nihon Falcom |
Various |
Fantastic |
NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801, MSX, Sharp X68000 |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1990 |
Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday |
SSI |
SSI |
Futuristic |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1990 |
Champions of Krynn |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1990 |
DarkSpyre |
Event Horizon, Inc |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1990 |
Eye of the Beholder |
Westwood |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Amiga, Various |
|
| 1990 |
Hard Nova |
Malibu Interactive |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST |
Follow-up to Sentinel Worlds I: Future Magic. |
| 1990 |
Keys to Maramon, The |
Mindscape |
Mindcraft |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Amiga, C64 |
|
| 1990 |
Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire |
Sierra |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Amiga, Macintosh, MS-DOS |
Sequel to Quest for Glory. |
| 1990 |
Pool of Radiance: Secret of the Silver Blades |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1990 |
Ultima VI: The False Prophet |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny. |
| 1990 |
Wizardry VI: Bane of the Cosmic Forge |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom. |
| 1990 |
Worlds of Ultima: The Savage Empire |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, NEC PC-9801 |
Beginning of a spin-off series that features the Ultima VI engine. |
| 1990 |
Last Armageddon |
Braingrey.Mind |
Yutaka |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Japanese language |
| 1990 |
Xak II: The Rising of the Red Moon |
MicroCabin |
Microcabin |
Fantastic |
MSX, NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801, Sharp X68000 |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1991 |
Brandish |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
NEC PC-9801, MS-DOS |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1991 |
Dragonlance: Death Knights of Krynn |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1991 |
Dragon Knight II |
ELF Corporation |
ELF Corporation |
Fantastical |
MSX |
Eroge, Japanese language. |
| 1991 |
Dragon Knight 3 |
ELF Corporation |
Megatech Software |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Eroge, Japanese language. Translated to English by Megatech. |
| 1991 |
Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon |
Westwood |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Amiga |
Sequel to Eye of the Beholder. |
| 1991 |
Gateway to the Savage Frontier |
Stormfront |
SSI |
Fantastical |
C64, Amiga, MS-DOS |
|
| 1991 |
Magic Candle II: The Four and Forty, The |
Mindcraft |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to The Magic Candle. |
| 1991 |
Ultima: Worlds of Adventure 2: Martian Dreams |
Origin |
Origin |
Contemporary, Futuristic |
MS-DOS |
Ultima offspring using Ultima 6 Engine |
| 1991 |
Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra |
New World Computing |
New World Computing |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Amiga, Macintosh, NEC PC-9801 |
Sequel to Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World. |
| 1991 |
Obitus |
Psygnosis |
Psygnosis |
|
Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS |
|
| 1991 |
Planet's Edge |
New World Computing |
New World Computing |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1991 |
Pools of Darkness |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1991 |
Spirit of Adventure |
Attic Ent. |
Starbyte Software |
Fantastical |
Amiga, Atari ST, C64, MS-DOS |
|
| 1991 |
Xak: The Tower of Gazzel |
MicroCabin |
Microcabin |
Fantastic |
MSX, NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801 |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1992 |
Abandoned Places |
ArtGame |
CIE |
|
MS-DOS, Amiga |
|
| 1992 |
Buck Rogers: Matrix Cubed |
SSI |
SSI |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1992 |
Dark Queen of Krynn, The |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1992 |
Darklands |
MicroProse |
MicroProse |
Fantastical, Historical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1992 |
Magic Candle III, The |
Mindcraft |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to The Magic Candle II: The Four and Forty. |
| 1992 |
Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen |
New World Computing |
New World Computing |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Macintosh, NEC PC-9801 |
Sequel to Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra. |
| 1992 |
Quest for Glory III: Wages of War |
Sierra |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Amiga, Macintosh, MS-DOS |
Sequel to Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire. |
| 1992 |
Spelljammer: Pirates of Realmspace |
Cybertech |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1992 |
The Summoning |
Event Horizon, Inc |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to DarkSpyre. |
| 1992 |
Treasures of the Savage Frontier |
