• Some of the most popular role-playing games were released for computer gamers.computer keypad image by palms from Fotolia.com
  
  Inspired by tabletop games like 1974's "Dungeons & Dragons," the early commercially released computer role-playing games (CRPGs) played a vital role in the gaming industry. Before the more modern games like "Fallout" and "Baldur's Gate" hit the shelves, a whole generation of role-playing adventures were paving the way for the genre's future, introducing game play concepts that forever changed the industry. To experience the beginning of commercially successful computer role-playing games, players have to take a trip back to an earlier time.
  
  

"Ultima"

• Released in 1980 exclusively for the Apple II platform, the first game of the "Ultima" series broke new ground in the CRPG world by using tile graphics, colorful scenery and in-game technological advancements that allowed players to start the game with equipment from the Middle Ages and finish with futuristic space equipment. The story in "Ultima" puts the player in charge of defeating Mondain, an evil wizard, by seeking out and destroying his gem of power.
  
  

"Wizardry"

• The first of several entries in the "Wizardry" franchise hit the market in 1981, just in time to challenge "Ultima" on the Apple II system. Players must take a party of explorers down into a map of dungeons in search of a magical amulet, fighting off a variety of enemies along the way.
  
  

"The Bard's Tale"

• Designed for the Apple II and Commodore 64 platforms in 1985, "the Bard's Tale" developed a widespread mainstream following and helped to dispel the belief that role-playing games were strictly for the dedicated gaming enthusiasts, according to the GamaSutra. "The Bard's Tale" takes place in a dungeon setting, like "Wizardry" before it, and puts an emphasis on fighting monsters through random encounters, fully exploring surrounding areas, and gradually building up stats over time.
  
  

"Might and Magic"

• Beginning with a debut on the Apple II in 1986, "Might and Magic" featured an enormous fictional world called Varn that players had the option of exploring openly, and without restriction. This provided a big change from the traditional pre-planned sequenced events found in other games, and gave players freedom to progress through the game as they saw fit. "Might and Magic" also used elements that caught on in future RPG titles, such as the importance of choosing a character's race, gender and moral alignment, each of which played a critical role in determining the game's outcome.