I just want to open a message board here about this topic. I will be pleased if you list your top ten RPGs with your reason why you like them. Here is my list:
1) Baldurs Gate 2&TOB:
In my top 10 too, might be #1 too but Gladius (Xbox) might be there. EDIT: oh, subject is about CRPGs so I agree then.
2) Gothic 2: A world full of mysteries that shapes according to your actions and your status in society. Rewarding game structure who likes exploring, 3 different faction that you can choose…
Didn't like any of the Gothics, couldn't get used to the controls and I'm not much of an open world gamer.
3) Morrowind: First game that told what is the meaning of freedom. Alas, I could not find what i expect in Oblivion .
I liked it too, but I liked Oblivion better.
4) Divine Divinity: Excellent mix of Diablo style gameplay with vast realm that you can lost yourself in it as you please. You can even buy a house and furnish it as you like in this game.
Bleh, this one is near my 'worst 10 CRPGs'. Well, all Diablo clones are
5) Planescape: Torment: A Black Isle classic that takes place in the most sophisticated and philosophic fantasy realm ever made, Planescape; with a story that you can find only in best fantasy novels. When you play it, you feel like reading a perfect fantasy book. And, its graphics are state of art.
In my top 10 list too but I would put this one at #3 probably behind Gladius and BG2.
6) Vampire The Masquarade: Bloodlines: Fantastic vampire RPG that takes place in modern world. The game do not present you much freedom but it has the most interesting quests have ever made (You can track a snuff film in one quest). A Troika legend that gives FPS,TPS and horror game feeling at the same time. (Unfortunately with a selling value of only 75.000 caused Troika to shut its doors. People do not know what is ‘good game’.)
I liked this game a lot (but never finished it). Not sure it's in my top 10.
7) Arcanum: If you transfer elves and dwarves that live in a medieval realm to a world in an industry revolution, what will be the results? This wonderful RPG. Story that can make the player upside down in anytime in a vast world. Don’t let the graphics estrange you.
That's exactly why I didn't like this game. Somehow mixing elves and dwarves with industry revolution turned my innards inside out, just couldn't stand it.
8) Star Wars:Knights Of The Old Republic: Reflects the Star Wars universe wonderfully. Gives your character the possibility to lean towards dark or light side according to your choices and actions (changes the appearance of it as well). Interactions with characters is in top form.
I liked this one too, in my top 10 (would probably be closer to the top, like #5 or so)
9) Icewind Dale: Linear but deep story with lots of action that you can use different tactics.
Here we totally disagree. To me ID is Baldur's Gate without what made Baldur's Gate good. Take the engine and remove everything. It's like playing D&D by yourself, it's just not nearly the same as the real thing
10) Wizardry 8: The most perfect RPG system that i have ever witnessed. Your PCs gain experience with fighting and solving quest, at the same time your skills develop if you use them. Well balanced turn based system.
I loved this game too, but I think I liked W7 more (of course, with so many years between the 2 games it may be my nostalgia talking)
If I had to make a list, and if we don't include MMOs (which I'd have 2 there) and console RPGS (which I'd have 2 or 3 there) it'd be like...
1, BG2
2, Betrayal at Krondor
3, PS:T
4, KotOR
5&6: Wizardry 7&8
7, Quest for Glory (the whole series)
8, Oblivion
9, Might & Magic 3
10, Ultima 7
Other mentions: Wizardry 1 (my first RPG). Everquest (my closest experience to a true RPG). City of Heroes (most fun MMO ever). The original Pool of Radiance (and the quasi-orgasmic feeling when I started the game and saw official D&D stats and rules when creating my characters!)