Stormfront |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. Perhaps the first game where an NPC can fall in love with a player character if his or her conduct warrants it |
| 1992 |
Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss |
Looking Glass |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, NEC PC-9801 |
Looking Glass Studios' first CRPG and an inspiration to many other first-person dungeon crawlers that came after it. |
| 1992 |
Ultima VII: The Black Gate |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Ultima VI: The False Prophet. |
| 1992 |
Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical, Futuristic |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Wizardry VI: Bane of the Cosmic Forge. |
| 1993 |
Betrayal at Krondor |
Dynamix |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1993 |
Bloodstone: An Epic Dwarven Tale |
Mindcraft |
Mindcraft |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Prequel to The Magic Candle. |
| 1993 |
Dark Sun: Shattered Lands |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1993 |
Dungeon Hack |
DreamForge |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1993 |
Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor |
Westwood |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon. Was the first in the series not to be written by Westwood Studios and many fans felt it lacked the "feel" of the previous games. |
| 1993 |
Forgotten Realms: Unlimited Adventures |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
Various |
Utilizes the Gold Box engine. |
| 1993 |
Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos |
Westwood |
Virgin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, NEC PC-9801 |
Series debuts after Westwood Studios split with SSI over "artistic differences". |
| 1993 |
Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen |
New World Computing |
New World Computing |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Macintosh, NEC PC-9801 |
Sequel to Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen. |
| 1993 |
Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny |
Attic Ent. |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS |
The original German version was released in 1992. |
| 1993 |
Shadow Caster |
Raven Software |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
A 3D, real-time, first-person, Action RPG created with an engine developed by ID software. |
| 1993 |
Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds |
Looking Glass |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, NEC PC-9801 |
Sequel to Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss. |
| 1993 |
Ultima VII, Part Two: Serpent Isle |
Origin |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Second part of Ultima VII, after Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Some gamers believe this to be the high-point of the series. |
| 1993 |
Ultima VII: Forge Of Virtue |
Origin |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Expansion to Ultima VII: The Black Gate. |
| 1993 |
Ultima VII, Part Two: Silver Seed |
Origin |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Expansion to Ultima VII, Part Two: Serpent Isle. |
| 1993 |
Xak III: The Eternal Recurrence |
MicroCabin, NEC |
Microcabin, NEC |
Fantastic |
NEC PC9801, FM-Towns |
Action RPG. Japanese language. |
| 1994 |
Advanced Dungeons and Dragons: Collectors Edition |
SSI |
WizardWorks |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1994 |
Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse |
Stormfront |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1994 |
Alien Logic: A Skyrealms of Jorune Adventure |
Ceridus Software |
SSI |
Futuristic, Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 1994 |
Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager |
SSI |
SSI, Mindscape |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Dark Sun: Shattered Lands. |
| 1994 |
Elder Scrolls: Arena, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
The Elder Scrolls series debuts. |
| 1994 |
Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness |
Sierra |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Windows |
Sequel to Quest for Glory III: Wages of War. |
| 1994 |
Ravenloft: Strahd's Possession |
DreamForge |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1994 |
Realms of Arkania: Star Trail |
Attic Ent. |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny. |
| 1994 |
Ultima VIII: Pagan |
Origin |
Origin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Ultima VII: The Black Gate. |
| 1994-2002 |
Realmz |
Fantasoft |
Fantasoft |
Fantastical |
Macintosh, Windows |
|
| 1995 |
Albion |
Blue Byte |
Blue Byte |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Released in Germany in 1995. |
| 1995 |
Brandish 2: The Planet Buster |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Action RPG. Japanese language. Sequel to Brandish. |
| 1995 |
Dungeon Master II: The Legend of Skullkeep |
FTL Games |
Interplay |
Fantastical |
Various |
Sequel to Dungeon Master. |
| 1995 |
Entomorph |
SSI |
Mindscape |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 1995 |
