How about a RPG with a full blown stat system: race modifiers, class modifiers, leveling, multiple inventory slots, etc.

How about a RPG where both the levels and the items are randomized so you can't just rely on gamefaqs to get through?

How about a RPG where managing your source of light is of the utmost importance, else you'll be playing blind?

How about a RPG where when you die, you stay dead?

Now, what if I were to tell you such a game is not only free, but also available on windows, mac os, etc...

Meet the old school roguelikes - meet the games that birthed the western rpg.

For the true hardcore: no graphics, no story, just a set of rules and a challenge.

Meet ANGBAND!

http://rephial.org/

LOL....sweeet (tear) brings me back.

I recommend playing Earthbound instead.

ADOM ftw

Ever heard of MajorMUD? It's text-based...but it's almost exactly what you just described, only you don't stay dead..and it's probably one of the oldest RPG's to date.

Thread marked...I shall return when Essay is finished.

All of these are derivatives from the same games that were born in the early 80's (even so far as late 70's?).

I picked angband because it's one of the most polished and purer rpg. Some variants like nethack mix things up, etc.

Besides, a MUD is a multiuser game, angband ain't. It's a straight solo challenge.

edit: oh yeah, ADOM is good, albeit less classical. It's also sorta stalled, the coder is now making a java-based version so the game's sorta frozen.

I thought you were talkign about diablo 1 for a moment.

bring back phantasy star online

Diablo 1 is basically a classic roguelike ala Angband or Moria with a graphical shell...