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
Early Computer RPGs
The first computer RPGs were designed as digital versions of traditional RPGs, including dice rolls and openAdventure'>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.
Modern Computer RPG Genres
Unlike other computer game genres, like firsttime RPG" you would be understood.
Action RPGs
Action RPGs are the dominant form available on PC. The hacktime 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.
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'''Turn-Based RPGs'''
In the early '90s, turntime. 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.
'''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.