Exile II: Crystal Souls |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Exile: Escape from the Pit. |
| 1995 |
Exile: Escape from the Pit |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Later reborn in the Avernum series, demonstrates untapped potential in the indie CRPG market. |
| 1995 |
Legend of Sword and Fairy, the |
Softstar |
Softstar |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Windows |
Chinese language. |
| 1995 |
Ravenloft: Stone Prophet |
DreamForge, SSI |
Mindscape |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Ravenloft: Strahd's Possession. |
| 1995 |
Thunderscape |
SSI |
SSI |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
|
| 1996 |
Diablo |
Blizzard North |
Blizzard |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS |
Action RPG. Is released with wide appeal, renewing interest in the CRPG genre. |
| 1996 |
Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to The Elder Scrolls: Arena. Demonstrates the power of procedurally-generated quest and buildings in a CRPG. |
| 1996 |
Wizardry Nemesis |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
|
|
| 1997 |
Betrayal in Antara |
Sierra |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Uses the Betrayal at Krondor engine. |
| 1997 |
Diablo: Hellfire |
Synergistic Software |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Expansion to Diablo. |
| 1997 |
Exile III: Ruined World |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Exile II: Crystal Souls. |
| 1997 |
Blades of Exile |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
|
| 1997 |
Fallout |
Interplay |
Interplay |
Futuristic |
MS-DOS, Windows, Macintosh |
Post-apocalyptic setting. Series debuts. |
| 1997 |
Final Fantasy VII |
Square |
Eidos |
Futuristic, Fantastical |
Windows |
JRPG. Sequel to Final Fantasy VI. Though not as critically acclaimed on the PC as on the PS1, some CRPG developers such as Chris Avellone cite it as a minor influence upon their games. |
| 1997 |
Lands of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny |
Westwood |
Virgin |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS, Windows |
Sequel to Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos. |
| 1997 |
Realms of Arkania: Shadows over Riva |
Attic Ent. |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Realms of Arkania: Star Trail. The original German version was released in December of 1996. |
| 1998 |
Baldur's Gate |
BioWare |
Black Isle |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Series debuts, sparking a second revolution in the implementation of D&D in CRPGs with the Infinity Engine. |
| 1998 |
Fallout 2 |
Black Isle |
Interplay |
Futuristic |
Windows, Macintosh |
Post-apocalyptic setting. Sequel to Fallout. Becomes the first game to feature same sex marriage[1] (although Ultima VI and Ultima VII allowed sexual activity with members of the same sex several years earlier). |
| 1998 |
Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven |
New World Computing |
3DO |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen. |
| 1998 |
Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire |
Sierra |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness. |
| 1998 |
Return to Krondor |
Pyrotechnix |
Sierra |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Betrayal at Krondor. |
| 1999 |
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast |
BioWare |
Black Isle |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Expansion for Baldur's Gate. |
| 1999 |
Darkstone |
Gathering |
Delphine |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 1999 |
Final Fantasy VIII |
Square |
Eidos |
Futuristic, Fantastical |
Windows |
JRPG. Sequel to Final Fantasy VII. |
| 1999 |
Lands of Lore III |
Westwood |
Virgin |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Lands of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny. |
| 1999 |
Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor |
New World Computing |
3DO |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven. |
| 1999 |
Planescape: Torment |
Black Isle |
Interplay |
Fantastical |
Windows |
A classic in the CRPG genre that was critically lauded but commercially unsuccessful. |
| 1999 |
Septerra Core |
Valkyrie Studios |
Monolith Productions |
Futuristic, Fantastical |
Windows |
JRPG. Is a major example of a CRPG inspired and influenced by console role-playing games. |
| 1999 |
System Shock 2 |
Irrational, Looking Glass |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
Windows |
FPS/RPG. Sequel to System Shock (which is not an RPG). Pioneers the creation of the FPS/RPG hybrid genre. |
| 1999 |
Ultima IX: Ascension |
Origin |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
MS-DOS |
Sequel to Ultima VIII: Pagan. The last installment of the series by Richard Garriott. |
| 1999 |
Nethergate |
Spiderweb Software |
Spiderweb Software |
Historical, Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Remade in 2007 and released as Nethergate: Resurrection. |
| 2000 |
Avernum |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
|
| 2000 |
Avernum 2 |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Avernum. |
| 2000 |
Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn |
BioWare |
Black Isle |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Baldur's Gate. Becomes one of the best-selling CRPGs of all time and establishes BioWare as a major developer in the years to come. |
| 2000 |
Card of Destiny |
Digianime |
Digianime |
Fantastical |
|
Japanese language. |
| 2000 |
Deus Ex |
Ion Storm |
Eidos |
Futuristic |
Windows |
FPS/RPG. Another major FPS/RPG that became a smash hit, ending up on many RPG Halls of Fame. |
| 2000 |
Diablo II |
Blizzard North |
Blizzard |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS |
Action RPG. Sequel to Diablo. |
| 2000 |
Icewind Dale |
Black Isle |
Interplay |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Is most often remembered for its soundtrack, considered one of the best by Jeremy Soule. |
| 2000 |
Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer |
New World Computing |
3DO |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor. |
| 2000 |
Nox |
Westwood |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. |
| 2000 |
Summoner |
Volition |
THQ |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X |
|
| 2000 |
Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption |
Nihilistic |
Activision |
Historical, Contemporary, Fantastical |
Windows |
World of Darkness setting. Based on White Wolf's PnP RPG. |
| 2000 |
Wizards & Warriors |
Heuristic Park |
Activision |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 2001 |
Anachronox |
Ion Storm |
Eidos, Infogrames |
Futuristic |
Windows |
JRPG. Cyber-punk setting. Made by a Western company. |
| 2001 |
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura |
Troika |
Sierra |
Fantastical, steampunk |
Windows |
Fantasy steampunk setting. Troika's first game. |
| 2001 |
Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal |
BioWare |
Black Isle |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Expansion for Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. |
| 2001 |
Diablo II: Lord of Destruction |
Blizzard North |
Blizzard |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS |
Action RPG. Expansion to Diablo II. |
| 2001 |
Geneforge |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Series debuts. |
| 2001 |
Gothic |
Piranha Bytes |
Egmont, Xicat |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Series debuts. |
| 2001 |
Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter |
Black Isle |
Interplay |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansion to Icewind Dale. |
| 2001 |
Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter – Trials of the Luremaster |
Black Isle |
Interplay |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansion to Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter. |
| 2001 |
Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor |
Stormfront |
Ubisoft |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 2001 |
Wizardry 8 |
Sir-Tech |
Sir-Tech |
Fantastical, futuristic |
Windows |
Perhaps the most critically acclaimed game of the Wizardry series, it is released with disastrous commercial results. |
| 2002 |
Aaron Hall's Dungeon Odyssey |
Malfador Machinations |
Shrapnel Games |
Fantastical |
? |
|
| 2002 |
Arx Fatalis |
Arkane |
JoWooD, Dreamcatcher |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 2002 |
Avernum 3 |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Avernum 2. |
| 2002 |
Divine Divinity |
Larian Park |
CDV |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. |
| 2002 |
Dungeon Siege |
Gas Powered Games |
Microsoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X |
Represents Chris Taylor's entry into the RPG market. |
| 2002 |
Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda, Ubisoft |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. |
| 2002 |
Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansion to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. |
| 2002 |
Gothic II |
Piranha Bytes |
JoWood, Atari |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Gothic. |
| 2002 |
Icewind Dale II |
Black Isle |
Interplay |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Icewind Dale. Black Isle Studios' final CRPG; uses the D&D 3rd Edition ruleset. |
| 2002 |
Might and Magic IX |
New World Computing |
3DO |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer. |
| 2002 |
Neverwinter Nights |
BioWare |
Atari, MacSoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Designed as essentially a PnP game to be played online with a dungeon master, it demonstrates the potential power of regular user-made content. |
| 2002 |
Pyrrhic Tales: Prelude to Darkness |
Zero Sum |
Zero Sum |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Released as freeware after a period of several years. |
| 2003 |
Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansion to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. |
| 2003 |
Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna |
Gas Powered Games |
Microsoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X |
Action RPG. Expansion to Dungeon Siege. |
| 2003 |
Geneforge 2 |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Geneforge. |
| 2003 |
Gothic II: Night of the Raven |
Piranha Bytes |
|
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansion to Gothic II. |
| 2003 |
Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader |
Reflexive |
Interplay |
Fantastical, alternate history |
Windows |
|
| 2003 |
Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark |
BioWare |
Atari, MacSoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Expansion for Neverwinter Nights. |
| 2003 |
Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide |
BioWare, Floodgate |
Atari, MacSoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Expansion for Neverwinter Nights. |
| 2003 |
Space Rangers |
Elemental Games |
1C Company |
Futuristic |
Windows |
Adventure/RPG/Strategy hybrid. |
| 2003 |
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic |
BioWare |
LucasArts |
Futuristic |
Windows, Mac OS X |
|
| 2003 |
Temple of Elemental Evil, The |
Troika |
Atari |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Uses D&D 3.5 Edition rules, Greyhawk campaign setting. |
| 2003 |
Valhalla Chronicles |
Paradox Interactive |
Paradox Interactive |
Fantastical |
|
Action RPG |
| 2003 |
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. JRPG. Japanese language. Sequel to Ys V: Kefin, The Lost City of Sand. |
| 2004 |
Blades of Avernum |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
|
| 2004 |
Beyond Divinity |
Larian Park |
CDV |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Divine Divinity. |
| 2004 |
Fable |
Lionhead |
Microsoft |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 2004 |
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone |
Stormfront |
Atari |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action-RPG |
| 2004 |
Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade |
Starbreeze |
TDK |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 2004 |
Konung II: Blood of Titans |
1C Company |
1C Company |
Fantastical |
Windows |
RPG/Strategy hybrid. Sequel to Legend of the North: Konung. |
| 2004 |
Legend of the North: Konung |
1C Company |
Strategy First |
Fantastical |
Windows |
RPG/Strategy hybrid. |
| 2004 |
Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker, Neverwinter Nights: ShadowGuard, Neverwinter Nights: Witch's Wake |
BioWare |
Atari, MacSoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Neverwinter Nights premium modules. |
| 2004 |
Sacred |
Ascaron |
Encore |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. |
| 2004 |
Sacred: Plus |
Ascaron |
Encore |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Expansion to Sacred. |
| 2004 |
Bards Tale, The |
InXile |
Vivendi |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Reimagining of The Bards Tale. |
| 2004 |
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines |
Troika |
Activision |
Contemporary, Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. FPS/RPG. World of Darkness setting. Fails financially, marking the end of the ill-fated Troika Games. |
| 2005 |
Avernum 4 |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Avernum 3. |
| 2005 |
Dungeon Lords |
Heuristic Park |
DreamCatcher |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Marks D.W. Bradley's disastrous attempt to re-enter the CRPG market. |
| 2005 |
Dungeon Siege II |
Gas Powered Games |
Microsoft |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Sequel to Dungeon Siege. |
| 2005 |
Geneforge 3 |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Geneforge 2. |
| 2005 |
Heretic Kingdom: The Inquisition |
3D People |
Project Three |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Previously published in Europe as Kult: Heretic Kingdoms in 2004. |
| 2005 |
Knights of the Temple II |
Cauldron Ltd |
Playlogic |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Sequel to Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade. |
| 2005 |
FATE |
WildStudios Production (Travis Baldree) |
WildTangent |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. A Diablo clone. |
| 2005 |
Neverwinter Nights: Pirates of the Sword Coast |
BioWare |
Atari, MacSoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Neverwinter Nights premium modules. |
| 2005 |
Restricted Area |
Master Creating |
Whiptail |
Futuristic |
Windows |
Action RPG. Cyberpunk setting. |
| 2005 |
Sacred: Underworld |
Ascaron |
Encore |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Expansion to Sacred. |
| 2005 |
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords |
Obsidian |
LucasArts |
Futuristic |
Windows |
Sequel to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The first game released by Obsidian Entertainment, which was formed after the collapse of Black Isle Studios. |
| 2005 |
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse |
Raven Software, Beenox Studios |
Activision |
Futuristic |
Windows |
Action RPG. Superhero setting. Sequel to X-Men Legends. |
| 2006 |
A.I.M. 2 |
SkyRiver Studios |
1C Company |
Contemporary |
Windows |
|
| 2006 |
Aveyond |
Amaranth Productions |
Big Fish Games |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 2006 |
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic |
Arkane |
Ubisoft |
Fantastical |
Windows |
FPS/RPG. |
| 2006 |
Dungeon Cleaners |
1C Company |
1C Company |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| 2006 |
Dungeon Siege II: Broken World |
Gas Powered Games |
Take-Two Interactive |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Expansion to Dungeon Siege II. |
| 2006 |
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda, 2K Games |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Features a new "Radiant AI" engine with mixed results. |
| 2006 |
Forgiveness: The First Chapter |
Breakthrough Gaming |
|
|
Windows |
JRPG. |
| 2006 |
Geneforge 4 |
Spiderweb |
Spiderweb |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Geneforge 3. |
| 2006 |
Mage Knight: Apocalypse |
InterServ |
Namco |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 2006 |
Magic Stones |
Winter Wolves |
Winter Wolves |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Blend between RPG and card game. |
| 2006 |
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |
Raven Software, Beenox Studios |
Activision |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Superhero setting. |
| 2006 |
Neverwinter Nights 2 |
Obsidian |
Atari |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Neverwinter Nights. |
| 2006 |
Neverwinter Nights: Infinite Dungeons |
BioWare |
Atari, MacSoft |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Neverwinter Nights premium module. |
| 2006 |
Space Rangers 2: Dominators |
Elemental Games |
Excalibur Publishing |
Futuristic |
Windows |
Adventure/RPG/Strategy hybrid. Sequel to Space Rangers. |
| 2006 |
Titan Quest |
Iron Lore |
THQ |
Fantastical, alternate history |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 2006 |
Ys Origin |
Nihon Falcom |
Nihon Falcom |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. JRPG. Japanese language. Prequel to Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished. |
| 2007 |
Bioshock |
Irrational Games/2K Boston/2K Australia |
2K Games |
SciFi |
Windows, XBOX360 |
A spiritual successor to the System Shock series by the developers of the series. |
| 2007 |
Depths of Peril[2] |
Soldak |
Soldak |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 2007 |
Eschalon: Book I |
Basilisk Games |
Basilisk Games |
Fantastical |
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
|
| 2007 |
Nethergate: Resurrection |
Spiderweb Software |
Spiderweb Software |
Historical, Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Remake of Nethergate |
| 2007 |
Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine, The, Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, The |
Bethesda |
Bethesda, Ubisoft |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansions to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. |
| 2007 |
Forgiveness: The Second Chapter |
Breakthrough Gaming |
|
|
Windows |
JRPG. Sequel to Forgiveness: The First Chapter. |
| 2007 |
Hellgate: London |
Flagship Studios |
Namco |
Futuristic |
Windows |
An Action RPG-FPS created by the lead developers of Diablo series. |
| 2007 |
Witcher, The |
CD Projekt |
Atari |
Fantastical |
Windows |
An Action RPG with an adult-taste for the uber hardcore. |
| 2007 |
Jade Empire |
BioWare |
2K Games |
Fantastical |
Windows |
A port to the PC, despite BioWare originally insisting it would be a console exclusive. |
| 2007 |
Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer |
Obsidian |
Atari |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Expansion for Neverwinter Nights 2. |
| 2007 |
Loki |
Cyanide (studio) |
Focus Home Interactive |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 2007 |
Silverfall |
Monte Cristo |
Deep Silver |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG |
| 2007 |
Titan Quest: Immortal Throne |
Iron Lore |
THQ |
Fantastical, alternate history |
Windows |
Action RPG. Expansion for Titan Quest. |
| 2008 |
Avernum 5 |
Spiderweb Software |
Spiderweb Software |
Fantastical |
Windows, Macintosh |
Sequel to Avernum 4. |
| 2008 |
Drakensang: The Dark Eye |
Radon Labs |
dtp |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Sequel to Realms of Arkania: Shadows over Riva. |
| 2008 |
Mass_Effect |
BioWare Demiurge Studios |
Electronic Arts |
Futuristic |
Windows |
|
| TBD |
Dragon Age |
BioWare |
Electronic Arts |
Fantastical |
Windows |
|
| TBD |
Fallout 3 |
Bethesda |
Bethesda |
Futuristic |
Windows |
Post-apocalyptic setting. Sequel to Fallout 2. |
| TBD |
Mythos |
Flagship Studios (Travis Baldree) |
? (likely direct-to-drive) |
Fantastical |
Windows |
What happens when the creator of the most popular Diablo clone join forces with the creators of the original Diablo. |
| TBD |
Age of Decadence |
Iron Tower |
Iron Tower |
Fantastical |
Windows |
Post-apocalyptic setting. |
| TBD |
Hard To Be A God |
Burut |
Akella |
Futuristic |
|
|
| TBD |
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel |
Ascaron |
|
Fantastical |
Windows |
Action RPG. Sequel to Sacred. |